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Wind shear has important implications for Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) and gravity waves (GWs) in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere (MLT) region where its momentum transport process is dominated by short-period (<1 h) GWs. However, the sub-hourly variation in wind shear is still not well quantified. This study aims to improve current understanding of vertical wind shear by analyzing multi-year meteor radar measurements at the Mohe (MH, 53.5°N, 122.3°E), Beijing (BJ, 40.3 ° N , 116.2 ° E ), Wuhan (WH, 30.5 ° N , 114.6 ° E ), and Fuke (FK, 19.5°N, 109.1°E) stations in China. The wind field is estimated by a new algorithm, e.g., the damped least squares fitting. Taking the wind shear estimated by normal products as a criterion, the shear produced by the new algorithm has more statistical convergence as compared to the traditional algorithm, e.g., the least squares fitting. Therefore, we argue that the 10 min DLSA wind probably produces a more reasonable vertical shear. Both intensive wind shears and GW kinetic energy can be simultaneously captured during the 0600–1600 UTs of May at MH and during the 1300–2400 UTs of March at FK, possibly implying that the up-propagation of GWs could contribute to the production of large wind shears. The sub-hourly variation in wind shears is potentially valuable for understanding the interrelationship between shear (or KHI) and GWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) are crucial for the understanding of general circulation. However, their dynamical characteristics are hardly retrieved due to the difficulty in the high-resolution observation of wind. Therefore, this paper uses eight years (2013–2020) of meteor radar measurements in the MLT region at Mohe station (53.5°N, 122.3°E), China, to retrieve high-temporal-resolution mesospheric wind data and further evaluate the temporal variation of GW kinetic energy. As the detected meteor trails exceed 6, the wind velocity is recalculated using the least square algorithm method, significantly increasing the temporal resolution of wind from 1 h up to 5 min. This resolution is sufficiently high for the investigation of GW kinetic energy, which exhibits a high spatial-temporal variability. For instance, it is enhanced in the winter season during the period of 0200–1400 UT and in the spring season during the period of 0800–1300 UT. The similarity between the climatological characteristics of GWs in MLT and the seasonal variation of GW total energy in the troposphere, determined from high-resolution radiosondes near to Mohe station, suggests that the meteorology in the lower atmosphere could be an important source of GWs in the MLT region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that explores cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential preventative agent for early-stage SARS-CoV-2 infection and merits future clinical trials. It mentions that spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic underscores the need for new treatments.

Summary: Arabidopsis histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) demethylases play crucial roles in several developmental processes, but their involvement in seedling establishment remain unexplored.Here, we show that Arabidopsis JUMONJI DOMAIN‐CONTAINING PROTEIN17 (JMJ17), an H3K4me3 demethylase, is involved in cotyledon greening during seedling establishment. Dark‐grown seedlings of jmj17 accumulated a high concentration of protochlorophyllide, an intermediate metabolite in the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis (TPB) pathway that generates chlorophyll (Chl) during photomorphogenesis. Upon light irradiation, jmj17 mutants displayed decreased cotyledon greening and reduced Chl level compared with the wild‐type; overexpression of JMJ17 completely rescued the jmj17‐5 phenotype.Transcriptomics analysis uncovered that several genes encoding key enzymes involved in TPB were upregulated in etiolated jmj17 seedlings. Consistently, chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative PCR revealed elevated H3K4me3 level at the promoters of target genes. Chromatin association of JMJ17 was diminished upon light exposure. Furthermore, JMJ17 interacted with PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR1 in the yeast two‐hybrid assay.JMJ17 binds directly to gene promoters to demethylate H3K4me3 to suppress PROTOCHLOROPHYLLIDE OXIDOREDUCTASE C expression and TPB in the dark. Light results in de‐repression of gene expression to modulate seedling greening during de‐etiolation. Our study reveals a new role for histone demethylase JMJ17 in controlling cotyledon greening in etiolated seedlings during the dark‐to‐light transition. See also the Commentary on this article by Woodson, 231: 907–909. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion from natural forest to plantation has been widely applied, with consequences on ecosystem carbon pool. The experimental results of changes of soil carbon stocks after forest conversion are often contradictory. Moreover, the recovery time of soil carbon stocks after forest conversion varies among different sites. To examine the changes of soil carbon stocks following the forest conversions in the long-term and to estimate the recovery time, we selected 116 subtropical forests, including 29 pair-wise replicates for evergreen broadleaved forests (EBF, 40–100-year-old), young Chinese fir plantations ( Cunninghamia lanceolata ) (YCP, 4–8-year-old), middle-aged Chinese fir plantations (MACP, 13–20-year-old), and mature Chinese fir plantations (MCP, 23–32-year-old), and estimated soil carbon stocks. Soil carbon stocks of YCP and MACP decreased in average 12.5 and 28.7 Mg ha − 1 compared with EBF, and showed no variation between MCP and EBF. Soil carbon stocks were positively correlated to soil total nitrogen stocks and C:N ratio. Our results showed that the forest conversions didn't cause a variation of soil carbon stocks in the long-term, although there was a short-term decline after conversion. The recovery time of soil carbon stock is 27 years. These results indicate that the conversion from evergreen broadleaved forests to Chinese fir plantations in subtropical region of China causes soil carbon release in early stage, but has no effect on soil carbon stocks in the long-term. Prolonging the rotation period (> 27 years) would offset the adverse effects of the forest conversion on soil carbon stocks, and be critical in alleviating global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Forest ecosystems represent an important carbon sink. A few studies have reported carbon stocks in a forest chronosequence, the carbon stock pattern variation and proportion of each compartment remain poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to quantify carbon stocks of each compartment of forest ecosystem and access their contribution to forest carbon stocks with forest succession. Methods: Totally, 32 plots (20 m × 50 m) in different stages of forest succession were investigated, including 11 replicates for Masson pine forest at the early stage, 9 for pine-broadleaved mixed forest at the middle stage, and 12 for evergreen broadleaved forest at succession climax, to quantify carbon stocks in trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, litter and coarse woody debris (CWD), and soil. Results: The total ecosystem carbon stocks ranged from 193 to 257 Mg ha, of which vegetation carbon stocks ranged from 94 to 129 Mg ha. Tree biomass carbon stocks increased but shrub biomass carbon stocks decreased during forest succession. The increment of tree biomass carbon stocks was far more than that of shrub, resulting in the increases of vegetation carbon stocks during forest succession. Debris carbon stocks ranged from 4.2 to 5.6 Mg ha, with no significant variation across the forest chronosequence. The soil carbon stocks (top 100 cm) ranged from 96 to 132 Mg ha. Soil carbon stocks increased significantly during the forest chronosequence, of which soil carbon accumulation occured mainly in the topsoil (0-30 cm). There were no significant differences among the proportions of forest ecosystem carbon stocks in the chronosequence. The averages of proportions of vegetation biomass, debris and soil carbon were 46.7 %, 2.1 % and 51.2 %, respectively. Conclusions: Our results present robust evidence for the increasing carbon sequestration across forest succession chronosequence. Furthermore, tree growth and carbon accumulation in topsoil layer contribute equivalently to carbon sequestration during forest succession in subtropical China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants may affect the performance of neighboring plants either positively or negatively through interspecific and intraspecific interactions. Productivity of mixed-species systems is ultimately the net result of positive and negative interactions among the component species. Despite increasing knowledge of positive interactions occurring in mixed-species tree systems, relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying such interactions. Based on data from 25-year-old experimental stands in situ and a series of controlled experiments, we test the hypothesis that a broadleaf, non-N fixing species, Michelia macclurei, facilitates the performance of an autotoxic conifer Chinese fir ( Cunninghamia lanceolata) through belowground chemical interactions. Chinese fir roots released the allelochemical cyclic dipeptide (6-hydroxy-1,3-dimethyl-8-nonadecyl-[1,4]-diazocane- 2,5-diketone) into the soil environment, resulting in self-growth inhibition, and deterioration of soil microorganisms that improve P availability. However, when grown with M. macclurei the growth of Chinese fir was consistently enhanced. In particular, Chinese fir enhanced root growth and distribution in deep soil layers. When compared with monocultures of Chinese fir, the presence of M. macclurei reduced release and increased degradation of cyclic dipeptide in the soil, resulting in a shift from self-inhibition to chemical facilitation. This association also improved the soil microbial community by increasing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and induced the production of Chinese fir roots. We conclude that interspecific interactions are less negative than intraspecific ones between non-N fixing broadleaf and autotoxic conifer species. The impacts are generated by reducing allelochemical levels, enhancing belowground mutualisms, improving soil properties, and changing root distributions as well as the net effects of all the processes within the soil. In particular, allelochemical context alters the consequences of the belowground ecological interactions with a novel mechanism: reduction of self-inhibition through reduced release and increased degradation of an autotoxic compound in the mixed-species plantations. Such a mechanism would be useful in reforestation programs undertaken to rehabilitate forest plantations that suffer from problems associated with autotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous growth is one of the key features of pathogenic fungi during the early infectious phase. The pseudohyphal development of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae shares similar characteristics with hyphae elongation in pathogenic fungi. The expression of FLO11 is essential for adhesive growth and filament formation in yeast and is governed by a multilayered transcriptional network. Here we discovered a role for the histone acetyltransferase general control nonderepressible 5 (Gcn5) in regulating FLO11-mediated pseudohyphal growth. The expression patterns of FLO11 were distinct in haploid and diploid yeast under amino acid starvation induced by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3AT). In diploids, FLO11 expression was substantially induced at a very early stage of pseudohyphal development and decreased quickly, but in haploids, it was gradually induced. Furthermore, the transcription factor Gcn4 was recruited to the Sfl1-Flo8 toggle sites at the FLO11 promoter under 3AT treatment. Moreover, the histone acetylase activity of Gcn5 was required for FLO11 induction. Finally, Gcn5 functioned as a negative regulator of the noncoding RNA ICR1, which is known to suppress FLO11 expression. Gcn5 plays an important role in the regulatory network of FLO11 expression via Gcn4 by downregulating ICR1 expression, which derepresses FLO11 for promoting pseudohyphal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneuploidy features a numerical chromosome variant that the number of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell is not an exact multiple of the haploid number, which may have an impact on morphology and gene expression. Here we report a tertiary trisomy uncovered by characterizing a T-DNA insertion mutant (aur2-1/+) in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AURORA2 locus. Whole-genome analysis with DNA tiling arrays revealed a chromosomal translocation linked to the aur2-1 allele, which collectively accounted for a tertiary trisomy 2. Morphologic, cytogenetic and genetic analyses of aur2-1 progeny showed impaired male and female gametogenesis to various degrees and a tight association of the aur2-1 allele with the tertiary trisomy that was preferentially inherited. Transcriptome analysis showed overlapping and distinct gene expression profiles between primary and tertiary trisomy 2 plants, particularly genes involved in response to stress and various types of external and internal stimuli. Additionally, transcriptome and gene ontology analyses revealed an overrepresentation of nuclear-encoded organelle-related genes functionally involved in plastids, mitochondria and peroxisomes that were differentially expressed in at least three if not all Arabidopsis trisomics. These observations support a previous hypothesis that aneuploid cells have higher energy requirement to overcome the detrimental effects of an unbalanced genome. Moreover, our findings extend the knowledge of the complex nature of the T-DNA insertion event influencing plant genomic integrity by creating high-grade trisomy. Finally, gene expression profiling results provide useful information for future research to compare primary and tertiary trisomics for the effects of aneuploidy on plant cell physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and background: Despite increasing knowledge of the role of allelochemicals in the productivity decline of replanted Chinese fir plantations, relatively little is known about the levels and sources of allelochemicals in relation to autoinhibition. Methods: Allelopathic potential of litter, root exudates, and soils in successive rotations of Chinese fir plantations were detected. An allelochemical cyclic dipeptide (6-hydroxy-1,3-dimethyl-8-nonadecyl-[1,4]-diazocane-2,5-dione) from litter, root exudates, and soils in successive rotations was quantified. Results: Extracts of leaf litter, fine root, and root exudates significantly inhibited the growth of Chinese fir germinants, and inhibition increased with successive rotations. Similar results were observed in the rhizosphere soil, basal soil, and bulk soil. The largest observed inhibition occurred in the rhizosphere soil. Furthermore, cyclic dipeptide was found in litter, root exudates, and soils, and the concentrations increased with successive rotations. The rhizosphere soil had the highest cyclic dipeptide level, followed by basal soil, while bulk soil contained the lowest concentration. There was a significant positive relationship between the inhibition of radicle growth of Chinese fir germinants and the concentration of cyclic dipeptide. Annual release of cyclic dipeptide through root exudation was 2.08-9.78 mol ha annum, but the annual release of cyclic dipeptide through leaf litter decomposition was lowered to 0.32-1.41 mol ha annum. Conclusions: Cyclic dipeptide which caused autoinhibition of Chinese fir may be released into the soil through litter decomposition and root exudation. Root exudates provided more contributions to soil cyclic dipeptide levels than litter in Chinese fir plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC) sign in vertebral compression fracture patients has obtained much attention. The pathogenesis, image character and efficacy of surgical intervention were disputed. Many pathogenesis theories were proposed, and its image characters are distinct from malignancy and infection. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) have been the main therapeutic methods for these patients in recent years. Avascular necrosis theory is the most supported; PVP could relieve back pain, restore vertebral body height and correct the kyphotic angulation (KA), and is recommended for these patients. PKP seems to be more effective for the correction of KA and lower cement leakage. The Kümmell's disease with IVC sign reported by modern authors was incomplete consistent with syndrome reported by Dr. Hermann Kümmell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the management of a variety of spinal disorders. The authors of this study describe a new instrument and a percutaneous technique for anterior odontoid screw fixation, and evaluate its safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with odontoid fractures. Ten patients (6 males and 4 females) with odontoid fractures were treated by percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation under fluoroscopic guidance from March 2000 to May 2002. Their mean age at presentation was 37.2 years (with a range from 21 to 55 years). Six cases were Type II and four were Type III classified by the Anderson and D’Alonzo system. The operation was successfully completed without technical difficulties, and without any soft tissue complications such as esophageal injury. No neurological deterioration occurred. Satisfactory results were achieved in all patients and all of the screws were in good placement. After a mean follow-up of 15.7 months (range 10–25 months), radiographic fusion was documented for 9 of 10 patients (90%). Neither clinical symptoms nor screw loosening or breakage occurred. Our preliminary clinical results suggest that the percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation procedure using a new instrument and fluoroscopy is technically feasible, safe, useful, and minimally invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the factors associated with deaths resulting from the great Chi-Chi Earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999 in Taiwan. Consideration of the vertical peak ground acceleration of ground motion intenjsity as the most appropriate index for the evaluation of building collapse and mortality; Relation between increase in mortality and increase in earthquake intensity; Occurrence of the greatest number of collapsed buildings and human deaths between the Chelungpu Fault and Shuantun Fault.

This study presents the observations of midlatitude plasma irregularities over Eastern Asia during a moderate magnetic storm on 16 July 2003. Multi-instrumental observations, including the ground-based ionosondes, the GNSS networks, and the CHAMP and ROCSAT-1 satellites, were utilized to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of midlatitude plasma irregularities. The midlatitude strong spread F (SSF) mainly occurred in the midnight–morning sector as observed by ionosondes over Japan during this storm. SSF was related to plasma depletions, which is also recorded by GNSS network in the form of the enhancement of the rate of total electron content (TEC) change index (ROTI). The possible mechanism for the generation of SSF is that the enhanced eastward electric fields, associated with the prompt penetration electric fields and disturbance dynamo electric fields, cause the uplift and latitudinal extension of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) to generate the observed midlatitude SSF further. Meanwhile, plasma density increased significantly under the influence of this storm. In addition, other common type of spread F, frequency spread F (FSF), was observed over Japan on the non-storm day and/or at high latitude station WK545, which seems to be closely related to the coupling of medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) and sporadic E (Es) layer. The above results indicate that various types of midlatitude spread F can be produced by different physical mechanisms. It is found that SSF can significantly affect the performance of radio wave propagation compared with FSF. Our results show that space weather events have a significant influence on the day-to-day variability of the occurrence and characteristics of ionospheric F-region irregularities at midlatitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal neovascularization is an important cause of blindness in many ocular diseases, for which the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have revealed the diverse roles of noncoding RNAs in various biological processes and facilitated the research and development of the clinical application of numerous RNA drugs, including microRNAs. Here, we report the antiangiogenic activity of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) in three animal models of ocular neovascularization. The miR-29a knockout (KO) mice displayed enhanced vessel pruning, resulting in a decreased vascularized area during retinal development. In contrast, miR-29a deletion in adult mice accelerated angiogenesis in preclinical disease models, including corneal neovascularization, oxygen-induced retinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization, while the administration of agomir-29a ameliorated pathological neovascularization. Furthermore, miR-29a exerted inhibitory effects on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation capacities. RNA sequencing analysis of retinas from miR-29a KO mice and RNA interference experiments identified platelet derived growth factor C and several extracellular matrix genes as downstream targets of miR-29a involved in regulating ocular angiogenesis. Our data suggest that miR-29a may be a promising clinical candidate for the treatment of neovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity decline of monospecific forest plantations has remained a serious problem. Despite increasing knowledge of the problem involved in the build-up of soil-borne pathogens and allelopathy, relatively little is known about tree-derived allelochemicals and their impacts on the soil microbial community and root growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine a novel allelochemical cyclic dipeptide in relation to the soil microbial community and phytotoxicity to tree roots in 25-year-old monospecific Chinese fir ( Cunninghamia lanceolata ) forest plantations. We sampled soils and fine roots in situ and quantified soil cyclic dipeptide, microbial and root characteristics along with their correlation analyses. When compared with soil from a plantation established following removal of natural forest vegetation, soil from a replanted plantation contained a greater amount of cyclic dipeptide. Furthermore, increased soil potentially pathogenic fungi and reduced root biomass, root surface area and root length density were observed in the replanted plantations. There were negative relationships among cyclic dipeptide concentration, microbial community composition and root biomass in given plantations. Phospholipid fatty acid profiling showed that the signature lipid biomarkers of soil bacteria and fungi, and soil microbial community structure were affected under cyclic dipeptide application. Soil degradation dynamics indicated that cyclic dipeptide declined rapidly. The results demonstrated that allelochemical cyclic dipeptide not only had direct phytotoxicity to tree roots but also indirectly altered soil microbial community compositions, suggesting that productivity decline of continuous Chinese fir monocultures may be a negative feedback interaction between allelochemical-mediated soil microbial community and root phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis suppression by high-dose, multi-drug targeting is unsuccessful due to network heterogeneity and compensatory network activation. Here, we show that targeting driver network signaling capacity by limited inhibition of core pathways is a more effective anti-metastatic strategy. This principle underlies the action of a physiological metastasis suppressor, Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP), that moderately decreases stress-regulated MAP kinase network activity, reducing output to transcription factors such as pro-metastastic BACH1 and motility-related target genes. We developed a low-dose four-drug mimic that blocks metastatic colonization in mouse breast cancer models and increases survival. Experiments and network flow modeling show limited inhibition of multiple pathways is required to overcome variation in MAPK network topology and suppress signaling output across heterogeneous tumor cells. Restricting inhibition of individual kinases dissipates surplus signal, preventing threshold activation of compensatory kinase networks. This low-dose multi-drug approach to decrease signaling capacity of driver networks represents a transformative, clinically relevant strategy for anti-metastatic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: ETHYLENE OVERPRODUCER1 (ETO1), ETO1‐LIKE1 (EOL1), and EOL2 are members of the Broad complex, Tramtrack, Bric‐a‐brac (BTB) protein family that collectively regulate type‐2 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) activity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Although ETO1 and EOL1/EOL2 encode structurally related proteins, genetic studies suggest that they do not play an equivalent role in regulating ethylene biosynthesis. The mechanistic details underlying the genetic analysis remain elusive. In this study, we reveal that ETO1 collaborates with EOL1/2 to play a key role in the regulation of type‐2 ACS activity via protein–protein interactions. ETO1, EOL1, and EOL2 exhibit overlapping but distinct tissue‐specific expression patterns. Nevertheless, neither EOL1 nor EOL2 can fully complement the eto1 phenotype under control of the ETO1 promoter, which suggests differential functions of ETO1 and EOL1/EOL2. ETO1 forms homodimers with itself and heterodimers with EOLs. Furthermore, CULLIN3 (CUL3) interacts preferentially with ETO1. The BTB domain of ETO1 is sufficient for interaction with CUL3 and is required for homodimerization. However, domain‐swapping analysis in transgenic Arabidopsis suggests that the BTB domain of ETO1 is essential but not sufficient for a full spectrum of ETO1 function. The missense mutation in eto1‐5 generates a substitution of phenylalanine with an isoleucine in ETO1F466I that impairs its dimerization and interaction with EOLs but does not affect binding to CUL3 or ACS5. Overexpression of ETO1F466I in Arabidopsis results in a constitutive triple response phenotype in dark‐grown seedlings. Our findings reveal the mechanistic role of protein–protein interactions of ETO1 and EOL1/EOL2 that is crucial for their biological function in ethylene biosynthesis. Significance Statement: The ETO1 family proteins function collectively as negative regulators of ethylene biosynthesis by promoting protein degradation of type‐2 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase via differential association with CULLIN3 (CUL3)‐RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRL3) in Arabidopsis thaliana. This study provides a mechanistic view of such a regulation, which is dependent on the ability of ETO1 to form homodimers and dimerize with EOL1 and EOL2 to incorporate type‐2 ACC synthase into the CRL3ETO1/EOL complex for protein ubiquitination followed by degradation via the 26S proteasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the outcomes and safety of using percutaneous anterior C1/ 2 transarticular screw fixation as a salvage technique for odontoid fracture if percutaneous odontoid screw fixation fails. Methods: Fifteen in 108 odontoid fracture patients (planned to be treated by percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation) were failed to introduce satisfactory odontoid screw trajectory. To salvage this problem, we chose the percutaneous anterior C1/2 transarticular screw fixation technique in treatment of these patients. The visual analogue score (VAS) of neck pain and Neck Disability Index (NDI) of all patients were scored at pre-operation, 3 months after operation, and final follow-up. Additional, technique-related complications were recorded and collected. Results: Percutaneous C1/2 transarticular screw fixation was performed successfully in all 15 patients whose odontoid screw fixation failed. No technique-related complications (such as nerve injury, spinal cord injury, and esophageal injury) occurred. The VAS of neck pain and NDI score improved significantly (P = 0.000) after operation, and no significant differences were found when compared to 93 non-salvage patients who successfully performed the percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation. No screw loose or breakage occurred, all of the odontoid fractures achieve radiographic fusion, bony fusion bridge could be observed at the C1/2 lateral articular facet on 9/15 patients. Conclusions: We suggest that percutaneous anterior C1/2 transarticular screw fixation is a good alternative salvage technique if percutaneous odontoid screw fixation failed, and it is a minimally invasive, feasible, and safe technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A prospective study of anterior transarticular screw (ATS) fixation patients.Objective: To develop a method to determine screw tip position through plain radiography after percutaneous ATS fixation to prevent occipitocervical joint (OCJ) violation.Summary Of Background Data: No studies using plain radiography to prevent OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation have been performed.Methods: In total, 34 subjects (with 68 screws) who had undergone percutaneous ATS fixation were enrolled. To evaluate the screw tip location in relation to the C1 lateral mass (LM), the screw tip positions were graded 1, 2, or 3 on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs, and I, II, or III on lateral radiographs. OCJ violation was analyzed by postoperative computed tomography (CT).Results: Screws with tips located lower (tip I) in the LM did not result in OCJ violation. Only one tip in the tip 3 position showed OCJ perforation, and this screw was also located in tip III. Screw perforation rates of tip 1-tip II, tip 1-tip III, and tip 2-tip III were the highest (100%), followed by tip 2-tip II (10.5%) and tip3-tip III (10%).Conclusion: This study provides insights into OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation. According to AP radiography, a percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the lateral part of the LM resulted in a lower rate of OCJ perforation, whereas screws located in the medial LM resulted in the highest rate of perforation. Percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the neutral part of the LM should ensure that the screw tip is below the upper part of the LM, preventing OCJ violation. These findings may help surgeons assess screw positioning both during and after the operation.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ERF (ethylene responsive factor) family is composed of transcription factors ( TFs) that are critical for appropriate A rabidopsis thaliana responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here we identified and characterized a member of the ERF TF group IX, namely ERF96, that when overexpressed enhances A rabidopsis resistance to necrotrophic pathogens such as the fungus B otrytis cinerea and the bacterium P ectobacterium carotovorum. ERF96 is jasmonate ( JA) and ethylene ( ET) responsive and ERF96 transcripts accumulation was abolished in JA-insensitive coi1-16 and in ET-insensitive ein2-1 mutants. Protoplast transactivation and electrophoresis mobility shift analyses revealed that ERF96 is an activator of transcription that binds to GCC elements. In addition, ERF96 mainly localized to the nucleus. Microarray analysis coupled to chromatin immunoprecipitation- PCR of A rabidopsis overexpressing ERF96 revealed that ERF96 enhances the expression of the JA/ ET defence genes PDF1.2a, PR -3 and PR -4 as well as the TF ORA59 by direct binding to GCC elements present in their promoters. While ERF96- RNAi plants demonstrated wild-type resistance to necrotrophic pathogens, basal PDF1.2 expression levels were reduced in ERF96-silenced plants. This work revealed ERF96 as a key player of the ERF network that positively regulates the A rabidopsis resistance response to necrotrophic pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a technical report of traumatic lower cervical spondylolisthesisca used by bilateral pedicle fracture, without neurological compression. The patient was treated with the minimally invasive technique of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Fracture healing and normal cervical motion were confirmed by plain films and physical examinations onthe18-monthpostoperatively. The technique of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation might be an alternative strategy for the treatment of traumatic lower cervical spondylolisthesis with pedicle fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have established that pigmentation can provide strong, protective effects against certain human diseases. For example, angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and infantile hemangioma are more common in light-skinned individuals of mixed European descent than in African-Americans. Here we found that melanocytes from Ught-skinned humans and albino mice secrete high levels of fibromodulin (FMOD), which we determined to be a potent angiogenic factor. FMOD treatment stimulated angiogenesis in numerous in vivo systems, including laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, growth factor-induced corneal neovascularization, wound healing, and Matrigel plug assays. Additionally, FMOD enhanced vascular sprouting during normal retinal development. Deletion of Fmod in albino mice resulted in a marked reduction in the amount of neovascularization induced by retinal vein occlusion, corneal growth factor pellets, and Matrigel plugs. Our data implicate the melanocyte-secreted factor FMOD as a key regulator of angiogenesis and suggest an underlying mechanism for epidemiological differences between Ught-skinned individuals of mixed European descent and African-Americans. Furthermore, inhibition of FMOD in humans has potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating angiogenesis-dependent diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Use of chemical genetics to explore the roles of ethylene in seedling development. [•] Identification of ret mutants involved in hypocotyl elongation in etiolated seedlings. [•] Mutations in cellulose synthase6 and de-etiolated2 uncovered in 2 ret mutants. [•] Cellulose synthesis and brassinolides are required in regulating hypocotyl growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leaf senescence is a highly regulated developmental process that is coordinated by several factors. Many senescence-associated genes (SAGs) have been identified, but their roles during senescence remain unclear. A sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) SAG, named SPA15, whose function was unknown, was identified previously. To understand the role of SPA15 in leaf senescence further, the orthologue of SPA15 in Arabidopsis thaliana was identified and characterized, and it was named ARABIDOPSIS A-FIFTEEN (AAF). AAF was expressed in early senescent leaves and in tissues with highly proliferative activities. AAF was localized to the chloroplasts by transient expression in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. Overexpression of AAF (AAF-OX) in Arabidopsis promoted, but the T-DNA insertion mutant (aaf-KO), delayed age-dependent leaf senescence. Furthermore, stress-induced leaf senescence caused by continuous darkness was enhanced in AAF-OX but suppressed in aaf-KO. Transcriptome analysis of expression profiles revealed up-regulated genes related to pathogen defence, senescence, and oxidative stress in 3-week-old AAF-OX plants. Indeed, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced sensitivity to oxidative and dark stress were apparent in AAF-OX but reduced in aaf-KO. ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 (EIN2) was required for the dark- and ROS-induced senescence phenotypes in AAF-OX and the induction of AAF expression by treatment with the immediate precursor of ethylene, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. The results indicate the functional role of AAF is an involvement in redox homeostasis to regulate leaf senescence mediated by age and stress factors during Arabidopsis development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Optineurin is a gene linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Paget disease of bone, and glaucoma, a major blinding disease. Mutations such as E50K were identified in glaucoma patients. We investigated herein the involvement of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and autophagy, two major routes for protein clearance, in processing of optineurin in a retinal ganglion cell model line RGC5 and neuronal PC12 cells. It was found that the endogenous optineurin level in neuronal cells was increased by treatment of proteasomal inhibitor but not by autophagic and lysosomal inhibitors. Multiple bands immunoreactive to anti-ubiquitin were seen in the optineurin pulldown, indicating that optineurin was ubiquitinated. In cells overexpressing wild type and E50K optineurin, the level of the proteasome regulatory β5 subunit (PSMB5, indicative of proteasome activity) was reduced, whereas that for autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 was enhanced compared with controls. Autophagosome formation was detected by electron microscopy. The foci formed after optineurin transfection were increased upon treatment of an autophagic inhibitor but were decreased by treatment of an inducer, rapamycin. Moreover, the level of optineurin-triggered apoptosis was reduced by rapamycin. This study thus provides compelling evidence that in a normal homeostatic situation, the turnover of endogenous optineurin involves mainly UPP. When optineurin is up-regulated or mutated, the UPP function is compromised, and autophagy comes into play. A decreased PSMB5 level and an induced autophagy were also demonstrated in vivo in retinal ganglion cells of E50K transgenic mice, validating and making relevant the in vitro findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the location of left brachiocephalic vein (BCV) and tracheal bifurcation (TB) relative to the vertebral levels, and to ascertain the accessibility of three different corridors (C1: between the esophagus and trachea medially and the carotid sheath laterally, C2: between the right BCV and the brachiocephalic artery, and C3: between the ascending aorta and superior vena cava) for preoperative planning. From August 2008 to April 2009, normal chest CT scans of 150 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 78 years were selected. According to our definition, of the 150 studies, 132 T2 vertebral bodies (VBs) could be accessed through C1 (88.0%), 100 T3 VBs could be reached through C2 (66.7%), and 110 T4 VBs could be exposed through C3 (73.3%). The results suggest that the surgical accessibility of three different corridors is different and we conclude that T2, T3, and T4 are, respectively, readily accessible through C1, C2, and C3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aimed to construct three-dimensional (3D) visible models of the superior mediastinum for anatomic study and surgical approaches to the superior mediastinum. Method: Sectional images of the superior mediastinum were acquired through the Chinese Visible Human Female (VCHF) database. One hundred eighty images of the superior mediastinum were imported into Photoshop CS and the images were converted into a JPEG format. Surface and volume reconstruction were performed by 3D Doctor 3.5 and Amira 4.0 software programs on an ordinary personal computer, respectively. Result: The surface and volume reconstruction of the superior mediastinum were successful. The surface reconstruction model allowed rotation and magnification of the superior mediastinum structures as well as displayed the contours of reconstructed structures individually or as a composite with any other selected structure. Volume reconstruction displayed abundant internal detail of reconstructed images in transverse, coronal, sagittal, and random oblique sections. Conclusion: Three-dimensional, visible models of the superior mediastinum based on the sectional images of VCHF can provide unique insight into the anatomy of superior mediastinum. These models provide an excellent adjunct to the anatomy curriculum in medical schools and an invaluable tool for the practicing surgeon planning an operation in this complex anatomic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the results of a study of the association between various load-sharing score and the acute flexibility of thoracolumbar fractures by measuring the 3-dimensional flexibility data. A description of the study design and measurement method is presented. The study confirms that assessing the load-sharing score is helpful in evaluating the acute instability of thoracolumbar fractures.

Abstract Purpose  To examine the effects of berberine, an alkaloid isolated from some medicinal herbs, on the disruption of the barrier function in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Methods  ARPE-19 cells were cultured to confluence. Berberine and IL-1β were added to the medium. Barrier functions were evaluated by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and the permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and sodium fluorescein (SF). Results  Berberine dose-dependently inhibited decreased TER and increased the permeability to HRP and SF in the cells stimulated with IL-1β. Conclusions  Berberine dose-dependently inhibited the disruption of the barrier function in the ARPE-19 cell line induced by IL-1β. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2007;51:64–67 Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose  In this study we investigated the in vivo effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis in rats. Methods  To induce uveitis, LPS (100 g) was injected into subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats (170–190 g). NAC was injected intraperitoneally. Intracameral levels of protein, cells, nitrite, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were determined by spectrophotometry, hemocytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results  LPS injection elevated intracameral protein and cells, and the elevation was inhibited by NAC. LPS injection induced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 mRNA in the iris/ciliary body at 3 h, and iNOS mRNA at 6 h. The LPS-induced elevation of the mRNA levels was inhibited by NAC. NAC inhibited LPS-induced intracameral elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, and nitrite. Conclusion  NAC decreased LPS-induced uveitis in vivo by reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2007;51:14–20 Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the levels of vitreous chemokines and Sho (Zheng in Chinese) of Chinese-Korean-Japanese medicine in diabetic patients. Patients undergoing vitrectomy were classified into Group 1 (no diabetic retinopathy), Group 2 (diabetic retinopathy with no or a few new vessels), and Group 3 (diabetic retinopathy with many new vessels). The levels of IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES in the vitreous fluid were measured using cytometric bead array method. Sho was determined by the standard diagnostic method of Chinese-Korean-Japanese medicine. Vitreous levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 in Groups 2 and 3 were higher than those in Group 1. MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES levels in Groups 2 and 3 were almost the same as those in Group 1. The percentage of patients with Keishibukuryo-gan (Guizhifuling-wan in Chinese) sho in Group 3 was higher than that in Group 1. In conclusion, vitreous levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 were high in patients with diabetic vitreoretinopathy. Keishibukuryo-gan sho may be associated with diabetic vitreoretinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title complex, [Zn(C18H17N2O3)(C2H3O2)(C9H7N)], the ZnII atom is coordinated by two O atoms and one N atom from the tridentate hydrazone ligand, the N atom from the quinoline mol­ecule and one O atom from the acetate group, leading to a distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment for the metal atom. The two O atoms of the deprotonated hydrazone ligand occupy the axial sites. A hydrogen-bonded dimer is formed through intermolecular hydrogen bonds across a center of inversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]