BACKGROUND： The hippocampus regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through negative feedback. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus receives neuronal input from the hippocampus via the fomix, OBJECTIVE...BACKGROUND： The hippocampus regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through negative feedback. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus receives neuronal input from the hippocampus via the fomix, OBJECTIVE： To explore whether the negative feedback effect of the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is contributed to the inhibitory effect of mineralocorticoid receptor （MR） and glucocorticoid receptor （GR） in the hippocampus on the paraventricular nucleus via the fornix. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiment. The study was performed at the Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University between September 2006 and September 2008. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-rat anti-MR and rabbit anti-rat anti-GR antibodies were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Rabbit anti-rat anti-corticotrophin releasing hormone （CRH） and rabbit anti-rat anti-arginine vasopressin antibodies were purchased from Wuhan Boster. METHODS： A total of 90 male, Wistar rats were randomly divided into model and sham-surgery groups （n = 45）. Fornix transection was performed in the model group, while the sham-surgery group underwent surgery, but no fornix transection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunohistochemistry was used to examine MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, as well as CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus. Western blot was used to measure alterations in MR, GR, and CRH protein expression following fomix transection. RESULTS： Compared with the sham-surgery group, there were no obvious changes in MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, or CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin expression in the paraventdcular nucleus within 4 days of fornix transection. However, after 7-10 days, significantly decreased MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, and increased CRH and anti-arginine vasopmssin expression in the paraventricular nucleus were observed （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Negative feedback from the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis might be mediated through the fornix, and the corticosterene actions mediated by hippocampal corticosteroid receptors indirectly modulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.展开更多
Ciliary neurotrophic factor （CNTF） dramatically increases following spinal cord injury and participates in the repair process, although some studies have shown that CNTF plays a role in promoting glial scar formatio...Ciliary neurotrophic factor （CNTF） dramatically increases following spinal cord injury and participates in the repair process, although some studies have shown that CNTF plays a role in promoting glial scar formation following spinal cord injury. The antibody closure model can be used to inhibit CNTF expression following spinal cord injury, thereby furthering the understanding of the role of CNTF in spinal cord injury repair. In the present experiment, spinal catheters were placed in the vertebral canal of spinal cord transected rats, and CNTF antibodies were injected following fixation of the paraspinal muscle catheter. At 24 hours after a single CNTF antibody injection, CNTF expression decreased in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord and recovered to normal levels by 48 72 hours. CNTF antibody treatment can effectively block endogenous CNTF expression in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord during an interval of less than 24 hours in transected rats.展开更多
BACKGROUND:The establishment of a rat model of complete transected spinal cord injury lacks technological specifications.The current models lack concordance and reliability,and the death rate of the experimental anima...BACKGROUND:The establishment of a rat model of complete transected spinal cord injury lacks technological specifications.The current models lack concordance and reliability,and the death rate of the experimental animals is high.Therefore,there is a great need for a reliable model to apply clinical applications of therapy.OBJECTIVE:To construct a rat model of complete transected spinal cord injury characterized by stability,reproducibility,and a high animal survival rate.DESIGN:Completely randomized controlled study.SETTING:Department of Neurosurgery,Xiangya Hospital of Central South University.MATERIALS:Fifty-five healthy specific pathogen free grade adult female Sprague Dawley rats were provided by the Experimental Animal Department,Xiangya Medical College,Central South University.Olympus BX51 imaging collecting analytic system was provided by Olympus Company,Japan;and SEN-7203 Nihon-Kohden electrical stimulator by Nihon Kohden,Japan.METHODS:This study was performed at the Laboratory of Neurosurgery,Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April to June 2006.Experimental grouping:55 rats were randomly divided into model group(n=40)and sham surgery group(n=15).In the model group,a self-made sliver hook was passed through the ventral side to support the spinal cord at the T12 segment and to shear it off.A complete transected spinal cord,2 mm in length,was resected.In the sham surgery group,the spinal cord was identically exposed.The dura mater of the spinal cord was cut open,but the spinal cord was not damaged.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Histopathological changes after spinal cord injury at L2 segment were observed subsequent to hematoxylin and eosin staining under optical microscopy.Olympus BX51 imaging collecting analytic system was used to count spinal cord ventral horn neurons.Motor function of rat hindlimb was evaluated with the Basso,Beattie and Bresnahan(BBB)scale.Paraplegia was evaluated as 0 point,and complete normality as 21 points.Somatosensory-evoked potential was measured using Nihon-Kohden electric stimulator at 21 days post-operation.RESULTS:A total of 82%(33/40)rats survived longer than 30 days after modeling.Pathological changes of spinal cord tissue:degenerative and necrotic pathological changes appeared in the model group after surgery;for example,neuronal swelling,chromatinolysis,and karyopyknosis.The spinal cord in the sham surgery group displayed mild edema 24 hours after surgery,gradually recovering to normal levels.Quantification of spinal cord ventral horn neurons:the number of spinal cord ventral horn neurons in the model group was less than in the sham surgery group at 24 hours,as well as 7 and 21 days after surgery(P〈0.01);while,the number at 7 and 21 days after surgery decreased compared to 24 hours after surgery(P〈0.01).Motor function changes:Rats in the sham operation group moved lightly abnormally following anesthesia recovery and then moved normally 7 days after surgery.BBB scores in the model group were less than in the sham surgery group 21 days after surgery(P〈0.01).BBB scores of both lower extremities increased slightly 7 days after surgery(P〈0.01);however,voluntary motor function of both lower extremities was still not recovered 30 days after surgery.Changes of somatosensory-evoked potential:wave form of somatosensory-evoked potential was normal in the sham surgery group 21 days after surgery,but recovered wave form was not recorded in the model group.CONCLUSION:Results from spinal cord histopathology,cytology,motor function,and somatosensory-evoked potential suggested that the complete transected spinal cord injury model in this study was stable,reliable,and reproducible.Furthermore,the survival rate of experimental animals was high.展开更多
Millions of patients and their caretakers live and deal with the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury(SCI)worldwide.Despite outstanding advances in the field to both understand and tackle these pathologies,a...Millions of patients and their caretakers live and deal with the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury(SCI)worldwide.Despite outstanding advances in the field to both understand and tackle these pathologies,a cure for SCI patients,with their peculiar characteristics,is still a mirage.One of the most promising therapeutic strategies to date for these patients involves the use of epidural electrical stimulation.In this context,electrically active materials such as graphene and its derivates become particularly interesting.Indeed,solid evidence of their capacity to closely interact with neural cells and networks is growing.Encouraged by previous findings in our laboratory on the exploration of 3D porous reduced graphene oxide(rGO)scaffolds in chronic cervical hemisected rats(C6),herein we report their neuro-reparative properties when chronically implanted in complete transected rats(T9-T10),in which no preserved contralateral neural networks can assist in any observed recovery.Electrophysiological recordings from brainstem regions show antidromic activation of a small population of neurons in response to electrical stimulation caudal to the injury.These neurons are located in the Gigantocellular nucleus of reticular formation and vestibular nuclei,both regions directly related to motor functions.Together with histological features at the lesion site,such as more abundant and larger blood vessels and more abundant,longer and more homogeneously distributed axons,our results corroborate that rGO scaffolds create a permissive environment that allows the invasion of functional axonic processes from neurons located in brainstem nuclei with motor function in a rat model of complete thoracic transection.Additionally,behavioral tests evidence that these scaffolds play an important role in whole-body mechanical stabilization(postural control)proved by the absence of scoliosis,a higher trunk stability and a larger cervico-thoraco-lumbar movement range in rGO-implanted rats.展开更多
Grafted embryonic central neural tissue pieces can recover function of hemisected spinal cord in neonatal rats and promote axonal growth in adults. However, spinal cord segments from adults have not been used as donor...Grafted embryonic central neural tissue pieces can recover function of hemisected spinal cord in neonatal rats and promote axonal growth in adults. However, spinal cord segments from adults have not been used as donor segments for allogeneic transplantation. Here, we utilized adult spinal cord tissue grafts(aSCGs) as donor constructs for repairing complete spinal cord injury(SCI). Moreover, to provide a favourable microenvironment for SCI treatment, a growth factor cocktail containing three growth factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor), was applied to the aSCG transplants. We found that the locomotor function was significantly improved 12 weeks after transplantation of aSCGs into the spinal cord lesion site in adult rats. Transplantation of aSCGs combined with these growth factors enhanced neuron and oligodendrocyte survival and functional restoration. These encouraging results indicate that treatment of complete SCI by transplanting aSCGs, especially in the presence of growth factors, has a positive effect on motor functional recovery, and therefore could be considered as a possible therapeutic strategy for SCI.展开更多
High microsatellite instability(MSI-H)colorectal cancer(CRC),caused by deficient mismatch repair,accounts for about 15%of all CRC cases and is more common in right-sided tumors.While early-stage MSI-H CRC has a relati...High microsatellite instability(MSI-H)colorectal cancer(CRC),caused by deficient mismatch repair,accounts for about 15%of all CRC cases and is more common in right-sided tumors.While early-stage MSI-H CRC has a relatively good prognosis,advanced cases often respond poorly to standard chemotherapy.Immune checkpoint inhibitors,such as pembrolizumab,have shown strong and lasting effects in MSI-H CRC.Pembrolizumab is now approved as a first-line treatment for metastatic MSI-H CRC due to its superior outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old male with MSI-H transverse colon cancer presented with hematochezia,abdominal pain,and significant weight loss.Imaging revealed a bulky tumor with invasion of adjacent structures and multiple liver lesions.A diverting ileostomy was performed followed by 36 cycles of pembrolizumab.The patient achieved a clinical and radiologic complete response.One month after completing the treatment,the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.A spontaneous transection of the colon at the original tumor site was unexpectedly identified.Final pathology confirmed pathological complete response(ypT0N0)with fibrosis.The patient recovered well after surgery,and follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION Immune checkpoint inhibitors may cause delayed structural damage to bowel tissue even after apparent complete tumor regression.展开更多
Demyelination and remyelination have been major focal points in the study of peripheral nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.Notably,the gene regulatory network of regenerated myelin differs from that ...Demyelination and remyelination have been major focal points in the study of peripheral nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.Notably,the gene regulatory network of regenerated myelin differs from that of native myelin.Silencing of enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)hinders the differentiation,maturation,and myelination of Schwann cells in vitro.To further determine the role of EZH2 in myelination and recovery post-peripheral nerve injury,conditional knockout mice lacking Ezh2 in Schwann cells(Ezh2^(fl/fl);Dhh-Cre and Ezh2^(fl/fl);Mpz-Cre)were generated.Our results show that a significant proportion of axons in the sciatic nerve of Ezh2-depleted mice remain unmyelinated.This highlights the crucial role of Ezh2 in initiating Schwann cell myelination.Furthermore,we observed that 21 days after inducing a sciatic nerve crush injury in these mice,most axons had remyelinated at the injury site in the control nerve,while Ezh2^(fl/fl);Mpz-Cre mice had significantly fewer remyelinated axons compared with their wild-type littermates.This suggests that the absence of Ezh2 in Schwann cells impairs myelin formation and remyelination.In conclusion,EZH2 has emerged as a pivotal regulatory factor in the process of demyelination and myelin regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.Modulating EZH2 activity during these processes may offer a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.展开更多
The article deals with forest communities that develop on small surfaces on steep gradients of the geomorphologically diverse landscape of the Kras plateau.They appear in small depressions called dolines,where a steep...The article deals with forest communities that develop on small surfaces on steep gradients of the geomorphologically diverse landscape of the Kras plateau.They appear in small depressions called dolines,where a steep gradient of ecological conditions appears over a small spatial scale.We tried to detect the turnover of forest communities on this small scale and steep gradient with small plots(microplots)of 4 m^(2)arranged in a continuous transect.We sampled only the ground layer and estimated the cover of each vascular plant species.The main problem was that we could not sample vegetation plots in standard sizes,which would allow a standard classification procedure.We built an expert system based on all of the relevant standard vegetation plots from the region and applied this system on a microplot matrix.We classified one third of microplots in this way,but the remainder were classified by semi-supervised k-means clustering.We thus established 8 communities that appear in dolines and compared their characteristics and ecological conditions by Ellenberg indicator values.Our results show that oak-hornbeam forests can be found in the bottom of dolines.Towards the bottom of deeper dolines,mesophilous ravine forests dominated by sycamore on rocky places,and sessile oak forests on deeper soils appear.On lower slopes,thermophilous ravine forests dominated by limes appear on rocky places.Upper slopes are dominated by Turkey oak,hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests and shrub formations.Turkey oak forests can be found on rather deeper soils than hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests.At the top,hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests can be found that build the zonal vegetation of the region.On rock walls vegetation of rock crevices can be found.The high biodiversity of the region supports the idea that diverse karstic features might have the potential for formation of refugia in future foreseen climate change,related to the potential of karstic relief to create diverse climatic conditions.展开更多
In adult mammals,optic nerve injury leads to irreversible vision loss due to its extremely limited regenerative capacity.In contrast,adult zebrafish possess a robust capacity for spontaneous visual system regeneration...In adult mammals,optic nerve injury leads to irreversible vision loss due to its extremely limited regenerative capacity.In contrast,adult zebrafish possess a robust capacity for spontaneous visual system regeneration,although the spatiotemporal coordination of recovery across the retina,optic nerve,and brain remains poorly understood.In the present study,the regenerative dynamics following optic nerve transection were systematically characterized in adult zebrafish over a 5 week period using hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,transmission electron microscopy,single-cell RNA sequencing,and optokinetic response(OKR)behavioral assessments.At 1 week post-injury(1 wpi),retinal ganglion cell depletion was evident but showed significant recovery by 2 wpi.Concurrently,the injured optic nerve displayed a marked increase in diameter and cell number at 2 wpi,including widespread expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,consistent with heightened proliferative activity.Single-cell transcriptomic profiling at 2 wpi revealed five principal cell populations:fibroblasts,mural cells,immune cells,mature oligodendrocytes,and myelin-forming oligodendrocytes.By 4-5 wpi,remyelination within the optic nerve and re-establishment of synaptic architecture in the optic tectum were strongly correlated with functional restoration of OKR behavior.These findings provide a comprehensive spatiotemporal framework of visual pathway regeneration in zebrafish,establishing a valuable model for elucidating conserved mechanisms of neural repair with translational potential for human vision restoration.展开更多
Functional recovery in penetrating neurological injury is hampered by a lack of clinical regenerative therapies.Biomaterial therapies show promise as medical materials for neural repair through immunomodulation,struct...Functional recovery in penetrating neurological injury is hampered by a lack of clinical regenerative therapies.Biomaterial therapies show promise as medical materials for neural repair through immunomodulation,structural support,and delivery of therapeutic biomolecules.However,a lack of facile and pathology-mimetic models for therapeutic testing is a bottleneck in neural tissue engineering research.We have deployed a two-dimensional,high-density multicellular cortical brain sheet to develop a facile model of injury(macrotransection/scratch wound)in vitro.The model encompasses the major neural cell types involved in pathological responses post-injury.Critically,we observed hallmark pathological responses in injury foci including cell scarring,immune cell infiltration,precursor cell migration,and shortrange axonal sprouting.Delivering test magnetic particles to evaluate the potential of the model for biomaterial screening shows a high uptake of introduced magnetic particles by injury-activated immune cells,mimicking in vivo findings.Finally,we proved it is feasible to create reproducible traumatic injuries in the brain sheet(in multielectrode array devices in situ)characterized by focal loss of electrical spiking in injury sites,offering the potential for longer term,electrophysiology plus histology assays.To our knowledge,this is the first in vitro simulation of transecting injury in a two-dimensional multicellular cortical brain cell sheet,that allows for combined histological and electrophysiological readouts of damage/repair.The patho-mimicry and adaptability of this simplified model of brain injury could benefit the testing of biomaterial therapeutics in regenerative neurology,with the option for functional electrophysiological readouts.展开更多
An improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach model （CASA model） was used to estimate the net primary productivity （NPP） of the Northeast China Transect （NECT） every month from 1982 to 2000. The spatial-temporal d...An improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach model （CASA model） was used to estimate the net primary productivity （NPP） of the Northeast China Transect （NECT） every month from 1982 to 2000. The spatial-temporal distribution of NPP along NECT and its response to climatic change were also analyzed. Results showed that the change tendency of NPP spatial distribution in NECT is quite similar to that of precipitation and their spatial correlation coefficient is up to 0.84 （P 〈 0.01）. The inter-annual variation of NPP in NECT is mainly affected by the change of the aestival NPP every year, which accounts for 67.6% of the inter-annual increase in NPP and their spatial correlation coefficient is 0.95 （P 〈 0.01）. The NPP in NECT is mainly cumulated between May and September, which accounts for 89.8% of the annual NPP. The NPP in summer （June to August） accounts for 65.9% of the annual NPP and is the lowest in winter. Recent climate changes have enhanced plant growth in NECT. The mean NPP increased 14.3% from 1980s to 1990s. The inter-annual linear trend of NPP is 4.6 gC·m^-2·a^-1, and the relative trend is 1.17%, which owns mainly to the increasing temperature.展开更多
The 16 tree species on Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed from the change of geographical distribution, frequency and dominance pattern and the spatial correlation at landscape scale in 1986 and 1994. Pin...The 16 tree species on Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed from the change of geographical distribution, frequency and dominance pattern and the spatial correlation at landscape scale in 1986 and 1994. Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. and Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hemsl. had spread rapidly towards west and east, respectively. The frontier form of species had close relation with its movement. The patch size of Pinus koraiensis , Populus davidiana Dode., Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Betula dahurica Pall., Picea koraiensis Nakai, Abies nephrolepis Maxim. and Larix olgeusis var. koreana Nakai decreased, however, Quercus mongolica Fisch., Betula costata Trautv., Acer mono Maxim., Tilia spp., Ulmus spp., Betula platyphylla Suk. and Fraxinus rhynchophylla increased. The frequency pattern of Populus davidiana , Betula platyphylla , Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Betula dahurica changed significantly. The dominance pattern of Populus davidiana , Tilia spp., Juglans mandshurica , Betula platyphylla , Betula dahurica and Abies nephrolepis changed significantly. The spatial correlation between Quercus mongolica and Betula dahurica , Betula costata and Picea spp., Betula costata and Abies nephrolepis , Picea spp. and Abies nephrolepis declined, however, the spatial correlation between Larix spp. and Betula platyphylla , Acer mono and Ulmus spp. increased.展开更多
Net photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ), stomatal conductance ( g s) and water use efficiency (WUE) of more than 218 species belonging to two different reproductive functional types, i.e. clonal (115 ...Net photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ), stomatal conductance ( g s) and water use efficiency (WUE) of more than 218 species belonging to two different reproductive functional types, i.e. clonal (115 species) and non_clonal species (103 species), along the 1 670 km Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed. The results showed that P n and WUE appeared to be lower in the east and west ends of NECT, with peaks in the middle. Transpiration was found to be higher in the west end, where most temperate desert species were distributed. On the same site, most clonal species showed higher P n and related physiological variables than non_clonal species. For different growth forms over NECT, e.g. forest trees, shrubs and grasses, meadow steppe shrubs and grasses, typical steppe shrubs and grasses, the meadow steppe and typical steppe grasses, showed higher values of physiological variables than the forest or the desert species. But for the two reproductive plant functional types (PFTs), clonal species had higher physiological variables, with averages of 22%, 15%, 23% and 14% higher than the non_clonal ones for P n , E, g s, and WUE, respectively. Such differences indicated that clonal species might have advantages over non_clonal species in utilizing environmental resources such as light, CO 2, and especially water.展开更多
Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common t...Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common traumatic nerve injury in humans and the different animal models used in nerve regeneration studies. ~Ihe current knowledge concerning Wallerian degeneration and nerve regrowth is then described. Finally, the involvement of intraneural vascularization in these processes is addressed. As intraneural vascularization has been poorly studied, histological experiments were carried out from rat sciatic nerves damaged by a glycerol injection. The results, taken together with the data from literature, suggest that revascularization plays an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration and must therefore be studied more carefully.展开更多
Livelihoods of farmers and nomads in Tibetan Plateau are severely affected by grassland and herbal resources degeneration. How to help them achieve livelihood diversi- fication is a key sustainable development issue. ...Livelihoods of farmers and nomads in Tibetan Plateau are severely affected by grassland and herbal resources degeneration. How to help them achieve livelihood diversi- fication is a key sustainable development issue. This paper examines livelihood assets, live- lihood diversification level and livelihood strategies of farmers and nomads in 3 regions of eastern transect in Tibetan Plateau. The results show that livelihood diversification is a popular strategy. From high mountain gorge region to mountain plateau region and plateau region, livelihood diversification level is reduced, and livelihood activities and proportion of extended livelihood also decrease. Livelihood assets and livelihood diversification level decrease with the increase of elevation, mainly shown in human assets and natural assets. Livelihood diversification level is highly correlative with livelihood assets, mainly shown in natural assets, human assets and social assets. Livelihood improvement strategies of farmers and nomads are still based on existing livelihood assets, mainly raising livestock and digging herbs, and less farmers and nomads consider off-farm employment or doing business. Nomads in plateau region should learn much from experiences of extended livelihoods of people in high mountain gorge region and mountain plateau region. Therefore, aids of governments should focus on relieving restricted factors of livelihood diversification and help them improve their abilities to build up extended type livelihoods.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Liver surgery has gone through the phases of wedge liver resection, regular resection of hepatic lobes, irregular and local resection, extracorporeal hepatectomy, hemi-extracorporeal hepatectomy and Da Vin...BACKGROUND: Liver surgery has gone through the phases of wedge liver resection, regular resection of hepatic lobes, irregular and local resection, extracorporeal hepatectomy, hemi-extracorporeal hepatectomy and Da Vinci surgical system-assisted hepatectomy. Taking advantage of modern technologies, liver surgery is stepping into an age of precise liver resection. This review aimed to analyze the comprehensive application of modern technologies in precise liver resection. DATA SOURCE: PubMed search was carried out for English-language articles relevant to precise liver resection, liver anatomy, hepatic blood inflow blockage, parenchyma transection, and down-staging treatment. RESULTS: The 3D image system can imitate the liver operation procedures, conduct risk assessment, help to identify the operation feasibility and confirm the operation scheme. In addition, some techniques including puncture and injection of methylene blue into the target Glisson sheath help to precisely determine the resection. Alternative methods such as Pringle maneuver are helpful for hepatic blood inflow blockage in precise liver resection. Moreover, the use of exquisite equipment for liver parenchyma transection, such as cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator, ultrasonic scalpel, Ligasure and Tissue Link is also helpful to reduce hemorrhage in liver resection, or even operate exsanguinous liver resection without blocking hepatic blood flow. Furthermore, various down-staging therapies including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radio-frequency ablation were appropriate for unresectable cancer, which reverse the advanced tumor back to early phase by local or systemic treatment so that hepatectomy or liver transplantation is possible.CONCLUSIONS: Modern technologies mentioned in this paper are the key tool for achieving precise liver resection and can effectively lead to maximum preservation of anatomical structural integrity and functions of the remnant liver. In addition, large randomized trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness of these technologies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone precise liver resection.展开更多
The peripheral nervous system has an astonishing ability to regenerate following a compression or crush injury;however,the potential for full repair following a transection injury is much less.Currently,the major clin...The peripheral nervous system has an astonishing ability to regenerate following a compression or crush injury;however,the potential for full repair following a transection injury is much less.Currently,the major clinical challenge for peripheral nerve repair come from long gaps between the proximal and distal nerve stumps,which prevent regenerating axons reaching the distal nerve.Precise axon targeting during nervous system development is controlled by families of axon guidance molecules including Netrins,Slits,Ephrins and Semaphorins.Several recent studies have indicated key roles of Netrin1,Slit3 and EphrinB2 signalling in controlling the formation of new nerve bridge tissue and precise axon regeneration after peripheral nerve transection injury.Inside the nerve bridge,nerve fibroblasts express EphrinB2 while migrating Schwann cells express the receptor EphB2.EphrinB2/EphB2 signalling between nerve fibroblasts and migrating Schwann cells is required for Sox2 upregulation in Schwann cells and the formation of Schwann cell cords within the nerve bridge to allow directional axon growth to the distal nerve stump.Macrophages in the outermost layer of the nerve bridge express Slit3 while migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons express the receptor Robo1;within Schwann cells,Robo1 expression is also Sox2-dependent.Slit3/Robo1 signalling is required to keep migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons inside the nerve bridge.In addition to the Slit3/Robo1 signalling system,migrating Schwann cells also express Netrin1 and regenerating axons express the DCC receptor.It appears that migrating Schwann cells could also use Netrin1 as a guidance cue to direct regenerating axons across the peripheral nerve gap.Engineered neural tissues have been suggested as promising alternatives for the repair of large peripheral nerve gaps.Therefore,understanding the function of classic axon guidance molecules in nerve bridge formation and their roles in axon regeneration could be highly beneficial in developing engineered neural tissue for more effective peripheral nerve repair.展开更多
Our previous studies revealed that etomidate, a non-barbiturate intravenous anesthetic agent, has protective effects on retinal ganglion cells within 7 days after optic nerve transection. Whether this process is relat...Our previous studies revealed that etomidate, a non-barbiturate intravenous anesthetic agent, has protective effects on retinal ganglion cells within 7 days after optic nerve transection. Whether this process is related to anti-oxidative stress is not clear. To reveal its mechanism, we established the optic nerve transection injury model by transecting 1 mm behind the left eyeball of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats received an intraperitoneal injection of etomidate(4 mg/kg) once per day for 7 days. The results showed that etomidate significantly enhanced the number of retinal ganglion cells retrogradely labeled with Fluorogold at 7 days after optic nerve transection. Etomidate also significantly reduced the levels of nitric oxide and malonaldehyde in the retina and increased the level of glutathione at 12 hours after optic nerve transection. Thus, etomidate can protect retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection in adult rats by activating an anti-oxidative stress response. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee at Air Force Medical University, China(approval No. 20180305) on March 5, 2018.展开更多
Using the daily temperature data of 95 meteorological stations from Sichuan-Chongqing Region and its surrounding areas, this paper adopted these methods （e.g., linear regression, trend coefficient, geographical stati...Using the daily temperature data of 95 meteorological stations from Sichuan-Chongqing Region and its surrounding areas, this paper adopted these methods （e.g., linear regression, trend coefficient, geographical statistics, gray relational analysis and spatial analysis functions of GIS） to analyze the relations of temperature variability with topography, latitude and longitude. Moreover, the rank of gray correlation between temperature variability and elevation, longitude, latitude, topographic position and surface roughness also was meas- ured. These results indicated： （1） The elevation affected temperature variability most obviously, followed by latitude, and longitude. The slope of the linear regression between temperature change rate and elevation, latitude and longitude was 0.4142, 0.0293 and -0.3270, respectively （2） The rank of gray correlation between temperature change rate and geographic factors was elevation 〉 latitude 〉 surface roughness 〉 topographic position 〉 longitude. The gray correla- tion degree between temperature change rate and elevation was 0.865, followed by latitude with 0.796, and longitude with 0.671. （3） The rate of temperature change enhanced with the increase of elevation. Especially, the warming trend was significant in the plateau and mountain areas of western Sichuan, and mountain and valley areas of southwestern Sichuan （with the warming rate of 0.74℃/10a during the 1990s）. However, there was a weak warming trend in Sichuan Basin and its surrounding low mountain and hilly areas. （4） The effects of latitude on temperature change rate presented the specific regulation, which the warming rate of low-latitude areas was more significant than that of high-latitude areas. However, they were consistent with the regulation that the increasing of low temperature controlled most of the warming trend, due to the effects of terrain and sically, temperature variability along longitude elevation on annual mean temperature. （5） Ba- direction resulted from the regular change of elevation along longitude. It was suggested that, in Sichuan-Chongqing Region, special features of temperature variability largely depended on the terrain complexity （e.g., undulations, mutations and roughness）. The elevation level controlled only high or low annual mean temperature and the range of temperature change rate in the macro sense.展开更多
From July 2008 to August 2008, 72 leaf samples from 22 species and 81 soil samples in the nine natural forest ecosystems were collected, from north to south along the North-South Transect of Eastern China （NSTEC）. B...From July 2008 to August 2008, 72 leaf samples from 22 species and 81 soil samples in the nine natural forest ecosystems were collected, from north to south along the North-South Transect of Eastern China （NSTEC）. Based on these samples, we studied the geographical distribution patterns of vegetable water use efficiency （WUE） and nitrogen use efficiency （NUE）, and analyzed their relationship with environmental factors. The vegetable WUE and NUE were calculated through the measurement of foliar δ 13C and C/N of predominant species, respectively. The results showed： （1） vegetable WUE, ranging from 2.13 to 28.67 mg C g-1 H2O, increased linearly from south to north in the representative forest ecosystems along the NSTEC, while vegetable NUE showed an opposite trend, increasing from north to south, ranging from 12.92 to 29.60 g C g-1 N. （2） Vegetable WUE and NUE were dominantly driven by climate and significantly affected by soil nutrient factors. Based on multiple stepwise regression analysis, mean annual temperature, soil phosphorus concentration, and soil nitrogen concentration were responding for 75.5% of the variations of WUE （p0.001）. While, mean annual precipitation and soil phosphorus concentration could explain 65.7% of the change in vegetable NUE （p0.001）. Moreover, vegetable WUE and NUE would also be seriously influenced by atmospheric nitrogen deposition in nitrogen saturated ecosystems. （3） There was a significant trade-off relationship between vegetable WUE and NUE in the typical forest ecosystems along the NSTEC （p0.001）, indicating a balanced strategy for vegetation in resource utilization in natural forest ecosystems along the NSTEC. This study suggests that global change would impact the resource use efficiency of forest ecosystems. However, vegetation could adapt to those changes by increasing the use efficiency of shortage resource while decreasing the relatively ample one. But extreme impacts, such as heavy nitrogen deposition, would break this trade-off mechanism and give a dramatic disturbance to the ecosystem biogeochemical cycle.展开更多
基金the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China,No. 20060390301the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30600341the Ph.D.Program Foundation of Ministry of Education of China,No.20050159011
文摘BACKGROUND： The hippocampus regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through negative feedback. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus receives neuronal input from the hippocampus via the fomix, OBJECTIVE： To explore whether the negative feedback effect of the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is contributed to the inhibitory effect of mineralocorticoid receptor （MR） and glucocorticoid receptor （GR） in the hippocampus on the paraventricular nucleus via the fornix. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiment. The study was performed at the Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University between September 2006 and September 2008. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-rat anti-MR and rabbit anti-rat anti-GR antibodies were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Rabbit anti-rat anti-corticotrophin releasing hormone （CRH） and rabbit anti-rat anti-arginine vasopressin antibodies were purchased from Wuhan Boster. METHODS： A total of 90 male, Wistar rats were randomly divided into model and sham-surgery groups （n = 45）. Fornix transection was performed in the model group, while the sham-surgery group underwent surgery, but no fornix transection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunohistochemistry was used to examine MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, as well as CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus. Western blot was used to measure alterations in MR, GR, and CRH protein expression following fomix transection. RESULTS： Compared with the sham-surgery group, there were no obvious changes in MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, or CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin expression in the paraventdcular nucleus within 4 days of fornix transection. However, after 7-10 days, significantly decreased MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, and increased CRH and anti-arginine vasopmssin expression in the paraventricular nucleus were observed （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Negative feedback from the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis might be mediated through the fornix, and the corticosterene actions mediated by hippocampal corticosteroid receptors indirectly modulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
基金Science and Technology Joint Special Fund of Yunnan Province,No. 2009CD199
文摘Ciliary neurotrophic factor （CNTF） dramatically increases following spinal cord injury and participates in the repair process, although some studies have shown that CNTF plays a role in promoting glial scar formation following spinal cord injury. The antibody closure model can be used to inhibit CNTF expression following spinal cord injury, thereby furthering the understanding of the role of CNTF in spinal cord injury repair. In the present experiment, spinal catheters were placed in the vertebral canal of spinal cord transected rats, and CNTF antibodies were injected following fixation of the paraspinal muscle catheter. At 24 hours after a single CNTF antibody injection, CNTF expression decreased in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord and recovered to normal levels by 48 72 hours. CNTF antibody treatment can effectively block endogenous CNTF expression in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord during an interval of less than 24 hours in transected rats.
基金the Scientific and Technological Foundation of Hunan Public Health Bureau,No.B2006-034
文摘BACKGROUND:The establishment of a rat model of complete transected spinal cord injury lacks technological specifications.The current models lack concordance and reliability,and the death rate of the experimental animals is high.Therefore,there is a great need for a reliable model to apply clinical applications of therapy.OBJECTIVE:To construct a rat model of complete transected spinal cord injury characterized by stability,reproducibility,and a high animal survival rate.DESIGN:Completely randomized controlled study.SETTING:Department of Neurosurgery,Xiangya Hospital of Central South University.MATERIALS:Fifty-five healthy specific pathogen free grade adult female Sprague Dawley rats were provided by the Experimental Animal Department,Xiangya Medical College,Central South University.Olympus BX51 imaging collecting analytic system was provided by Olympus Company,Japan;and SEN-7203 Nihon-Kohden electrical stimulator by Nihon Kohden,Japan.METHODS:This study was performed at the Laboratory of Neurosurgery,Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April to June 2006.Experimental grouping:55 rats were randomly divided into model group(n=40)and sham surgery group(n=15).In the model group,a self-made sliver hook was passed through the ventral side to support the spinal cord at the T12 segment and to shear it off.A complete transected spinal cord,2 mm in length,was resected.In the sham surgery group,the spinal cord was identically exposed.The dura mater of the spinal cord was cut open,but the spinal cord was not damaged.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Histopathological changes after spinal cord injury at L2 segment were observed subsequent to hematoxylin and eosin staining under optical microscopy.Olympus BX51 imaging collecting analytic system was used to count spinal cord ventral horn neurons.Motor function of rat hindlimb was evaluated with the Basso,Beattie and Bresnahan(BBB)scale.Paraplegia was evaluated as 0 point,and complete normality as 21 points.Somatosensory-evoked potential was measured using Nihon-Kohden electric stimulator at 21 days post-operation.RESULTS:A total of 82%(33/40)rats survived longer than 30 days after modeling.Pathological changes of spinal cord tissue:degenerative and necrotic pathological changes appeared in the model group after surgery;for example,neuronal swelling,chromatinolysis,and karyopyknosis.The spinal cord in the sham surgery group displayed mild edema 24 hours after surgery,gradually recovering to normal levels.Quantification of spinal cord ventral horn neurons:the number of spinal cord ventral horn neurons in the model group was less than in the sham surgery group at 24 hours,as well as 7 and 21 days after surgery(P〈0.01);while,the number at 7 and 21 days after surgery decreased compared to 24 hours after surgery(P〈0.01).Motor function changes:Rats in the sham operation group moved lightly abnormally following anesthesia recovery and then moved normally 7 days after surgery.BBB scores in the model group were less than in the sham surgery group 21 days after surgery(P〈0.01).BBB scores of both lower extremities increased slightly 7 days after surgery(P〈0.01);however,voluntary motor function of both lower extremities was still not recovered 30 days after surgery.Changes of somatosensory-evoked potential:wave form of somatosensory-evoked potential was normal in the sham surgery group 21 days after surgery,but recovered wave form was not recorded in the model group.CONCLUSION:Results from spinal cord histopathology,cytology,motor function,and somatosensory-evoked potential suggested that the complete transected spinal cord injury model in this study was stable,reliable,and reproducible.Furthermore,the survival rate of experimental animals was high.
基金funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No.101098597(Piezo4Spine)supported by grant PID2020-113480RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/supported by the Spanish State Funding Agency through project PID2022-139776NB-C66.
文摘Millions of patients and their caretakers live and deal with the devastating consequences of spinal cord injury(SCI)worldwide.Despite outstanding advances in the field to both understand and tackle these pathologies,a cure for SCI patients,with their peculiar characteristics,is still a mirage.One of the most promising therapeutic strategies to date for these patients involves the use of epidural electrical stimulation.In this context,electrically active materials such as graphene and its derivates become particularly interesting.Indeed,solid evidence of their capacity to closely interact with neural cells and networks is growing.Encouraged by previous findings in our laboratory on the exploration of 3D porous reduced graphene oxide(rGO)scaffolds in chronic cervical hemisected rats(C6),herein we report their neuro-reparative properties when chronically implanted in complete transected rats(T9-T10),in which no preserved contralateral neural networks can assist in any observed recovery.Electrophysiological recordings from brainstem regions show antidromic activation of a small population of neurons in response to electrical stimulation caudal to the injury.These neurons are located in the Gigantocellular nucleus of reticular formation and vestibular nuclei,both regions directly related to motor functions.Together with histological features at the lesion site,such as more abundant and larger blood vessels and more abundant,longer and more homogeneously distributed axons,our results corroborate that rGO scaffolds create a permissive environment that allows the invasion of functional axonic processes from neurons located in brainstem nuclei with motor function in a rat model of complete thoracic transection.Additionally,behavioral tests evidence that these scaffolds play an important role in whole-body mechanical stabilization(postural control)proved by the absence of scoliosis,a higher trunk stability and a larger cervico-thoraco-lumbar movement range in rGO-implanted rats.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81891002)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA16020100)
文摘Grafted embryonic central neural tissue pieces can recover function of hemisected spinal cord in neonatal rats and promote axonal growth in adults. However, spinal cord segments from adults have not been used as donor segments for allogeneic transplantation. Here, we utilized adult spinal cord tissue grafts(aSCGs) as donor constructs for repairing complete spinal cord injury(SCI). Moreover, to provide a favourable microenvironment for SCI treatment, a growth factor cocktail containing three growth factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor), was applied to the aSCG transplants. We found that the locomotor function was significantly improved 12 weeks after transplantation of aSCGs into the spinal cord lesion site in adult rats. Transplantation of aSCGs combined with these growth factors enhanced neuron and oligodendrocyte survival and functional restoration. These encouraging results indicate that treatment of complete SCI by transplanting aSCGs, especially in the presence of growth factors, has a positive effect on motor functional recovery, and therefore could be considered as a possible therapeutic strategy for SCI.
文摘High microsatellite instability(MSI-H)colorectal cancer(CRC),caused by deficient mismatch repair,accounts for about 15%of all CRC cases and is more common in right-sided tumors.While early-stage MSI-H CRC has a relatively good prognosis,advanced cases often respond poorly to standard chemotherapy.Immune checkpoint inhibitors,such as pembrolizumab,have shown strong and lasting effects in MSI-H CRC.Pembrolizumab is now approved as a first-line treatment for metastatic MSI-H CRC due to its superior outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old male with MSI-H transverse colon cancer presented with hematochezia,abdominal pain,and significant weight loss.Imaging revealed a bulky tumor with invasion of adjacent structures and multiple liver lesions.A diverting ileostomy was performed followed by 36 cycles of pembrolizumab.The patient achieved a clinical and radiologic complete response.One month after completing the treatment,the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.A spontaneous transection of the colon at the original tumor site was unexpectedly identified.Final pathology confirmed pathological complete response(ypT0N0)with fibrosis.The patient recovered well after surgery,and follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION Immune checkpoint inhibitors may cause delayed structural damage to bowel tissue even after apparent complete tumor regression.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82172104(to CX),81873767(to HZ)a grant from Jiangsu Provincial Research Hospital,Nos.YJXYY202204(to HZ),YJXYY202204-ZD04(to HZ)+5 种基金a grant from Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical CenterJiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center,No.CXZX202212Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Discipline,No.ZDXK202240the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)Technology Project of Nantong,No.MS22022008(to HZ)Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province,No.SJCX21_1457(to WW)。
文摘Demyelination and remyelination have been major focal points in the study of peripheral nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.Notably,the gene regulatory network of regenerated myelin differs from that of native myelin.Silencing of enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)hinders the differentiation,maturation,and myelination of Schwann cells in vitro.To further determine the role of EZH2 in myelination and recovery post-peripheral nerve injury,conditional knockout mice lacking Ezh2 in Schwann cells(Ezh2^(fl/fl);Dhh-Cre and Ezh2^(fl/fl);Mpz-Cre)were generated.Our results show that a significant proportion of axons in the sciatic nerve of Ezh2-depleted mice remain unmyelinated.This highlights the crucial role of Ezh2 in initiating Schwann cell myelination.Furthermore,we observed that 21 days after inducing a sciatic nerve crush injury in these mice,most axons had remyelinated at the injury site in the control nerve,while Ezh2^(fl/fl);Mpz-Cre mice had significantly fewer remyelinated axons compared with their wild-type littermates.This suggests that the absence of Ezh2 in Schwann cells impairs myelin formation and remyelination.In conclusion,EZH2 has emerged as a pivotal regulatory factor in the process of demyelination and myelin regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.Modulating EZH2 activity during these processes may offer a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
基金supported by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency(grant numbers ARIS P1-0236,ARIS P6-0101,ARIS J6-2592).
文摘The article deals with forest communities that develop on small surfaces on steep gradients of the geomorphologically diverse landscape of the Kras plateau.They appear in small depressions called dolines,where a steep gradient of ecological conditions appears over a small spatial scale.We tried to detect the turnover of forest communities on this small scale and steep gradient with small plots(microplots)of 4 m^(2)arranged in a continuous transect.We sampled only the ground layer and estimated the cover of each vascular plant species.The main problem was that we could not sample vegetation plots in standard sizes,which would allow a standard classification procedure.We built an expert system based on all of the relevant standard vegetation plots from the region and applied this system on a microplot matrix.We classified one third of microplots in this way,but the remainder were classified by semi-supervised k-means clustering.We thus established 8 communities that appear in dolines and compared their characteristics and ecological conditions by Ellenberg indicator values.Our results show that oak-hornbeam forests can be found in the bottom of dolines.Towards the bottom of deeper dolines,mesophilous ravine forests dominated by sycamore on rocky places,and sessile oak forests on deeper soils appear.On lower slopes,thermophilous ravine forests dominated by limes appear on rocky places.Upper slopes are dominated by Turkey oak,hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests and shrub formations.Turkey oak forests can be found on rather deeper soils than hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests.At the top,hophornbeam-pubescent oak forests can be found that build the zonal vegetation of the region.On rock walls vegetation of rock crevices can be found.The high biodiversity of the region supports the idea that diverse karstic features might have the potential for formation of refugia in future foreseen climate change,related to the potential of karstic relief to create diverse climatic conditions.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA1101200)National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171048+6 种基金81800842)Key R&D Program of Zhejiang Province(2021C03065)Key R&D Program of Wenzhou Eye Hospital(YNZD1201902)Key R&D Program of Wenzhou(ZY2022021)R&D Program of Wenzhou(H20220008)Research Initiation Funds from Wenzhou Eye Hospital(KYQD20221203)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M742674)。
文摘In adult mammals,optic nerve injury leads to irreversible vision loss due to its extremely limited regenerative capacity.In contrast,adult zebrafish possess a robust capacity for spontaneous visual system regeneration,although the spatiotemporal coordination of recovery across the retina,optic nerve,and brain remains poorly understood.In the present study,the regenerative dynamics following optic nerve transection were systematically characterized in adult zebrafish over a 5 week period using hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,transmission electron microscopy,single-cell RNA sequencing,and optokinetic response(OKR)behavioral assessments.At 1 week post-injury(1 wpi),retinal ganglion cell depletion was evident but showed significant recovery by 2 wpi.Concurrently,the injured optic nerve displayed a marked increase in diameter and cell number at 2 wpi,including widespread expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,consistent with heightened proliferative activity.Single-cell transcriptomic profiling at 2 wpi revealed five principal cell populations:fibroblasts,mural cells,immune cells,mature oligodendrocytes,and myelin-forming oligodendrocytes.By 4-5 wpi,remyelination within the optic nerve and re-establishment of synaptic architecture in the optic tectum were strongly correlated with functional restoration of OKR behavior.These findings provide a comprehensive spatiotemporal framework of visual pathway regeneration in zebrafish,establishing a valuable model for elucidating conserved mechanisms of neural repair with translational potential for human vision restoration.
基金supported by awards from the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine(EP/L014904/1,to JW)an NHS bursary(to RHB)an EPSRC Healthcare Technologies award(EP/T013885/1,to DMC)。
文摘Functional recovery in penetrating neurological injury is hampered by a lack of clinical regenerative therapies.Biomaterial therapies show promise as medical materials for neural repair through immunomodulation,structural support,and delivery of therapeutic biomolecules.However,a lack of facile and pathology-mimetic models for therapeutic testing is a bottleneck in neural tissue engineering research.We have deployed a two-dimensional,high-density multicellular cortical brain sheet to develop a facile model of injury(macrotransection/scratch wound)in vitro.The model encompasses the major neural cell types involved in pathological responses post-injury.Critically,we observed hallmark pathological responses in injury foci including cell scarring,immune cell infiltration,precursor cell migration,and shortrange axonal sprouting.Delivering test magnetic particles to evaluate the potential of the model for biomaterial screening shows a high uptake of introduced magnetic particles by injury-activated immune cells,mimicking in vivo findings.Finally,we proved it is feasible to create reproducible traumatic injuries in the brain sheet(in multielectrode array devices in situ)characterized by focal loss of electrical spiking in injury sites,offering the potential for longer term,electrophysiology plus histology assays.To our knowledge,this is the first in vitro simulation of transecting injury in a two-dimensional multicellular cortical brain cell sheet,that allows for combined histological and electrophysiological readouts of damage/repair.The patho-mimicry and adaptability of this simplified model of brain injury could benefit the testing of biomaterial therapeutics in regenerative neurology,with the option for functional electrophysiological readouts.
基金This paper was supported by the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China (Grant No. 40371001) and the Youth Foundation of Beijing Normal University
文摘An improved Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach model （CASA model） was used to estimate the net primary productivity （NPP） of the Northeast China Transect （NECT） every month from 1982 to 2000. The spatial-temporal distribution of NPP along NECT and its response to climatic change were also analyzed. Results showed that the change tendency of NPP spatial distribution in NECT is quite similar to that of precipitation and their spatial correlation coefficient is up to 0.84 （P 〈 0.01）. The inter-annual variation of NPP in NECT is mainly affected by the change of the aestival NPP every year, which accounts for 67.6% of the inter-annual increase in NPP and their spatial correlation coefficient is 0.95 （P 〈 0.01）. The NPP in NECT is mainly cumulated between May and September, which accounts for 89.8% of the annual NPP. The NPP in summer （June to August） accounts for 65.9% of the annual NPP and is the lowest in winter. Recent climate changes have enhanced plant growth in NECT. The mean NPP increased 14.3% from 1980s to 1990s. The inter-annual linear trend of NPP is 4.6 gC·m^-2·a^-1, and the relative trend is 1.17%, which owns mainly to the increasing temperature.
文摘The 16 tree species on Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed from the change of geographical distribution, frequency and dominance pattern and the spatial correlation at landscape scale in 1986 and 1994. Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. and Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hemsl. had spread rapidly towards west and east, respectively. The frontier form of species had close relation with its movement. The patch size of Pinus koraiensis , Populus davidiana Dode., Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Betula dahurica Pall., Picea koraiensis Nakai, Abies nephrolepis Maxim. and Larix olgeusis var. koreana Nakai decreased, however, Quercus mongolica Fisch., Betula costata Trautv., Acer mono Maxim., Tilia spp., Ulmus spp., Betula platyphylla Suk. and Fraxinus rhynchophylla increased. The frequency pattern of Populus davidiana , Betula platyphylla , Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Betula dahurica changed significantly. The dominance pattern of Populus davidiana , Tilia spp., Juglans mandshurica , Betula platyphylla , Betula dahurica and Abies nephrolepis changed significantly. The spatial correlation between Quercus mongolica and Betula dahurica , Betula costata and Picea spp., Betula costata and Abies nephrolepis , Picea spp. and Abies nephrolepis declined, however, the spatial correlation between Larix spp. and Betula platyphylla , Acer mono and Ulmus spp. increased.
文摘Net photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ), stomatal conductance ( g s) and water use efficiency (WUE) of more than 218 species belonging to two different reproductive functional types, i.e. clonal (115 species) and non_clonal species (103 species), along the 1 670 km Northeast China Transect (NECT) were analyzed. The results showed that P n and WUE appeared to be lower in the east and west ends of NECT, with peaks in the middle. Transpiration was found to be higher in the west end, where most temperate desert species were distributed. On the same site, most clonal species showed higher P n and related physiological variables than non_clonal species. For different growth forms over NECT, e.g. forest trees, shrubs and grasses, meadow steppe shrubs and grasses, typical steppe shrubs and grasses, the meadow steppe and typical steppe grasses, showed higher values of physiological variables than the forest or the desert species. But for the two reproductive plant functional types (PFTs), clonal species had higher physiological variables, with averages of 22%, 15%, 23% and 14% higher than the non_clonal ones for P n , E, g s, and WUE, respectively. Such differences indicated that clonal species might have advantages over non_clonal species in utilizing environmental resources such as light, CO 2, and especially water.
基金supported by a doctoral fellowship from the ‘Conseil Régional du Limousin’ to MC
文摘Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common traumatic nerve injury in humans and the different animal models used in nerve regeneration studies. ~Ihe current knowledge concerning Wallerian degeneration and nerve regrowth is then described. Finally, the involvement of intraneural vascularization in these processes is addressed. As intraneural vascularization has been poorly studied, histological experiments were carried out from rat sciatic nerves damaged by a glycerol injection. The results, taken together with the data from literature, suggest that revascularization plays an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration and must therefore be studied more carefully.
基金The National Basic Research Program of China, No.2005CB422006 National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40601006
文摘Livelihoods of farmers and nomads in Tibetan Plateau are severely affected by grassland and herbal resources degeneration. How to help them achieve livelihood diversi- fication is a key sustainable development issue. This paper examines livelihood assets, live- lihood diversification level and livelihood strategies of farmers and nomads in 3 regions of eastern transect in Tibetan Plateau. The results show that livelihood diversification is a popular strategy. From high mountain gorge region to mountain plateau region and plateau region, livelihood diversification level is reduced, and livelihood activities and proportion of extended livelihood also decrease. Livelihood assets and livelihood diversification level decrease with the increase of elevation, mainly shown in human assets and natural assets. Livelihood diversification level is highly correlative with livelihood assets, mainly shown in natural assets, human assets and social assets. Livelihood improvement strategies of farmers and nomads are still based on existing livelihood assets, mainly raising livestock and digging herbs, and less farmers and nomads consider off-farm employment or doing business. Nomads in plateau region should learn much from experiences of extended livelihoods of people in high mountain gorge region and mountain plateau region. Therefore, aids of governments should focus on relieving restricted factors of livelihood diversification and help them improve their abilities to build up extended type livelihoods.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81172095, 81171135 and 81200324)Bureau of Health Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Hainan Province (Qiongwei 2012 PT-70)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation funded project (2012m521875)
文摘BACKGROUND: Liver surgery has gone through the phases of wedge liver resection, regular resection of hepatic lobes, irregular and local resection, extracorporeal hepatectomy, hemi-extracorporeal hepatectomy and Da Vinci surgical system-assisted hepatectomy. Taking advantage of modern technologies, liver surgery is stepping into an age of precise liver resection. This review aimed to analyze the comprehensive application of modern technologies in precise liver resection. DATA SOURCE: PubMed search was carried out for English-language articles relevant to precise liver resection, liver anatomy, hepatic blood inflow blockage, parenchyma transection, and down-staging treatment. RESULTS: The 3D image system can imitate the liver operation procedures, conduct risk assessment, help to identify the operation feasibility and confirm the operation scheme. In addition, some techniques including puncture and injection of methylene blue into the target Glisson sheath help to precisely determine the resection. Alternative methods such as Pringle maneuver are helpful for hepatic blood inflow blockage in precise liver resection. Moreover, the use of exquisite equipment for liver parenchyma transection, such as cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator, ultrasonic scalpel, Ligasure and Tissue Link is also helpful to reduce hemorrhage in liver resection, or even operate exsanguinous liver resection without blocking hepatic blood flow. Furthermore, various down-staging therapies including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radio-frequency ablation were appropriate for unresectable cancer, which reverse the advanced tumor back to early phase by local or systemic treatment so that hepatectomy or liver transplantation is possible.CONCLUSIONS: Modern technologies mentioned in this paper are the key tool for achieving precise liver resection and can effectively lead to maximum preservation of anatomical structural integrity and functions of the remnant liver. In addition, large randomized trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness of these technologies in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone precise liver resection.
文摘The peripheral nervous system has an astonishing ability to regenerate following a compression or crush injury;however,the potential for full repair following a transection injury is much less.Currently,the major clinical challenge for peripheral nerve repair come from long gaps between the proximal and distal nerve stumps,which prevent regenerating axons reaching the distal nerve.Precise axon targeting during nervous system development is controlled by families of axon guidance molecules including Netrins,Slits,Ephrins and Semaphorins.Several recent studies have indicated key roles of Netrin1,Slit3 and EphrinB2 signalling in controlling the formation of new nerve bridge tissue and precise axon regeneration after peripheral nerve transection injury.Inside the nerve bridge,nerve fibroblasts express EphrinB2 while migrating Schwann cells express the receptor EphB2.EphrinB2/EphB2 signalling between nerve fibroblasts and migrating Schwann cells is required for Sox2 upregulation in Schwann cells and the formation of Schwann cell cords within the nerve bridge to allow directional axon growth to the distal nerve stump.Macrophages in the outermost layer of the nerve bridge express Slit3 while migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons express the receptor Robo1;within Schwann cells,Robo1 expression is also Sox2-dependent.Slit3/Robo1 signalling is required to keep migrating Schwann cells and regenerating axons inside the nerve bridge.In addition to the Slit3/Robo1 signalling system,migrating Schwann cells also express Netrin1 and regenerating axons express the DCC receptor.It appears that migrating Schwann cells could also use Netrin1 as a guidance cue to direct regenerating axons across the peripheral nerve gap.Engineered neural tissues have been suggested as promising alternatives for the repair of large peripheral nerve gaps.Therefore,understanding the function of classic axon guidance molecules in nerve bridge formation and their roles in axon regeneration could be highly beneficial in developing engineered neural tissue for more effective peripheral nerve repair.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81670846(to MMW)and 81470631(to SWY)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China,No.2016SF-171(to MMW)the National Basic Research Program of China,No.2014CB542202(to SWY)
文摘Our previous studies revealed that etomidate, a non-barbiturate intravenous anesthetic agent, has protective effects on retinal ganglion cells within 7 days after optic nerve transection. Whether this process is related to anti-oxidative stress is not clear. To reveal its mechanism, we established the optic nerve transection injury model by transecting 1 mm behind the left eyeball of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats received an intraperitoneal injection of etomidate(4 mg/kg) once per day for 7 days. The results showed that etomidate significantly enhanced the number of retinal ganglion cells retrogradely labeled with Fluorogold at 7 days after optic nerve transection. Etomidate also significantly reduced the levels of nitric oxide and malonaldehyde in the retina and increased the level of glutathione at 12 hours after optic nerve transection. Thus, etomidate can protect retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection in adult rats by activating an anti-oxidative stress response. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee at Air Force Medical University, China(approval No. 20180305) on March 5, 2018.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, No.2010JJ0069 Science and Technology Great Special Project on Controlling and Fathering Water Pollution during the National 12th Five-year Plan, No.2012ZX07104-003
文摘Using the daily temperature data of 95 meteorological stations from Sichuan-Chongqing Region and its surrounding areas, this paper adopted these methods （e.g., linear regression, trend coefficient, geographical statistics, gray relational analysis and spatial analysis functions of GIS） to analyze the relations of temperature variability with topography, latitude and longitude. Moreover, the rank of gray correlation between temperature variability and elevation, longitude, latitude, topographic position and surface roughness also was meas- ured. These results indicated： （1） The elevation affected temperature variability most obviously, followed by latitude, and longitude. The slope of the linear regression between temperature change rate and elevation, latitude and longitude was 0.4142, 0.0293 and -0.3270, respectively （2） The rank of gray correlation between temperature change rate and geographic factors was elevation 〉 latitude 〉 surface roughness 〉 topographic position 〉 longitude. The gray correla- tion degree between temperature change rate and elevation was 0.865, followed by latitude with 0.796, and longitude with 0.671. （3） The rate of temperature change enhanced with the increase of elevation. Especially, the warming trend was significant in the plateau and mountain areas of western Sichuan, and mountain and valley areas of southwestern Sichuan （with the warming rate of 0.74℃/10a during the 1990s）. However, there was a weak warming trend in Sichuan Basin and its surrounding low mountain and hilly areas. （4） The effects of latitude on temperature change rate presented the specific regulation, which the warming rate of low-latitude areas was more significant than that of high-latitude areas. However, they were consistent with the regulation that the increasing of low temperature controlled most of the warming trend, due to the effects of terrain and sically, temperature variability along longitude elevation on annual mean temperature. （5） Ba- direction resulted from the regular change of elevation along longitude. It was suggested that, in Sichuan-Chongqing Region, special features of temperature variability largely depended on the terrain complexity （e.g., undulations, mutations and roughness）. The elevation level controlled only high or low annual mean temperature and the range of temperature change rate in the macro sense.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China No.30590381 No.31000211 National Basic Research Program of China No.2010CB833504
文摘From July 2008 to August 2008, 72 leaf samples from 22 species and 81 soil samples in the nine natural forest ecosystems were collected, from north to south along the North-South Transect of Eastern China （NSTEC）. Based on these samples, we studied the geographical distribution patterns of vegetable water use efficiency （WUE） and nitrogen use efficiency （NUE）, and analyzed their relationship with environmental factors. The vegetable WUE and NUE were calculated through the measurement of foliar δ 13C and C/N of predominant species, respectively. The results showed： （1） vegetable WUE, ranging from 2.13 to 28.67 mg C g-1 H2O, increased linearly from south to north in the representative forest ecosystems along the NSTEC, while vegetable NUE showed an opposite trend, increasing from north to south, ranging from 12.92 to 29.60 g C g-1 N. （2） Vegetable WUE and NUE were dominantly driven by climate and significantly affected by soil nutrient factors. Based on multiple stepwise regression analysis, mean annual temperature, soil phosphorus concentration, and soil nitrogen concentration were responding for 75.5% of the variations of WUE （p0.001）. While, mean annual precipitation and soil phosphorus concentration could explain 65.7% of the change in vegetable NUE （p0.001）. Moreover, vegetable WUE and NUE would also be seriously influenced by atmospheric nitrogen deposition in nitrogen saturated ecosystems. （3） There was a significant trade-off relationship between vegetable WUE and NUE in the typical forest ecosystems along the NSTEC （p0.001）, indicating a balanced strategy for vegetation in resource utilization in natural forest ecosystems along the NSTEC. This study suggests that global change would impact the resource use efficiency of forest ecosystems. However, vegetation could adapt to those changes by increasing the use efficiency of shortage resource while decreasing the relatively ample one. But extreme impacts, such as heavy nitrogen deposition, would break this trade-off mechanism and give a dramatic disturbance to the ecosystem biogeochemical cycle.
