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As an underdeveloped and low-income region, the development of minority regions in Northwest China is crucial. As an important part of minority regions, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has insufficient endogenous power for stable economic development and high risk of returning to poverty. On the whole, the Ningxia county network shows a spatial pattern of high in the north and low in the south. However, there are great differences in the centrality of different factor flow networks. The factor connections between most counties are weak, and a close innovation network has not yet been formed. There is an obvious administrative clique structure, showing a certain degree of self-enclosure. The factor flows between counties are relatively uniform and greatly affected by geographic distance. From the perspective of integrated flow, the Ningxia county network presents a distinct core-periphery circle structure. Population size and GDP are the main factors affecting the spatial network. The policy implication of this study is that Ningxia Autonomous Prefecture should coordinate the planning of the region's economy, technology, and transportation, so as to reduce the development gap between counties by enhancing the closeness of the county spatial association network, and ultimately realize the region's high-quality development., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: Phytophthora root rot caused by the oomycete Phytophthora capsici is the most devastating disease in pepper production worldwide, and current management strategies have not been effective in preventing this disease. Therefore, the use of resistant varieties was regarded as an important part of disease management of P. capsici. However, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the defense response of pepper roots to P. capsici infection is limited., Methods: A comprehensive transcriptome and metabolome approaches were used to dissect the molecular response of pepper to P. capsici infection in the resistant genotype A204 and the susceptible genotype A198 at 0, 24 and 48 hours post-inoculation (hpi)., Results: More genes and metabolites were induced at 24 hpi in A204 than A198, suggesting the prompt activation of defense responses in the resistant genotype, which can attribute two proteases, subtilisin-like protease and xylem cysteine proteinase 1, involved in pathogen recognition and signal transduction in A204. Further analysis indicated that the resistant genotype responded to P. capsici with fine regulation by the Ca 2+ - and salicylic acid-mediated signaling pathways, and then activation of downstream defense responses, including cell wall reinforcement and defense-related genes expression and metabolites accumulation. Among them, differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were uniquely activated in the resistant genotype A204 at 24 hpi, indicating a significant role of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in pepper resistance to P. capsici., Conclusion: The candidate transcripts may provide genetic resources that may be useful in the improvement of Phytophthora root rot-resistant characters of pepper. In addition, the model proposed in this study provides new insight into the defense response against P. capsici in pepper, and enhance our current understanding of the interaction of pepper-P. capsici., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

A field experiment was conducted in a lightly Cd-contaminated rice field in Ningxiang City, Hunan Province, to study the effects of straw removal measures on the soil Cd bioavailability and rice Cd accumulation. The results showed that:① two consecutive seasons of straw removal measures (T1-T4 treatments) effectively increased soil pH by 0.04-0.58 units, reduced soil organic matter by 0.68%-25.87%, and reduced the Cd content of rhizosphere soil by 3.76%-12.78%. ② The proportions of Cd in the acid-extractable fraction and oxidizable fraction decreased, and the proportion of Cd in the residual fraction increased. Furthermore, straw removal measures significantly reduced the bioavailability of Cd in rhizosphere soil, and the Cd contents in TCLP, DTPA, and CaCl 2 extracts all significantly decreased compared with those in CK. ③ The straw removal measure could significantly reduce the content of DOC and Cd in soil pore water; and the contents of Cd in soil pore water decreased by 4.54%-40.00% and 2.75%-67.34% under the straw removal measure (T1-T4) for two consecutive seasons, respectively, indicating that DOC was one of the key factors affecting the content of Cd in soil pore water. ④ Two consecutive straw removal measures (T1-T4) reduced the accumulation of Cd in different rice tissues, among which, under the treatment of all straw and root removal (T4), the Cd contents of brown rice in late rice planting in 2020 and early rice planting in 2021 decreased by 18.52% and 39.69%, respectively. Therefore, full or partial removal of straw in Cd-contaminated rice fields is a powerful measure to reduce the risk of exceeding Cd levels in brown rice.

Background and Objectives: The anatomical reduction (AR) is usually considered the best option for fractures. Nevertheless, in unstable trochanteric hip fractures (UTHF), previous clinical reports found that the positive medial cortical support (PMCS, an over-reduction technique) attained higher mechanical stability, but this challenging clinical finding still needs experimental validation., Methods: This study constructed in-silico and biomechanical PMCS and AR models, with the use of the most clinically-representative geometry design of fracture models, the multi-directional design in FE analysis, and the subject-specific (osteoporotic) bone material properties, to make the models better mimic the actual condition in clinical settings. Then multiple performance variables (von-Mises stress, strain, integral axial stiffness, displacement, structural changes, etc.) were assessed to uncover details of integral and regional stability., Results: Among in-silico comparison, PMCS models showed significantly lower maximum displacement than AR models, and the maximum von Mises stress of implants (MVMS-I) was significantly lower in PMCS models than in AR models (highest MVMS-I in -30°-A3-AR of 1055.80 ± 93.37 MPa). Besides, PMCS models had significantly lower maximum von Mises stress along fracture surfaces (MVMS-F) (highest MVMS-F in 30°-A2-AR of 416.40 ± 38.01 MPa). Among biomechanical testing comparison, PMCS models showed significantly lower axial displacement. Significantly lower change of neck-shaft angle (CNSA) was observed in A2-PMCS models. A fair amount of AR models converted into the obvious negative medial cortical support (NMCS) condition, whereas all PMCS models kept the PMCS condition. The results were also validated through comparison to previous clinical data., Conclusions: The PMCS is superior to the AR in the UTHF surgery. The current study opens up the second thought of the role of over-reduction technique in bone surgery., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Copper(II) (Cu 2+ ) is essential for plant growth and development. However, high concentrations are extremely toxic to plants. We investigated the tolerance mechanism of cotton under Cu 2+ stress in a hybrid cotton variety (Zhongmian 63) and two parent lines with different Cu 2+ concentrations (0, 0.2, 50, and 100 μM). The stem height, root length, and leaf area of cotton seedlings had decreased growth rates in response to increasing Cu 2+ concentrations. Increasing Cu 2+ concentration promoted Cu 2+ accumulation in all three cotton genotypes' roots, stems, and leaves. However, compared with the parent lines, the roots of Zhongmian 63 were richer in Cu 2+ and had the least amount of Cu 2+ transported to the shoots. Moreover, excess Cu 2+ also induced changes in cellular redox homeostasis, causing accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activity increased, while photosynthetic pigment content decreased. Our findings indicated that the hybrid cotton variety fared well under Cu 2+ stress. This creates a theoretical foundation for the further analysis of the molecular mechanism of cotton resistance to copper and suggests the potential of the large-scale planting of Zhongmian 63 in copper-contaminated soils.

In this study, tibial shaft fracture has been treated with implants as numerically to investigate the stress behavior and the effect of plate material, position and length under pressure load. Plates of stainless steel, titanium alloy(Ti6Al4V), or CF-PEEK(CF50) were used to fix the tibial shaft comminuted fracture in different location and different working length. The maximum stress, the maximum micromotion of fracture and the stress shielding of cortex bone were analyzed. CF50 is more ideal biomechanical fixation material than traditional metal material for the treatment of tibial shaft comminuted fractures. In the treatment of tibial shaft comminuted fracture, lateral position and with relatively long working length of the plate have the advantages in micromotion, stress and stress shielding rate of the fracture end.

A field experiment was conducted in moderately and severely Cd contaminated paddy fields in Beishan Town, Changsha City, Hunan Province. This study examined the effects of LS amendment (limestone+sepiolite), in combination with soil application and foliar spraying of Zn fertilizer, on Cd uptake in early and late rice plants. The results showed that: ① the application of LS (2250 kg·hm -2 and 4500 kg·hm -2 ) significantly increased pH and CEC values in paddy soil during the early and late rice seasons, but the addition of Zn fertilizer (90 kg/hm 2 ) to soil and through foliar spraying (0.2 g·L -1 and 0.4 g·L -1 ) had no significant effects on the pH or CEC of the soil. ② LS application decreased concentrations of TCLP-Cd and CaCl 2 -Cd in the soils, by 11.5%-38.8% and 24.0%-81.0%, respectively, while neither of the treatments involving the addition of Zn fertilizer to soil or through foliar spraying had any significant effects on the concentrations of TCLP-Cd and CaCl 2 -Cd. ③Single treatments involving only LS amendment, Zn fertilizer in soil, or foliar spraying of Zn fertilizer also reduced Cd concentrations in brown rice, but to a lesser degree than the combined treatments. The combined treatments (L1Z1F1, L1Z1F2, L2Z1F1, and L2Z1F2) reduced Cd concentrations in brown rice by 64.9%-67.5% and 56.1%-80.6%, for early and late rice, respectively, while L2Z1F1 (4500 kg·hm -2 LS+90 kg·hm -2 Zn fertilizer+foliar spraying 0.2 g·L -1 Zn fertilizer) resulted in the largest reduction in Cd concentration in brown rice. ④ The Cd/Zn ratio in brown rice was significantly positively correlated with Cd concentrations, indicating that increased Zn concentration in different rice tissues was one of the key reasons for decreased Cd concentration in brown rice. Clearly, as a remediation technology, combining LS amendments with zinc fertilizer is an effective method for achieving the safe utilization of moderately and severely Cd contaminated paddy fields, by effectively inhibiting the uptake, accumulation, and transportation of Cd in rice plants and decreasing Cd concentrations in brown rice.

Cotton is one of the most important fiber and oil crops in the world. Chloroplast genomes harbor their own genetic materials and are considered to be highly conserved. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) act as "bridges" in protein synthesis by carrying amino acids. Currently, the variation and evolutionary characteristics of tRNAs in the cotton chloroplast genome are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the structural variation and evolution of chloroplast tRNA (cp tRNA) based on eight diploid and two allotetraploid cotton species. We also investigated the nucleotide evolution of chloroplast genomes in cotton species. We found that cp tRNAs in cotton encoded 36 or 37 tRNAs, and 28 or 29 anti-codon types with lengths ranging from 60 to 93 nucleotides. Cotton chloroplast tRNA sequences possessed specific conservation and, in particular, the Ψ-loop contained the conserved U-U-C-X3-U. The cp tRNAs of Gossypium L. contained introns, and cp tRNA Ile contained the anti-codon (C-A-U), which was generally the anti-codon of tRNA Met . The transition and transversion analyses showed that cp tRNAs in cotton species were iso-acceptor specific and had undergone unequal rates of evolution. The intergenic region was more variable than coding regions, and non-synonymous mutations have been fixed in cotton cp genomes. On the other hand, phylogeny analyses indicated that cp tRNAs of cotton were derived from several inferred ancestors with greater gene duplications. This study provides new insights into the structural variation and evolution of chloroplast tRNAs in cotton plants. Our findings could contribute to understanding the detailed characteristics and evolutionary variation of the tRNA family.

Structural and functional studies of HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) as a transmembrane protein have long been complicated by challenges associated with inherent flexibility of the molecule and the membrane-embedded hydrophobic regions. Here, we present approaches for incorporating full-length, wild-type HIV-1 Env, as well as C-terminally truncated and stabilized versions, into lipid assemblies, providing a modular platform for Env structural studies by single particle electron microscopy. We reconstitute a full-length Env clone into a nanodisc, complex it with a membrane-proximal external region (MPER) targeting antibody 10E8, and structurally define the full quaternary epitope of 10E8 consisting of lipid, MPER, and ectodomain contacts. By aligning this and other Env-MPER antibody complex reconstructions with the lipid bilayer, we observe evidence of Env tilting as part of the neutralization mechanism for MPER-targeting antibodies. We also adapt the platform toward vaccine design purposes by introducing stabilizing mutations that allow purification of unliganded Env with a peptidisc scaffold., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Gene flow patterns and the genetic structure of domesticated crops like cotton are not well understood. Furthermore, marker-assisted breeding of cotton has lagged far behind that of other major crops because the loci associated with cotton traits such as fiber yield and quality have scarcely been identified. In this study, we used 19 microsatellites to first determine the population genetic structure and patterns of gene flow of superior germplasm resources in upland cotton. We then used association analysis to identify which markers were associated with 15 agronomic traits (including ten yield and five fiber quality traits). The results showed that the upland cotton accessions have low levels of genetic diversity (polymorphism information content = 0.427), although extensive gene flow occurred among different ecological and geographic regions. Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that the cotton resources used in this study did not belong to obvious geographic populations, which may be the consequence of a single source of domestication followed by frequent genetic introgression mediated by human transference. A total of 82 maker-trait associations were examined in association analysis and the related ratios for phenotypic variations ranged from 3.04% to 47.14%. Interestingly, nine SSR markers were detected in more than one environmental condition. In addition, 14 SSR markers were co-associated with two or more different traits. It was noteworthy that NAU4860 and NAU5077 markers detected at least in two environments were simultaneously associated with three fiber quality traits (uniformity index, specific breaking strength and micronaire value). In conclusion, these findings provide new insights into the population structure and genetic exchange pattern of cultivated cotton accessions. The quantitative trait loci of domesticated cotton identified will also be very useful for improvement of yield and fiber quality of cotton in molecular breeding programs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (© 2020 Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.)

Lineage-based vaccine design is an attractive approach for eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1. However, most bNAb lineages studied to date have features indicative of unusual recombination and/or development. From an individual in the prospective RV217 cohort, we identified three lineages of bNAbs targeting the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 envelope. Antibodies RV217-VRC42.01, -VRC43.01, and -VRC46.01 used distinct modes of recognition and neutralized 96%, 62%, and 30%, respectively, of a 208-strain virus panel. All three lineages had modest levels of somatic hypermutation and normal antibody-loop lengths and were initiated by the founder virus MPER. The broadest lineage, VRC42, was similar to the known bNAb 4E10. A multimeric immunogen based on the founder MPER activated B cells bearing the unmutated common ancestor of VRC42, with modest maturation of early VRC42 intermediates imparting neutralization breadth. These features suggest that VRC42 may be a promising template for lineage-based vaccine design., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: To determine the epidemiology and risk factors for nosocomial infection (NI) in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of a teaching hospital in Northwest China., Methods: An observational, prospective surveillance was conducted in the RICU from 2013 to 2015. The overall infection rate, distribution of infection sites, device-associated infections and pathogen in the RICU were investigated. Then, the logistic regression analysis was used to test the risk factors for RICU infection., Results: In this study, 102 out of 1347 patients experienced NI. Among them, 87 were device-associated infection. The overall prevalence of NI was 7.57% with varied rates from 7.19 to 7.73% over the 3 years. The lower respiratory tract (43.1%), urinary tract (26.5%) and bloodstream (20.6%) infections accounted for the majority of infections. The device-associated infection rates of urinary catheter, central catheter and ventilator were 9.8, 7.4 and 7.4 per 1000 days, respectively.The most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (20.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that the categories D or E of Average Severity of Illness Score (ASIS), length of stay (10-30, 30-60, ≥60 days), immunosuppressive therapy and ventilator use are the independent risk factors for RICU infection with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.15~2.37), 5.22 (95% CI: 2.63~10.38)), 2.32 (95% CI: 1.19~4.65), 8.93 (95% CI: 3.17~21.23), 31.25 (95% CI: 11.80~63.65)) and 2.70 (95% CI: 1.33~5.35), respectively., Conclusion: A relatively low and stable rate of NI was observed in our RICU through year 2013-2015. The ASIS-D、E, stay ≥10 days, immunosuppressive therapy and ventilator use are the independent risk factors for RICU infection.

Cotton is one of the most economically important fiber crop plants worldwide. The genus Gossypium contains a single allotetraploid group (AD) and eight diploid genome groups (A-G and K). However, the evolution of repeat sequences in the chloroplast genomes and the phylogenetic relationships of Gossypium species are unclear. Thus, we determined the variations in the repeat sequences and the evolutionary relationships of 40 cotton chloroplast genomes, which represented the most diverse in the genus, including five newly sequenced diploid species, i.e., G. nandewarense (C 1-n ), G. armourianum (D 2-1 ), G. lobatum (D 7 ), G. trilobum (D 8 ), and G. schwendimanii (D 11 ), and an important semi-wild race of upland cotton, G. hirsutum race latifolium (AD 1 ). The genome structure, gene order, and GC content of cotton species were similar to those of other higher plant plastid genomes. In total, 2860 long sequence repeats (>10 bp in length) were identified, where the F-genome species had the largest number of repeats ( G. longicalyx F 1 : 108) and E-genome species had the lowest ( G. stocksii E 1 : 53). Large-scale repeat sequences possibly enrich the genetic information and maintain genome stability in cotton species. We also identified 10 divergence hotspot regions, i.e., rpl33-rps18, psbZ-trnG ( GCC ), rps4-trnT ( UGU ), trnL ( UAG ) -rpl32, trnE ( UUC ) -trnT ( GGU ), atpE, ndhI, rps2, ycf1 , and ndhF , which could be useful molecular genetic markers for future population genetics and phylogenetic studies. Site-specific selection analysis showed that some of the coding sites of 10 chloroplast genes ( atpB, atpE, rps2, rps3, petB, petD, ccsA, cemA, ycf1 , and rbcL ) were under protein sequence evolution. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole plastomes suggested that the Gossypium species grouped into six previously identified genetic clades. Interestingly, all 13 D-genome species clustered into a strong monophyletic clade. Unexpectedly, the cotton species with C, G, and K-genomes were admixed and nested in a large clade, which could have been due to their recent radiation, incomplete lineage sorting, and introgression hybridization among different cotton lineages. In conclusion, the results of this study provide new insights into the evolution of repeat sequences in chloroplast genomes and interspecific relationships in the genus Gossypium .

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M proteins, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare variant of plasma cell disorders with multiple systemic manifestations. A 50-year-old female patient presented with progressive weakness in her upper and lower limbs; tingling, numbness and burning in her feet; polyneuropathy (demyelinating in the majority of cases of POEMS syndrome); monoclonal plasma cell disorder (typicallyλ-restricted in cases of POEMS syndrome); sclerotic lesions on the spine and pelvis; organomegaly, including hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy; edema; pleural effusion; adrenal, thyroidal, pituitary, gonadal and pancreatic endocrinopathy; skin changes, including hyperpigmentation, dry skin and hypertrichosis; thrombocytosis; pulmonary hypertension; low vitamin B 12 and weight loss. Following the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, the patient was treated only with pain-alleviating corticosteroids. Respiratory failure-induced mortality occurred 24 months after the patient first experienced difficulty walking and numbness in her lower extremities. The present study suggests that abnormal symptoms in cases of POEMS syndrome should be further evaluated during the diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives: Individuals with recent or acute HIV infection are more infectious than those with established infection. Our objective was to analyze the characteristics of detection among HIV infections in Xi'an., Methods: A 4th-generation kit (Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo) and three 3rd-generationEIA kits (WanTai, XinChuang and Livzon) were used for HIV screening. Overall, 665 individuals were identified as positive and were tested by western blotting (WB). The characteristics of the screening and confirmatory tests were analyzed, including the band patterns, the early detection performance and the false-positive rates., Results: In total, 561 of the 665 patients were confirmed as having HIV-1 infection, and no HIV-2 specific band was observed. Among these 561 WB-positive cases, reactivity to greater than or equal to 9 antigens was the most commonly observed pattern (83.18%), and the absence of reactivity to p17, p31 and gp41 was detected in 6.44%, 5.9% and 2.86% of the cases, respectively. Two cases were positive by the 4th-generation assay but negative by the 3rd-generation assay for HIV screening and had seroconversion. The false-positive rate of the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo (22.01%) was significantly higher than those of WanTai (9.88%), XinChuang (10.87%) and Livzon (8.93%), p<0.05., Conclusion: HIV infection in Xi'an is mainly caused by HIV-1, and individuals are rarely identified at the early phase. Although the false-positive rate of the 4th-generation assay was higher than that of the 3rd-generation assay, it is still recommended for use as the initial HIV screening test for high-risk individuals. In Xi'an, a 3rd-generation assay for screening could be considered.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can differentiate into various cell types and thus have great potential for regenerative medicine. Herein, rat ADSCs were isolated; transduced with lentiviruses expressing Osterix (Osx), a transcriptional factor essential for osteogenesis. Osx overexpression upregulated key osteogenesis-related genes, such as special AT-rich binding protein 2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, mineral nodule formation and alkaline phosphatase activity were enhanced in Osx-overexpressing ADSCs. The expression of dickkopf-related protein 1, a potent Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor, was also increased, whereas that of β-catenin, an intracellular signal transducer in the Wnt pathway, was decreased. β-catenin expression was partially recovered by treatment with lithium chloride, a canonical Wnt pathway activator. The Osx-expressing ADSCs were then combined with 3D gelatin-coated porous poly(ɛ-caprolactone) scaffolds with a unique release prolife of entrapped recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The controlled release of VEGF promoted osteogenic differentiation capacity in vitro. When the scaffold-ADSC complexes were transplanted into rat calvarial critical-sized defects, more bone formed on the gelatin/VEGF-coated scaffolds than on other scaffold types. Taken together, the results indicate that, Osx-overexpression promotes ADSCs' osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, which could be enhanced by release of VEGF.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical, radiologic, and cost-effectiveness results between locking and non-locking plates for the treatment of extra-articular type A distal tibial fractures., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of AO/OTA 42-A1, A2 distal tibial fractures treated by plates from January 2011 to June 2013. Patients were divided to the locking plate group or the non-locking plate group. Clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and hospitalization fee were compared between the two plates groups., Results: 28 patients were treated with a locking plate and 23 patients were treated with a non-locking plate. The mean follow-up was 18.8 months (12-23 months). There were no significant differences between the groups in surgical time, bleeding, bone union time, or AOFAS scores. The cost of the locking plate was ¥24,648.41 ± 6,812.95 and the cost of the non-locking plate was ¥11,642 ± 3,162.57, p < 0.001. Each group had one patient that experienced superficial infection these wounds were readily healed by oral antibiotics and dressing changes. To date, five patients in the locking group and ten patients in the non-locking group had sensations of metal stimulation or other discomfort (X 2 = 3.99, p < 0.05) Until the last follow-up, 14 patients in the locking plate group and 18 patients in the non-locking plate group had their plates removed or wanted to remove their plates (X 2 = 4.31, p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The use of locking or non-locking plates provides a similar outcome in the treatment of distal fractures. However the locking plate is much more expensive than the non-locking plate.

Background: The incidence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients is reported to be 3-8.2%, with roughly half of these fractures being caused by high energy injuries with a potential for catastrophic hemorrhage and death. Indications for internal fixation of anterior pelvic ring are controversial. Because of fears of disturbing the pelvic hematoma and causing additional hemorrhage, open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic ring disruption is routinely delayed. In contrast to conventional surgery, percutaneous screw fixation is gaining popularity in the treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures mainly because of minimal soft tissue damage, less operative blood loss, early surgical intervention and comfortable mobilization of the patient. Fluoro-navigation is a new surgical technique in orthopedic trauma surgery. This study is to investigate clinical results of fluoro-navigation surgery in anterior pelvic ring fractures., Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to October 2011, 23 patients with anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with percutaneous cannulated screw under fluoro-navigation. There were 14 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 40.1 years (range 25-55). According to the AO and Orthopedic Trauma Association classification, there were seven A 2.1, two A 2.2, one A 2.3, six B 1.2, one B 2.1: 1, one B 2.2, one C 1.2, two C 1.3 and two C 2.3 types of fractures. Amongst these patients, 13 had posterior pelvic ring injuries, 8 had other injuries including urethral, lumbar vertebrae fractures and femoral fractures. All patients were operated when their general condition stabilized after emergency management. The mean time from injury to percutaneous screw fixation of the anterior pelvic ring fracture was 12 days (3-15 days). All the anterior ring fractures were fixed with cannulated screws by two senior surgeons. They were familiar with the navigation system and had gained much experience in the computer-assisted percutaneous placement of screws., Results: A total of 32 screws were inserted, including 19 in the pubic ramis and 13 in the anterior acetabular columns. The average surgical time was 23.3 min/screw. The average time of X-ray exposure was 19.1 ± 2.5 s/screw. The virtual images of fluoro-navigation were compared with real-time X-rays during and after the surgery. Compared to the final position of the screw, the average deviated distance was 3.11 mm and the average trajectory difference was 2.81°. Blood loss during the operation was minimal (22.3 ml/screw). One screw (3.1%) deviated out of the fracture site during the operation. No superficial or deep infection occurred. No patient sustained recognized neurologic, vascular, or urologic injury as a result of the percutaneous screw fixation. All fractures united at the last followup., Conclusions: Fluoro-navigation technique could become a safe, accurate, and fairly quick method for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fractures. Standardization of the operative procedure and training are mandatory for the success of this procedure.

The soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae is the major pathogen that causes the verticillium wilt disease of plants, which leads to huge economic loss worldwide. At the early stage of infection, growth of the pathogen is subject to the nutrition stress of limited nitrogen. To investigate the secreted pathogenic proteins that play indispensable roles during invasion at this stage, we compared the profiles of secreted proteins of V. dahliae under nitrogen starvation and normal conditions by using in-gel and in-solution digestion combined with liquid chromatography-nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-nanoESI-MS). In total, we identified 212 proteins from the supernatant of liquid medium, including 109 putative secreted proteins. Comparative analysis indicated that the expression of 76 proteins was induced, whereas that of 9 proteins was suppressed under nitrogen starvation. Notably, 24 proteins are constitutively expressed. Further bioinformatic exploration enabled us to classify the stress-induced proteins into seven functional groups: cell wall degradation (10.5%), reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and stress response (11.8%), lipid effectors (5.3%), protein metabolism (21.1%), carbohydrate metabolism (15.8%), electron-proton transport and energy metabolism (14.5%), and other (21.0%). In addition, most stress-suppressed proteins are involved in the cell-wall remodeling. Taken together, our analyses provide insights into the pathogenesis of V. dahliae and might give hints for the development of novel strategy against the verticillium wilt disease., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To observe different brain effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) in the normal subjects by using functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI)., Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were recruited in the present study. fMRI was used to investigate brain responses [blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals] to EA stimulation of CV 4 and ST 36. A filiform silver needle was inserted into CV 4 or the left ST 36 randomly in two consecutive fMRI tests, and then manipulated with uniform reducing-reinforcing methods to induce "Deqi". fMRI scan was performed before needling, during needle retention, during EA stimulation, and post-EA. Volunteer's subjective needling sensations were recorded after EA. Data of fMRI were analyzed by using software SPM 2 and fMRI was mapped by Degree Centrality Measure method for whole brain correlation. The activation, deactivation, short-distance and long-distance functional connectivity maps of cerebral regions were investigated., Results: The fullness and numbness feelings of the subjects were stronger during EA at ST 36 than at CV 4. EA at ST 36 or CV 4 induced apparent similar deactivation effects in the anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortices. The default mode of the brain at rest state was modified by needle retention and EA stimulation, respectively. The functional brain network was significantly changed after EA. The instant post-acupuncture effects (enhancement of the shortdistance functional connectivity) were mainly found in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPF) and ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) in the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network, and there were a little bit stronger signals in ST 36 than in CV 4. CONCLUSION" EA stimulation of CV 4 and ST 36 induces a similar modulation effect in the limbic-medial prefrontal network in healthy subjects.

Actin is an abundant protein that constitutes a main component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Its polymerization and depolymerization are regulated by a variety of actin-binding proteins. Their functions range from nucleation of actin polymerization to sequestering G-actin in 1∶1 complexes. The kinetics of forming these complexes, with rate constants varying at least three orders of magnitude, is critical to the distinct regulatory functions. Previously we have developed a transient-complex theory for computing protein association mechanisms and association rate constants. The transient complex refers to an intermediate in which the two associating proteins have near-native separation and relative orientation but have yet to form short-range specific interactions of the native complex. The association rate constant is predicted as k(a) = k(a0) e(-ΔG(el*)/k(B)T), where k(a0) is the basal rate constant for reaching the transient complex by free diffusion, and the Boltzmann factor captures the bias of long-range electrostatic interactions. Here we applied the transient-complex theory to study the association kinetics of seven actin-binding proteins with G-actin. These proteins exhibit three classes of association mechanisms, due to their different molecular shapes and flexibility. The 1000-fold k(a) variations among them can mostly be attributed to disparate electrostatic contributions. The basal rate constants also showed variations, resulting from the different shapes and sizes of the interfaces formed by the seven actin-binding proteins with G-actin. This study demonstrates the various ways that actin-binding proteins use physical properties to tune their association mechanisms and rate constants to suit distinct regulatory functions.

Objective: To observe the specific brain effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12)., Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were recruited in the present study. Two silver filiform needles were separately inserted into Guanyuan (OV 4) or Zhongwan (CV 12), and manipulated with uniform reducing-reinforcing method to induce "Deqi". fMRI scan was performed before needling, during needle retention, EA stimulation, and post-EA. Data of fMRI was analyzed by using software SPM 2. The volunteer subjective needling sensations were recorded. The activation, deactivation, short-distance and long-distance functional connectivity maps of different cerebral regions were analyzed by using whole brain correlation analysis., Results: Comparison between the two acupoints showed that fullness feeling was stronger in CV 4 than in CV 12. EA at CV 4 and CV 12 induced a similar stronger and prevalent deactivation in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulated cortex (ACO). The deactivation of the ACC was stronger in the CV 4 group than in the CV 12 group. The default BOLD mode of the brain at rest was modified by needle retention and EA, respectively. The short-distance functional connection brain network was significantly changed after EA. Interestingly, the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and anteroinferior portion of the anterior cingulate cortex in the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network (LPNN) were involved in the instant post-effects of EA. Relatively smaller differences in the brain functional activity and short-distance functional connectivity were found between these two acupoints., Conclusion: EA of CV 4 and CV 12 can modulate short-distance functional connectivity of the LPNN, and have fewer differences in inducing needling sensation and deactivation of ACC, etc.

Objective: To evaluate the influence on frequency, intensity and the amount of current flow produced by electroacupuncture sensation of acupoints with different distributions (meridian category, tissue type and nerve innervations)., Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled. According to the different tissue of acupoints, paired acupoints were grouped: Zusanli (ST 36) vs Yanglingquan (GB 34) (different meridian categories), Neiguan (PC 6) vs Daling (PC 7) (different tissue types), Zusanli (ST 36) vs Shuidao (ST 28) (different nerve innervations), Guanyuan (CV 4) vs Zhongwan (CV 12) (different nerve innervations), and Zusanli (ST 36) vs Guanyuan (CV 4) (different meridian categories, tissue types and nerve innervations). The electric frequency was 15 Hz. The electric current was under the participant's tolerance without sharp pain; the electroacupuncture was applied for three times with interval, 90 seconds totally. Soreness, numbness, fullness, heaviness, tingling, pressure, dull pain, warmness, coolness and amount of current flow were recorded, and the frequency, intensity and current amount between the paired acupoints were compared., Results: There were no significant differences in frequency of needling sensations between paired points (all P > 0.05). In the 9 electroacupuncture sensations, fullness, numbness and soreness were most commonly seen and obvious, heaviness, pressure and tingling came second, and dull pain, warmness, and coolness occurred at lower frequency. There were differences in the intensity of acupuncture sensation between paired acupoints in part of them, the soreness, fullness and heaviness at Zusanli (ST 36) were stronger than those at Shuidao (ST 28) (all P < 0.05 ); fullness and numbness at Zusanli (ST 36) were stronger than those at Guanyuan (CV 4) (both P < 0.01); fullness at Guanyuan (CV 4) was stronger than that at Zhongwan (CV 12) (P < 0.05 ); the current flow of electroacupuncture was similar between paired acupoints (all P > 0.05)., Conclusion: In the situation that there is no obvious difference in amount of current flow caused by electroacu puncture sensation, the obvious correlations between frequency of electroacupuncture sensation and tissue properties of acupoints are not appeared, and the difference of sensation intensity between paired acupoints may be associated with different nerve innervations. The frequency and intensity of electroacupuncture sensation at one acupoint are stable at different times.

Objective: To investigate the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene and apolipoprotein (Apo) B gene mutation in a Chinese family with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and give the kindreds clinical check-ups., Methods: After physical examination, the kindreds underwent ECG and ultrasound checks. Blood samples were tested for lipid profiles. The promoter and all eighteen exons of LDLR gene were investigated by using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis in combination with DNA sequence analysis. The results were compared with the normal sequences in GenBank and FH database (www.ucl.ac.uk/fh) to find mutations. In addition, the apolipoprotein B100 gene for known mutations (R3500Q, R3531C, R3501W and R3480W) that cause familial defective ApoB100 (FDB) was also tested using the same method., Results: A novel homozygous G > A mutation at the 1581 bp of exon 10 was detected in the proband and his siblings. It caused a substitution of amino acid Glu to Gly at codon 496. A novel heterozygous G > A mutation at the 1581 bp of exon 10 was detected in his parents. No mutations of R3500Q, R3531C, R3501W and R3480W of ApoB100 were observed. ECGs were normal. Atherosclerosis were found in all family members by ultrasound checks., Conclusions: The homozygous G > A mutation at the 1581 bp of exon 10 was first determined in our country. The change of amino acid Glu to Gly is responsible for FH of the family. The type of the gene mutation was not found in the FH database (www. ucl.ac.uk/fh). It's a new type of LDLR mutation.

Objective: Recently, a new traditional Chinese medicine differentiation theory "Syndrome Element (SE)" has been raised. In this study, the main syndrome element types and their correlations with the results of coronary angiography (CAG) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were investigated., Methods: Epidemiology cross-sectional study method was employed and 324 patients with CHD were enrolled, and their syndrome element types as well as the CAG results were analyzed. The correlations among syndrome element types, Gensini score, and the number of abnormal branches were also analyzed based on the distribution characteristics of syndrome element and coronary angiography results in the 324 cases., Results: According to their occurrence frequency in 324 CHD patients, the top eight major heart syndrome elements were Xin () blood stasis (85.8%), Xin qi deficiency (79.6%), Xin heat blockage (41.1%), Xin phlegm with turbid fluid (38.0%), Xin qi stagnation (24.7%), Xin yang deficiency (18.9%), Xin yin deficiency (17.5%) and Xin cold coagulation (4.4%), respectively, which suggested that Xin blood stasis and Xin qi deficiency were the two most common syndrome elements. Also, as coronary artery Gensini score increased, the changing trend of the syndrome element was "Xin yang deficiency with blood stasis" to "Xin phlegm obstruction with heat blockage" to "Xin yin deficiency with blood stasis" to "Xin qi deficiency with blood stasis" to "Xin cold coagulation with phlegm and turbid fluid, "Xin cold coagulation with blood stasis" to "Xin deficiency of qi, yin and yang". As the number of abnormal branches increased, the syndrome element changing trend was "simultaneous occurrence of cold and heat syndrome" to "Xin qi and yang deficiency with blood stasis" to "Xin retention of phlegm with turbid fluid" to "Xin cold coagulation in the heart meridian", "Xin deficiency of both qi and yin". The result of this study shows that Xin qi deficiency and Xin blood stasis were the major syndrome elements in patients with CHD., Conclusion: As the severity and extent of coronary artery lesion increased, there were some apparent correlations among syndrome elements, Gensini score and number of abnormal coronary artery branches.

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of fluoro-navigation in the surgery for pelvic fractures., Methods: A fluoro-navigation system was used to guide the placement of screws for the fixation of pelvic and acetabular fractures in 22 patients, 14 males and 8 females, aged 39.4. Totally 41 screws were inserted, 15 in pubic ramus, 13 in acetabulums, and 13 in sacroiliac joints. The images of fluoro-navigation were compared with those of the real X rays during and after surgery., Results: The average time for operation was 22.7 minutes/screw, and the average time of X rays exposure was 20.2 seconds/screw. The mean deviated distance was 2.9 +/- 1.2 mm and the mean deviated angle was (2.2 +/- 0.3) degrees in the post operational verification. The blood loss during the operation was minimal (< 21.7 ml/screw). One screw (2.4%) was deviated out of the fracture during the operation. No complication was recorded after surgery., Conclusion: Fluoro-navigation-assisted operation for the pelvic and acetabular fracture makes the surgery more precise, safer, and time-saving with less X-ray exposure.

This paper explained the working method of the quadrupole mass spectrometer array and its features of volume, weight, power, sensitivity to many kinds of gases as well as flexibility when used together with a miniature gas chromatograph (GC) and a thermal-conductivity detector (TCD). Three types of structure formed in its development are also described. Finally, the applications of the quadrupole mass spectrometer array in the field of manned spaceflight were summarized.

Environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) is a critical subsystem of manned spacecraft that has the most typical characteristics of manned space flight. It is an indispensable safeguard for the life of astronaut in space. This article reviewed the main techniques and developments of oxygen and water closed loop recycling in regenerative environmental control and life support system. Through comparing and analyzing the current state of its space application as well as the strong and weak points of different technique routes, the directions of research and development of oxygen and water recycling technique for space station are proposed.

Objective. To solve the key problems of power matching between process of CO2 steam desorption and process of steam generation, as well as water/vapor separation. Method. Solid amine desorption process was studied by thermodynamic analysis and experiments. The distribution rule of desorption energy was found out and then the power consumption of steam generator was decided. Ceramic insert was designed to separate water and vapor making use of surface tension. Finally, the steam generator was designed on system requirements. Result. Experiments proved that the steam generator can satisfy the demand of the system as well as successfully separate water and vapor, in addition, the selected power is suitable. Conclusion. The design on steam generator was right and practicable.

Objective. To develop a device for separating water from gas in small flow rate under zero "G". Method. Beginning with the study of surface characteristic of materials, a capillary material was developed according to the requirement and the water/gas separator using this single separating material was designed. Result. The water/gas separator worked well in the range of gas flow below 10.0 L/min and water flow below 10.0 ml/min. No gas was found in the separated water and no water was found in the separated gas. Conclusion. The structure of the separator was reasonable and the water/gas separating method using a single separating material was feasible.

Objective. To develop a low temperature catalyst for the Sabatier CO2 reduction of the atmospheric regeneration system and lower the start-up temperature of the Sabatier reaction. Method. A low temperature catalyst was designed from the considerations of the active composition, the choice of the carrier, the production method and condition of the catalyst. Then the performance of the newly developed low temperature catalyst was tested. Result. A new low temperature catalyst for the Sabatier reaction using Ru as the active composition and using r-Al2O3 as the carrier was developed. The start-up temperature was lower than 110 degrees C and the start-up time was 8 min; The conversion efficiency of the lean component (H2 or CO2) was over 95 percent when the temperature of the reactor was from 200 degrees C to 300 degrees C; The reaction product water was nearly colorless, transparent and neutral. Conclusion. The test results showed that the goals of the design are achieved and it is worthwhile to make further studies on the low temperature catalyst.

Objective. To design a reaction canister using in solid amine carbon dioxide removal system for long-duration spaceflight. Method. On consideration of system demand and properties of solid amine, key problems must be solved were found out: 1) the rated resistance limit tends to shorten the length of the canister while absorption and concentration require to increase the length of the canister; 2) limited quantity of heat for keeping the temperature of the canister; 3) inflation or contraction of the solid amine under micro-gravity. Result. After appropriate measures were taken, effective adsorption and desorption, as well as concentration of CO2 were achieved, the concentration of CO2 in the space cabin could be controlled below 0.5%; and the concentration of the concentrated CO2 was as high as 98% so that it could be directly send to the CO2 reduction system; and that the resistance of the canister was below 160 mm H2O; moreover, the energy consumption was decreased to below 650 W. Conclusion. The designed reaction canister could meet the requirements of the solid amine carbon dioxide (correction of bioxide) removal system under microgravity.

Objective: To solve the problem of CO2 concentration and collection in solid amine CO2 control system for long-duration spacecraft cabin., Method: One approach was presented on the base of the principle of absorption and desorption, and was then tested by the apparatus according to it., Result: The average concentration of the concentrated CO2 was as high as 95%, which can be directly sent to the CO2 reduction system, and about 90% of the concentrated CO2 can be collected., Conclusion: The designed apparatus met the requirements of the CO2 reduction system.

Objective. To develop and fabricate a prototype Sabatier CO2 reduction subsystem for long duration manned space missions. Method. The rationale, equipment and function of the Sabatier CO2 reduction subsystem were introduced. Groundbased experiments with CO2 flows equivalent to a crewsize of 3 persons were conducted to verify the operation performance of the prototype. Result. The start-up temperature is less than 165 degrees C when the start-up time is 14 min; the lean component H2/CO2 conversion efficiency is over 95 percent when H2/CO2 molar ratios is 1.9-5.0; The water produced is nearly colorless and neutral. Conclusion. The prototype Sabatier CO2 reduction subsystem is simple in operation and the test results showed that design goals were achieved.