Interpretation of genotype-environment-sowing date/plant density interaction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in early mature regions of China.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food security in semiarid and arid regions due to its high tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and its good performance in marginal lands with relatively low fertility. To deeply understand the interrelationship among sorghum genotype, environment, sowing dates, and densities in the spring sowing early maturing (SSEM) areas of China, and to provide a basis for specifying scientific and reasonable cultural practices, a two-year field experiment was conducted with six popular varieties at six locations. Combined ANOVA showed that the yield difference between years was significant (P<0.05); the yield differences among locations, varieties, sowing dates, and densities were all highly significant (P<0.01). The variety effect was mainly influenced by location, year, sowing dates and their interactions. The sowing effect was mainly influenced by the location, year, variety and their interactions The plant density effect was significantly influenced by location and location-year interaction. Of the contributions of various test factors to yield variance, the location was the largest one (38.18%), followed by variety (12.31%), sowing date (1.53%), density (0.54%), and year (0.09%), with all these single factors accounting for 52.65%. The total contribution of all two-factor interactions accounted for 14.24%, among which the greatest contributor was location-hybrid interaction (8.07%). The total contribution of all three-factor interactions accounted for 14.58%, of which year-location-hybrid interaction was the largest contributor (9.02%). Sowing dates significantly affected model of sorghum growth and development, especially during the late period. The key climatic factors affecting yield were different among the six locations. Weather factors during the grain filling stages contributed much more than those during the early stage to grain yield. Mid-maturing varieties are recommended other than early maturing varieties for the SSEM areas even when late sowing occurs. Sowing as early as possible is recommended for areas with very short frost-free period (Harbin, Tongliao, and Datong). Proper delayed sowing is recommended for areas with a relative long frost-free period (Gongzhuling, Baicheng and Zhangjiakou). This research will provide a conducive reference for sorghum production in similar areas.

Construction of Cu(I)-Organic Frameworks with Effective Sorption Behavior for Iodine and Congo Red.

The assembly of a tetradentate pyridine-derived ligand with CuX has afforded two isostructural Cu(I)-organic frameworks [Cu2X2(TBD)·DMF]n (X = Cl for 1 and Br for 2) in this work. Structural analysis indicates that the compounds feature hybrid layered architectures, and the three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks are finally fabricated through the alternative stacking of adjacent layers wherein large open channels are simultaneously constructed. The chemical stability has been studied showing the excellent skeleton maintenance of the prepared solids in various solvents and even in water. Moreover, the iodine and dye sorption performance for compound 1 has been further tested. The Cu(I)-based metal-organic framework exhibits outstanding sorption and separation abilities on the targeted species, which could be considered as a promising adsorbent with high efficiency and selectivity.

Long-Term Efficacy of Maintenance Therapy for Multiple Myeloma: A Quantitative Synthesis of 22 Randomized Controlled Trials.

We aimed to quantitatively synthesize data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning maintenance for multiple myeloma (MM). We searched electronic literature databases and conference proceedings to identify relevant RCTs. We selected eligible RCTs using predefined selection criteria. We conducted meta-analysis comparing maintenance containing new agents and conventional maintenance, and subgroup analysis by transplantation status and mainstay agent as well. We performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) to determine adequacy of sample size for overall and subgroup meta-analyses. We performed network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare and rank included regimens. A total of 22 RCTs involving 9,968 MM patients and 15 regimens were included, the overall quality of which was adequate. Significant heterogeneity was detected for progression-free survival (PFS) but not overall survival (OS). Meta-analyses showed that maintenance containing new agents significantly improved PFS but not OS [PFS: Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.54 to 0.64; OS: HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.00], compared with controls. Subgroup analyses revealed lenalidomide (Len)-based therapies better than thalidomide-based ones (HR = 0.50 and 0.66, respectively; P = 0.001). NMA revealed that most of the maintenance regimens containing new agents were significantly better than simple observation in terms of PFS but not OS. Len single agent was the most effective, considering PFS and OS both. We concluded that conventional maintenance has very limited effect. Maintenance containing new agents is highly effective in improving PFS, but has very limited effect on OS. Maintenance with Len may have the largest survival benefits. Emerging strategies may further change the landscape of maintenance of MM.

[Orientation growth of osteocyte in the bone harvest chamber].

OBJECTIVE: To study orientation remodeling without stress in bone harvest chamber. METHODS: The bone harvest chamber (BHC) methodology is adopted in this study. Five female Japanese white rabbits were allowed unrestricted activity. The bone harvest chamber was a cylindrical Ti implant body with a transverse 1 mm wide canal for bone ingrowths. Retrieval of the contents of the canal was allowed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding bone or outer cylinder. After bone harvest chambers were implanted into the tibia of rabbits for 8 weeks, the chambers were considered to be osseointegrated with the bone. After harvested, the tissue were fixed and decalcified, then embedded in paraffin. Each rabbit was put into surgical operation 4 times for 4 stages: vacant for the first time; the tissue were cut into longitudinal sections at the second and third stages; harvesting tissues were cut into transverse sections at the fourth stage. Directional analysis: the standard deviation of the orientation of cell nucleus in each section was used as statistics, the difference between longitudinal section and transverse section were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the tissue into bone harvest chamber, directionality of cells arranged was more significantly on longitudinal section than on transverse section and there was statistical ignificecne. CONCLUSION: Under the no-stress circumstance of BHC bone remodeling showed directivity. Stress is not the direct leading signal about bone reconstitution. The structure of BHC might be related to orientation remodeling, which suggests that the relationship between orientation and stress is mediated by blood vessel. The effect of stress may be to affect vessel distributing in some orietation.

[Determination of trace silver in water samples by solid phase extraction portable tungsten-coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry].

A simple method has been developed for the determination of silver in environmental water samples using solid phase extraction with tungsten-coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Silica gel was used as an adsorbent and packed into a syringe barrel for solid phase extraction of silver prior to its determination by using a portable tungsten-coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer. Optimum conditions for adsorption and desorption of silver ion, as well as interferences from co-existing ions, were investigated. A sample pH value of 6.0, a sample loading flow rate of 4.0 mL x min(-1), and the mixture of 4% (m/v) thiourea and 2% (phi) nitrate acid with the eluent flow rate of 0.5 mL x min(-1) for desorption were selected for further studies. Under optimal conditions, a linear range of 0.20-4.00 ng x mL(-1), a limit of detection (3sigma) of 0.03 ng x mL(-1) and a preconcentration factor of 94 were achieved. The proposed method was validated by testing three environmental water samples with satisfactory results.

Glucocorticoid-induced differentiation of primary cultured bone marrow mesenchymal cells into adipocytes is antagonized by exogenous Runx2.

Long-term clinical use of glucocorticoids often causes the serious side effect of non-traumatic avascular osteonecrosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effects and mechanisms of a glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex), on differentiation of primary cultured rat bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMCs). We also tried to block the inhibitory effects of Dex on osteoblast differentiation. Adipocyte markers (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma-2 and aP2) were increased in response to Dex treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while osteoblastic markers [Runx2, COL 1, osterix, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and OC] were down-regulated, consistent with ALP and osteocalcin promoter activity. To validate the effects of Runx2 on the expression of osteogenesis and adipocyte genes, pCMV/Flag-Runx2 was transfected into BMCs, and relevant markers were detected after 10(-7) M Dex treatment for 48 h. The results indicated that Dex treatment induced adipogenic differentiation and suppressed proliferation. No significant difference was detected in expressions of these genes between Runx2-transfected cells and Dex-treated BMCs. These data suggest that Dex primarily induced adipocyte differentiation of BMCs. Exogenous Runx2 can antagonize the effect of Dex on osteoblast differentiation.

[The expression of vegf in rat fracture reparative callus].

The present study has determined the histological changes, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) mRNA alternative expressions and VEGF mRNA levels in chondrogenic-callus, osteogenic-callus and total callus by histology, RT-PCR and Northern blot during rat fracture repair. The results showed that the cellular events of intramembranous ossification, chodrogenesis and endochondral ossification appeared in the callus simultaneously and sequentially. The VEGF mRNAs were expressed in the osteogenic-callus and the chondrogenic-callus, and the strongest expressions were VEGF120 and VEGF164 mRNA. The VEGF mRNA levels in the total callus increased with time after fracture. Take together, these findings suggest that osteogenesis-derived VEGF may play a potential role to modulate the differentiation process of osteogenic and chondrogenic cells during fracture repair.

Effects of recombinant sCR1 on the immune inflammatory reaction in acute spinal cord injury tissue of rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of recombinant soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1) on the immune inflammatory reaction in acute spinal cord injury tissue of rats and its protective effects. METHODS: SD rat models of acute spinal cord injury were prepared by modified Allen's method. The motor function of the rat lower extremities in sCR1 group and normal saline (NS) group was evaluated by the tiltboard experiment at 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d. The neutrophil infiltration and C3c positive expression were observed. The myeloperoxidase activity was assessed in the injury tissue at 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after injury in the two groups. RESULTS: The motor function of rat in sCR1 group at 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d was obviously better than that in NS group (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01). C3c positive expression in sCR1 group at each time point after injury was obviously less than that in NS group (P<0.01). The myeloperoxidase activity in sCR1 group at each time point after injury was obviously less than that in NS group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1) can lessen the immune inflammatory reaction in acute spinal cord injury tissue and relieve secondary spinal cord injury by inhibiting the activation of the complement system.

[Effect of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of reconstructing anterior cruciate ligament by using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft under arthroscopy. METHODS: Among 13 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury, there were 9 males and 4 females(aged 23-45). Their anterior cruciate were reconstructed by applying the mid-one third autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone strip in -press fit technique under arthroscopy. The result was positive in 13 cases in anterior drawer test, in 4 cases in pivot shift test and in 7 cases in Lachman's test preoperatively. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 5-25 months averaged 15 months. The results of the above tests were negative in all the patients. According to Boszotta's evaluation quota, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases and fair in 1 case. The knee stability improved obviously in all patients. CONCLUSION: Anterior cruciate ligament injury can be treated by arthroscopic reconstruction with autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone strip and the clinical result of short-term followup is satisfactory.

Thoracic spinal trauma associated with closed thoracoabdominal injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the management of thoracic spinal trauma (TST) associated with closed thoracoabdominal injuries (CTAI). METHODS: A retrospective study was made on 259 patients with TST admitted to our department as an emergency treatment from January 1996 to June 2001. We summarized the clinical features of TST associated with CTAI. RESULTS: Among 259 patients with thoracic spinal trauma, 112 were associated with CTAI. Traffic accident was the most common cause. The force causing upper TST was more violent than that causing the lower. Pulmonary complications were the leading cause of death in this group. Surgery could not improve neurological function for completely paraplegic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The reason that upper TST has the tendency to be associated with CTAI is its special anatomical feature. Routine ultrasonic examination can avoid misdiagnosis of latent closed abdominal injuries associated with spinal injury. The presence of potential injuries, especially CTAI, should be considered when deciding whether or not to perform surgery early.