Chinese medicine （CM） is the most typical conventional therapy compared with any other traditional or alternative medicine systems. The active components of CMs are either primary or secondary metabolites generated ...Chinese medicine （CM） is the most typical conventional therapy compared with any other traditional or alternative medicine systems. The active components of CMs are either primary or secondary metabolites generated by metabolic and biosynthetic enzymes in plants, protecting the plants from environmental stress. The characteristics of these metabolites are diverse, complicated and unique. In this paper, current approaches for quality assessment were extensively reviewed, a new concept of quality marker （Q-marker） was then proposed for CM quality assessment. Additionally, definition of the Q-marker, as well as the relevant methods, were discussed, on the basis of the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites and source of biological active components. Study design of Q-marker is complex system for quality assessment and production process control of CM products with transitivity and traceability. Therefore, the system with characteristics of transmission and traceability is expected to be established for regulation of quality. Upon the concept which the transitivity and traceability in the quality assessment and production process control covered the entire process, such as raw materials, decoction slices, processing, extraction and production can be further enhanced. The transitivity and traceability will inevitably require close attention to ＂who, what, where, when, and why＂ details at each stage of Q-markers of CM production form raw materials to patent product. The establishing quality standards are enablers of many and various transitivity and traceability solutions, not a solution in them. It means that the transitivity and traceability system is readily link between products and across borders in quality. According to the thinking mode and methods of investigation on quality assessment of CM product, we focus on the entire process, in terms of safety and effectiveness and quality control. The standard preparation of CM or CM decoction is not only the basis for study of Q-marker, but also the展开更多
Phenylpropanoid metabolism is one of the most important metabolisms in plants, yielding more than 8,000 metabolites contributing to plant development and plant-environment interplay.Phenylpropanoid metabolism material...Phenylpropanoid metabolism is one of the most important metabolisms in plants, yielding more than 8,000 metabolites contributing to plant development and plant-environment interplay.Phenylpropanoid metabolism materialized during the evolution of early freshwater algae that were initiating terrestrialization and land plants have evolved multiple branches of this pathway, which give rise to metabolites including lignin, flavonoids, lignans, phenylpropanoid esters, hydroxycinnamic acid amides, and sporopollenin.Recent studies have revealed that many factors participate in the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism, and modulate phenylpropanoid homeostasis when plants undergo successive developmental processes and are subjected to stressful environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress on elucidating the contribution of phenylpropanoid metabolism to the coordination of plant development and plant–environment interaction, and metabolic flux redirection among diverse metabolic routes. In addition, our review focuses on the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational,and epigenetic levels, and in response to phytohormones and biotic and abiotic stresses.展开更多
Background： Chronic kidney disease has become a leading public health concern in China, as it is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. However, the overall situation regarding common glomerular d...Background： Chronic kidney disease has become a leading public health concern in China, as it is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. However, the overall situation regarding common glomerular diseases in China remains unclear. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the national profile of the common types ofglomerulonephritis in China. Methods： We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang databases for English and Chinese language articles from inception to September 2017. We also collected potentially relevant studies and reviews using a manual search. The fbllowing words in combinations are as keywords： ＂renal biopsy＂, ＂kidney pathological diagnosis＂, and ＂spectrum of pathological types＂. Results： We identified 23 studies involving 176,355 patients from 15 provinces/cities in China. The detection rates of primary glomerulonephritis （PGN） and secondary glomerulonephritis （SGN） were 0.740 and 0.221, respectively. Over the past 30 years, the top five types of PGN were immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN; 24.3%）, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis （MsPGN; 10.5%）, membranous nephropathy （MN; 12.6%）, minimal change disease （MCD; 9.8%）, and tbcal segmental glomerulosclerosis （FSGS; 4.6%）, and the top four types of SGN were lupus nephritis （LN; 8.6%）, Henoch-Sch6nlein purpura glomerulonephritis （4.1%）, hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis （HBV-GN; 2.6%）, and diabetic nephropathy （DN; 1.6%）. The proportion of MN, MCD, HBV-GN, and DN tended to increase, while those of IgAN, MsPGN, FSGS, and LN tended to drop. Conclusions： Although the incidence of SGN is increasing gradually, PGN is still the leading lbrm of kidney disease in patients undergoing renal biopsies in China. IgAN and LN are the most common types of PGN and SGN, respectively. Differences between regions are related to various factors such as nationality, environment, and diet. Furthermore, unified standards and norms 展开更多
Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension with a six-week mortality rate of approximately 20%. Patients with medium- or largesized varices can be treated for primary prophylaxis of va...Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension with a six-week mortality rate of approximately 20%. Patients with medium- or largesized varices can be treated for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding using two strategies: non-selective beta-blockers(NSBBs) or endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL). Both treatments are equally effective. Patients with acute variceal bleeding are critically ill patients. The available data suggest that vasoactive drugs, combined with endoscopic therapy and antibiotics, are the best treatment strategy with EVL being the endoscopic procedure of choice. In cases of uncontrolled bleeding, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) with polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)-covered stents are recommended. Approximately 60% of the patients experience rebleeding, with a mortality rate of 30%. Secondary prophylaxis should start on day six following the initial bleeding episode. The combination of NSBBs and EVL is the recommended management, whereas TIPS with PTFE-covered stents are the preferred option in patients who fail endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment. Apart from injection sclerotherapy and EVL, other endoscopic procedures, including tissue adhesives, endoloops, endoscopic clipping and argon plasma coagulation, have been used in the management of esophageal varices. However, their efficacy and safety, compared to standard endoscopic treatment, remain to be further elucidated. There are safety issues accompanying endoscopic techniques with aspiration pneumonia occurring at a rate of approximately 2.5%. In conclusion, future research is needed to improve treatment strategies, including novel endoscopic techniques with better efficacy, lower cost, and fewer adverse events.展开更多
Previous results indicated that in grapevine （Vitis vinifera）, regulation of the flavonoid pathway genes by MYB transcription factors depends on their interaction with basic helix-loop-helix proteins （bHLHs）. The ...Previous results indicated that in grapevine （Vitis vinifera）, regulation of the flavonoid pathway genes by MYB transcription factors depends on their interaction with basic helix-loop-helix proteins （bHLHs）. The present study describes the first functional characterization of a bHLH factor from grapevine named VvMYC1. This transcription factor is phylogenetically related to Arabidopsis bHLH proteins, which participate in the control of flavonoid biosynthesis and epidermal cell fate. Transient promoter and yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated that VvMYC1 physically interacts with MYB5a, MYB5b, MYBA1/A2, and MYBPA1 to induce promoters of flavonoid pathway genes involved in anthocyanin and/ or proanthocyanidin （PA） synthesis. Additionally, transient promoter assays revealed that VvMYC1 is involved in feedback regulation of its own expression. Transcript levels of VvMYC1 during berry development correlate with the synthesis of anthocyanins and PAs in skins and seeds of berries, suggesting that VvMYC1 is involved in the regulation of anthocyanins and PA synthesis in these organs. Likewise, transient expression of VvMYC1 and VvMYBA1 induces anthocyanin synthesis in grapevine suspension cells. These results suggest that VvMYCl is part of the transcriptional cascade controlling antho- cyanin and PA biosynthesis in grapevine.展开更多
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition repre...Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.展开更多
The aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in plants are not only essential components of protein synthesis, but also serve as precursors for a wide range of secondary metabolites that are import...The aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in plants are not only essential components of protein synthesis, but also serve as precursors for a wide range of secondary metabolites that are important for plant growth as well as for human nutrition and health. The aromatic amino acids are synthesized via the shikimate pathway followed by the branched aromatic amino acids biosynthesis pathway, with chorismate serving as a major intermediate branch point metabolite. Yet, the regulation and coordination of synthesis of these amino acids are still far from being understood. Recent studies on these pathways identified a number of alternative cross-regulated biosynthesis routes with unique evolutionary origins. Although the major route of Phe and Tyr biosynthesis in plants occurs via the intermediate metabolite arogenate, recent studies suggest that plants can also synthesize phenylalanine via the intermediate metabolite phenylpyruvate （PPY）, similarly to many microorganisms. Recent studies also identified a number of transcription factors regulating the expression of genes encoding enzymes of the shikimate and aromatic amino acids pathways as well as of multiple secondary metabolites derived from them in Arabidopsis and in other plant species. .展开更多
Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and is defined as an hepatic venous pressure gradient （HVPG） of more than 5 mmHg. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as HVPG of 10 mmHg or...Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and is defined as an hepatic venous pressure gradient （HVPG） of more than 5 mmHg. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as HVPG of 10 mmHg or more. Development of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage are the most direct consequence of portal hypertension. Over the last decades significant advancements in the field have led to standard treatment options. These clinical recommendations have evolved mostly as a result of rando.mized controlled trials and consensus conferences among experts where existing evidence has been reviewed and future goals for research and practice guidelines have been pro- posed. Management of varices/variceal hemorrhage is based on the clinical stage of portal hypertension. No specific treatment has shown to prevent the formation of varices. Prevention of first variceal hemorrhage depends on the size/characteristics of varices. In patients with small varices and high risk of bleeding, nonselective β-blockers are recommended, while patients with medium/large varices can be treated with either β-blockers or esophageal band ligation. Standard ofcare for acute variceal hemorrhage consists of vasoacrive drugs, endoscopic band ligation and antibiotics prophylaxis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） is reserved for those who fail standard of care or for patients who are likely to fail （＂early TIPS＂）. Prevention of recurrent variceal hemorrhage consists of the combination of β-blockers and endoscopic band ligation.展开更多
We report the genome-wide analysis of direct target genes of SND1 and VND7, two Arabidopsis thaliana NAC domain transcription factors that are master regulators of secondary wall biosynthesis in fibers and vessels, re...We report the genome-wide analysis of direct target genes of SND1 and VND7, two Arabidopsis thaliana NAC domain transcription factors that are master regulators of secondary wall biosynthesis in fibers and vessels, respectively. Systematic mapping of the SND1 binding sequence using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and transactivation analysis demonstrated that SND1 together with other secondary wall NACs （SWNs）, including VND6, VND7, NST1, and NST2, bind to an imperfect palindromic 19-bp consensus sequence designated as secondary wall NAC binding element （SNBE）, （T/A）NN（C/T） （TICIG）TNNNNNNNA（AIC）GN（AJCIT） （A/T）, in the promoters of their direct targets. Genome-wide analysis of direct targets of SND1 and VND7 revealed that they directly activate the expression of not only downstream transcription factors, but also a number of non-transcription factor genes involved in secondary wall biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and programmed cell death, the promoters of which all contain multiple SNBE sites. SND1 and VND7 directly regulate the expression of a set of common targets but each of them also preferentially induces a distinct set of direct targets, which is likely attributed to their differential activation strength toward SNBE sites. Complementation study showed that the SWNs were able to rescue the secondary wall defect in the sndl nstl mutant, indicating that they are functionally interchangeable. Together, our results provide important insight into the complex transcriptional program and the evolutionary mechanism underlying secondary wall biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and programmed cell death in secondary wall-containing cell types.展开更多
Plants respond to insect herbivory with responses broadly known as direct defenses, indirect defenses, and tolerance. Direct defenses include all plant traits that affect susceptibility of host plants by themselves. O...Plants respond to insect herbivory with responses broadly known as direct defenses, indirect defenses, and tolerance. Direct defenses include all plant traits that affect susceptibility of host plants by themselves. Overall categories of direct plant defenses against insect herbivores include limiting food supply, reducing nutrient value, reducing preference, disrupting physical structures, and inhibiting chemical pathways of the attacking insect. Major known defense chemicals include plant secondary metabolites, protein inhibitors of insect digestive enzymes, proteases, lectins, amino acid deaminases and oxidases. Multiple factors with additive or even synergistic impact are usually involved in defense against a specific insect species, and factors of major importance to one insect species may only be of secondary importance or not effective at all against another insect species. Extensive qualitative and quantitative high throughput analyses of temporal and spatial variations in gene expression, protein level and activity, and metabolite concentration will accelerate not only the understanding of the overall mechanisms of direct defense, but also accelerate the identification of specific targets for enhancement of plant resistance for agriculture.展开更多
目的观察维持性血液透析（maintenance hemodialysiS，MHD）合并继发性甲状旁腺功能亢进（secondary hyperparathyroidism，SHPT）患者骨代谢指标及骨密度（bone mineral density，BMD）变化。方法86例入选MHD合并SHPT患者按全段甲状旁...目的观察维持性血液透析（maintenance hemodialysiS，MHD）合并继发性甲状旁腺功能亢进（secondary hyperparathyroidism，SHPT）患者骨代谢指标及骨密度（bone mineral density，BMD）变化。方法86例入选MHD合并SHPT患者按全段甲状旁腺激素（intact parathyroid，iPTH）水平分为A（150-300pg／ml，n=23）、B（300-600pg／ml，n=21）、C（6001000pg／ml，n-24）、D（〉1000pg／ml，n=18）4组；按是否合并糖尿病分为糖尿病组、非糖尿病组。测定腰椎、股骨BMD；检测iPTH、白蛋白、钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶水平。观察各组患者以上指标变化，分析iPTH与其相关性。结果①B、C组血磷（LSDf=2．030，P=0．049）、L1-L4BMD（LSD—t=4．591，P〈0．001）和L1-L4年轻成人T值（LSD—V=-4．813，P〈0．001）差异有统计学意义；②A、B、C、D组随着iPTH平的升高，左侧股骨BMD（1．07±0．18，1．00±0．16，0．84±0．15，0．78±0．43，F=5．616，P-O．001）、左侧股骨年轻成人T值（1．00±0．25，0．12±1．24，-1．08±1．20，1．05±30，F=16．377，P=-0．001）、左侧股骨Wards三角BMD（1．00±0．25，0．91±0．25，0．66±0．09，0．62±0．03，F6．915，P〈0．001）、左侧股骨Wards三角年轻成人T值（0．84±1．68，0．18±1．62，-1．45±0．60，-1．75±0．19，F=14．928，P〈0．001）呈下降趋势，4组间比较差异有统计学意义；③非糖尿病组iPTH水平明显高于糖尿病组（t=--7．387，P〈0．001），而左侧股骨BMD（t=-2．414，P=0．018）、左侧股骨年轻成人T值（F5．477，P〈0．001）、左侧股骨Wards三角BMD（t-3．252，P=-0．020）、左侧股骨Wards三角年轻成人T值（t=7．758，P〈0．001）均明显低于糖尿病组；④相关性分析：iPTH与ALP呈正相关（F0．782，P〈0．001），与左侧股骨BMD（R=-0．532，P=0.025）、左侧股骨年轻成人T值（r=-0．520，P=0．004）、左侧股骨Wards三角BMD（r=0．514，P〈0．001�展开更多
Spinal cord injury （SCI） is a devastating type of neurological trauma with limited therapeutic op- portunities. The pathophysiology of SCI involves primary and secondary mechanisms of injury. Among all the secondary...Spinal cord injury （SCI） is a devastating type of neurological trauma with limited therapeutic op- portunities. The pathophysiology of SCI involves primary and secondary mechanisms of injury. Among all the secondary injury mechanisms, the inflammatory response is the major contrib- utor and results in expansion of the lesion and further loss of neurologic function. Meanwhile, the inflammation directly and indirectly dominates the outcomes of SCI, including not only pain and motor dysfunction, but also preventingneuronal regeneration. Microglia and macrophages play very important roles in secondary injury. Microglia reside in spinal parenchyma and survey the microenvironment through the signals of injury or infection. Macrophages are derived from monocytes recruited to injured sites from the peripheral circulation. Activated resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages induce and magnify immune and inflammatory responses not only by means of their secretory moleculesand phagocytosis, but also through their influence on astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and demyelination. In this review, we focus on the roles of mi- croglia and macrophages in secondary injury and how they contribute to the sequelae of SCI.展开更多
Spinal cord injury(SCI) is a serious medical condition that causes functional, psychological and socioeconomic disorder. Therefore, patients with SCI experience significant impairments in various aspects of their life...Spinal cord injury(SCI) is a serious medical condition that causes functional, psychological and socioeconomic disorder. Therefore, patients with SCI experience significant impairments in various aspects of their life. The goals of rehabilitation and other treatment approaches in SCI are to improve functional level, decrease secondary morbidity and enhance health-relatedquality of life. Acute and long-term secondary medical complications are common in patients with SCI. However, chronic complications especially further negatively impact on patients' functional independence and quality of life. Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic secondary complications in patients with SCI is critical for limiting these complications, improving survival, community participation and health-related quality of life. The management of secondary chronic complications of SCI is also important for SCI specialists, families and caregivers as well as patients. In this paper, we review data about common secondary longterm complications after SCI, including respiratory complications, cardiovascular complications, urinary and bowel complications, spasticity, pain syndromes, pressure ulcers, osteoporosis and bone fractures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of risk factors, signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment approaches for secondary long-term complications in patients with SCI.展开更多
PM2.5 samples were collected at urban, industrial and coastal sites in Tianjin during winter, spring and summer in 2007. Concentrations of elemental carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） were analyzed using the IMPR...PM2.5 samples were collected at urban, industrial and coastal sites in Tianjin during winter, spring and summer in 2007. Concentrations of elemental carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） were analyzed using the IMPROVE thermal-optical reflectance （TOR） method. Both OC and EC exhibited a clear seasonal pattern with higher concentrations observed in the winter than in the spring and summer, due to cooperative effect of changes in emission rates and seasonal meteorology. The concentrations of carbonaceous species were also influenced by the local factors at different sampling sites, ranking in the order of industrial〉 urban 〉 coastal during winter and spring. In the summer, the port emissions, enriched with EC, had a significant impact on carbonaceous aerosols at the coastal site. Total carbonaceous aerosol accounted for 40.0% in winter, 33.8% in spring and 31.4% in summer of PM2.5 mass. Good correlation （R = 0.84-0.93） between OC and EC indicated that they had common dominant sources of combustion such as coal burning and traffic emissions. The daily average OC/EC ratios ranged from 2.1 to 9.1, the elevated OC/EC ratios being found in the winter. The estimated secondary organic carbon （SOC） accounted for 46.9%, 35.3% and 40.2% of the total OC in the winter, spring and summer, respectively, indicating that SOC may be an important contributor to fine organic aerosol in Tianjin.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Fundantion of China(No.81430096)
文摘Chinese medicine （CM） is the most typical conventional therapy compared with any other traditional or alternative medicine systems. The active components of CMs are either primary or secondary metabolites generated by metabolic and biosynthetic enzymes in plants, protecting the plants from environmental stress. The characteristics of these metabolites are diverse, complicated and unique. In this paper, current approaches for quality assessment were extensively reviewed, a new concept of quality marker （Q-marker） was then proposed for CM quality assessment. Additionally, definition of the Q-marker, as well as the relevant methods, were discussed, on the basis of the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites and source of biological active components. Study design of Q-marker is complex system for quality assessment and production process control of CM products with transitivity and traceability. Therefore, the system with characteristics of transmission and traceability is expected to be established for regulation of quality. Upon the concept which the transitivity and traceability in the quality assessment and production process control covered the entire process, such as raw materials, decoction slices, processing, extraction and production can be further enhanced. The transitivity and traceability will inevitably require close attention to ＂who, what, where, when, and why＂ details at each stage of Q-markers of CM production form raw materials to patent product. The establishing quality standards are enablers of many and various transitivity and traceability solutions, not a solution in them. It means that the transitivity and traceability system is readily link between products and across borders in quality. According to the thinking mode and methods of investigation on quality assessment of CM product, we focus on the entire process, in terms of safety and effectiveness and quality control. The standard preparation of CM or CM decoction is not only the basis for study of Q-marker, but also the
基金supported by the grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (31788103,31630052)the Chinese Academy of Sciences (QYZDY-SSWSMC023, XDB27010104, 159231KYSB20200008)+2 种基金the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2016YFD0100902)the Shanghai Science and Technology Development(18JC1415000)the support of the SA-SIBS scholarship program。
文摘Phenylpropanoid metabolism is one of the most important metabolisms in plants, yielding more than 8,000 metabolites contributing to plant development and plant-environment interplay.Phenylpropanoid metabolism materialized during the evolution of early freshwater algae that were initiating terrestrialization and land plants have evolved multiple branches of this pathway, which give rise to metabolites including lignin, flavonoids, lignans, phenylpropanoid esters, hydroxycinnamic acid amides, and sporopollenin.Recent studies have revealed that many factors participate in the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism, and modulate phenylpropanoid homeostasis when plants undergo successive developmental processes and are subjected to stressful environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress on elucidating the contribution of phenylpropanoid metabolism to the coordination of plant development and plant–environment interaction, and metabolic flux redirection among diverse metabolic routes. In addition, our review focuses on the regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational,and epigenetic levels, and in response to phytohormones and biotic and abiotic stresses.
文摘Background： Chronic kidney disease has become a leading public health concern in China, as it is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. However, the overall situation regarding common glomerular diseases in China remains unclear. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the national profile of the common types ofglomerulonephritis in China. Methods： We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang databases for English and Chinese language articles from inception to September 2017. We also collected potentially relevant studies and reviews using a manual search. The fbllowing words in combinations are as keywords： ＂renal biopsy＂, ＂kidney pathological diagnosis＂, and ＂spectrum of pathological types＂. Results： We identified 23 studies involving 176,355 patients from 15 provinces/cities in China. The detection rates of primary glomerulonephritis （PGN） and secondary glomerulonephritis （SGN） were 0.740 and 0.221, respectively. Over the past 30 years, the top five types of PGN were immunoglobulin A nephropathy （IgAN; 24.3%）, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis （MsPGN; 10.5%）, membranous nephropathy （MN; 12.6%）, minimal change disease （MCD; 9.8%）, and tbcal segmental glomerulosclerosis （FSGS; 4.6%）, and the top four types of SGN were lupus nephritis （LN; 8.6%）, Henoch-Sch6nlein purpura glomerulonephritis （4.1%）, hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis （HBV-GN; 2.6%）, and diabetic nephropathy （DN; 1.6%）. The proportion of MN, MCD, HBV-GN, and DN tended to increase, while those of IgAN, MsPGN, FSGS, and LN tended to drop. Conclusions： Although the incidence of SGN is increasing gradually, PGN is still the leading lbrm of kidney disease in patients undergoing renal biopsies in China. IgAN and LN are the most common types of PGN and SGN, respectively. Differences between regions are related to various factors such as nationality, environment, and diet. Furthermore, unified standards and norms
文摘Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension with a six-week mortality rate of approximately 20%. Patients with medium- or largesized varices can be treated for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding using two strategies: non-selective beta-blockers(NSBBs) or endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL). Both treatments are equally effective. Patients with acute variceal bleeding are critically ill patients. The available data suggest that vasoactive drugs, combined with endoscopic therapy and antibiotics, are the best treatment strategy with EVL being the endoscopic procedure of choice. In cases of uncontrolled bleeding, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) with polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)-covered stents are recommended. Approximately 60% of the patients experience rebleeding, with a mortality rate of 30%. Secondary prophylaxis should start on day six following the initial bleeding episode. The combination of NSBBs and EVL is the recommended management, whereas TIPS with PTFE-covered stents are the preferred option in patients who fail endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment. Apart from injection sclerotherapy and EVL, other endoscopic procedures, including tissue adhesives, endoloops, endoscopic clipping and argon plasma coagulation, have been used in the management of esophageal varices. However, their efficacy and safety, compared to standard endoscopic treatment, remain to be further elucidated. There are safety issues accompanying endoscopic techniques with aspiration pneumonia occurring at a rate of approximately 2.5%. In conclusion, future research is needed to improve treatment strategies, including novel endoscopic techniques with better efficacy, lower cost, and fewer adverse events.
文摘Previous results indicated that in grapevine （Vitis vinifera）, regulation of the flavonoid pathway genes by MYB transcription factors depends on their interaction with basic helix-loop-helix proteins （bHLHs）. The present study describes the first functional characterization of a bHLH factor from grapevine named VvMYC1. This transcription factor is phylogenetically related to Arabidopsis bHLH proteins, which participate in the control of flavonoid biosynthesis and epidermal cell fate. Transient promoter and yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated that VvMYC1 physically interacts with MYB5a, MYB5b, MYBA1/A2, and MYBPA1 to induce promoters of flavonoid pathway genes involved in anthocyanin and/ or proanthocyanidin （PA） synthesis. Additionally, transient promoter assays revealed that VvMYC1 is involved in feedback regulation of its own expression. Transcript levels of VvMYC1 during berry development correlate with the synthesis of anthocyanins and PAs in skins and seeds of berries, suggesting that VvMYC1 is involved in the regulation of anthocyanins and PA synthesis in these organs. Likewise, transient expression of VvMYC1 and VvMYBA1 induces anthocyanin synthesis in grapevine suspension cells. These results suggest that VvMYCl is part of the transcriptional cascade controlling antho- cyanin and PA biosynthesis in grapevine.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81672171(to XY),81330042(to SQF),81620108018(to SQF),81772342the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology(Nankai University),China,No.2017027
文摘Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.
文摘The aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in plants are not only essential components of protein synthesis, but also serve as precursors for a wide range of secondary metabolites that are important for plant growth as well as for human nutrition and health. The aromatic amino acids are synthesized via the shikimate pathway followed by the branched aromatic amino acids biosynthesis pathway, with chorismate serving as a major intermediate branch point metabolite. Yet, the regulation and coordination of synthesis of these amino acids are still far from being understood. Recent studies on these pathways identified a number of alternative cross-regulated biosynthesis routes with unique evolutionary origins. Although the major route of Phe and Tyr biosynthesis in plants occurs via the intermediate metabolite arogenate, recent studies suggest that plants can also synthesize phenylalanine via the intermediate metabolite phenylpyruvate （PPY）, similarly to many microorganisms. Recent studies also identified a number of transcription factors regulating the expression of genes encoding enzymes of the shikimate and aromatic amino acids pathways as well as of multiple secondary metabolites derived from them in Arabidopsis and in other plant species. .
文摘Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and is defined as an hepatic venous pressure gradient （HVPG） of more than 5 mmHg. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as HVPG of 10 mmHg or more. Development of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage are the most direct consequence of portal hypertension. Over the last decades significant advancements in the field have led to standard treatment options. These clinical recommendations have evolved mostly as a result of rando.mized controlled trials and consensus conferences among experts where existing evidence has been reviewed and future goals for research and practice guidelines have been pro- posed. Management of varices/variceal hemorrhage is based on the clinical stage of portal hypertension. No specific treatment has shown to prevent the formation of varices. Prevention of first variceal hemorrhage depends on the size/characteristics of varices. In patients with small varices and high risk of bleeding, nonselective β-blockers are recommended, while patients with medium/large varices can be treated with either β-blockers or esophageal band ligation. Standard ofcare for acute variceal hemorrhage consists of vasoacrive drugs, endoscopic band ligation and antibiotics prophylaxis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） is reserved for those who fail standard of care or for patients who are likely to fail （＂early TIPS＂）. Prevention of recurrent variceal hemorrhage consists of the combination of β-blockers and endoscopic band ligation.
基金This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation （Grant No. ISO-0744170）. No conflict of interest declared.
文摘We report the genome-wide analysis of direct target genes of SND1 and VND7, two Arabidopsis thaliana NAC domain transcription factors that are master regulators of secondary wall biosynthesis in fibers and vessels, respectively. Systematic mapping of the SND1 binding sequence using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and transactivation analysis demonstrated that SND1 together with other secondary wall NACs （SWNs）, including VND6, VND7, NST1, and NST2, bind to an imperfect palindromic 19-bp consensus sequence designated as secondary wall NAC binding element （SNBE）, （T/A）NN（C/T） （TICIG）TNNNNNNNA（AIC）GN（AJCIT） （A/T）, in the promoters of their direct targets. Genome-wide analysis of direct targets of SND1 and VND7 revealed that they directly activate the expression of not only downstream transcription factors, but also a number of non-transcription factor genes involved in secondary wall biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and programmed cell death, the promoters of which all contain multiple SNBE sites. SND1 and VND7 directly regulate the expression of a set of common targets but each of them also preferentially induces a distinct set of direct targets, which is likely attributed to their differential activation strength toward SNBE sites. Complementation study showed that the SWNs were able to rescue the secondary wall defect in the sndl nstl mutant, indicating that they are functionally interchangeable. Together, our results provide important insight into the complex transcriptional program and the evolutionary mechanism underlying secondary wall biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and programmed cell death in secondary wall-containing cell types.
文摘Plants respond to insect herbivory with responses broadly known as direct defenses, indirect defenses, and tolerance. Direct defenses include all plant traits that affect susceptibility of host plants by themselves. Overall categories of direct plant defenses against insect herbivores include limiting food supply, reducing nutrient value, reducing preference, disrupting physical structures, and inhibiting chemical pathways of the attacking insect. Major known defense chemicals include plant secondary metabolites, protein inhibitors of insect digestive enzymes, proteases, lectins, amino acid deaminases and oxidases. Multiple factors with additive or even synergistic impact are usually involved in defense against a specific insect species, and factors of major importance to one insect species may only be of secondary importance or not effective at all against another insect species. Extensive qualitative and quantitative high throughput analyses of temporal and spatial variations in gene expression, protein level and activity, and metabolite concentration will accelerate not only the understanding of the overall mechanisms of direct defense, but also accelerate the identification of specific targets for enhancement of plant resistance for agriculture.
基金supported by grants from National Institutes of Health(R01GM100474)the New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research(CSCR13IRG006)
文摘Spinal cord injury （SCI） is a devastating type of neurological trauma with limited therapeutic op- portunities. The pathophysiology of SCI involves primary and secondary mechanisms of injury. Among all the secondary injury mechanisms, the inflammatory response is the major contrib- utor and results in expansion of the lesion and further loss of neurologic function. Meanwhile, the inflammation directly and indirectly dominates the outcomes of SCI, including not only pain and motor dysfunction, but also preventingneuronal regeneration. Microglia and macrophages play very important roles in secondary injury. Microglia reside in spinal parenchyma and survey the microenvironment through the signals of injury or infection. Macrophages are derived from monocytes recruited to injured sites from the peripheral circulation. Activated resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages induce and magnify immune and inflammatory responses not only by means of their secretory moleculesand phagocytosis, but also through their influence on astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and demyelination. In this review, we focus on the roles of mi- croglia and macrophages in secondary injury and how they contribute to the sequelae of SCI.
文摘Spinal cord injury(SCI) is a serious medical condition that causes functional, psychological and socioeconomic disorder. Therefore, patients with SCI experience significant impairments in various aspects of their life. The goals of rehabilitation and other treatment approaches in SCI are to improve functional level, decrease secondary morbidity and enhance health-relatedquality of life. Acute and long-term secondary medical complications are common in patients with SCI. However, chronic complications especially further negatively impact on patients' functional independence and quality of life. Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic secondary complications in patients with SCI is critical for limiting these complications, improving survival, community participation and health-related quality of life. The management of secondary chronic complications of SCI is also important for SCI specialists, families and caregivers as well as patients. In this paper, we review data about common secondary longterm complications after SCI, including respiratory complications, cardiovascular complications, urinary and bowel complications, spasticity, pain syndromes, pressure ulcers, osteoporosis and bone fractures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of risk factors, signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment approaches for secondary long-term complications in patients with SCI.
基金supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no.20677030)The Commonweal Project of National Environment Protection (Grant no.200709013)
文摘PM2.5 samples were collected at urban, industrial and coastal sites in Tianjin during winter, spring and summer in 2007. Concentrations of elemental carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） were analyzed using the IMPROVE thermal-optical reflectance （TOR） method. Both OC and EC exhibited a clear seasonal pattern with higher concentrations observed in the winter than in the spring and summer, due to cooperative effect of changes in emission rates and seasonal meteorology. The concentrations of carbonaceous species were also influenced by the local factors at different sampling sites, ranking in the order of industrial〉 urban 〉 coastal during winter and spring. In the summer, the port emissions, enriched with EC, had a significant impact on carbonaceous aerosols at the coastal site. Total carbonaceous aerosol accounted for 40.0% in winter, 33.8% in spring and 31.4% in summer of PM2.5 mass. Good correlation （R = 0.84-0.93） between OC and EC indicated that they had common dominant sources of combustion such as coal burning and traffic emissions. The daily average OC/EC ratios ranged from 2.1 to 9.1, the elevated OC/EC ratios being found in the winter. The estimated secondary organic carbon （SOC） accounted for 46.9%, 35.3% and 40.2% of the total OC in the winter, spring and summer, respectively, indicating that SOC may be an important contributor to fine organic aerosol in Tianjin.
