Exogenous spermidine enhances the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity of citrus seedlings under high temperature.

Studies have not fully explained the underlying mechanism of spermidine-mediated heat tolerance. This study investigated the possible role of spermidine (Spd) in regulating citrus heat tolerance. The results showed that exogenous Spd effectively alleviated the limitation of high temperature (HT) on photosynthesis. Exogenous Spd increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, stomatal conductance, maximum and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, nonphotochemical quenching coefficient, and electron transport rate in citrus seedlings under HT stress, but declined the stomatal limitation value. In addition, Spd treatment promoted the dynamic balance of the citrus enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants system. Spd application significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic acid, and glutathione and the expression level of corresponding genes at high temperature, while reducing the content of H2O2 and malondialdehyde. Therefore, our findings suggested exogenous Spd significantly ameliorated citrus physiological and photosynthetic adaptation under HT stress, thereby providing helpful guidance for citrus cultivation in HT events.

Potential risk factors for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly population in communities of Shanghai / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the potential risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population in the community, and to provide a basis for the primary prevention of MCI. Methods A cross-sectional study of elderly population in communities of Shanghai, China was conducted. A total of 368 subjects including both males and females, aged 65-80 years old, were selected to complete the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), basic information questionnaires, and physical examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the potential risk factors of MCI. Results Of the 368 subjects participating in the study, 53 were found to have MCI and the prevalence rate was 14.4%. Univariate analysis found that older age, low education, no folic acid supplementation, stroke, osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia were risk factors of MCI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age [OR=1.146 (95%CI: 1.052-1.249)] and osteoporosis [OR=2.371 (95%CI: 1.042-5.396)] were the independent risk factors for MCI, while higher education [OR=0.073 (95%CI: 0.011-0.478)] was a protective factor. Age influenced all the aspects of MMSE scores (all P values <0.05). In addition, the analysis of the results suggested that subjects with regular folic acid supplementation got higher MMSE scores, especially in the aspect of language and praxis (P=0.002). On the contrary, patients with osteoporosis had lower attention and computing power scores (P=0.022). Conclusion The prevalence of MCI increased with age. Low education and osteoporosis may be the independent risk factors for MCI in the elderly population. Although no association was observed between folic acid supplementation and MCI, folic acid supplementation could improve the performance of language and praxis.

Effects of curcumin on proliferation and COL I expression of human circulating fibrocytes / 中国药理学通报

Aim To isolate and characterize the human circulating fibrocytes from human peripheral blood and explore the effects of curcumin on human circulating fi-brocytes.Methods The cells were isolated and puri-fied by density gradient centrifugation,and identified by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry .Then , CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to study the effect of curcumin on the proliferation as well as COL I ex-pression of human circulating fibrocytes,respectively. Results After being isolated the cells expressed CD34,CD45 and COLⅠ,among which 79.7% were both CD45 and collagen I positive,typical of human circulating fibrocytes.Curcumin could exert regulatory effects on proliferation of human circulating fibrocytes. Exposure of the cells to curcumin for as short as 24 hours promoted their growth,while prolonged treatment (72 h ) significantly inhibited cell propagation and downregulated the COLⅠ levels,best manifested at a concentration as high as 20 μmol · L-1 .Conclusion The proliferation of cells and COLⅠexpressions can be effectively inhibited by curcumin with the prolonged action period and high concentrations.

Treatment of double loop double button plate fixation on patients with complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the application of the double loop double button plate fixation on treatment of patients with complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation.Methods Twenty-six cases with Rockwood type Ⅲ complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation were selected as our subjects who hospitalized from Jan.2011 to Jul.2013 and underwent using dual loop button plate technology of double fixation and reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament fixation.There were 19 males and 7 females.Their age ranged from 18 to 62 years old and average was 30.2 years old.Adopt Lazzcano standard score was used to evaluate the shoulder joint function.Results X-ray examination showed the acromioclavicular joint of all patients were fixed in right place.Shoulder function was back to normal after 1 to 2 months and no pain or mild pain were showed in some patients.Twenty-four cases were followed up for 6-24 months,and the average followed up periods was 18.2 months.According to Lazzcano standard score to assess the function of shoulder join.Twenty cases were excellent and 4 cases were in good.The excellent and good rate was 100％.Conclusion Dual loop button plate technique is proved to be a good approach in the treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation with small trauma,stable fixation.Meanwhile patients can perform early functional exercise and no recurrent dislocation without the need of internal re-fixation.