Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effect...Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.展开更多
Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome r...Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.展开更多
Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHA)have been produced as bioplastics for various purposes.Under the support of China National Basic Research 973 Project,we developed synthetic biology methods to diversify the PHA str...Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHA)have been produced as bioplastics for various purposes.Under the support of China National Basic Research 973 Project,we developed synthetic biology methods to diversify the PHA structures into homo-,random,block polymers with improved properties to better meet various application requirements.At the same time,various pathways were assembled to produce various PHA from glucose as a simple carbon source.At the end,Halomonas bacteria were reconstructed to produce PHA in changing morphology for low cost production under unsterile and continuous conditions.The synthetic biology will advance the PHA into a bio-and material industry.展开更多
To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examine...To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examined astrocytes from 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats, and found that Brn2 was expressed, but Mashl was not detectable. Thus, we hypothesized that Mashl alone could be used to reprogram astrocytes into neurons. We transfected a recombinant MSCV-MASH1 plasmid into astrocytes for 72 hours, and saw that all cells expressed Mashl. One week later, we observed the changes in morphology of astrocytes, which showed typical neuro- nal characteristics. Moreover, β-tubulin expression levels were significantly higher in astrocytes expressing Mashl than in control cells. These results indicate that Mashl alone can reprogram astrocytes into neurons.展开更多
During Yushu Earthquake,a large number of rescuers flocked to the mountainous quake areas. Under such a very specific circumstance,a high incidence of acute altitude illness was observed in rescuers who rapidly travel...During Yushu Earthquake,a large number of rescuers flocked to the mountainous quake areas. Under such a very specific circumstance,a high incidence of acute altitude illness was observed in rescuers who rapidly traveled from near sea level to an altitude of 4 000 m. It is evident that acute altitude illness leads to a significant human and economic toll,and also seriously influences the mountain rescue operation. So what does this teach us about mountain rescue in Yushu? Professor Wu Tianyi and many other authors collected shining points of the experiences and drew the lessons from the Yushu Earthquake into this special issue in Engineering Sciences which is like to thread pearl beads for a necklace. What readers learn from this special issue will have implications for the health and well-being of all high altitude populations all over the world.展开更多
The hippocampal region of the brain is important for encoding environment inputs and memory formation. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To investigate the behavior of indi-vidual neurons in response to ...The hippocampal region of the brain is important for encoding environment inputs and memory formation. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To investigate the behavior of indi-vidual neurons in response to somatosensory inputs in the hippocampal CA1 region, we recorded and analyzed changes in local ifeld potentials and the ifring rates of individual pyramidal cells and interneurons during tail clamping in urethane-anesthetized rats. We also explored the mechanisms underlying the neuronal responses. Somatosensory stimulation, in the form of tail clamping, chan-ged local ifeld potentials into theta rhythm-dominated waveforms, decreased the spike ifring of py-ramidal cells, and increased interneuron ifring. In addition, somatosensory stimulation attenuated orthodromic-evoked population spikes. These results suggest that somatosensory stimulation sup-presses the excitability of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. Increased inhibition by local interneurons might underlie this effect. These ifndings provide insight into the mechanisms of signal processing in the hippocampus and suggest that sensory stimulation might have thera-peutic potential for brain disorders associated with neuronal hyperexcitability.展开更多
植物-害虫-天敌之间的三级营养互作关系是当今进化生态学和化学生态学研究领域的前沿课题,也是寻找害虫可持续控制途径的重要基础。自2006年以来,我国昆虫学家在973项目《重大农业害虫猖獗危害的机制及可持续控制》的支持下,围绕害虫、...植物-害虫-天敌之间的三级营养互作关系是当今进化生态学和化学生态学研究领域的前沿课题,也是寻找害虫可持续控制途径的重要基础。自2006年以来,我国昆虫学家在973项目《重大农业害虫猖獗危害的机制及可持续控制》的支持下,围绕害虫、植物、天敌协同进化机理的关键科学问题,以棉花-害虫-天敌、水稻-害虫-天敌和蔬菜-害虫-天敌系统为研究对象开展研究,发现OsHI-LOX参与虫害诱导的水稻茉莉酸(JA)信号途径合成,并通过水稻对二化螟和褐飞虱不同抗性作用的调控;寄主植物烟草受到棉铃虫和烟青虫危害后将被诱导产生化学防御作用,但它们的作用不同;绿叶挥发物(3Z)-hexen-ol是寄生蜂天敌定位寄主的最关键化合物,植物-害虫-天敌之间的互作关系受到光周期和CO2浓度升高而改变;植物对害虫直接的防御和通过寄生蜂对害虫的间接防御存在"权衡"关系;转基因棉花种植加重了盲椿象灾变。这些研究成果在Science,New Phytology,Plant Journal,Plant,Cell and Environment等刊物上发表论文150余篇,极大地提高了我国在作物-害虫-天敌三者之间关系的研究水平。展开更多
Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) biotype B,called a "superbug",is one of the most harmful biotypes of this species complex worldwide.In this report,the invasive mechanism and management of B.tabaci biotype B,based ...Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) biotype B,called a "superbug",is one of the most harmful biotypes of this species complex worldwide.In this report,the invasive mechanism and management of B.tabaci biotype B,based on our 5-year studies,are presented.Six B.tabaci biotypes,B,Q,ZHJ1,ZHJ2,ZHJ3 and FJ1,have been identified in China.Biotype B dominates the other biotypes in many regions of the country.Genetic diversity in biotype B might be induced by host plant,geographical conditions,and/or insecticidal application.The activities of CarE(carboxylesterase) and GSTs(glutathione-S-transferase) in biotype B reared on cucumber and squash were greater than on other host plants,which might have increased its resistance to insecticides.The higher activities of detoxification enzymes in biotype B might be induced by the secondary metabolites in host plants.Higher adaptive ability of biotype B adults to adverse conditions might be linked to the expression of heat shock protein genes.The indigenous B.tabaci biotypes were displaced by the biotype B within 225 d.The asymmetric mating interactions and mutualism between biotype B and begomoviruses via its host plants speed up widespread invasion and displacement of other biotypes.B.tabaci biotype B displaced Trialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) after 4-7 generations under glasshouse conditions.Greater adaptive ability of the biotype B to adverse conditions and its rapid population increase might be the reasons of its successful displacement of T.vaporariorum.Greater ability of the biotype B to switch to different host plants may enrich its host plants,which might enable it to better compete with T.vaporariorum.Native predatory natural enemies possess greater ability to suppress B.tabaci under field conditions.The kairomones in the 3rd and 4th instars of biotype B may provide an important stimulus in host searching and location by its parasitoids.The present results provide useful information in explaining the mechanisms of genetic diversity,evolution and molecular eco-adaptation of biotype展开更多
The needling sensation of Deqi during acupuncture is a key factor of influencing acupuncture outcome.Recent studies have mainly focused on the brain function effects of Deqi in a physiological state.Functional magneti...The needling sensation of Deqi during acupuncture is a key factor of influencing acupuncture outcome.Recent studies have mainly focused on the brain function effects of Deqi in a physiological state.Functional magnetic resonance imaging（f MRI）on the effects of acupuncture at Waiguan（SJ5）in pathological and physiological states is controversial.In this study,12 patients with ischemic stroke received acupuncture at Waiguan（SJ5）and simultaneously underwent f MRI scanning of the brain,with imaging data of the activated areas obtained.Based on the patient＇s sensation,imaging data were allocated to either the Deqi group or non-Deqi group.In the Deqi group,the activated/deactivated areas were the left superior temporal gyrus（BA39）/right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and left thalamus.In the non-Deqi group,the activated areas included the medial frontal gyrus of the right frontal lobe（BA11）,right limbic lobe（BA30,35）,and left frontal lobe（BA47）,while the only deactivated area was the right parietal lobe（BA40）.Compared with the non-Deqi group,the Deqi group exhibited marked activation of the right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and right limbic lobe（BA30）.These findings confirm that the clinical effect of Deqi during acupuncture is based on brain functional changes.Cerebellar activation may be one of the central mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of ischemic stroke.展开更多
基金the State Plan for Development of Basic Research in Key Areas(973 Program)in China,No.2006CB504505,2012CB518504the Key Subject Construction Project of"211 Engineering"III Stage of Guangdong Province in Chinathe Guangdong Provincial"College Students’Innovative Experiment Plan"Project in China,No.1212112038
文摘Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.
基金supported by a grant from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery in China,No.14DZ2273300the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai in China,No.13ZR1404600a grant from the National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2014CB542201
文摘Although ultrasound measurements have been used in previous studies on carpal tunnel syndrome to visualize injury to the median nerve, whether such ultrasound data can indicate the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial. The cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet and outlet can show swelling and compression of the nerve at the carpal. We hypothesized that the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet to outlet accurately reflects the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. To test this, high-resolution ultrasound with a linear array transducer at 5–17 MHz was used to assess 77 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed that the cut-off point for the inlet-to-outlet ratio was 1.14. Significant differences in the inlet-to-outlet ratio were found among patients with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.29 between mild and more severe（moderate and severe） carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 64.7% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. The cut-off point in the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the median nerve was 1.52 between the moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients with 80.0% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. These results suggest that the inlet-to-outlet ratio reflected the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
基金the State Basic Science Foundation 973(Grant no.2012CB725201)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant no.31430003 and 31270146).
文摘Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHA)have been produced as bioplastics for various purposes.Under the support of China National Basic Research 973 Project,we developed synthetic biology methods to diversify the PHA structures into homo-,random,block polymers with improved properties to better meet various application requirements.At the same time,various pathways were assembled to produce various PHA from glucose as a simple carbon source.At the end,Halomonas bacteria were reconstructed to produce PHA in changing morphology for low cost production under unsterile and continuous conditions.The synthetic biology will advance the PHA into a bio-and material industry.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program),No.2010CB530400the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30930111
文摘To date, it remains poorly understood whether astrocytes can be easily reprogrammed into neurons. Mashl and Brn2 have been previously shown to cooperate to reprogram fibroblasts into neurons. In this study, we examined astrocytes from 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats, and found that Brn2 was expressed, but Mashl was not detectable. Thus, we hypothesized that Mashl alone could be used to reprogram astrocytes into neurons. We transfected a recombinant MSCV-MASH1 plasmid into astrocytes for 72 hours, and saw that all cells expressed Mashl. One week later, we observed the changes in morphology of astrocytes, which showed typical neuro- nal characteristics. Moreover, β-tubulin expression levels were significantly higher in astrocytes expressing Mashl than in control cells. These results indicate that Mashl alone can reprogram astrocytes into neurons.
基金"973"National Key Basic Research and Development Program(No.2012CB518202)
文摘During Yushu Earthquake,a large number of rescuers flocked to the mountainous quake areas. Under such a very specific circumstance,a high incidence of acute altitude illness was observed in rescuers who rapidly traveled from near sea level to an altitude of 4 000 m. It is evident that acute altitude illness leads to a significant human and economic toll,and also seriously influences the mountain rescue operation. So what does this teach us about mountain rescue in Yushu? Professor Wu Tianyi and many other authors collected shining points of the experiences and drew the lessons from the Yushu Earthquake into this special issue in Engineering Sciences which is like to thread pearl beads for a necklace. What readers learn from this special issue will have implications for the health and well-being of all high altitude populations all over the world.
基金supported by Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(973 Program),No.2011CB504400
文摘The hippocampal region of the brain is important for encoding environment inputs and memory formation. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To investigate the behavior of indi-vidual neurons in response to somatosensory inputs in the hippocampal CA1 region, we recorded and analyzed changes in local ifeld potentials and the ifring rates of individual pyramidal cells and interneurons during tail clamping in urethane-anesthetized rats. We also explored the mechanisms underlying the neuronal responses. Somatosensory stimulation, in the form of tail clamping, chan-ged local ifeld potentials into theta rhythm-dominated waveforms, decreased the spike ifring of py-ramidal cells, and increased interneuron ifring. In addition, somatosensory stimulation attenuated orthodromic-evoked population spikes. These results suggest that somatosensory stimulation sup-presses the excitability of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. Increased inhibition by local interneurons might underlie this effect. These ifndings provide insight into the mechanisms of signal processing in the hippocampus and suggest that sensory stimulation might have thera-peutic potential for brain disorders associated with neuronal hyperexcitability.
文摘植物-害虫-天敌之间的三级营养互作关系是当今进化生态学和化学生态学研究领域的前沿课题,也是寻找害虫可持续控制途径的重要基础。自2006年以来,我国昆虫学家在973项目《重大农业害虫猖獗危害的机制及可持续控制》的支持下,围绕害虫、植物、天敌协同进化机理的关键科学问题,以棉花-害虫-天敌、水稻-害虫-天敌和蔬菜-害虫-天敌系统为研究对象开展研究,发现OsHI-LOX参与虫害诱导的水稻茉莉酸(JA)信号途径合成,并通过水稻对二化螟和褐飞虱不同抗性作用的调控;寄主植物烟草受到棉铃虫和烟青虫危害后将被诱导产生化学防御作用,但它们的作用不同;绿叶挥发物(3Z)-hexen-ol是寄生蜂天敌定位寄主的最关键化合物,植物-害虫-天敌之间的互作关系受到光周期和CO2浓度升高而改变;植物对害虫直接的防御和通过寄生蜂对害虫的间接防御存在"权衡"关系;转基因棉花种植加重了盲椿象灾变。这些研究成果在Science,New Phytology,Plant Journal,Plant,Cell and Environment等刊物上发表论文150余篇,极大地提高了我国在作物-害虫-天敌三者之间关系的研究水平。
基金Supported by the National Basic Research and Development Program of China (973 Program) of China (Grant No.2009CB119200)
文摘Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) biotype B,called a "superbug",is one of the most harmful biotypes of this species complex worldwide.In this report,the invasive mechanism and management of B.tabaci biotype B,based on our 5-year studies,are presented.Six B.tabaci biotypes,B,Q,ZHJ1,ZHJ2,ZHJ3 and FJ1,have been identified in China.Biotype B dominates the other biotypes in many regions of the country.Genetic diversity in biotype B might be induced by host plant,geographical conditions,and/or insecticidal application.The activities of CarE(carboxylesterase) and GSTs(glutathione-S-transferase) in biotype B reared on cucumber and squash were greater than on other host plants,which might have increased its resistance to insecticides.The higher activities of detoxification enzymes in biotype B might be induced by the secondary metabolites in host plants.Higher adaptive ability of biotype B adults to adverse conditions might be linked to the expression of heat shock protein genes.The indigenous B.tabaci biotypes were displaced by the biotype B within 225 d.The asymmetric mating interactions and mutualism between biotype B and begomoviruses via its host plants speed up widespread invasion and displacement of other biotypes.B.tabaci biotype B displaced Trialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) after 4-7 generations under glasshouse conditions.Greater adaptive ability of the biotype B to adverse conditions and its rapid population increase might be the reasons of its successful displacement of T.vaporariorum.Greater ability of the biotype B to switch to different host plants may enrich its host plants,which might enable it to better compete with T.vaporariorum.Native predatory natural enemies possess greater ability to suppress B.tabaci under field conditions.The kairomones in the 3rd and 4th instars of biotype B may provide an important stimulus in host searching and location by its parasitoids.The present results provide useful information in explaining the mechanisms of genetic diversity,evolution and molecular eco-adaptation of biotype
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development Plan of China(973 Program),No.2006CB504505,2012CB518504the"University Students Innovation Experiment Project"in Guangdong Province of China,No.1212112038
文摘The needling sensation of Deqi during acupuncture is a key factor of influencing acupuncture outcome.Recent studies have mainly focused on the brain function effects of Deqi in a physiological state.Functional magnetic resonance imaging（f MRI）on the effects of acupuncture at Waiguan（SJ5）in pathological and physiological states is controversial.In this study,12 patients with ischemic stroke received acupuncture at Waiguan（SJ5）and simultaneously underwent f MRI scanning of the brain,with imaging data of the activated areas obtained.Based on the patient＇s sensation,imaging data were allocated to either the Deqi group or non-Deqi group.In the Deqi group,the activated/deactivated areas were the left superior temporal gyrus（BA39）/right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and left thalamus.In the non-Deqi group,the activated areas included the medial frontal gyrus of the right frontal lobe（BA11）,right limbic lobe（BA30,35）,and left frontal lobe（BA47）,while the only deactivated area was the right parietal lobe（BA40）.Compared with the non-Deqi group,the Deqi group exhibited marked activation of the right anterior lobe of the cerebellum and right limbic lobe（BA30）.These findings confirm that the clinical effect of Deqi during acupuncture is based on brain functional changes.Cerebellar activation may be one of the central mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
