Summary of Advances in the Heat-Pulse Technique: Improvements in Measuring Soil Thermal Properties

This essay provides a summary of “Advances in the Heat-Pulse Technique: Improvements in Measuring Soil Thermal Properties” recently appearing in Methods of Soil Analysis. Series

The Effectiveness of an eHealth Family-Based Intervention Program in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Community Via WeChat: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Intervention based on family support and risk perception can enhance type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients’ self-care activities. In addition, eHealth education is considered to improve family members’ support for patients with T2DM. However, there is little evidence from rigorously designed studies on the effectiveness of an intervention combining these approaches. Objective: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of an eHealth family-based health education intervention for patients with T2DM to improve their glucose control, risk perception, and self-care behaviors. Methods: This single-center, 2-parallel-group RCT was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Overall, 228 patients were recruited from Jiading District, Shanghai, and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an eHealth family intervention based on community management via WeChat, whereas the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of the patients with T2DM, and the secondary outcomes were self-management behavior (general and specific diet, exercise, blood sugar testing, foot care, and smoking), risk perception (risk knowledge, personal control, worry, optimism bias, and personal risk), and family support (supportive and nonsupportive behaviors). A 2-tailed paired-sample t test was used to compare the participants at baseline and follow-up within the control and intervention groups. An analysis of covariance was used to measure the intervention effect. Results: In total, 225 patients with T2DM were followed up for 1 year. After intervention, they had significantly lower HbA1c values (β=–.69, 95% CI –0.99 to –0.39; PP=.003), special diet (β=.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.09; PP=.04), foot care (β=1.82, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.42; PPPP=.001), optimism bias (β=.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.43; P=.003), and supportive behaviors (β=5.52, 95% CI 4.03 to 7.01; P\u3c.001). Conclusions: The eHealth family-based intervention improved glucose control and self-care activities among patients with T2DM by aiding the implementation of interventions to improve T2DM risk perceptions among family members. The intervention is generalizable for patients with T2DM using health management systems in community health centers. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900020736; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=3121

Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (1-40) Enhances Calcium Uptake in Rat Enterocytes Through PTHR1 Receptor and Protein Kinase Cα/β Signaling

Background/Aims: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is implicated in regulating calcium homeostasis in vertebrates, including sea bream, chick, and mammals. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the function of PTHrP in regulating calcium transport is still not fully investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PTHrP on the calcium uptake and its underlying molecular mechanism in rat enterocytes. Methods: The rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6) was used. Calcium uptake was determined by using the fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester fluorescence method. The expression levels of RNAs and proteins was assessed by RT-PCR and Western-blot, respectively. Results: PTHrP (1-40) induced rapid calcium uptake in enterocytes in a dose-dependent manner. PTHrP (1-40) up-regulated parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTHR1) protein but not 1,25D3-MARRS receptor. Pre-treatment of anti- PTHR1 antibody abolished the PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake. PTHrP (1-40) significantly up-regulated four transcellular calcium transporter proteins, potential vanilloid member 6 (TRPV6), calbindin-D9k (CaBP-D9k), sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1) and plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1), in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with TRPV6 or CaBP-D9k antibodies or knockout of rat TRPV6 or CaBP-D9k markedly inhibited PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake, whereas inhibition of NCX or PMCA1 by antibodies or inhibitors had no effect on PTHrP(1-40)-induced calcium uptake. Furthermore, PTHrP (1-40) treatment up-regulated protein levels of protein kinase C (PKC α/β) and protein kinase A (PKA). Pretreatment of PKC α/β inhibitor (but not PKA inhibitor) inhibited PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake. Conclusion: PTHrP (1-40) stimulates calcium uptake via PTHR1 receptor and PKC α/β signaling pathway in rat enterocytes, and calcium transporters TRPV6 and CaBP-D9k are necessary for this stimulatory effect

A Wall-Associated Kinase Gene CaWAKL20 From Pepper Negatively Modulates Plant Thermotolerance by Reducing the Expression of ABA-Responsive Genes

Heat stress has become a major threat to crop production due to global warming; however, the mechanisms underlying plant high-temperature sensing are not well known. In plants, the membrane-anchored receptor-like kinases (RLKs) relay environmental signals into the cytoplasm. In a previous study, we isolated a wall-associated RLK-like (WAKL) gene CaWAKL20 from pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Here, the amino acid sequence of CaWAKL20 was characterized and found to consist of conserved domains of WAK/WAKL family, including an extracellular region containing a GUB-WAK binding domain and a degenerated EGF2-like domain; a transmembrane region; and an intercellular region with an STKc catalytic domain. Moreover, CaWAKL20 transcription was inhibited by heat stress, whereas it was induced by both ABA and H2O2 treatments. Silencing of CaWAKL20 enhanced pepper thermotolerance, while overexpression decreased Arabidopsis thermotolerance. Additionally, Arabidopsis lines overexpressing CaWAKL20 showed less sensitivity to ABA during seed germination and root growth. Finally, the survival rate of Arabidopsis seedlings under heat stress treatment was enhanced by ABA pre-treatment, while it was compromised by the overexpression of CaWAKL20. Furthermore, the heat-induced expression of several ABA-responsive genes and some key regulator genes for thermotolerance was decreased in Arabidopsis CaWAKL20-overexpression lines. These results suggest that CaWAKL20 negatively modulates plant thermotolerance by reducing the expression of ABA-responsive genes, laying a foundation for further investigation into the functional mechanisms of WAKs/WAKLs in plants undergoing environmental stresses

Oral Administration of Escin Inhibits Acute Inflammation and Reduces Intestinal Mucosal Injury in Animal Models

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of escin on acute inflammation and intestinal mucosal injury in animal models. The effects of escin on carrageenan-induced paw edema in a rat model of acute inflammation, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced intestinal mucosal injury in a mouse model, were observed. It was shown that oral administration of escin inhibits carrageenan-induced paw edema and decreases the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2. In CLP model, low dose of escin ameliorates endotoxin induced liver injury and intestinal mucosal injury and increases the expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 in mice. These findings suggest that escin effectively inhibits acute inflammation and reduces intestinal mucosal injury in animal models

Late Status of Fontan Patients With Persistent Surgical Fenestration

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to determine the effects of creating a systemic-to-pulmonary venous atrial-level communication (fenestration) at the time of the Fontan procedure on late outcomes.BackgroundFenestrations are frequently performed during Fontan procedures, but late consequences are not well described.MethodsPatient characteristics were compared between those with and without surgical fenestration among 536 subjects (mean age 11.9 years) enrolled in the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan Cross-Sectional Study. The status of the fenestration and the association of a currently patent fenestration with health status and measures of ventricular performance were investigated.ResultsFenestration was performed in 361 patients (67%), and frequency differed by year and center (p < 0.001 for each). After adjustment for center, age at Fontan, year of Fontan, and prior superior cavopulmonary surgery, the fenestrated group had shorter length of Fontan hospital stay. At the time of cross-sectional testing 8 ± 3 years after Fontan, the fenestration remained open in 19% of subjects. Among those with confirmed fenestration closure, 59% were by catheter intervention and 1% by surgical intervention, and 40% had apparent spontaneous closure. Compared with those without evidence of a fenestration, subjects with a current fenestration were taking more medications (p = 0.02) and had lower resting oxygen saturation (median 89% vs. 95%, p < 0.001). Functional health status, exercise performance, echocardiographic variables, prevalence of post-Fontan stroke or thrombosis, and growth did not differ by current fenestration status.ConclusionsSurgical fenestration is associated with well-demonstrated early post-operative benefits. This cross-sectional study found few associations between a persistent fenestration and deleterious later outcomes

Platelets mediate lymphovenous hemostasis to maintain blood-lymphatic separation throughout life

Mammals transport blood through a high-pressure, closed vascular network and lymph through a low-pressure, open vascular network. These vascular networks connect at the lymphovenous (LV) junction, where lymph drains into blood and an LV valve (LVV) prevents backflow of blood into lymphatic vessels. Here we describe an essential role for platelets in preventing blood from entering the lymphatic system at the LV junction. Loss of CLEC2, a receptor that activates platelets in response to lymphatic endothelial cells, resulted in backfilling of the lymphatic network with blood from the thoracic duct (TD) in both neonatal and mature mice. Fibrin-containing platelet thrombi were observed at the LVV and in the terminal TD in wild-type mice, but not Clec2-deficient mice. Analysis of mice lacking LVVs or lymphatic valves revealed that platelet-mediated thrombus formation limits LV backflow under conditions of impaired valve function. Examination of mice lacking integrin-mediated platelet aggregation indicated that platelet aggregation stabilizes thrombi that form in the lymphatic vascular environment to prevent retrograde blood flow. Collectively, these studies unveil a newly recognized form of hemostasis that functions with the LVV to safeguard the lymphatic vascular network throughout life

Transformation of animal utilization strategies from the late Neolithic to the Han Dynasty in the Hexi Corridor, northwest China: Zooarchaeological and stable isotopic evidence

The trajectory and influencing factors for changes to ancient human livelihoods in the Hexi Corridor of northwest China have been intensively discussed. The Hexi Corridor is a key crossroads for trans-Eurasian exchange in both the prehistoric and historical periods. Although most studies have focused on the reconstruction of human paleodiet and plant subsistence, the diachronic change of animal utilization strategies spanning the prehistoric and historical periods remains unclear, due to the absence of zooarchaeological and isotopic studies, especially in Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE). Here we report new zooarchaeological, stable isotope, and radiocarbon dating data from the Heishuiguo Cemetery of the Han Dynasty in the Hexi Corridor, indicating that humans mainly used domestic chickens, pigs and sheep as funerary objects, with other buried livestock including cattle, horses and dogs. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data suggest humans might have fed chickens, pigs and dogs more C4 foods (likely millets or their byproducts) than herbivorous livestock in the Heishuiguo during the Han Dynasty. Compared to other prehistoric zooarchaeological and isotopic studies in the Hexi Corridor, we detected an increasing significance of herbivorous livestock in animal utilization strategies compared with omnivorous livestock, and a basic declining weight of C4 foods in fodders from ∼2,300 to 200 BCE, which was probably induced by long-distance exchange and climate fluctuation. However, the trend was reversed during the Han Dynasty in the Hexi Corridor, primarily due to the control of the area by the Han Empire and the subsequent massive immigration from the Yellow River valley of north China

Seasonal patterns of canopy photosynthesis captured by remotely sensed sun-induced fluorescence and vegetation indexes in mid-to-high latitude forests : a cross-platform comparison

© The Author(s), 2018. This is the author's version of the work and is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Science of The Total Environment 644 (2018): 439-451, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.269.Characterized by the noticeable seasonal patterns of photosynthesis, mid-to-high latitude forests are sensitive to climate change and crucial for understanding the global carbon cycle. To monitor the seasonal cycle of the canopy photosynthesis from space, several remote sensing based indexes, such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and leaf area index (LAI), have been implemented within the past decades. Recently, satellite-derived sun-induced fluorescence (SIF) has shown great potentials of providing retrievals that are more related to photosynthesis process. However, the potentials of different canopy measurements have not been thoroughly assessed in the context of recent advances of new satellites and proposals of improved indexes. Here, we present a cross-site intercomparison of one emerging remote sensing based index of phenological index (PI) and two SIF datasets against the conventional indexes of NDVI, EVI and LAI to capture the seasonal cycles of canopy photosynthesis. NDVI, EVI, LAI and PI were calculated from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements, while SIF were evaluated from Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) and Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) observations. Results indicated that GOME-2 SIF was highly correlated with gross primary productivity (GPP) and absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) during the growing seasons. Key phenological metrics captured by SIF from GOME-2 and OCO-2 matched closely with photosynthesis phenology as inferred by GPP. However, the applications of OCO-2 SIF for phenological studies may be limited only for a small range of sites (at site-level) due to a limited spatial sampling. Among the MODIS estimations, PI and NDVI provided most reliable predictions of start of growing seasons, while no indexes accurately captured the end of growing seasons.This work was supported by the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41676176 and 41676182), the Chinese Polar Environment Comprehensive Investigation, Assessment Program (Grant No. 312231103). This work was also supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the 440 Central Universities2020-07-1