Analysis of risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis after craniotomy and nomogram model construction.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity is one of the most common postoperative complications, especially after craniocerebral surgery. DVT may lead to pulmonary embolism, which has a devastating impact on patient prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of DVT in the lower limbs following craniocerebral surgery. AIM: To identify independent risk factors for the development of postoperative DVT and to develop an effective risk prediction model. METHODS: The demographic and clinical data of 283 patients who underwent craniocerebral surgery between December 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was created to predict the likelihood of lower extremity DVT in patients who had undergone craniocerebral surgery. The efficacy of the prediction model was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve using the probability of lower extremity DVT for each sample. RESULTS: Among all patients included in the analysis, 47.7% developed lower extremity DVT following craniocerebral surgery. The risk of postoperative DVT was higher in those with a longer operative time, and patients with intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression were less likely to develop postoperative DVT. CONCLUSION: The incidence of lower extremity DVT following craniocerebral surgery is significant, highlighting the importance of identifying independent risk factors. Interventions such as the use of intermittent pneumatic compression during surgery may prevent the formation of postoperative DVT.

[Intestinal absorption characteristics of root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum extract in normal and functional dyspepsia model rats via everted intestine sac model].

The study investigated the difference of intestinal absorption characteristics of root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum extract between normal and functional dyspepsia(FD) model rats with everted intestine sac model.The content of syringic acid, scopoletin, caudatin, baishouwu benzophenone, qingyangshengenin and deacyhmetaplexigenin in the C.auriculatum extract in different intestinal segments was detected by UPLC-MS/MS.The cumulative absorption amount(Q) and absorption rate constant(K_a) of the six chemical constituents were calculated.The results showed that the six components could be absorbed into the intestinal sac and were unsaturated, which indicated that the absorption mechanism of scopoletin was active transport in the intestine, while that of the other five components were passive diffusion.For normal group, the syringic acid and baishouwu benzophenone in ileum, qingyangshengenin and deacyhmetaplexigenin in ileum and duodenum, and caudatin in colon were well absorbed and scopoletin at low, medium and high concentrations was found excellent absorption in jejunum, ileum, and colon, respectively.Whereas the best absorption site of each component was ileum in model group.The absorption characteristics of each component between normal group and model group were complex at different concentrations, showing inconsistent tendency of absorption, which suggested that the components of root tuber of C.auriculatum extract were selectively absorbed in small intestine, and the absorption characteristics of the six components could be changed under FD status.This study provided theoretical basis for the clinical drug application and development of root tuber of C.auriculatum.

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Qingfeiyin in treating acute lung injury based on GEO datasets, network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Qingfeiyin (QFY) is a common Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, its mechanisms of action are unclear. In this study, we systematically explored the effects and mechanism of action of QFY in ALI using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: Active compounds and targets of QFY were obtained from TCMSP and TCMID. ALI-related targets were retrieved from GEO datasets combined with GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built to screen the core targets. DAVID was used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The tissue and organ distribution of targets was evaluated. Interactions between potential targets and active compounds were assessed by molecular docking. A molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for the optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking. RESULTS: In total, 128 active compounds and 121 targets of QFY were identified. A topological analysis of the PPI network revealed 13 core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of QFY are mediated by genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress as well as the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding ability between the active compounds and screened targets. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully predict the effective components and potential targets and pathways involved in the treatment of ALI for QFY. We provided a novel strategy for future research of molecular mechanisms of QFY in ALI treatment. Moreover, the potential active ingredients provide a reliable source for drug screening for ALI.

[Differences in intestinal absorption characteristics of Cynanchum auriculatum extract based on in situ intestinal circulation perfusion model in two states].

The present study aimed to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics of six components(syringic acid, scopoletin, baishouwu benzophenone, caudatin, qingyangshengenin, and deacylmetaplexigenin) in Cynanchum auriculatum extract. In situ intestinal circulation perfusion model was employed to investigate the differences in intestinal absorption characteristics of C. auriculatum extract under the influence of different intestinal segments, different drug concentrations, and bile in the normal and functional dyspepsia(FD) states. The results showed that the absorption of baishouwu benzophenone decreased with the increase in the concentration of C. auriculatum extract(P<0.01), while the absorption of syringic acid and other components increased in a dose-independent manner, suggesting that baishouwu benzophenone might follow active absorption, while other components might not be on a single absorption pattern. The main absorption sites of each component in the normal state were different from those in the FD state. The cumulative absorption conversion rates in the FD state were generally lower than those in the normal state, and bile inhibited the absorption of other components except for scopoletin in both states(P<0.05). As revealed, the small intestine showed selectivity to the absorption of drugs, and the pathological state(such as FD) and bile both affected the absorption of the main components, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of new drugs and further development of C. auriculatum.

[Excretion of Cynanchum auriculatum extract in urine and feces of normal and functional dyspepsia rats].

In the present study, the excretion of four active components(qingyangshengenin, deacylmetaplexigenin, baishouwu benzophenone, and scopoletin) in Cynanchum auriculatum extract in the urine and feces of normal and functional dyspepsia(FD) rats was investigated. Rats were divided into a normal group and an FD model group. The FD model was induced by oral administration of ice hydrochloric acid combined with irregular feeding. The C. auriculatum extract was administered orally at a dose of 1 g·kg~(-1). The rat urine and feces were collected at 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 h for UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The differences in excretion of the four components were compared between normal and FD rats. The results showed that except for the baishouwu benzophenone in the feces, the components such as qingyangshengenin in the urine and feces did not reach the plateau value within 84 h. Qingyangshengenin was mainly excreted through defecation, and the cumulative excretion rates in the normal state and FD were 0.32% and 0.66%, respectively. Deacylmetaplexigenin was mainly excreted through urination, and the cumulative excretion rates in the normal state and FD were 6.70% and 7.56%, respectively. Baishouwu benzophenone was mainly excreted through defecation in the normal state, but mainly excreted through urination in the FD state, with cumulative excretion rates of 0.41% and 0.52%, respectively. Scopoletin was mainly excreted through urination, with cumulative excretion rates of 0.83% and 2.13% in the normal state and FD, respectively. In general, the components were mainly excreted in the urine in the FD state. Compared with the normal group, the FD group showed decreased cumulative excretion rates of qingyangshengenin, baishouwu benzophenone, and scopoletin in the urine(P<0.05). Therefore, FD had a certain influence on the excretion of the main components of C. auriculatum extract, and the excretion of each component through urination and defecation was low, suggesting that there might be a wide range of metabolic pathways after oral administration and components were mainly excreted in the form of metabolites. This experiment provides a reference for the new drug development and clinical application of C. auriculatum.

Ag-Modified ZnO Nanorod Array Fabricated on Polyester Fabric and Its Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance by a Built-in Electric Field and Plasmonic Effect.

ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) were fabricated on polyester fabrics (PFs) by a two-step method and modified with Ag by magnetron sputtering. The photogenerated charge transport properties of the Ag/ZnO nanorod heterojunctions were studied by a self-made Kelvin probe system and a surface photovoltage (SPV) test system. The measured work functions (WFs) of the deposited Ag and ZnO nanorod are 4.67 and 5.56 eV, respectively. The SPV spectra indicate that the direction of the inner electric field is from the Ag layer to the inner of the ZnO nanorod. The enhancement of light absorption by the local surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag/ZnO NRA was observed by Raman microspectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the Ag/ZnO NRA-functionalized PFs was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RB) solution under visible light. The full photo-oxidation of RB and the outperforming ZnO NRA-coated PFs demonstrate that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO NRA-coated PFs results from the cooperation of the inner electric field of the Ag/ZnO nanorod heterojunction and Ag LSPR.

C3 glomerulonephritis associated with ANCA positivity: a case report.

BACKGROUND: C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a recent disease classification that is characterized by the presence of glomerular deposits (composed of C3) in the absence of significant amounts of immunoglobulin and comprises dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN). Most C3GN manifests as membranoproliferative, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis patterns via light microscopy. Pure membranous nephropathy (MN)-like glomerular lesions are rare manifestations of C3GN. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are also seldomly reported to be positive in C3GN. Herein, we report the case of a C3GN patient presenting with an MN-like glomerular pattern with ANCA positivity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old woman was admitted to a local hospital with elevated serum creatinine for two weeks. Laboratory tests showed a hemoglobin level of 85 g/L. Urinalysis was positive for 2 + protein and 360 RBCs/HPF. Blood biochemistry analysis revealed the following concentrations: albumin, 30.3 g/L; globulin, 46.2 g/L; blood urea nitrogen, 19.9 mmol/L; and serum creatinine, 234 µmol/L. The serum C3 level was 0.4950 g/L, and the serum C4 level was 0.1050 g/L. The direct Coombs test was positive. Serologic testing for ANCA revealed the presence of p-ANCA (1:10) by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy assay, as well as the presence of PR3 1.2 (normal range < 1) and MPO 3.5 (normal range < 1) by enzyme immunoassay. Renal biopsy sample pathology showed 2/6 cellular crescents and thickened glomerular basement membranes. Immunofluorescence testing revealed only diffuse, finely granular depositions of C3 along the glomerular capillary walls in frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of subepithelial electron-dense deposits, similar to those that are observed in membranous nephropathy. Corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide were administered, with a subsequent improvement in renal function. CONCLUSIONS: We present the rare case of a patient with MN-like C3GN with ANCA positivity. C3GN with ANCA positivity may be represented by more crescents, severe renal dysfunction and more extrarenal manifestations. More cases are needed to elucidate the clinicopathologic features and optimal treatments of these patients.

Dynamic properties of VDP-CPG model in rhythmic movement with delay.

In this paper, Van Der Pol (VDP) oscillators are used as the output signal of central pattern generator (CPG), and a VDP-CPG network system of quadruped with four primary gaits (walk, trot, pace and bound) is established. The existence conditions of Hopf bifurcations for VDP-CPG systems corresponding to four primary gaits are given, and the coupling strength ranges between oscillators for four gaits are obtained. Numerical simulations are used to support theoretical analysis.

[Simultaneous determination of four components of Shuganning Injection in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study].

This study aims to reveal the pharmacokinetics of Shuganning Injection in normal rats. In this experiment,ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry( UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was used to establish an analytical method for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid,gardenioside,oroxylin A and baicalin in rat plasma. Then,the non-compartmental model( NCA) in Phoenix WinN onL in 6. 4 software was used to fit pharmacokinetic parameters. The methodological validation showed that the linear relationship of the components in rat plasma samples were good( r>0. 995). The recovery rate and matrix effect of plasma samples with low,middle and high concentration were 79. 14%-101. 4%. The intra-day and inter-day precision,accuracy and stability meet the requirements of biological sample analysis. The half-life( t1/2) of chlorogenic acid,gardenioside,oroxylin A did not change significantly and the area under blood concentration-time curve( AUC0-t) is proportional to the dose,which suggested that three components showed a linear kinetic characteristics,but baicalin showed nonlinear kinetic characteristics. Moreover,the retention time of each component in rats was short. The established UPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis method is rapid,sensitive and accurate,which can be used for the determination of chlorogenic acid,gardenioside,oroxylin A and baicalin in rat plasma and pharmacokinetic study of Shuganning Injection.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Wuhaniligobius polylepis (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) and phylogenetic studies of Gobiiformes.

The environmental changes mainly caused by water pollution and human activities have dramatically threatened the survival of the small-scaled Wu's goby W. polylepis. In the present study, the complete mitogenome of Wuhaniligobius polylepis was determined, which is 16,496 bp in length, containing 13 PCGs, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a putative control region. The overall base composition is 28.6%, 29.0%, 26.7%, and 15.7% for A, T, C and G, respectively. The 13 PCGs encode 3,802 amino acids in total, twelve of which use the initiation codon ATG except COI, which uses GTG. In order to explore the systematic status of W. polylepis and further phylogenetic study of Gobiiformes, a maximum-likelihood tree was constructed based on the concatenated sequences of 12 PCGs. The result showed that Pseudogobius, Hemigobius, and Mugilogobius clustered into a clade and then formed a sister-group with W. polylepis, suggesting the invalid former name of M. polylepis or E. polylepis.

Comparative effectiveness and acceptability of the FDA-licensed proton pump inhibitors for erosive esophagitis: A PRISMA-compliant network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effectiveness and acceptability of all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in erosive esophagitis (EE): Dexlansoprazole 60 mg, Esomeprazole 40 mg, Esomeprazole 20 mg, Pantoprazole 40 mg, Lansoprazole 30 mg, Rabeprazole 20 mg, Omeprazole 20 mg. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Totally, 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met study selection criteria and were incorporated in this network meta-analysis (NMA) study. RESULTS: For the NMA, eligible RCTs of adults with EE verified by endoscopic examination were randomly assigned to the licensed PPIs at least 4 weeks of continuous therapy. The primary efficacy outcome was the endoscopic healing rates at 4 and 8 weeks. Heartburn relief rates were a secondary efficacy outcome. The rates of withdrawal were analyzed as a safety outcome. In comparison to the common comparator omeprazole 20 mg, esomeprazole 40 mg provided significantly healing rates at 4 weeks [odds ratio (OR), 1.46 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.24-1.71)] and 8 weeks [1.58 (1.29-1.92)], and improved the heartburn relief rates [1.29 (1.07-1.56)]. In comparison to lansoprazole 30 mg, esomeprazole 40 mg provided significantly healing rates at 4 weeks [1.30 (1.10-1.53)] and 8 weeks [1.37 (1.13-1.67)], and improved the heartburn relief rates [1.29 (1.03-1.62)]. In terms of acceptability, only dexlansoprazole 60 mg had significantly more all-cause discontinuation than omeprazole 20 mg [1.54 (1.03-2.29)], pantoprazole 40 mg [1.68 (1.08-2.63)], and lansoprazole 30 mg [1.38 (1.02-1.88)]. CONCLUSION: The standard-dose esomeprazole 40 mg had more superiority in mucosal erosion healing and heartburn relief. Esomeprazole 40 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg, esomeprazole 20 mg, and lansoprazole 30 mg showed more benefits in effectiveness and acceptability than other interventions.

The complete mitochondrial genome characterization of Tridentiger obscurus (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) and phylogenetic analyses of Gobionellinae.

The dusky tripletooth goby, Tridentiger obscurus, is a good model organism for the small in size and reaching maturity within a single year. Previous studies mainly focused on the annual reproductive cycle, social behavior and life history, but little information is available of the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic evolution of this gobioid fish. In this article, we described the complete mitogenome of T. obscurus and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationship of the relative species of Gobionellinae. The genome is 16,501 bp in length including 13 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNA, 22 transfer RNA genes, as well as a putative control region and an L-strand replication origin. The overall base composition is 28.1%, 27.0%, 28.0% and 16.9% for A, T, C and G, respectively. This result is expected for better understanding the systematic evolution of the genus Tridentiger and further phylogenetic study of Gobiiformes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Gymnogobius Petschiliensis (Gobiiformes; Gobiidae; Gobionellinae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Of the goby fishes, many Gymnogobius species have been poor recognized mainly because of the absence of enough molecular information and clear phylogenetic framework. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Gymnogobius petschiliensis was determined and described. The mitogenome is 16,422 bp in length and consists of 22 tRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs, one control region and a light strand replication origin (OL). The arrangement of this mitogenome is identical to that of the typical teleost. The overall base composition is 27.5%, 29.5%, 26.1%, and 16.9%, for A, T, C, and G, respectively, with a slight bias on A + T content (57.0%). The 13 protein-coding genes use the initiation codon ATG except COI, which uses GTG. Most of them use TAA or TAG as the stop codon, while COII, COIII, and Cyt b use an incomplete T or TA and ND4 uses an unusual AGA. The maximum-likelihood phylogeny tree of 19 Gobionellinae species demonstrated that G. petschiliensis had a very closely relationship with the same genus G. urotaenia. This study is expected to contributing to the phylogenetic evolution of G. petschiliensis and further phylogenetic relationship of Gobionellinae and Gobiiformes.

Different effects of blue and red light-emitting diodes on antioxidant responses in the liver and ovary of zebrafish Danio rerio.

The present study assessed the effects of a white fluorescent bulb (the control) and two different light-emitting diodes (blue LEDs, LDB; red, LDR) on growth, morphology, and oxidative stress in the liver and ovary of zebrafish for 5 weeks. Growth maintained relatively constant under LDB condition, but was reduced under LDR condition. In the liver, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and protein carbonylation (PC) increased under LDR condition, whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) declined and HSI remained unchanged under LDB condition. The decrease in oxidative damage by LDB could be attributed to the up-regulated levels of mRNA, protein, and activity of Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT. A failure to activate the activity of both enzymes may result in the enhanced PC levels under LDR condition, though both genes were up-regulated at transcriptional and translational levels. In the ovary, although gonadosomatic index sharply increased under LDR condition, LPO and PC dramatically accumulated. The increase in oxidative damage by LDR might result from the down-regulated levels of protein and activity of Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT, though both genes were up-regulated at a transcriptional level. Furthermore, a sharp increase in expression of transcription factor Nrf2 that targets antioxidant genes was observed in the liver but not in the ovary under LDB and LDR conditions. In conclusion, our data demonstrated a positive effect of LDB and negative effect of LDR on fish antioxidant defenses, emphasizing the potentials of LDB as an effective light source in fish farming.

Clinical applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of renal lesions - a systematic review.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is an established technique to detect the changes of the diffusion of water in biological tissues and reflect the pathophysiological process on the molecular level. It is a promising non-invasive imaging modality in detection of microstructural and functional changes in pathologies of kidney. To systematically review the research advancement of the DW-MRI in diagnosis of renal lesions, a systematic literature search was performed up to 8 October 2014 using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases for articles reporting on DW-MRI in diagnosis of renal lesions. Only articles with full data about DW-MRI application with potential implication in solving usually encountered clinical challenges about renal lesions were finally examined. The clinical application of DW-MRI allows a better understanding of some pathologic conditions of the kidney including renal insufficiency, renal artery stenosis, ureteral obstruction, foetal kidney disease, hydronephrosis and pyonephrosis. In addition, DW-MRI can also provide clinicians with the information of function evaluation of renal allograft and curative effect assessment of renal tumour. In summary, performance of renal DW-MRI, presuming that measurements are high quality, will further boost this modality, particularly for early detection of diffusion renal conditions, as well as more accurate characterization of renal lesions.

Transcriptome Profiling of Light-Regulated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in the Pericarp of Litchi.

Light is a key environmental factor that affects anthocyanin biosynthesis. To enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in light-regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis in the pericarp of litchi, we performed transcriptomic analyses on the basis of Illumina sequencing. Fruit clusters were bagged with double-layer Kraft paper bags at 42 days after anthesis. The bags were removed after 2 weeks. Under light conditions, anthocyanins accumulated rapidly in the pericarp. RNA sequences were de novo assembled into 75,935 unigenes with an average length of 913 bp. Approximately 74.5% of unigenes (56,601) were annotated against four public protein databases. A total of 16,622 unigenes that significantly differed in terms of abundance were identified. These unigenes are implicated in light signal perception and transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and photosynthesis. In photoreceptors, the expression levels of UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8), Phototropin 2 (PHOT2), Phytochrome B (PHYB), and Phytochrome C (PHYC) increased significantly when the fruits were exposed to light. This result indicated that they likely play important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation. After analyzed digital gene expression (DGE), we found that the light signal transduction elements of COP1 and COP10 might be responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation. After the bags were removed, nearly all structural and regulatory genes, such as UDP-glucose: flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT), MYB, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), and WD40, involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were upregulated. In addition to MYB-bHLH-WD40 transcription complex, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (HY5), NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC), homeodomain leucine zipper proteins (ATHBs), and FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (FHY) possibly participate in light-induced responses. On the basis of DGEs and qRT-PCR validation, we observed a light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis and regulation pattern in litchi pericarp. This study enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in litchi pericarp.

Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Profile of Estrogen Receptor in Common Chinese Cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica.

Sex steroid hormones are widely detected in molluscs and play important roles in sex determination, gonadal tissue maturation, and gametogenesis. Nevertheless, the signaling pathways of sex steroids in cephalopod have not yet been clearly elucidated. In the present study, a full-length sequence encoding the estrogen receptor (ER) was isolated from common Chinese cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica. The sjER cDNA clone was found to contain 1,788 nucleotides including a 1,470 bp open reading frame encoding 489 amino acid (aa) residues. The deduced ER protein consisted of six nuclear receptor characteristic domains. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, the ER DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain are highly conserved compared to other mollusc ERs. Highest aa identities were found for sjER with common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) ER (89%) and pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) ER (61%). Tissue expression analysis confirmed that sjER was widely distributed among tissues and predominantly expressed in the brain, liver, gonad (testis and ovary), and other accessory sexual gland (nidamental gland). The ER expression was temporally upregulated in the brain, liver, and ovary during the early sexual maturation period in S. japonica, which is coincident with the fluctuation of ovary estradiol content. These suggest that sjER may be involved in regulating the reproductive cycle of S. japonica. A fusion protein transient transfections assay showed that sjER was mainly located in the nucleus, suggesting a possible orthodox working mechanism of S. japonica ER in the nucleus through a ligand-dependent activation of specific gene transcription.

Dosimetric study of different radiotherapy planning approaches for hippocampal avoidance whole-brain radiation therapy (HA-WBRT) based on fused CT and MRI imaging.

The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric characteristics for hippocampal avoidance (HA) between the treatment plans based on fused CT and MRI imaging during whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) pertaining to: (1) 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), (2) dynamic intensity modulated radiation therapy (dIMRT), and (3) RapidArc for patients with brain metastases. In our study, HA was defined as hippocampus beyond 5 mm, and planning target volume (PTV) was obtained subtracting HA volume from the volume of whole brain. There were 10 selected patients diagnosed with brain metastases receiving WBRT. These patients received plans for 3D-CRT (two fields), dIMRT (seven non-coplanar fields) and RapidArc (dual arc). The prescribed dose 30 Gy in 10 fractions was delivered to the whole-brain clinical target volume of patients. On the premise of meeting the clinical requirements, we compared target dose distribution, target coverage (TC), homogeneity index (HI), dose of organs at risk (OARs), monitor units (MU) and treatment time between the above three radiotherapy plans. V90 %, V95 % and TC of PTV for 3D-CRT plan were lowest of the three plans. V90 %, V95 % and HI of PTV in RapidArc plan were superior to the other two plans. TC of PTV in RapidArc plan was similar with dIMRT plan (P > 0.05). 3D-CRT was the optimal plan in the three plans for hippocampal protection. The median dose (Dmedian) and the maximum doses (Dmax) of hippocampus in 3D-CRT were 4.95, 10.87 Gy, which were lowest among the three planning approaches (P < 0.05). Dmedian and Dmax of hippocampus in dIMRT were 10.68, 14.11 Gy. Dmedian and Dmax of hippocampus in RapidArc were 10.30 gGy, 13.92 Gy. These parameters of the last two plans pertain to no significant difference (P > 0.05). When WBRT (30 Gy,10F) was equivalent to single dose 2 Gy,NTDmean of hippocampus in 3D-CRT, dIMRT and RapidArc were reduced to 3.60, 8.47, 8.20 Gy2, respectively. In addition, compared with dIMRT, MU of RapidArc was reduced and the treatment time was shortened by nearly 25 %. All three radiotherapy planning approaches in our study can meet the clinical requirements of HA. Although TC in 3D-CRT was lowest, hippocampus was protected best by this plan. So many radiation fields and the design of non-coplanar fields lead to the complication of dIMRT. TC and HI in RapidArc were superior to the other two plans with the precise of meeting the clinical requirements. The difference in protection for hippocampus between dIMRT and RapidArc was statistically significant. In addition, RapidArc can remarkably reduce MU and the treatment time.

De novo assembly and characterization of pericarp transcriptome and identification of candidate genes mediating fruit cracking in Litchi chinensis Sonn.

Fruit cracking has long been a topic of great concern for growers and researchers of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit cracking, high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was first used for de novo assembly and characterization of the transcriptome of cracking pericarp of litchi. Comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed on non-cracking and cracking fruits. A total of approximately 26 million and 29 million high quality reads were obtained from the two groups of samples, and were assembled into 46,641 unigenes with an average length of 993 bp. These unigenes can be useful resources for future molecular studies of the pericarp in litchi. Furthermore, four genes (LcAQP, 1; LcPIP, 1; LcNIP, 1; LcSIP, 1) involved in water transport, five genes (LcKS, 2; LcGA2ox, 2; LcGID1, 1) involved in GA metabolism, 21 genes (LcCYP707A, 2; LcGT, 9; Lcß-Glu, 6; LcPP2C, 2; LcABI1, 1; LcABI5, 1) involved in ABA metabolism, 13 genes (LcTPC, 1; Ca2+/H+ exchanger, 3; Ca2+-ATPase, 4; LcCDPK, 2; LcCBL, 3) involved in Ca transport and 24 genes (LcPG, 5; LcEG, 1; LcPE, 3; LcEXP, 5; Lcß-Gal, 9; LcXET, 1) involved in cell wall metabolism were identified as genes that are differentially expressed in cracked fruits compared to non-cracked fruits. Our results open new doors to further understand the molecular mechanisms behind fruit cracking in litchi and other fruits, especially Sapindaceae plants.