Application of coconut shell activated carbon filter in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland for enhanced multi-metal bioremediation and antioxidant response of Salvinia cucullate.

Coconut shell activated carbon (CNSAC) was applied as a filter layer in hybrid vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (H-VSSF-CW), in order to enhance the multi-metal removal efficiency of the constructed wetland (CW) and to reduce heavy metal accumulation on Salvinia cucullata. Treatment P + AC, (having CNSAC filter layer), showed 32, 21 and 34% more Cd, Cr, and Pb removal efficiency than treatment P (without CNSAC layer). CNSAC activated carbon adsorbed Cd and Pb and Cr by functional groups -NH, -NO2, -C-O, -OH and -CO, and significantly reduced Cd and Pb exposure to S. cucullate. Chromium adsorption by CNSAC filter layer was half (just 25% of total input) of the Cd and Pb. In treatment P, due to high Cd, Pb and Cr accumulation in S. cucullate, the antioxidant defense mechanism of the plant was collapsed and cell death was observed, which in turn has resulted reduced biomass gain (5% reduction). On the other hand, in treatment P + AC, an antioxidant defense mechanism was active in the form significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased of SOD, CAT and proline content while reduced MDA, EL, %EB and soluble sugar. So, the application of CNSAC increased the heavy metal removal efficiency of H-VSSF-CW by adsorption of a considerable share of heavy metal and hence, reduced the heavy metal load/exposure to S. cucullate.

Application of BCXZM Composite for Arsenic Removal: EPS Production, Biotransformation and Immobilization of Bacillus XZM on Corn Cobs Biochar.

This study determined the effect of Bacillus XZM extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production on the arsenic adsorption capacity of the Biochar-Bacillus XZM (BCXZM) composite. The Bacillus XZM was immobilized on corn cobs multifunction biochar to generate the BCXZM composite. The arsenic adsorption capacity of BCXZM composite was optimized at different pHs and As(V) concentrations using a central composite design (CCD)22 and maximum adsorption capacity (42.3 mg/g) was attained at pH 6.9 and 48.9 mg/L As(V) dose. The BCXZM composite showed a higher arsenic adsorption than biochar alone, which was further confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, EXD graph and elemental overlay as well. The bacterial EPS production was sensitive to the pH, which caused a major shift in the -NH, -OH, -CH, -C=O, -C-N, -SH, -COO and aromatic/-NO2 peaks of FTIR spectra. Regarding the techno economic analysis, it was revealed that USD 6.24 are required to prepare the BCXZM composite to treat 1000 gallons of drinking water (with 50 µg/L of arsenic). Our findings provide insights (such as adsorbent dose, optimum operating temperature and reaction time, and pollution load) for the potential application of the BCXZM composite as bedding material in fixed-bed bioreactors for the bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated water in future.

Detection of the peripheral blood antigens and clinical value in recurrent aphthous ulcer: A cross-section study.

Abstract Background/purpose: Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is one of the most common diseases of oral mucosa, which is generally believed to be related to immunity, though the etiology is still unclear. It is suspected that allergies are directly related to RAU. So we sought to explore the relationship between hypersensitivity and RAU. Materials and methods: 40 RAU patients who were in ulceration period and 40 people who were in good health were selected from Jan 2016 to Feb 2017, matched in age and sex. The peripheral blood antigens of 40 RAU patients and 40 healthy people was tested, and serum specific IgE (sIgE) with 6 groups of antigens and total IgE (tIgE) analysis was performed to identify IgE-mediated allergic reaction possibly affecting RAU. We then investigated the food intolerance and IgG levels to discover the correlation between non-IgE mediated allergic reaction and RAU. Results: The positive cases and rate of sIgE in RAU group was higher than that of control, but the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). Positive grade of animal fur scraps (EX1), house dust mixed (HX2) and the serum tIgE concentration of the RAU group were significantly higher than the control group (P＜0.05).The number of food intolerance in RAU group was significantly higher than that in control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested certain correlation between RAU and anaphylaxis. Daily contact allergens and food intolerance may be one of the causes of RAU. Moreover, this provides reference value for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

ABA-responsive AREB1/ABI3-1/ABI5 cascade regulates IAA oxidase gene SlDAO2 to inhibit hypocotyl elongation in tomato.

Hypocotyl elongation is dramatically influenced by environmental factors and phytohormones. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays a prominent role in hypocotyl elongation, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) is regarded as an inhibitor through repressing IAA synthesis and signalling. However, the regulatory role of ABA in local IAA deactivation remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we confirmed the antagonistic interplay of ABA and IAA during the hypocotyl elongation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings. We identified an IAA oxidase enzyme DIOXYGENASE FOR AUXIN OXIDATION2 (SlDAO2), and its expression was induced by both external and internal ABA signals in tomato hypocotyls. Moreover, the overexpression of SlDAO2 led to a reduced sensitivity to IAA, and the knockout of SlDAO2 alleviated the inhibitory effect of ABA on hypocotyl elongation. Furthermore, an ABA-responsive regulatory SlAREB1/SlABI3-1/SlABI5 cascade was identified to act upstream of SlDAO2 and to precisely control its expression. SlAREB1 directly bound to the ABRE present in the SlDAO2 promoter to activate SlDAO2 expression, and SlABI3-1 enhanced while SlABI5 inhibited the activation ability of SlAREB1 by directly interacting with SlAREB1. Our findings revealed that ABA might induce local IAA oxidation and deactivation via SlDAO2 to modulate IAA homoeostasis and thereby repress hypocotyl elongation in tomato.

Research history of hepatitis D in China / 临床肝胆病杂志

Since the discovery of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in the 1970s, Chinese scholars have started to conduct extensive studies on HDV and hepatitis D (HD). By searching for related articles published on the platforms of Chinese scientific and technological journals and the journals in PubMed database by Chinese scholars, this article comprehensively analyzes and summarizes the advances and scientific findings in HDV and HD by Chinese scholars from basic to clinical research from the perspective of historical development. Over the past years, Chinese scholars have conducted extensive research on the establishment of detection techniques and methods, the construction of infected animal models, the function and application of ribozymes, and clinical diagnosis and manifestation. The research findings in the past 40 years have laid a foundation for further research on the virological characteristics, infection mechanism, and immune response and injury of HDV, the clinicopathological changes of HD, and related antiviral treatment.

Expert consensus on antiviral therapy of COVID-19 / 中华临床感染病杂志

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has being spreading around the world, posing a serious threat to human health and lives. Neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors for virus replication cycle are the main antiviral treatment for novel coronavirus recommended in China. To further promote the rational use of antiviral therapy in clinical practice, the National Center for Infectious Diseases (Beijing Ditan Hospital Capital Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine) invited experts in fields of infectious diseases, respiratory and intensive care to develop an Expert Consensus on Antiviral Therapy of COVID-19 based on the Diagnosis and Treatment Guideline for COVID-19 ( trial version 10) and experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in China. The consensus is concise, practical and highly operable, hopefully it would improve the understanding of antiviral therapy for clinicians and provide suggestions for standardized medication in treatment of COVID-19.

Key points of EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on hepatitis delta virus （2023） / 临床肝胆病杂志

‍Due to significant innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis D virus （HDV）， the European Society of Hepatology （EASL） published its first international clinical practice guidelines on the management of individuals with HDV infection in July 2023. The guidelines mainly focus on the six aspects of HDV screening， diagnosis， clinical features and influencing factors， patient monitoring and selection for treatment， therapeutic methods and treatment endpoints. The guidelines give recommendations by answering and elaborating on 13 questions covering these six aspects. In addition， the guidelines also provide the prospect of the future treatment of HDV. The author’s team makes an excerpt of the guidelines and systematically introduces various evaluation points in recommendations and clinical management suggestions， in order to promote the development of clinical management and decision-making for individuals with HDV infection in China.

V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of chest wall defects after local advanced breast cancer surgery: Report of 14 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To demonstrate the clinical effect of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y suture in the repair of major lesions in the anterior chest wall that was left after mastectomies with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) surgery.Methods:From September 2018 to February 2021, the technique was employed on 14 female cancer patients who had LABC surgery in the Department of Breast Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. The patients received radical mastectomies with major resection of cutaneous tegument. The defect areas in chest wall were 15.0 cm×15.0 cm-22.0 cm×35.0 cm. The sizes of flap were 12.0 cm×28.0 cm-18.0 cm×35.0 cm. The sizes of musculocutaneous flap were 12.0 cm×28.0 cm×2.0 cm~18.0 cm×35.0 cm×3.5 cm. All patients were entered the postoperative follow-up through out-patient clinic and telephone interviews.Results:The flap provided an efficient coverage in closing the defects among all 14 patients. Three patients presented small areas (1.0-3.0 cm) of superficial necrosis in Y-cross area of the flap. None of the patient had back swelling. The average operation time was 6.3 hours. Postoperative follow-up varied from 4 to 41 months(18 months in average). The colour, texture, elasticity of the flaps were acceptable, with good shapes. Function of upper limbs was normal in 13 cases without lymphedema, except 1 who had lymphedema of affected limb at 3 years after surgery. Eleven cases had radiotherapy after surgery with good tolerance. None of the cases had local recurrence of breast cancer. Five cases had metastasis, 3 cases died of metastasis.Conclusion:The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y suture is easy to perform and an reliable and efficient technique in repairing large defects in the anterior chest wall left after a LABC surgery.

Effect of polyetheretherketone cranioplasty following craniectomy for traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of cranioplasty with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) after craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:A retrospective case series study was used to analyze the clinical data of 85 TBI patients undergone craniectomy admitted to Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from February 2017 to April 2021, including 57 males and 28 females, aged 7-70 years [(40.8±15.5)years]. Patients′ Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 6-15 points [15 (13, 15)points]. All patients underwent PEEK cranioplasty as scheduled. The extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) was used to evaluate the neurological function before, at 3 and 6 months after operation. After excluding 33 patients with preoperative GOSE score of 8 points, 52 patients with preoperative GOSE score less than 8 points were analyzed on the degree of GOSE improvement. Patients′ satisfaction with PEEK repair was evaluated through telephone interviews at 6 months postoperatively. The incidence of complications were observed during hospitalization and within 6 months postoperatively.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-7 months [6 (6, 7)months]. The GOSE was 6 (5, 8)points before operation, 6 (5, 8)points at 3 months after operation, and 7 (5, 8)points at 6 months after operation. There was no significant difference in GOSE at 3 months after operation and before operation ( P>0.05), but it was significantly increased at 6 months after operation when compared to the preoperative level ( P<0.05). With regards to GOSE, there were 10 patients with mild amelioration but 42 with no amelioration at 3 months after operation, while 4 patients with significant amelioration and 31 with no amelioration were observed at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). For PEEK repair, Patients′ satisfaction was very high in 43 patients, high in 33, general in 7 and poor in 2. A total of 25 patients had postoperative complications during hospitalization and within 6 months postoperatively, with the incidence of complications of 29%. Specifically, there was 1 patient with wound infection, 1 new epilepsy, 8 epidural hemorrhage, 13 subcutaneous effusion, 1 subcutaneous effusion, severe infection and material exposure, and 1 severe infection, new-onset epilepsy and subcutaneous effusion. Repair materials were removed in 2 patients due to multiple complications; other patients obtained alleviation via treatment, without affect on their daily life. Conclusion:PEEK cranioplasty following craniectomy for TBI patients can improve prognosis, attain high satisfaction and has low incidences of postoperative infection and exposure of repair materials.

[Evolution of Sichuan Dao-di herbs recorded in ancient works of materia medica of different historical periods].

Sichuan province is very famous for its abundant resources of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However, within the scope of administrative division of Sichuan province, the origin records of Dao-di herbs in different historical periods show a dynamic distribution process. On the basis of carefully sorting out the geographical scope of Sichuan province in different historical periods, this article focuses on the textual research of the Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province recorded in the seven mainstream ancient works of materia medica.The results showed that, according to the records of Mingyi bielu and Bencaojing Jizhu, the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the central and eastern regions of Sichuan province, mainly including Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and most of the rest materia medica had become unused in the historical process. Qianjin Yifang records that the distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the middle and eastern part of Sichuan province.Aconiti Radix, Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. According to the book of Bencao Tujing,the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs are Chengdu Plain, Yibin and Santai, While Toosendan Fructus, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Aconiti Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. Ben Cao Gang Mu records the place of origin as Sichuan.Coptidis Rhizoma, Toosendan Fructus, Cyathulae Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan pro-vince. Yaowu Chuchanbian and Zengding Weiyao Tiaobian records the place of origin as Sichuan, as well as Kangding, Songpan, Dujiang-yan, Jiangyou, Nanchong, Ya'an, etc. Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. The results of this article provide a new understanding of the history and distribution changes of Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province, and can help to further understand the formation connotation of Sichuan Dao-di herbs.

Evolution of Sichuan Dao-di herbs recorded in ancient works of materia medica of different historical periods / 中国中药杂志

Sichuan province is very famous for its abundant resources of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However, within the scope of administrative division of Sichuan province, the origin records of Dao-di herbs in different historical periods show a dynamic distribution process. On the basis of carefully sorting out the geographical scope of Sichuan province in different historical periods, this article focuses on the textual research of the Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province recorded in the seven mainstream ancient works of materia medica.The results showed that, according to the records of Mingyi bielu and Bencaojing Jizhu, the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the central and eastern regions of Sichuan province, mainly including Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and most of the rest materia medica had become unused in the historical process. Qianjin Yifang records that the distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the middle and eastern part of Sichuan province.Aconiti Radix, Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. According to the book of Bencao Tujing,the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs are Chengdu Plain, Yibin and Santai, While Toosendan Fructus, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Aconiti Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. Ben Cao Gang Mu records the place of origin as Sichuan.Coptidis Rhizoma, Toosendan Fructus, Cyathulae Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan pro-vince. Yaowu Chuchanbian and Zengding Weiyao Tiaobian records the place of origin as Sichuan, as well as Kangding, Songpan, Dujiang-yan, Jiangyou, Nanchong, Ya'an, etc. Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. The results of this article provide a new understanding of the history and distribution changes of Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province, and can help to further understand the formation connotation of Sichuan Dao-di herbs.

Mechanism of paeonol combined with paeoniflorin against myocardial ischemia injury:based on proteomics / 中国中药杂志

The study aims to investigate the effect of the compatibility of paeonol and paeoniflorin(hereinafter referred to as the compatibility) on the expression of myocardial proteins in rats with myocardial ischemia injury and explore the underlying mechanism of the compatibility against myocardial ischemia injury. First, the acute myocardial infarction rat model was established by ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. The model rats were given(ig) paeonol and paeoniflorin. Then protein samples were collected from rat cardiac tissue and quantified by tandem mass tags(TMT) to explore the differential proteins after drug intervention. The experimental results showed that differential proteins mainly involved phagocytosis engulfment, extracellular space, and antigen binding, as well as Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathways of complement and coagulation cascades, syste-mic lupus erythematosus, and ribosome. In this study, the target proteins and related signaling pathways identified by differential proteomics may be the biological basis of the compatibility against myocardial ischemia injury in rats.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Novel Subtypes and Driver Genes in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is the most lethal malignant primary brain tumor; nevertheless, there remains a lack of accurate prognostic markers and drug targets. In this study, we analyzed 117 primary glioblastoma patients' data that contained SNP, DNA copy, DNA methylation, mRNA expression, and clinical information. After the quality of control examination, we conducted the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, copy number variation (CNV) analysis, and infiltrated immune cells estimate. And moreover, by using the cluster of cluster analysis (CoCA) methods, we finally divided these GBM patients into two novel subtypes, HX-1 (Cluster 1) and HX-2 (Cluster 2), which could be co-characterized by 3 methylation variable positions [cg16957313(DUSP1), cg17783509(PHOX2B), cg23432345(HOXA7)] and 15 (PCDH1, CYP27B1, LPIN3, GPR32, BCL6, OR4Q3, MAGI3, SKIV2L, PCSK5, AKAP12, UBE3B, MAP4, TP53BP1, F5, RHOBTB1) gene mutations pattern. Compared to HX-1 subtype, the HX-2 subtype was identified with higher gene co-occurring events, tumor mutation burden (TBM), and poor median overall survival [231.5 days (HX-2) vs. 445 days (HX-1), P-value = 0.00053]. We believe that HX-1 and HX-2 subtypes may make sense as the potential prognostic biomarkers for patients with glioblastoma.

Dexamethasone inhibits BMP7-induced osteogenic differentiation in rat dental follicle cells via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway.

Impacted third molars are commonly seen in teenagers and young adults and can cause considerable suffering. Preventing eruption of the third molars can reduce pain at the source. Our previous study has shown that dexamethasone (DEX) at a certain concentration can prevent the eruption of third molars without damaging alveolar bone in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, but the relevant molecular mechanisms need to be explored. This study aimed to explore the effects of high concentrations of DEX on osteogenic signaling pathways, including BMP/Smad and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways, in rat dental follicle cells (rDFCs) and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. The results showed that BMP7 induced osteogenic differentiation by increasing the activity of ALP and the protein levels of OPN in rDFCs. DEX decreased endogenous BMP7 and phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 expression as well as BMP7-induced osteogenic differentiation. DEX also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of ß-catenin by enhancing the expression of GSK-3ß. In addition, regardless of DEX intervention, overexpression of BMP7 promoted the expression of ß-catenin, while knockdown of BMP7 attenuated it. Further investigation revealed that overexpression of BMP7 attenuated the DEX-mediated inhibition of AKT and GSK-3ß phosphorylation, but knockdown of BMP7 exerted the opposite effects. This study suggests that high concentrations of DEX may inhibit the expression of ß-catenin via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß pathway in a manner mediated by BMP7. The findings further illustrate the possible molecular mechanisms by which DEX prevents tooth development.

Salicylic acid regulates adventitious root formation via competitive inhibition of the auxin conjugation enzyme CsGH3.5 in cucumber hypocotyls.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Exogenous SA treatment at appropriate concentrations promotes adventitious root formation in cucumber hypocotyls, via competitive inhibiting the IAA-Asp synthetase activity of CsGH3.5, and increasing the local free IAA level. Adventitious root formation is critical for the cutting propagation of horticultural plants. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) has been shown to play a central role in regulating this process, while for salicylic acid (SA), its exact effects and regulatory mechanism have not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that exogenous SA treatment at the concentrations of both 50 and 100 µM promoted adventitious root formation at the base of the hypocotyl of cucumber seedlings. At these concentrations, SA could induce the expression of CYCLIN and Cyclin-dependent Kinase (CDK) genes during adventitious rooting. IAA was shown to be involved in SA-induced adventitious root formation in cucumber hypocotyls. Exposure to exogenous SA led to a slight increase in the free IAA content, and pre-treatment with the auxin transport inhibitor 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) almost completely abolished the inducible effects of SA on adventitious root number. SA-induced IAA accumulation was also associated with the enhanced expression of Gretchen Hagen3.5 (CsGH3.5). The in vitro enzymatic assay indicated that CsGH3.5 has both IAA- and SA-amido synthetase activity and prefers aspartate (Asp) as the amino acid conjugate. The Asp concentration dictated the functional activity of CsGH3.5 on IAA. Both affinity and catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) increased when the Asp concentration increased from 0.3 to 1 mM. In contrast, CsGH3.5 showed equal catalytic efficiency for SA at low and high Asp concentrations. Furthermore, SA functioned as a competitive inhibitor of the IAA-Asp synthetase activity of CsGH3.5. During adventitious formation, SA application indeed repressed the IAA-Asp levels in the rooting zone. These data show that SA plays an inducible role in adventitious root formation in cucumber through competitive inhibition of the auxin conjugation enzyme CsGH3.5. SA reduces the IAA conjugate levels, thereby increasing the local free IAA level and ultimately enhancing adventitious root formation.

Treatment with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for COVID-19 patients with lung damage: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled phase 2 trial

BACKGROUNDTreatment of severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging. We performed a phase 2 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) to treat severe COVID-19 patients with lung damage, based on our phase 1 data. METHODSIn this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial, we recruited 101 severe COVID-19 patients with lung damage. They were randomly assigned to receive either UC-MSCs (4 x 107 cells per infusion) or placebo on day 0, 3, and 6. The primary endpoint was an altered proportion of whole lung lesion volumes from baseline to day 28. Other imaging outcomes, 6-minute walk test, maximum vital capacity, diffusing capacity, and adverse events were recorded and analysed. RESULTS100 COVID-19 patients were finally recruited to receive either UC-MSCs (n = 65) or placebo (n = 35). UC-MSCs administration exerted numerical improvement in whole lung lesion volume from baseline to day 28 compared with the placebo (the median difference was -13.31%, 95%CI -29.14%, 2.13%, P=0.080). UC-MSCs significantly reduced the proportions of solid component lesion volume compared with the placebo (median difference: -15.45%; 95% CI -30.82%, -0.39%; P=0.043). The 6-minute walk test showed an increased distance in patients treated with UC-MSCs (difference: 27.00 m; 95% CI 0.00, 57.00; P=0.057). The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONSUC-MSCs treatment is a safe and potentially effective therapeutic approach for COVID-19 patients with lung damage. (Funded by The National Key R&D Program of China and others. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04288102.)

Dynamic changes in bacterial communities in the recirculating nutrient solution of cucumber plug seedlings cultivated in an ebb-and-flow subirrigation system.

Ebb-and-flow subirrigation systems are highly efficient, water-saving and environmentally friendly. However, one concern with these recirculating systems is the possible transmission of plant pathogens. Here, through 16S rRNA-targeted Illumina sequencing, the bacterial dynamics in a recirculating nutrient solution were characterized for cucumber plug seedlings cultivated in an ebb-and-flow system in summer and winter. Both the bacterial number and diversity in the nutrient solution increased immediately after the first irrigation cycle; then, these values were gradually stable with recirculating irrigation. In summer and winter, different bacterial compositions and changing patterns were observed. In summer, the predominant genera in the nutrient solution included Comamonas, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Reyranella, Sphingobium, Bradyrhizobium, Sphingomonas, and Acidovorax. Of those genera, during recirculating irrigation, the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium gradually decreased, whereas those of Pseudomonas, Reyranella, Sphingobium, Sphingomonas, and Acidovorax gradually increased. In winter, the bacterial communities were mainly composed of Nevskia, Bosea, Sphingobium, Acidovorax, Pseudomonas, and Hydrocarboniphaga. Of those genera, the relative abundance of Bosea, Sphingobium, and Acidovorax showed an increasing trend, whereas those of Nevskia and Hydrocarboniphaga decreased overall. Furthermore, in both summer and winter, no plant pathogenic bacteria on cucumber could be detected; however, some potentially beneficial bacteria, including Comamonas testosteroni, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. koreensis and Sphingobium yanoikuyae, colonized the nutrient solution and exhibited increased relative abundances during irrigation. The colonization of these bacteria might facilitate the plant growth promotion. Inoculation of the microbes from the effluent nutrient solution also promoted the growth of cucumber seedlings, but did not lead to any disease. The present data elucidate the bacterial dynamics in a cucumber cultivation ebb-and-flow system and provide useful information for biological control during cucumber seedling production.

[Dao-di herbs pharmacology and new ideas of Dao-di herbs standard construction].

Guided by the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine and using modern scientific methods, Dao-di herbs pharmacology studies the nature, performance, interaction with the body and its clinical application.It is a bridge between the basic research and clinical application of Dao-di herbs. It can objectively describe the law of efficacy of Dao-di herbs, scientifically explain the mechanism of efficacy of Dao-di herbs, explore and establish the standards and methods of Dao-di herbs based on biological effect and clinical efficacy, and provide scientific basis for the special properties, pharmacology and clinical value of Dao-di herbs.Furthermore, we put forward a new idea of building the standard of Dao-di herbs based on the curative effect rather than the origin.The Dao-di herbs standard should come from the systematic research of traditional Dao-di herbs producing areas and form a new characteristic system, through the extraction of environmental, genetic, character, chemical, pharmacological and other characteristics.This standard originates from the tradition, but it is higher than the tradition. It may not have the origin meaning of strict administrative division, but it can better reflect the pharmacological characteristics and excellent clinical value of Dao-di herbs.

[Research progress on production districts of Sichuan Dao-di herbs].

Dao-di herbs are the Chinese herbs which have high quality and best clinic effects. Sichuan is one of the proviences most rich in Chinese herb resources,which has 7 290 species of Chinese herbs, such as Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Ophiopogonis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Gentianae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Curcumae Rhizoma, Gardeniae Fructus, ect. After textual research on materia medica of the 7 290 Chinese herbs, we find there are 86 Dao-di herbs in Sichuan, such as Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Dujiangyan, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata from Jiangyou, Fritillariae Radix, Notoptergii Rhizoma et Radix, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix from Suining, Ophiopogonis Radix from Santai, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from Zhongjiang, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex from Pingwu. In China more attention is paid to the production of Dao-di herbs. In 2018, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine launched the "Construction Plan of national production base of genuine medicinal materials". Developing genuine medicinal materials in genuine production areas is one of the effective ways to ensure the quality of medicinal materials. Based on the study of geographical environment and ecological factors(altitude, climate, soil) in Sichuan province. The Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province are divided into 4 districts, including, Sichuan basin medicinal materials production area, mountain and the basin edge medicinal materials production area, Panxi medicinal materials production area, Plateau Mountain Canyon medicinal materials production area. The suitable regions and best suitable regions of the 86 Dao-di herbs in Sichuan are determined by remote sensing and GIS spatial analysis of the suitable environmental indicators of these Dao-di herbs. Our study is beneficial to the rational distribution of the production and to improvement of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine in Sichuan province.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is associated with a high risk of mortality in critical COVID-19 patients receiving heparin-involved treatment

BackgroundCoronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has developed into a global pandemic. It is essential to investigate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and uncover potential risk factors for severe disease to reduce the overall mortality rate of COVID-19. MethodsSixty-one critical COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 93 severe non-ICU patients at Huoshenshan Hospital (Wuhan, China) were included in this study. Medical records, including demographic, platelet counts, heparin-involved treatments, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-(HIT) related laboratory tests, and fatal outcomes of COVID-19 patients were analyzed and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. FindingsSixty-one critical COVID-19 patients treated in ICU included 15 survivors and 46 nonsurvivors. Forty-one percent of them (25/61) had severe thrombocytopenia, with a platelet count (PLT) less than 50x109/L, of whom 76% (19/25) had a platelet decrease of >50% compared to baseline; 96% of these patients (24/25) had a fatal outcome. Among the 46 nonsurvivors, 52{middle dot}2% (24/46) had severe thrombocytopenia, compared to 6{middle dot}7% (1/15) among survivors. Moreover, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) could induce a significant decrease in PLT in 81{middle dot}3% of critical CRRT patients (13/16), resulting in a fatal outcome. In addition, a high level of anti-heparin-PF4 antibodies, a marker of HIT, was observed in most ICU patients. Surprisingly, HIT occurred not only in patients with heparin exposure, such as CRRT, but also in heparin-naive patients, suggesting that spontaneous HIT may occur in COVID-19. InterpretationAnti-heparin-PF4 antibodies are induced in critical COVID-19 patients, resulting in a progressive platelet decrease. Exposure to a high dose of heparin may trigger further severe thrombocytopenia with a fatal outcome. An alternative anticoagulant other than heparin should be used to treat COVID-19 patients in critical condition. FundingThis investigation was supported by grants 2016CB02400 and 2017YFC1201103 from the National Major Research and Development Program of China.