Proteomic study of myocardial mitochondria with ischemia/reperfusion injury and pinacidil postconditioning in isolated rat hearts

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of pinacidil postconditioning on rat myocardium suffering ischemia/reperfusion injury by mitochondrial proteomics. METHODS: Langendorff apparatus was used to establish the model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: pinacidil postconditioning group (Pina group) and ischemia/reperfusion injury group (I/R group). After 20 min of perfusion with K-H solution, the perfusion was suspended for 40-min (global ischemia) follow by 60 min of reperfusion in I/R group. In Pina group at the end of 40 min global ischemia, the isolated hearts were perfused with K-H solution containing pinacidil (50 μmol/L) for 2 min followed 58-min perfusion with regular K-H solution. Total proteins extracted from the mitochondria were applied to the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The differentially expressed protein spots over 2 times were evaluated by a software. Then they were subjected to in-gel digestion, and analyzed by spectrometry. RESULTS: The expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2 were elevated but those of IDHA and ECH1 were decreased in Pina group compared with I/R group. Interestingly, 2 spots in the 2-DE map were identified as ATPase subunit δ. The expression levels of one spot was elevated, while the other was decreased. CONCLUSION: Pinacidil postconditioning may decrease the degree of increased expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2, promote the expression of IDHA and ECH1, and induce the phosphorylation of ATPase subunit δ, which may be related to the protective mechanism of pinacidil postconditioning.     

Relationship between genetic instability of nm23H1 gene and clinical pathological characteristic in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the microstatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity(LOH) of locus D17S396 on chromosome 17 and their influence on the expression of nm23H1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),which may provide experimental evidence for the mechanism of nm23H1 gene and tumor metastasis.METHODS: Techniques such as DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues,PCR-SSCP,ordinary silver stain were used to study MSI and LOH of locus D17S396.Envision immunohistochemistry and Leica-Qwin computer imaging techniques were used to assess the expression of nm23H1.RESULTS: ① The frequency of heredity instability of HCCs was 35.42%.The frequency of LOH in the cases with lymph node or distant organs metastasis or not and with intrahepatic metastasis or embolus of portal vein or not was significantly different (P<0.01),it was higher in stage TNM Ⅲ than that in stageⅠ and Ⅱ.Moreover,it was higher in high tendency to invasion or metastasis cases than that in the low tendency cases (P<0.01).② The expression of nm23H1 was 56.25%.It was significantly different in Edmondson grade,TNM stage and in lymph node or distant organ metastasis cases (P<0.01).The cases with high tendency of invasion or metastasis exhibited lower nm23H1 expression compared with low tendency cases (P<0.01).③ The positive rate of nm23H1 protein in LOH positive group was lower than that in LOH negative group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The results indicate that both MSI and LOH of nm23H1 gene control the development of HCC independently in different pathways.LOH inhibits the expression of nm23H1,which endows it with high aggressive and poor prognosis.Increase in the amount of nm23H1 protein expression effectively restrains the tendency to invasion or metastasis of HCCs and improves prognosis of patients.     

Relationship between genetic instability of nm23H1 gene and clinical pathological behaviors in gastric cancer and colonic cancer

AIM: To study the relationship between genetic instability of nm23H1 gene and clinical pathological behaviors in Chinese with gastric cancer and colonic cancer, and provide experimental basis for the mechanism of nm23H1 gene and tumor metastasis. METHODS: This study was conducted on 40 gastric carcinomas and 30 colonic carcinomas. Techniques such as DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, PCR-SSCP, ordinary silver stain were used to study microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of locus D17S396. Envision immunohistochemistry and Leica-Qwin computer imaging techniques were used to assess the expression of nm23H1 protein. RESULTS: In both gastric cancer and colonic cancer, the frequency of MSI was higher in TNM stageⅠandⅡthan that in stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ, while LOH was just opposite. Moreover, the frequency of LOH in lymph node metastasis cases was significantly higher than that without lymph node metastasis cases. The positive frequency of nm23H1 protein with lymph node metastasis was lower than that without lymph node metastasis cases. TNM stage III and IV also exhibited lower nm23H1 protein positive frequency compared with stage I and II. CONCLUSION: MSI and LOH can control the carcinogenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer and colonic cancer through different approaches. MSI may be an early period molecule marker of gastric cancer and colonic cancer. In contrast, LOH appears mostly in the late period of gastric cancer and colon cancer, indicating a high aggressive and poor prognosis.     

甜瓜茎蔓无刚毛与光滑无毛性状的遗传关系分析

利用甜瓜茎蔓无刚毛突变体与茎蔓光滑无毛突变体进行杂交,对F1,BC1,BC2,F2代植株茎蔓性状观察统计发现:F1代表现茎蔓正常有刚毛;BC1代植株性状表现为茎蔓正常有刚毛、茎蔓无刚毛;BC2代植株性状表现为茎蔓正常有刚毛、茎蔓光滑无毛,其分离比值均接近1∶1;F2代植株性状表现为茎蔓正常有刚毛、茎蔓无刚毛、茎蔓光滑无毛3种类型,经X2检验符合9∶3∶4的分离规律,说明茎蔓无刚毛基因和茎蔓光滑无毛基因表现为非等位基因,甜瓜茎蔓光滑无毛基因对无刚毛基因存在隐性上位作用。     

Percentage change on natural killer subsets of peripheral blood and decidua in between normal early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion

AIM: To determinate the percentage change on natural killer(NK) subsets of peripheral blood and decidua in between normal early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD56 and CD16 on lymphocytes of decidua and peripheral blood in normal early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion. RESULTS: In peripheral blood, the percentage of CD56⁺ of spontaneous abortion tended to decrease in comparison with normal early pregnancy, and the percentage of CD56⁺CD16⁺ in spontaneous abortion was significantly less than that in normal early pregnancy. The percentages of different natural killer subsets in decidua of spontaneous abortion were significantly lower than those in decidua of normal early pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The decrease of CD56⁺NK cells in decidua may be one of causes for abortion, the loss of CD56⁺ and CD56⁺CD16^+NKcells in peripheral blood could have a diagnostic value for spontaneous abortion.     

Primary analysis on interaction between hCDC14A and BRAP2

AIM: To search for new candidate partners of human cell division cycle gene 14A (hCDC14A) and explore their functional relationships.METHODS: Yeast two-hybrid screening was employed to find hCDC14A new partners. Physical interaction between two proteins was verified using Pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Subcellular localizations were revealed by immunofluorescence. In vivo ubiquitination test implied their potential functional relationship.RESULTS: BRAP2 (BRCA1 associated protein 2) was found to be a new candidate partner of hCDC14A. hCDC14A was modified by ubiquitination, and BRAP2 increased this modification in vivo. As expected, hCDC14A and BRAP2 co-localized on mitotic spindles in HeLa cells.CONCLUSION: BRAP2 may be an ubiquitin E3 ligase of hCDC14A.     

Relationship between monocyte to HDL-C ratio and coronary lesion severity/short-term prognosis in postmenopausal women with normal LDL-C level

AIM To investigate the relationship between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) and coronary lesion severity/short-term prognosis in postmenopausal women with coronary atherosclerotic heart diseases (CAD) and normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. METHODS A cohort of 180 postmenopausal women diagnosed as CAD with LDL-C≤130 mg/dL were enrolled. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the admission MHR: low MHR group (MHR<0.28, n=54), moderate MHR group (0.28≤MHR≤0.44, n=55), and high MHR group (MHR>0.48, n=71). Hospital medical records and coronary angiography of the postmenopausal women were collected. Dominance coronary system, number of lesions, segments for lesions, total occlusion, trifurcation, bifurcation, aorto-ostial lesion, severe tortuosity, length>20 mm, heavy calcification, thrombus, and diffusely diseased and narrowed segment of coronary arteries were scored by SYNTAX score Ⅰ system. The relationship between MHR and SYNTAX score Ⅰ was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis, while the relationship between MHR and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema was assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The incidence of acute myocardial infarction in high MHR group (59.2%, 42 cases) was higher than that in low MHR group (22.2%, 12 cases) and moderate MHR group (32.7%, 18 cases), with statistical significance (P=0.001). The SYNTAX score Ⅰ in high MHR group was significantly higher than that in low MHR group and moderate MHR group (P=0.003). The incidence of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema within 7 d during admission in high MHR group (22.5%) was higher than that in low MHR group (3.7%) and moderate MHR group (3.6%), with statistical significance (P<0.001). The positive correlation between MHR and SYNTAX score Ⅰ was observed (r=0.196, P=0.008). The result of multiple linear regression indicated that SYNTAX score Ⅰ was affected by MHR (F=7.631, P=0.001). The result of logistic regression analysis indicated that MHR (OR: 7.910, 95% CI: 2.268~27.589, P=0.001) and serum creatinine (OR: 1.017, 95% CI: 1.005~1.029, P=0.006) were independent predictors of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. CONCLUSION The MHR was a novel biomarker for coronary lesion severity and incidence of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema in postmenopausal women with CAD and normal LDL-C level.     

Association between urban greenspace,tree canopy cover and intentional deaths: An exploratory geospatial analysis

Greenspaces can provide restorative experiences, offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, and reduce mental fatigue; all of which may improve community health and safety. Yet few studies have examined the neighborhood-level benefits of greenspace in reducing violent deaths. This study explored the association between three distinct greenspace metrics: public greenspace quantity, public greenspace accessibility, neighborhood tree canopy cover, and intentional deaths (i.e., homicides and suicides). Generalized linear models and spatial error models investigated the association between greenspace, tree canopy and intentional deaths in three geographically distinct cities in North Carolina, USA. Results revealed that increased neighborhood greenspace accessibility and tree canopy cover were associated with reduced intentional deaths in all three urban areas. Neighborhood greenspace accessibility was the most protective factor across all study areas. The association between neighborhood greenspace accessibility and intentional deaths was more significant for non-firearm deaths as compared to firearm deaths, indicating that weapon type may be an important consideration for neighborhood greenspace interventions. Compared to predominantly White neighborhoods, predominantly Black neighborhoods had higher rates of homicide in Asheville and Durham and higher rates of suicide in Charlotte. Future policy and research should focus on improving equitable access to existing and future greenspaces, especially in primarily Black neighborhoods.     

北京果园土壤养分和pH与微生物数量的相关分析及优化方案

通过对北京苹果、梨、桃和葡萄48个果园0～40 cm土层土壤养分、pH和微生物种群数量的调查,应用典型相关、多元统计分析与线性规划等方法分析土壤养分、pH对土壤微生物种群数量影响的主要因子、相关性和优化方案。结果表明,土壤有机质、全氮、有效钾、有效铁和阳离子交换量(cation exchange capacity,CEC)以及土壤中的细菌、真菌数量以苹果园最高,葡萄和桃园次之,梨园最低。土壤细菌数量与土壤有机质、有效磷和有效硼含量呈显著正相关,与土壤全氮含量呈显著负相关;真菌数量与土壤全氮、有效钾和CEC呈显著正相关;放线菌数量与土壤有机质、有效锌和有效硼含量呈显著正相关,与有效磷含量呈显著负相关;土壤pH与细菌和真菌数量均呈显著负相关。线性规划求出了8—10月土壤微生物种群数量最大的土壤养分和pH因子优化方案为:土壤有机质为55.0 g.kg-1、全氮为1.50～3.00 g.kg-1、有效磷为20～200 mg.kg-1、有效钾为120～600 mg.kg-1、有效锌为0.5～20.0 mg.kg-1、有效硼为10 mg.kg-1、CEC为300 mmol.kg-1、pH值为6.5。北京地区果园通过提高土壤有机质含量和CEC、降低果园土壤pH值来调节锌、硼等微量元素含量是土壤管理中的关键技术措施。     

砂梨果肉褐变与酚类物质及相关酶活性的相关分析

【目的】为了探明砂梨褐变的内在机制,为砂梨贮藏与加工过程中品种选择和褐变控制提供理论依据,【方法】以11个砂梨品种的成熟果实为试材,测定总酚与酚类物质组成及含量、GSH含量、PPO、SOD、CAT、PAL、POD酶活性等相关指标。【结果】结果表明,不同品种酶促褐变程度有很大差别,‘新兴’和‘早生黄金’褐变较重,而‘秋黄’和‘丰水’较轻。绿原酸、儿茶素、芦丁和没食子酸是梨果肉中含量较高的酚类物质。总酚含量与果实褐变度相关性最高,绿原酸次之,儿茶素最低。【结论】梨果肉褐变相关酶活性与酚类物质组分及含量对其酶促褐变的影响程度因品种不同而存在差异。梨果肉酶促褐变与总酚和绿原酸含量的相关度高于与酶类的相关度。     

The interaction between human demand and urban greenspace supply for promoting positive emotions with sentiment analysis from twitter

Urban greenspace (UGS) plays an essential role in providing benefits to human well-being in cities. Understanding how to promote positive emotions is vital for planning and designing a UGS supply that satisfies human demand. However, little is known about the impact on human emotions of the interaction of cross-cultural demands and different greenspace supplies. This study explored different human emotions about UGS from a cross-linguistics perspective using social media data (SMD). Sentiment analysis was conducted with geolocated Twitter data from 26 UGSs in Berlin to acquire sentiment value and tweet number of tweets. The sentiments of English and German tweets in four types of UGSs were compared, and the correlations with 11 physical and activity landscape characteristics were identified. The results demonstrate that (1) sentiment value and tweet number of tweets were distinctive in the 26 greenspaces, showing different emotions responding to the different types of UGS; (2) the cross-linguistic demands were different in the comparison of English and German tweets, with the highest sentiment values in gardens and parks, respectively; and (3) the sentiment of the all, English and German tweets was respectively correlated with open space, interesting plants and swimming infrastructure. The activity landscape made the highest contributions to positive emotions even with cross-cultural differences. The results of the study suggest that human emotions can indicate whether the UGS supply meets the human demand and that specific landscape characteristics can enhance positive emotions to maintain human demand in cross-cultural background, especially considering the increasing attention to immigrants and natives. Thus, human emotions identify the interaction between UGS supply and human demand based on SMD to improve UGS outcomes for urban sustainability and public well-being.     

Bird diversity in urban green space: A large-scale analysis of differences between parks and cemeteries in Central Europe

Urbanization is a permanent and still continuing expansion of human settlements and is responsible for dramatic changes of natural areas to urban areas. In traditional view, urbanization is often blamed for the loss of biodiversity and biotic homogenization of natural communities. However, for some species, urban areas, can represent suitable environment for life and even enable them to maintain stable and abundant populations. Urban ecosystems are not homogenous; within human settlements we can find several different habitats which can be occupied by species with different tolerance to certain aspects of urban life. This diversity can be exhibited by interhabitat changes in species richness, diversity and abundances of local communities. Here, we investigated biodiversity patterns in bird communities of two urban habitats, parks and cemeteries, in three Central European countries. Data on species richness, diversity and abundances of birds were collected from published papers as well as unpublished sources. Our analyses revealed that bird species richness was positively correlated with area and age of trees in both habitat types. There was however no significant relationship between species diversity and area in both habitat types. Moreover, species composition of bird communities significantly varied between cemeteries and parks with strong preference for one of habitat types in several species. Predominant occupancy of habitat type by certain species could be linked to interhabitat differences in vegetation structure, human behaviour and management. Interestingly, several bird species often recognised as urban avoiders were detected in surveyed cemeteries and parks.     

Association analysis between two SNPs in SNCA and PARK16 genes and Parkinson disease in a Han Chinese population in Liaoning area

AIM: To investigate the genotypic frequency of rs3857059 in SNCA gene and rs16856139 in PARK16 gene for determining the potential genetic risk factors of Parkinson disease (PD) in a Han Chinese population in Liaoning area of China. METHODS: The genomic DNA from 213 PD patients and 214 matched controls was amplified in the multiplex PCR system and subsequently genotyped by digestion with endonuclease Pvu II. Genetic parameter and association studies were carried out with SPSS 13.0 and PLINK 1.07 software. RESULTS: We accurately detected all genotypes in the 2 loci with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. The gene frequency of G allele in the rs3857059 locus was higher in PD group than that in control group with statistical significance (χ²= 7.592,P<0.01, OR=0.677, 95% CI=0.517~0.888). The T allele frequency in the rs16856139 locus was lower in PD group than that in control group and statistical result revealed a significant difference (χ²=11.511, P<0.01, OR=0.390, 95% CI=0.227~0.669). CONCLUSION: The 2 SNPs investigated in SNCA and PARK16 genes are likely to play roles as common risk factors for PD disease in the Han Chinese population.     

Correlation analysis between visualization of hemorrheologic changes and platelet function in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM:To intuitionally observe the characteristics of blood rheology in the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 1 year to 3 years by micro-channel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) combined with other platelet function indexes, and to explore the correlations between the test results of MC-FAN and platelet function. METHODS:This study brought 74 patients with ACS after PCI for 1 year to 3 years into test group, and 21 healthy subjects were enrolled as normal group. The levels of platelet aggregation test (PAgT), platelet adhesiveness test (PAdT), P-selectin, platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were detected. MC-FAN HR300 was used to detect the transiting time (MC-FAN TT) of the blood passing through the model body capillaries. The differences of the test results between the 2 groups were compared, and the correlations between the results of MC-FAN and platelet function in the patients with ACS after PCI were also explored. RESULTS:Compared with normal group, the MC-FAN TT in test group was prolonged (P<0.01), the ability of erythrocyte deformation was weakened, and the leukocyte attaching the vascular wall and platelet adhesion and aggregation relatively increased. The levels of PAgT, PAdT, P-selectin and PDGF-BB in test group were all higher than those in normal group (P<0.01). No difference of vWF between the 2 groups was observed. The intergroup correlation analysis showed that there were correlations between MC-FAN TT and platelet function, in which 10 μL MC-FAN TT and 30 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with P-selectin (r=0601, P<0.01; r=0334, P<0.01), 60 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with PAgT (r=0527, P<0.01), and 100 μL MC-FAN TT had the most significant correlation with PAdT (r=0. 815, P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The visualization of hemorrheologic changes and platelet function in the patients with ACS after PCI are abnormal.There are correlations between MC-FAN TT and platelet function.The results of MC-FAN can objectively evaluate the blood rheology of the patients, and provide the reference for clinical treatment.     

Association analysis between ZNF804A rs1344706 polymorphism and therapeutic response to atypical antipsychotics in first-episode Chinese schizophrenia patients

AIM: To investigate the potential association between ZNF804A rs1344706 polymorphism and therapeutic response to atypical antipsychotics in first-episode Chinese schizophrenia patients.METHODS: Seventy-one first-episode schizophrenia inpatients receiving olanzapine, aripiprazole or quetiapine monotherapy were enrolled.Symptom responses to the treatment were assessed using the positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) at the time of admission and re-assessed after 4 weeks of treatment.The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 was genotyped by direct sequencing.RESULTS: There was substantial difference of treatment response among the patients with 3 different genotypes regarding total PANSS score and positive subscore (for total PANSS score, F=4.608, df=2, P<0.05; for positive subscore, F=4.183, df=2, P<0.05).Compared with G homozygotes, T carriers showed significantly less improvement in total PANSS score as well as positive subscore (for total PANSS score, F=8.724, df=1, P<0.01, for positive subscore, F=9.392, df=1, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that significant correlation exists between ZNF804A rs1344706 polymorphism and therapeutic response to atypical antipsychotics among the first-episode of schizophrenia, although replication is required to confirm this finding.     

Spatial statistical analysis of the relationship between self-reported mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown and closeness to green infrastructure

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced alterations in the behaviour and psychological health of people, who have had to learn living under uncertain circumstances escaping their control. This situation has been aggravated in those countries applying strict home confinement rules to try bending their epidemic curve. This is the case of Spain, where the stringent lockdown period was extended over three months. This study aimed at proving a research hypothesis whereby living close to Green Infrastructure (GI) during the confinement period was beneficial for mental health. To this end, La Palma (Canary Islands) and Zaragoza (Peninsular Spain) were taken as case studies, since both locations distributed a questionnaire to address citizenry’s self-reported mental health under strict lockdown conditions. A spatial statistical analysis of the responses collected by these questionnaires revealed that variables such as stress, anger, medication use, alcohol consumption or visits to the doctor significantly decreased if citizens were close to GI, whereas people having very high expectations of enjoying the city after the confinement were positively correlated to proximity of green areas. Although these outcomes are limited by the inferential capacity of correlation analysis, they point out to a sense of relief derived from having visual contact with vegetated landscapes and feeling stimulated about using them for recreation, aesthetical or sporting purposes. The joint consideration of these psychological gains with the social and environmental benefits provided by GI emphasizes the importance of approaching urban regeneration through the design and implementation of interconnected green spaces.     

The relationship between pod yield and specific leaf area in snapbeans; an example of stepwise multiv ariate analysis of variance

After a detailed (univariate) analysis of variance, stepwise multivariate analysis of variance (stepwise MANOVA) was used on the experimental data obtained from an investigation with snapbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), carried out in the arid regions of Shambat (Sudan). The purpose of the experiment was to examine the relationship, if any, between pod yield and SLA for 3 snapbean cultivars and 4 sowing-dates. Four variables over plots were considered, viz. the yield earliness, the total yield, the SLA earliness and the average SLA. From a stepwise MANOVA, it appeared that the “cultivar” effect was primarily expressed by yield earliness and total yield. SLA earliness and average SLA provided no additional “cultivar” effect. Furthermore, the “sowing-date” effect could be expressed mainly by SLA earliness and yield earliness. Finally, the interaction effect played a minor part compared with the “sowing-date” and “cultivar” effect.     

北京昌平苹果园土壤养分、pH与果实矿质营养的多元分析

2008-2009年,通过对北京昌平34个成龄苹果园土壤养分、pH和果实矿质元素含量的调查和多元统计分析,探讨了果实矿质元素含量最佳的土壤养分含量和pH优化方案.结果表明,土壤有机质与土壤各种养分均呈正相关,土壤养分与果实矿质元素含量的相关性非常弱,单因子相关分析不能揭示土壤养分与果实矿质元素间的关系;典型相关分析表明...