Background: Sickle cell anemia(SCA), a genetic hemoglobin disorder, suggests essential inner ear compromise and poor auditory processing. In humans, auditory processing differs physiologically between males and female...Background: Sickle cell anemia(SCA), a genetic hemoglobin disorder, suggests essential inner ear compromise and poor auditory processing. In humans, auditory processing differs physiologically between males and females, possibly true for SCA due to gender-specific disease pathophysiological changes. Objective: To investigate gender differences in psychoacoustical abilities, and speech perception in noise in SCA individuals and further compare with normal healthy(NH) population. Methods: 80 SCA and 80 NH normal-hearing participants aged 15-40 years were included and further grouped based on gender. Auditory discrimination for frequency, intensity, and duration at 500Hz and 4000Hz;temporal processing(Gap detection threshold & Modulation Detection Threshold) and Speech Perception In Noise(SPIN) at 0d BSNR tests were evaluated and compared between males and females of SCA and NH population. Results: SCA performed poorer compared to NH for all experimental measures. In the NH population, males performed poorer than females in psychoacoustical measures whereas within the SCA population, the reverse was true. Female participants performed better in the SPIN test in both populations. Conclusions: The adverse impact of SCA on the auditory system due to circulatory changes might cause poorer performance in SCA. Poorer performance by Female SCA is possibly due to the contrary impact of lower Hb level overlying Sickle disease.Estrogen levels and gender preference in auditory processing might lead to better performance by females within the NH population. SPIN performance depends on different attentional demands and sensorimotor processing strategies in noise beyond psychoacoustical processing may lead to better female performance in both populations.展开更多
A crossbreeding program was established in 2019 to address the declining Crassostrea gigas harvests caused by Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome(POMS).As a part of the program,this study was performed to estimate the g...A crossbreeding program was established in 2019 to address the declining Crassostrea gigas harvests caused by Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome(POMS).As a part of the program,this study was performed to estimate the genetic structure underlying phenotypic variation.Fifteen complete diallel crossings of C.gigas and C.angulata,comprising 60 full-sib families,were used to evaluate the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA),as well as genotype and environment interactions for shell height(SH),summer survival(SS),and thermal tolerance(TT)of reciprocal hybrids GA(C.gigas♀×C.angulata♂)and AG(C.angulata♀×C.gigas♂)grown in Rongcheng and Rushan,Shandong Province,China.The results suggested that heterosis of the reciprocal hybrids was evident for SH,SS,and TT.The hybrid GA had larger heterosis than AG in both testing environments,and can be a potential donor in the breeding program.The male C.gigas had better GCA for SH in Rongcheng,whereas male C.angulata was a good general combiner for SS and TT in both Rongcheng and Rushan.The estimate of SCA was much higher than GCA for SH and lower than GCA for TT.To harness both additive and non-additive genetic effects,combination breed-ing could be taken to develop hybrid varieties possessing both thermal tolerance and fast-growing traits.The positive correlations between SH and TT suggested that these traits could be improved simultaneously.The significant G×E interactions demonstrated the importance to undertake site-specific breeding programs in different environments.Overall,this study can provide essential information for developing crossbreeding strategies for the oyster farming industry.展开更多
Objective:To assess the teaching efficacy of clinical instructors for MNS postgraduates,this study aims to gather insights into clinical educators’perceptions concerning MNS postgraduate training and identify key com...Objective:To assess the teaching efficacy of clinical instructors for MNS postgraduates,this study aims to gather insights into clinical educators’perceptions concerning MNS postgraduate training and identify key competencies required for effective teaching.Methods:This study utilized a cross-sectional design.An online questionnaire survey was distributed among clinical faculty members engaged in the education of MNS postgraduates.The survey addressed 4 areas:general teaching conditions,perceptions regarding training for MNS postgraduates,core competencies expected from clinical teachers,and implementation strategies for delivering clinical instruction tailored to these graduates.Results:A total of 143 clinical teachers supervising MNS postgraduates completed the questionnaire.Of these respondents,101(70.62%)held a bachelor’s degree while 42(29.37%)possessed a master’s degree.Although these clinicians demonstrated certain core competencies,they exhibited lower proficiency in understanding trends related to scientific advancements and current research priorities along with limited research capabilities 4.00(3.00,4.00).Notably,>95.8%of teachers recognized differences between the 2 categories of postgraduate students;only 4.2%were completely unaware of such distinctions.There was no statistically significant relationship between the demographic data of clinical educators and their core competencies(P>0.05).Conclusions:This study revealed no significant correlation between the general characteristics of clinical teachers and the core competencies of MNS postgraduates.Additionally,we identified a lack of effective communication and collaboration between MNS postgraduate supervisors and clinical educators.The findings from this research offer valuable insights for further investigation into the factors that influence the core competencies of clinical teachers,as well as strategies to enhance the clinical teaching standards for MNS postgraduates.展开更多
China has allocated a combined 10 trillion yuan(US$1.39 trillion)in new fiscal funding to replace hidden local government debt,or liabilities that local governments do not o"cially report.This marks one of the la...China has allocated a combined 10 trillion yuan(US$1.39 trillion)in new fiscal funding to replace hidden local government debt,or liabilities that local governments do not o"cially report.This marks one of the largest moves of its kind in recent years.The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress(NPC),China’s top legislative body,approved a bill that raises the ceiling on local government debt by 6 trillion yuan(US$834 billion)to address existing hidden debt,Xu Hongcai,deputy head of the NPC’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee,said at a press conference after the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded its 12th session in Beijing on November 8.展开更多
Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whethe...Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity(TBD)and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD)of breeding birds in China vary across(1)regions on both sides of the Hu Line,which demarcates China’s topographical,climatic,economic,and social patterns,and(2)species with different dispersal ability.TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach.Variables representing climate,habitat heterogeneity,and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering.Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation.Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables.In general,the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering.However,different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns.Specifically,climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line,respectively.Additionally,bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering,resulting in more homogeneous assemblages.Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns,and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors.Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.展开更多
This study empirically analyzes the application effect of the integration of medical and educational models in cultivating professional abilities in traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation techniques.The research ...This study empirically analyzes the application effect of the integration of medical and educational models in cultivating professional abilities in traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation techniques.The research subjects are 100 students from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Technology major at Y school.Through questionnaire scores,practical training results,and interview data,this study explores the outcomes of this integrated approach.The findings reveal that students in the experimental group significantly outperform those in the control group in terms of practical operation skills,professional responsibility,and communication and collaboration skills.This research confirms the notable role of the medical-educational integration model in enhancing the professional skills and accomplishments of students majoring in traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation,providing a scientific basis for vocational education reform and the cultivation of rehabilitation technical talents.展开更多
Engaging students in the examination of the local significance of newly established historic districts within real-life contexts serves as a crucial method for exploring the geographical practical ability.This study u...Engaging students in the examination of the local significance of newly established historic districts within real-life contexts serves as a crucial method for exploring the geographical practical ability.This study utilizes Dongyi Town in Rizhao City as a case study,employing text analysis,field research,and interviews.It draws upon the theoretical frameworks of place and placelessness,while integrating research resources from two distinct perspectives:the evolution of the landscape and the emotional attitudes of various subjects towards the neighborhood.Students will be encouraged to investigate the environmental characteristics of the natural geography inherent in Dongyi Town,the current state of urban development and its implications for the local economy,culture,and environment through field visits and firsthand experiences.By employing the theory of place and placelessness,students will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying subjects and values associated with the landscape.Furthermore,they will learn to utilize this theoretical framework to reflect on the significance of districts to individuals,thereby enhancing their geographical practical abilities.展开更多
The transmitting of Chinese culture in the intercultural communication is of great importance for English learners in China.English majors at newly upgraded universities are weak in their abilities to express Chinese ...The transmitting of Chinese culture in the intercultural communication is of great importance for English learners in China.English majors at newly upgraded universities are weak in their abilities to express Chinese culture in English and transmit Chinese culture.To find measures for the problems,some necessary changes in the syllabus,textbooks,testing and curriculum are suggested,compiling of a dictionary for the standard of Chinese culture items in English is discussed,and the roles of teachers,students and English Corner in the cultivation of the abilities of English majors' to express Chinese culture in English at newly upgraded universities are analyzed.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Transplantation of fetal cell suspension or blocks of fetal tissue can ameliorate the nerve function after the injury or disease in the central nervous system, and it has been used to treat neurodegenerat...BACKGROUND： Transplantation of fetal cell suspension or blocks of fetal tissue can ameliorate the nerve function after the injury or disease in the central nervous system, and it has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders induced by Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of the transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells （rMSCs） into the brain in restoring the dysfunctions of muscle strength and balance as well as learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled experiment.SETTING ： Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University.MATERIALS ： Twenty-four male SD rats （3-4 weeks of age, weighing 200-220 g） were used in this study （Certification number：2001A027）. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2003 and December 2004. ① Twenty-four male SD rats randomized into three groups with 8 rats in each： experimental group, control group and sham-operated group. Rats in the experiment al group and control group were induced into models of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. After in vitro cultured, purified and identified with digestion, the Fischer344 rMSCs were induced to differentiate by tanshinone IIA, which was locally injected into the striate cortex （18 area） of rats in the experimental group, and the rats in the control group were injected by L-DMEM basic culture media （without serum） of the same volume to the corresponding brain area. In the sham-operated group, only muscle and vessel of neck were separated. ② At 2 and 8 weeks after the transplantation, the rats were given the screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test and Morris water-maze test. ③ The survival and distribution of the induced cells in corresponding brain area were observed with Nissl stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining in the groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： ① Results of the behavioral tests （time of the Morris water-maze test screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test）; ② Survival and distribution of the induced cells.RESULTS： All the 24 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① Two weeks after transplantation, rats with neuron-like cells grafts in the experimental group had significant improvement on their general muscle strength than those in the control group [screen test： （9.4±1.7）, （4.7±1.0） s, P 〈 0.01]; forelimb muscle strength [prehensile-traction test： （7.6±1.4）, （5.2±1.2） s, P 〈 0.01], ability to keep balance [balance beam test： （7.9±0.74）, （6.1±0.91） s, P 〈 0.01] and abilities of learning and memory [latency to find the platform： （35.8±5.9）, （117.5±11.6） s, P 〈 0.01; distance： （623.1±43.4）, （1 902.3±98.6） cm, P 〈 0.01] as compared with those in the control group. The functional performances in the experimental group at 8 weeks were better than those at two weeks, which were still obviously different from those in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. ② The HE and Nissl stained brain tissue section showed that there was nerve cell proliferation at the infarcted cortex in the experiment group, the density was higher than that in the control group, plenty of aggregative or scattered cells could be observed at the site where needle was inserted for transplantation, the cells migrated directively towards the area around them, the cerebral vascular walls were wrapped by plenty of cells; In the control group, most of the cortices were destroyed, karyopyknosis and necrosis of neurons were observed, normal nervous tissue structure disappeared induced by edema, only some nerve fibers and glial cells remained.CONCLUSION： The rMSCs transplantation can obviously enhance the motor function and the abilities of learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction.展开更多
In a number of species,males and females have different ecological roles and therefore might be required to solve different problems.Studies on humans have suggested that the 2 sexes often show different efficiencies ...In a number of species,males and females have different ecological roles and therefore might be required to solve different problems.Studies on humans have suggested that the 2 sexes often show different efficiencies in problem solving tasks;similarly,evidence of sex differences has been found in 2 other mammalian species.Here,we assessed whether a teleost fish species,the guppy.Poecilia reticulata,displays sex differences in the ability to solve problems.In Experiment 1,guppies had to learn to dislodge a disc that occluded a feeder from which they had been previously accustomed to feed.In Experiment 2,guppies had to solve a version of the detour task that required them to learn to enter a transparent cylinder from the open sides to reach a food reward previously freely available.We found evidence of sex differences in both problem-solvingi tasks.In Experiment 1,females clearly outperformed males,and in Experiment 2,guppies showed a reversed but smaller sex difference.This study indicates that sex differences may play an important role in fish's problem-solving similar to what has previously been observed in some mammalian species.展开更多
In a number of animal species,individuals differ in their ability to solve cognitive tasks.However,the mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear.It has been proposed that individual differences in cognitio...In a number of animal species,individuals differ in their ability to solve cognitive tasks.However,the mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear.It has been proposed that individual differences in cognition may be related to individual differences in behavior(i.e.,personality);a hypothesis that has received mixed support.In this study,we investigated whether personality correlates with the cognitive ability that allows inhibiting behavior in 2 teleost fish species,the zebrafish Danio rerio and the guppy Poecilia reticulata.In both species,individuals that were bolder in a standard personality assay,the open-field test,showed greater inhibitory abilities in the tube task,which required them to inhibit foraging behavior toward live prey sealed into a transparent tube.This finding reveals a relationship between boldness and inhibitory abilities in fish and lends support to the hypothesis of a link between personality and cognition.Moreover,this study suggests that species separated by a relatively large phylogenetic distance may show the same link between personality and cognition,when tested on the same tasks.展开更多
Purpose:This study compared the relative effectiveness of Chinese calligraphy handwriting(CCH)and acupuncture in the treatment of patients with senile dementia.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial(RCT)w...Purpose:This study compared the relative effectiveness of Chinese calligraphy handwriting(CCH)and acupuncture in the treatment of patients with senile dementia.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial(RCT)with 17 mild-to-moderate dementia patients with an average age of 77.29 years were randomly assigned with 9 to the calligraphy handwriting group and 8 to the acupuncture treatment group for a month of consecutive treatment.The participants'cognitive abilities,as well as symptoms of senile dementia,were measured by the Chinese version of the Mini-mental State Examination(CMMSE)and the Chinese Medicine Quantitative Diagnostic Survey for Senile Dementia Symptoms,respectively,before and after the treatment.Results:The calligraphy group showed a significant increase in calculation and memory as well as a decline in the symptoms of senile dementia.Patients in the acupuncture group experienced a significant growth in total CMMSE scores and the subscales in orientation to time and place,behavioral operations,as well as reduced clinical symptoms.However,no significant changes were found in their memory and calculation abilities.Conclusion:Both CCH and acupuncture treatments were found significantly effective for,respectively,enhancing the patients'cognitive abilities and reducing their clinical symptoms.Further,calligraphy handwriting also improved the level of their attention and concentration,physical relaxation,and emotional stability.展开更多
Thinking ability of a man, which is the core of wisdom, participates in and dominates all the intellectual activities. This study, pursued on the ontological and practical level, is aimed at cultivating learners '...Thinking ability of a man, which is the core of wisdom, participates in and dominates all the intellectual activities. This study, pursued on the ontological and practical level, is aimed at cultivating learners ' thinking abilities in foreign language teaching(FLT)in basic education of China. Regarding English teaching reform in basic education of China as the background, this thesis probes to bring it to the forefront and put forward approaches and strategies of incorporating the cultivation of learners' thinking abilities into every aspect of the teaching procedures.展开更多
In recent years,it is of great interest to evaluate the level of liabilities of the hybrid pension system as the mixed pension schemes are favored by various countries around the world.This paper further improves the ...In recent years,it is of great interest to evaluate the level of liabilities of the hybrid pension system as the mixed pension schemes are favored by various countries around the world.This paper further improves the hybrid pension liability assessment method proposed by Broeders et al by accounting for inflation risk and assuming that inflation risk is measured by a price index that follows geometric Brownian motion.A simulation-based pricing framework is then introduced to assess the hybrid pension liability.The results show that the introduction of inflation risk increases the total outstanding liability of hybrid pensions.Furthermore,inflation is negatively correlated with the total outstanding liability of the hybrid pension scheme,while inflation volatility is positively correlated with it.展开更多
AIM: To summarize research regarding the motor abilities of children and adolescents who suffer from a common psychiatric condition.METHODS: In order to outline the current knowledge regarding the motor abilities of c...AIM: To summarize research regarding the motor abilities of children and adolescents who suffer from a common psychiatric condition.METHODS: In order to outline the current knowledge regarding the motor abilities of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders(ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders(DBD) and depression, a comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out using Pub Med, Medline and ERIC databases. The databases were searched for relevant English language articles published between January 1990 and April 2014. Only studies that conducted a quantitative evaluation of motor ability and concerned individuals aged 0-18 years were included. A separate search was conducted for each disorder(ASD, ADHD, DBD, depression) in conjunction with each of the following keywords:(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement skill(s),(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement abilities,(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement impairment,(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement problem(s), motor function, motor coordination, motor performance, motor deficit(s). To detect supplementary relevant literature, the reference lists of the retrieved articles were examined. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 51 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. In total, 28 studies were included that examined the motor abilities of children and adolescents with ASD. All studies indicated that they performed below average on various standardized motor assessment instruments. The overall prevalence rate for impairment in motor abilities ranged from 33% to 100%. Twenty-seven studies examined the motor abilities of children and adolescents with ADHD. Depending on the type of motor assessment tool and the cut-off points used by different researchers, prevalence rates of impairment in motor abilities are highly variable and ranged from 8% to 73%. Remarkably, there is a paucity of research addressing the motor abilities of individuals with DBD or depression. Furthermore, methodological problems, such as measurement and comorbidity issues, complicate the generalization of the findings. CONCLUSION: Research suggests that motor impairment is highly prevalent in some psychiatric conditions, particularly ASD and ADHD. However, future work is necessary to draw sound conclusions.展开更多
Epigenetic control of regeneration after spinal cord injury： Com- plete spinal cord injury （SCI） in humans and other mammals leads to irreversible paralysis below the level of injury, due to failure of axonal regen...Epigenetic control of regeneration after spinal cord injury： Com- plete spinal cord injury （SCI） in humans and other mammals leads to irreversible paralysis below the level of injury, due to failure of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system （CNS）. Previous work has shown that successful axon regeneration is dependent upon transcription of a large number of regeneration-associated genes （RAGs） and transcription factors （TFs） （Van Kesteren et al., 2011）. A prominent theory in the field of axon regeneration is that the large differences in regenerative potential between peripheral nervous system （PNS） neurons, which regenerate well, and CNS neurons, which do not, reflect differences in intrinsic transcriptional net- works, rather than individual genes （Van Kesteren et al., 2011）.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pat...BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pathogenesis of pineal gland on learning ability should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pinealectomy on learning abiliy, distribution of cholinesterase and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex of rats and probe into the effect of melatonin on learning ability, central cholinergic system and nNOS expression. DESIGN: Randomized grouping design and animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the 187 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: A total of 12 male SD rats, of normal learning ability testing with Y-tape maze, of clean grade, weighing 190-210 g, aged 6 weeks, were selected in this study. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital from July 1997 to June 2000. All SD rats were divided into experimental group (n =6, pinealectomy) and control group (n =6, sham operation). Seven days later, rats in both two groups were continuously fed for 33 days. ① Learning ability test: The learning ability of rats was tested by trisection Y-type maze and figured as attempting times. ② Expression of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was detected by enzyme histochemistry and nNOS was measured by SABC method. ③ Quantitative analysis of AchE fibers: AchE fibers density in unit area (surface density) was surveyed with Leica Diaplan microscope and Leica Quantimet 500+ image analytic apparatus and quantitative parameter was set up for AchE fibers covering density (μm2) per 374 693.656 μm2, moreover, the AchE fibers density was measured in Ⅱ-Ⅳ layers of motor and somatosensory cortex (showing three layers per field of vision at one time), in radiative, lacunaria and molecular layers of CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas, and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus. Three tissue slices were picked up randomly in the same part of each rat, together six tissue slices for nNOS expression and four near view (× 400) were selected in the parts of right neocortex, medial septal nucleus-diagonal band nucleus (SM-DB), corpus striatus and hippocampus to count nNOS-positive cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Learning ability; distribution and quantitative analysis of AchE fibers; expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas. RESULTS: The twelve rats were all involved in the final analysis. ① Learning ability test: The learning abilities before operation in the experimental group [(14.67±4.97) times] were consistent with those in the control group [(14.33±4.32) times, P > 0.05], the learning abilities in the experimental group at 40 days after pinealectomy [(28.67±2.42) times] were obviously more than those before pinealectomy and those in the control group after operation [(13.83±8.33) times, P < 0.01]. ② Results of AchE-positive fibers density in cerebral cortex of rats: The AChE-positive fibers densities in motor and somatosensory cortex, CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas of hippocampus and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus in the experimental group were obviously lower than those in the control group [experimental group: (15 244±1 339), (14 764±1 391), (12 991±970), (15 077±1 020), (19 546±1 489), (19 337±1 378) μm2; control group: (21 001±1 021), (17 930±2 225), (17 260±1 342), (18 911±1 048), (24 108±1 671), (22 917±1 909) μm2, P < 0.01]. ③ Expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas: nNOS-positive cells in cerebral cortex of rats of the experimental group were more, furthermore the ones in somatosensory cortex were slightly more in motor cortex and the number (5.90±0.68) was more than that in the control group (3.68±0.39,P < 0.05). The nNOS-positive cells in SM-DB (16.21±2.03) were markedly more than those in the control group (9.32±1.05,P < 0.01). The nNOS-positive cells in hippocampus (4.27±0.75) and in corpus striatus (9.35±2.58) were not different with those in the control group (3.94±0.53, 8.96±2.31, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease of melatonin due to pinealectomy of rats can result in learning disorder, which may be related to trauma of cholinergic neuron in cerebral cortex which were caused by nitric oxide neurotoxicity arose from the overexpression of nNOS in cerebral neocortex and SM-DB.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nerve growth actor (NGF) cam improve spatial learning and memory abilities of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; however, the effect of combination of them ...BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nerve growth actor (NGF) cam improve spatial learning and memory abilities of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; however, the effect of combination of them on relieving learning and memory injury following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of exogenous CGRP and NGF on learning and memory abilities of rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Xiamen; Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University; Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University. MATERIALS: A total of 30 healthy male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, of clean grade, weighing 250-300 g, were provided by Experimental Animal Department of China Medical University. All rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group with 10 in each group. The main reagents were detailed as the follows: 100 g/L chloral hydrate, 0.5 mL CGRP (2 mg/L, Sigma Company, USA), and NGF (1× 106 U/L, 0.5 mL, Siweite Company, Dalian). METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University from February to July 2005. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established by method of occlusion, 2 hours after that rats were anesthetized and the thread was slightly drawn out for 10 mm under direct staring to perform reperfusion. Rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group received intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL saline via the abdomen at two hours later, while rats in the treatment group at 2 hours later received intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/L CGRP (0.5 mL) and 1×106 U/L NGF (0.5 mL) once a day for 10 successive days. First administration was accomplished within 15 minutes after ischemia/reperfusion. Rats in the sham-operation group were separated of the vessels without occlusion or administration. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale. Animals with the score of one, two and three points received Morris water-maze test to measure searching time on platform (omitting platform-escaping latency). Meanwhile, leaning and memory abilities of animals were reflected through testing times of passing through platform per minute. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experimental results of omitting platform-escaping latency and spatial probe. RESULTS: Three and two rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group respectively were not in accordance with the criteria in the process, and the rest were involved in the final analysis. ① Comparisons of platform-escaping latency during Morris water-maze test in all the three groups: Ten days after modeling, the platform-escaping latency in the ischemia/reperfusion group was obviously longer than that in sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and was significantly shorter than that in the treatment group (P < 0.01). ② Comparisons of times of passing through platform in all the three groups: Times of passing through platform were remarkably less in the ischemia/reperfusion group than those in the sham-operation group [(1.79±0.39), (4.30±0.73) times/minute, P < 0.01], and those were markedly more in the treatment group than the ischemia/reperfusion group [(3.16±1.03), (1.79±0.39) times/minute, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: CGRP and NGF are capable of ameliorating the abilities of spatial learning and memory in MCAO rats, which indicates that CGRP and NGF can protect ischemic neurons.展开更多
Objective: The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the semantic language abilities of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) compared to normal group. Secondly to examine the role of hypox...Objective: The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the semantic language abilities of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) compared to normal group. Secondly to examine the role of hypoxemia, hypercapnia and pulmonary parameters on language scores. Method: We assessed 100 COPD patients with the use of a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests standardized for the Greek population, examining semantic language abilities, namely the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Picture Peabody Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Controlled Oral Word Fluency Test (COWAT). Results: The results revealed that although the overall performance of our group of patients was within normal range, it was statistically significant lower compared to normal distribution on all semantic language tests. Moreover, we found that the percentile of COPD patients that performed in the deficient range was significantly higher compared to normal distribution. Further analysis of pulmonary parameters showed that Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1, FEV1%), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC, FVC%) and FEV1/FVC were not correlated with patients’ performance on the language tests. Low Partial Pressure of Oxygen in blood oxygen levels (PaO2) was found to be able to predict the performance of patients on BNT, PPVT and semantic verbal fluency test. Abnormally elevated Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (PCaO2) in blood were not found to be related to language dysfunctions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that our group of COPD patients is more prone to present semantic language impairments compared to normal group while low blood oxygen levels were associated with reduced performance on BNT, PPVT and semantic verbal fluency tests.展开更多
文摘Background: Sickle cell anemia(SCA), a genetic hemoglobin disorder, suggests essential inner ear compromise and poor auditory processing. In humans, auditory processing differs physiologically between males and females, possibly true for SCA due to gender-specific disease pathophysiological changes. Objective: To investigate gender differences in psychoacoustical abilities, and speech perception in noise in SCA individuals and further compare with normal healthy(NH) population. Methods: 80 SCA and 80 NH normal-hearing participants aged 15-40 years were included and further grouped based on gender. Auditory discrimination for frequency, intensity, and duration at 500Hz and 4000Hz;temporal processing(Gap detection threshold & Modulation Detection Threshold) and Speech Perception In Noise(SPIN) at 0d BSNR tests were evaluated and compared between males and females of SCA and NH population. Results: SCA performed poorer compared to NH for all experimental measures. In the NH population, males performed poorer than females in psychoacoustical measures whereas within the SCA population, the reverse was true. Female participants performed better in the SPIN test in both populations. Conclusions: The adverse impact of SCA on the auditory system due to circulatory changes might cause poorer performance in SCA. Poorer performance by Female SCA is possibly due to the contrary impact of lower Hb level overlying Sickle disease.Estrogen levels and gender preference in auditory processing might lead to better performance by females within the NH population. SPIN performance depends on different attentional demands and sensorimotor processing strategies in noise beyond psychoacoustical processing may lead to better female performance in both populations.
基金founded by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFD2400305)the Earmarked Fund for Agriculture Seed Improvement Project of Shandong Province(Nos.2022LZGCQY010,2021LZGC027 and 2021ZLGX03)the China Agriculture Research System Project(No.CARS-49)。
文摘A crossbreeding program was established in 2019 to address the declining Crassostrea gigas harvests caused by Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome(POMS).As a part of the program,this study was performed to estimate the genetic structure underlying phenotypic variation.Fifteen complete diallel crossings of C.gigas and C.angulata,comprising 60 full-sib families,were used to evaluate the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA),as well as genotype and environment interactions for shell height(SH),summer survival(SS),and thermal tolerance(TT)of reciprocal hybrids GA(C.gigas♀×C.angulata♂)and AG(C.angulata♀×C.gigas♂)grown in Rongcheng and Rushan,Shandong Province,China.The results suggested that heterosis of the reciprocal hybrids was evident for SH,SS,and TT.The hybrid GA had larger heterosis than AG in both testing environments,and can be a potential donor in the breeding program.The male C.gigas had better GCA for SH in Rongcheng,whereas male C.angulata was a good general combiner for SS and TT in both Rongcheng and Rushan.The estimate of SCA was much higher than GCA for SH and lower than GCA for TT.To harness both additive and non-additive genetic effects,combination breed-ing could be taken to develop hybrid varieties possessing both thermal tolerance and fast-growing traits.The positive correlations between SH and TT suggested that these traits could be improved simultaneously.The significant G×E interactions demonstrated the importance to undertake site-specific breeding programs in different environments.Overall,this study can provide essential information for developing crossbreeding strategies for the oyster farming industry.
基金supported by the Medical Education Research Initiative of Henan Province,grant funded by the Henan Provincial Health Commission(No.Wjlx2022186).
文摘Objective:To assess the teaching efficacy of clinical instructors for MNS postgraduates,this study aims to gather insights into clinical educators’perceptions concerning MNS postgraduate training and identify key competencies required for effective teaching.Methods:This study utilized a cross-sectional design.An online questionnaire survey was distributed among clinical faculty members engaged in the education of MNS postgraduates.The survey addressed 4 areas:general teaching conditions,perceptions regarding training for MNS postgraduates,core competencies expected from clinical teachers,and implementation strategies for delivering clinical instruction tailored to these graduates.Results:A total of 143 clinical teachers supervising MNS postgraduates completed the questionnaire.Of these respondents,101(70.62%)held a bachelor’s degree while 42(29.37%)possessed a master’s degree.Although these clinicians demonstrated certain core competencies,they exhibited lower proficiency in understanding trends related to scientific advancements and current research priorities along with limited research capabilities 4.00(3.00,4.00).Notably,>95.8%of teachers recognized differences between the 2 categories of postgraduate students;only 4.2%were completely unaware of such distinctions.There was no statistically significant relationship between the demographic data of clinical educators and their core competencies(P>0.05).Conclusions:This study revealed no significant correlation between the general characteristics of clinical teachers and the core competencies of MNS postgraduates.Additionally,we identified a lack of effective communication and collaboration between MNS postgraduate supervisors and clinical educators.The findings from this research offer valuable insights for further investigation into the factors that influence the core competencies of clinical teachers,as well as strategies to enhance the clinical teaching standards for MNS postgraduates.
文摘China has allocated a combined 10 trillion yuan(US$1.39 trillion)in new fiscal funding to replace hidden local government debt,or liabilities that local governments do not o"cially report.This marks one of the largest moves of its kind in recent years.The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress(NPC),China’s top legislative body,approved a bill that raises the ceiling on local government debt by 6 trillion yuan(US$834 billion)to address existing hidden debt,Xu Hongcai,deputy head of the NPC’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee,said at a press conference after the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded its 12th session in Beijing on November 8.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31901220)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China(2019B121202004)+1 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2021A1515110744)Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province(DFGP Project of Fauna of Guangdong-202115)。
文摘Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity(TBD)and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD)of breeding birds in China vary across(1)regions on both sides of the Hu Line,which demarcates China’s topographical,climatic,economic,and social patterns,and(2)species with different dispersal ability.TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach.Variables representing climate,habitat heterogeneity,and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering.Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation.Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables.In general,the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering.However,different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns.Specifically,climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line,respectively.Additionally,bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering,resulting in more homogeneous assemblages.Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns,and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors.Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.
基金Henan Province Higher Education Teaching Reform Research and Practice Project“Industry Guidance,Integration of Medical Education,and Professional Reality:Innovation and Practice of Medical Technology(1+2)Education Model”(2024SJGLX0725)Henan Province Medical Education Research Project“Research on the Innovation and Practice of Talent Training Model for Rehabilitation Therapy Technology Majors Based on Collaborative Education between Medicine and Education”(WJLX2023208)Zhengzhou Local College Teaching Reform Research and Practice Project“Research and Practice on the Talent Training Model of Rehabilitation Therapy Technology Based on the Integration of Industry and Education”(ZZJG-A1033)。
文摘This study empirically analyzes the application effect of the integration of medical and educational models in cultivating professional abilities in traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation techniques.The research subjects are 100 students from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Technology major at Y school.Through questionnaire scores,practical training results,and interview data,this study explores the outcomes of this integrated approach.The findings reveal that students in the experimental group significantly outperform those in the control group in terms of practical operation skills,professional responsibility,and communication and collaboration skills.This research confirms the notable role of the medical-educational integration model in enhancing the professional skills and accomplishments of students majoring in traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation,providing a scientific basis for vocational education reform and the cultivation of rehabilitation technical talents.
基金Sponsored by Project of Teaching Reform Research of Education Department of Shandong Province in 2020“Innovation and Practice of Tourism Management Application-oriented Talent Training Mode under the Background of First-class Specialty Construction and International Certification”(M2020289).
文摘Engaging students in the examination of the local significance of newly established historic districts within real-life contexts serves as a crucial method for exploring the geographical practical ability.This study utilizes Dongyi Town in Rizhao City as a case study,employing text analysis,field research,and interviews.It draws upon the theoretical frameworks of place and placelessness,while integrating research resources from two distinct perspectives:the evolution of the landscape and the emotional attitudes of various subjects towards the neighborhood.Students will be encouraged to investigate the environmental characteristics of the natural geography inherent in Dongyi Town,the current state of urban development and its implications for the local economy,culture,and environment through field visits and firsthand experiences.By employing the theory of place and placelessness,students will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying subjects and values associated with the landscape.Furthermore,they will learn to utilize this theoretical framework to reflect on the significance of districts to individuals,thereby enhancing their geographical practical abilities.
文摘The transmitting of Chinese culture in the intercultural communication is of great importance for English learners in China.English majors at newly upgraded universities are weak in their abilities to express Chinese culture in English and transmit Chinese culture.To find measures for the problems,some necessary changes in the syllabus,textbooks,testing and curriculum are suggested,compiling of a dictionary for the standard of Chinese culture items in English is discussed,and the roles of teachers,students and English Corner in the cultivation of the abilities of English majors' to express Chinese culture in English at newly upgraded universities are analyzed.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 03030307 the Great Special Fund of Guangdong Province, No. 2004A30201002
文摘BACKGROUND： Transplantation of fetal cell suspension or blocks of fetal tissue can ameliorate the nerve function after the injury or disease in the central nervous system, and it has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders induced by Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of the transplantation of neuron-like cells derived from bone marrow stromal cells （rMSCs） into the brain in restoring the dysfunctions of muscle strength and balance as well as learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled experiment.SETTING ： Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University.MATERIALS ： Twenty-four male SD rats （3-4 weeks of age, weighing 200-220 g） were used in this study （Certification number：2001A027）. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in Zhongshan Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2003 and December 2004. ① Twenty-four male SD rats randomized into three groups with 8 rats in each： experimental group, control group and sham-operated group. Rats in the experiment al group and control group were induced into models of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. After in vitro cultured, purified and identified with digestion, the Fischer344 rMSCs were induced to differentiate by tanshinone IIA, which was locally injected into the striate cortex （18 area） of rats in the experimental group, and the rats in the control group were injected by L-DMEM basic culture media （without serum） of the same volume to the corresponding brain area. In the sham-operated group, only muscle and vessel of neck were separated. ② At 2 and 8 weeks after the transplantation, the rats were given the screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test and Morris water-maze test. ③ The survival and distribution of the induced cells in corresponding brain area were observed with Nissl stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining in the groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： ① Results of the behavioral tests （time of the Morris water-maze test screen test, prehensile-traction test, balance beam test）; ② Survival and distribution of the induced cells.RESULTS： All the 24 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① Two weeks after transplantation, rats with neuron-like cells grafts in the experimental group had significant improvement on their general muscle strength than those in the control group [screen test： （9.4±1.7）, （4.7±1.0） s, P 〈 0.01]; forelimb muscle strength [prehensile-traction test： （7.6±1.4）, （5.2±1.2） s, P 〈 0.01], ability to keep balance [balance beam test： （7.9±0.74）, （6.1±0.91） s, P 〈 0.01] and abilities of learning and memory [latency to find the platform： （35.8±5.9）, （117.5±11.6） s, P 〈 0.01; distance： （623.1±43.4）, （1 902.3±98.6） cm, P 〈 0.01] as compared with those in the control group. The functional performances in the experimental group at 8 weeks were better than those at two weeks, which were still obviously different from those in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. ② The HE and Nissl stained brain tissue section showed that there was nerve cell proliferation at the infarcted cortex in the experiment group, the density was higher than that in the control group, plenty of aggregative or scattered cells could be observed at the site where needle was inserted for transplantation, the cells migrated directively towards the area around them, the cerebral vascular walls were wrapped by plenty of cells; In the control group, most of the cortices were destroyed, karyopyknosis and necrosis of neurons were observed, normal nervous tissue structure disappeared induced by edema, only some nerve fibers and glial cells remained.CONCLUSION： The rMSCs transplantation can obviously enhance the motor function and the abilities of learning and memory in rat models of cerebral infarction.
基金Funding was provided by PRIN 2015 Grant(prot.:2015FFATB7)to A.B.from Ministero dell'Istruzione,Universita e Ricerca(M IUR,Italy)FIR2018 and FAR2018 grants to T.L.X.from University of Ferrara.
文摘In a number of species,males and females have different ecological roles and therefore might be required to solve different problems.Studies on humans have suggested that the 2 sexes often show different efficiencies in problem solving tasks;similarly,evidence of sex differences has been found in 2 other mammalian species.Here,we assessed whether a teleost fish species,the guppy.Poecilia reticulata,displays sex differences in the ability to solve problems.In Experiment 1,guppies had to learn to dislodge a disc that occluded a feeder from which they had been previously accustomed to feed.In Experiment 2,guppies had to solve a version of the detour task that required them to learn to enter a transparent cylinder from the open sides to reach a food reward previously freely available.We found evidence of sex differences in both problem-solvingi tasks.In Experiment 1,females clearly outperformed males,and in Experiment 2,guppies showed a reversed but smaller sex difference.This study indicates that sex differences may play an important role in fish's problem-solving similar to what has previously been observed in some mammalian species.
基金Funding was provided by FAR2018 and FIR2018 grant from University of Ferrara to T.L.-X.
文摘In a number of animal species,individuals differ in their ability to solve cognitive tasks.However,the mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear.It has been proposed that individual differences in cognition may be related to individual differences in behavior(i.e.,personality);a hypothesis that has received mixed support.In this study,we investigated whether personality correlates with the cognitive ability that allows inhibiting behavior in 2 teleost fish species,the zebrafish Danio rerio and the guppy Poecilia reticulata.In both species,individuals that were bolder in a standard personality assay,the open-field test,showed greater inhibitory abilities in the tube task,which required them to inhibit foraging behavior toward live prey sealed into a transparent tube.This finding reveals a relationship between boldness and inhibitory abilities in fish and lends support to the hypothesis of a link between personality and cognition.Moreover,this study suggests that species separated by a relatively large phylogenetic distance may show the same link between personality and cognition,when tested on the same tasks.
文摘Purpose:This study compared the relative effectiveness of Chinese calligraphy handwriting(CCH)and acupuncture in the treatment of patients with senile dementia.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial(RCT)with 17 mild-to-moderate dementia patients with an average age of 77.29 years were randomly assigned with 9 to the calligraphy handwriting group and 8 to the acupuncture treatment group for a month of consecutive treatment.The participants'cognitive abilities,as well as symptoms of senile dementia,were measured by the Chinese version of the Mini-mental State Examination(CMMSE)and the Chinese Medicine Quantitative Diagnostic Survey for Senile Dementia Symptoms,respectively,before and after the treatment.Results:The calligraphy group showed a significant increase in calculation and memory as well as a decline in the symptoms of senile dementia.Patients in the acupuncture group experienced a significant growth in total CMMSE scores and the subscales in orientation to time and place,behavioral operations,as well as reduced clinical symptoms.However,no significant changes were found in their memory and calculation abilities.Conclusion:Both CCH and acupuncture treatments were found significantly effective for,respectively,enhancing the patients'cognitive abilities and reducing their clinical symptoms.Further,calligraphy handwriting also improved the level of their attention and concentration,physical relaxation,and emotional stability.
文摘Thinking ability of a man, which is the core of wisdom, participates in and dominates all the intellectual activities. This study, pursued on the ontological and practical level, is aimed at cultivating learners ' thinking abilities in foreign language teaching(FLT)in basic education of China. Regarding English teaching reform in basic education of China as the background, this thesis probes to bring it to the forefront and put forward approaches and strategies of incorporating the cultivation of learners' thinking abilities into every aspect of the teaching procedures.
基金the National Social Science Foundation of China(20BTJ048)Preliminary Research Key Project of National Science Foundation of China(XJKY08201901)Anhui University Humanities and Social Science Research Major Project(SK2021ZD0043)。
文摘In recent years,it is of great interest to evaluate the level of liabilities of the hybrid pension system as the mixed pension schemes are favored by various countries around the world.This paper further improves the hybrid pension liability assessment method proposed by Broeders et al by accounting for inflation risk and assuming that inflation risk is measured by a price index that follows geometric Brownian motion.A simulation-based pricing framework is then introduced to assess the hybrid pension liability.The results show that the introduction of inflation risk increases the total outstanding liability of hybrid pensions.Furthermore,inflation is negatively correlated with the total outstanding liability of the hybrid pension scheme,while inflation volatility is positively correlated with it.
文摘AIM: To summarize research regarding the motor abilities of children and adolescents who suffer from a common psychiatric condition.METHODS: In order to outline the current knowledge regarding the motor abilities of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders(ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders(DBD) and depression, a comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out using Pub Med, Medline and ERIC databases. The databases were searched for relevant English language articles published between January 1990 and April 2014. Only studies that conducted a quantitative evaluation of motor ability and concerned individuals aged 0-18 years were included. A separate search was conducted for each disorder(ASD, ADHD, DBD, depression) in conjunction with each of the following keywords:(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement skill(s),(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement abilities,(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement impairment,(psycho/perceptuo) motor/movement problem(s), motor function, motor coordination, motor performance, motor deficit(s). To detect supplementary relevant literature, the reference lists of the retrieved articles were examined. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 51 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. In total, 28 studies were included that examined the motor abilities of children and adolescents with ASD. All studies indicated that they performed below average on various standardized motor assessment instruments. The overall prevalence rate for impairment in motor abilities ranged from 33% to 100%. Twenty-seven studies examined the motor abilities of children and adolescents with ADHD. Depending on the type of motor assessment tool and the cut-off points used by different researchers, prevalence rates of impairment in motor abilities are highly variable and ranged from 8% to 73%. Remarkably, there is a paucity of research addressing the motor abilities of individuals with DBD or depression. Furthermore, methodological problems, such as measurement and comorbidity issues, complicate the generalization of the findings. CONCLUSION: Research suggests that motor impairment is highly prevalent in some psychiatric conditions, particularly ASD and ADHD. However, future work is necessary to draw sound conclusions.
基金supported by grants from Shriners Research Foundation grant SHC-85310
文摘Epigenetic control of regeneration after spinal cord injury： Com- plete spinal cord injury （SCI） in humans and other mammals leads to irreversible paralysis below the level of injury, due to failure of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system （CNS）. Previous work has shown that successful axon regeneration is dependent upon transcription of a large number of regeneration-associated genes （RAGs） and transcription factors （TFs） （Van Kesteren et al., 2011）. A prominent theory in the field of axon regeneration is that the large differences in regenerative potential between peripheral nervous system （PNS） neurons, which regenerate well, and CNS neurons, which do not, reflect differences in intrinsic transcriptional net- works, rather than individual genes （Van Kesteren et al., 2011）.
文摘BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pathogenesis of pineal gland on learning ability should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pinealectomy on learning abiliy, distribution of cholinesterase and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex of rats and probe into the effect of melatonin on learning ability, central cholinergic system and nNOS expression. DESIGN: Randomized grouping design and animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the 187 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: A total of 12 male SD rats, of normal learning ability testing with Y-tape maze, of clean grade, weighing 190-210 g, aged 6 weeks, were selected in this study. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital from July 1997 to June 2000. All SD rats were divided into experimental group (n =6, pinealectomy) and control group (n =6, sham operation). Seven days later, rats in both two groups were continuously fed for 33 days. ① Learning ability test: The learning ability of rats was tested by trisection Y-type maze and figured as attempting times. ② Expression of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was detected by enzyme histochemistry and nNOS was measured by SABC method. ③ Quantitative analysis of AchE fibers: AchE fibers density in unit area (surface density) was surveyed with Leica Diaplan microscope and Leica Quantimet 500+ image analytic apparatus and quantitative parameter was set up for AchE fibers covering density (μm2) per 374 693.656 μm2, moreover, the AchE fibers density was measured in Ⅱ-Ⅳ layers of motor and somatosensory cortex (showing three layers per field of vision at one time), in radiative, lacunaria and molecular layers of CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas, and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus. Three tissue slices were picked up randomly in the same part of each rat, together six tissue slices for nNOS expression and four near view (× 400) were selected in the parts of right neocortex, medial septal nucleus-diagonal band nucleus (SM-DB), corpus striatus and hippocampus to count nNOS-positive cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Learning ability; distribution and quantitative analysis of AchE fibers; expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas. RESULTS: The twelve rats were all involved in the final analysis. ① Learning ability test: The learning abilities before operation in the experimental group [(14.67±4.97) times] were consistent with those in the control group [(14.33±4.32) times, P > 0.05], the learning abilities in the experimental group at 40 days after pinealectomy [(28.67±2.42) times] were obviously more than those before pinealectomy and those in the control group after operation [(13.83±8.33) times, P < 0.01]. ② Results of AchE-positive fibers density in cerebral cortex of rats: The AChE-positive fibers densities in motor and somatosensory cortex, CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas of hippocampus and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus in the experimental group were obviously lower than those in the control group [experimental group: (15 244±1 339), (14 764±1 391), (12 991±970), (15 077±1 020), (19 546±1 489), (19 337±1 378) μm2; control group: (21 001±1 021), (17 930±2 225), (17 260±1 342), (18 911±1 048), (24 108±1 671), (22 917±1 909) μm2, P < 0.01]. ③ Expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas: nNOS-positive cells in cerebral cortex of rats of the experimental group were more, furthermore the ones in somatosensory cortex were slightly more in motor cortex and the number (5.90±0.68) was more than that in the control group (3.68±0.39,P < 0.05). The nNOS-positive cells in SM-DB (16.21±2.03) were markedly more than those in the control group (9.32±1.05,P < 0.01). The nNOS-positive cells in hippocampus (4.27±0.75) and in corpus striatus (9.35±2.58) were not different with those in the control group (3.94±0.53, 8.96±2.31, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease of melatonin due to pinealectomy of rats can result in learning disorder, which may be related to trauma of cholinergic neuron in cerebral cortex which were caused by nitric oxide neurotoxicity arose from the overexpression of nNOS in cerebral neocortex and SM-DB.
文摘BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nerve growth actor (NGF) cam improve spatial learning and memory abilities of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion; however, the effect of combination of them on relieving learning and memory injury following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of exogenous CGRP and NGF on learning and memory abilities of rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Xiamen; Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University; Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University. MATERIALS: A total of 30 healthy male SD rats, aged 8 weeks, of clean grade, weighing 250-300 g, were provided by Experimental Animal Department of China Medical University. All rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group with 10 in each group. The main reagents were detailed as the follows: 100 g/L chloral hydrate, 0.5 mL CGRP (2 mg/L, Sigma Company, USA), and NGF (1× 106 U/L, 0.5 mL, Siweite Company, Dalian). METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurobiology, Basic Medical College of China Medical University from February to July 2005. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established by method of occlusion, 2 hours after that rats were anesthetized and the thread was slightly drawn out for 10 mm under direct staring to perform reperfusion. Rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group received intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL saline via the abdomen at two hours later, while rats in the treatment group at 2 hours later received intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/L CGRP (0.5 mL) and 1×106 U/L NGF (0.5 mL) once a day for 10 successive days. First administration was accomplished within 15 minutes after ischemia/reperfusion. Rats in the sham-operation group were separated of the vessels without occlusion or administration. The neural function was evaluated with Zea Longa 5-grade scale. Animals with the score of one, two and three points received Morris water-maze test to measure searching time on platform (omitting platform-escaping latency). Meanwhile, leaning and memory abilities of animals were reflected through testing times of passing through platform per minute. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experimental results of omitting platform-escaping latency and spatial probe. RESULTS: Three and two rats in the ischemia/reperfusion group and treatment group respectively were not in accordance with the criteria in the process, and the rest were involved in the final analysis. ① Comparisons of platform-escaping latency during Morris water-maze test in all the three groups: Ten days after modeling, the platform-escaping latency in the ischemia/reperfusion group was obviously longer than that in sham-operation group (P < 0.01), and was significantly shorter than that in the treatment group (P < 0.01). ② Comparisons of times of passing through platform in all the three groups: Times of passing through platform were remarkably less in the ischemia/reperfusion group than those in the sham-operation group [(1.79±0.39), (4.30±0.73) times/minute, P < 0.01], and those were markedly more in the treatment group than the ischemia/reperfusion group [(3.16±1.03), (1.79±0.39) times/minute, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: CGRP and NGF are capable of ameliorating the abilities of spatial learning and memory in MCAO rats, which indicates that CGRP and NGF can protect ischemic neurons.
文摘Objective: The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the semantic language abilities of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) compared to normal group. Secondly to examine the role of hypoxemia, hypercapnia and pulmonary parameters on language scores. Method: We assessed 100 COPD patients with the use of a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests standardized for the Greek population, examining semantic language abilities, namely the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Picture Peabody Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Controlled Oral Word Fluency Test (COWAT). Results: The results revealed that although the overall performance of our group of patients was within normal range, it was statistically significant lower compared to normal distribution on all semantic language tests. Moreover, we found that the percentile of COPD patients that performed in the deficient range was significantly higher compared to normal distribution. Further analysis of pulmonary parameters showed that Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1, FEV1%), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC, FVC%) and FEV1/FVC were not correlated with patients’ performance on the language tests. Low Partial Pressure of Oxygen in blood oxygen levels (PaO2) was found to be able to predict the performance of patients on BNT, PPVT and semantic verbal fluency test. Abnormally elevated Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (PCaO2) in blood were not found to be related to language dysfunctions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that our group of COPD patients is more prone to present semantic language impairments compared to normal group while low blood oxygen levels were associated with reduced performance on BNT, PPVT and semantic verbal fluency tests.
