[Urinary retinol binding protein and β2-microglobulin were associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and renal function in hospitalized diabetic patients]

Objective: To explore the associations of urinary retinol binding protein (RBP) and β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and renal function in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 1 030 Chinese patients with T2DM were included in this study. The subjects were divided into the UACR normal group (<30 mg/g), microalbuminuria group (30-300 mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (>300 mg/g). Patients with normal UACR were further divided into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): the eGFR low group (<90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2) and the normal eGFR group (≥90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2). Urine RBP and β₂-MG levels among the groups were compared. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to evaluate risk factors of urine RBP and β₂-MG. Results: In all patients (n=1 030), urine RBP and β₂-MG increased gradually with the increase of UACR across the three groups, the proportions of abnormal urine RBP (>0.7 mg/L) and β₂-MG (>370 μg/L) in these groups were 3.8%, 8.5%, 39.0% (P<0.001), and 12.9%, 26.7%, 46.8% (P<0.001), respectively. In the UACR normal group (n=788), 12.2% of the patients were with eGFR<90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2. The proportion of abnormal β₂-MG (>370 μg/L) was higher in the eGFR low group than that in the eGFR normal group (29.2% vs. 10.7%, P<0.001). Multivariate linear stepwise regression analyses were performed using natural logarithm of urine RBP or β₂-MG as dependent variable, and showed that urine RBP was independently associated with UACR (β=0.0005, P<0.001), serum creatinine (β=0.006, P<0.001) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (β=0.050, P=0.001), and β₂-MG was independently correlated with UACR (β=0.000 4, P<0.001), serum creatinine (β=0.011, P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (β=0.005, P=0.031) and fasting blood-glucose (β=0.027, P=0.046). Conclusions: Urine RBP and β₂-MG are positively associated with high UACR and impaired renal function in T2DM patients, and these changes could occur before UACR and eGFR turned out to be abnormal. It is recommended that urine RBP and β₂-MG be detected as early as possible to identify diabetic kidney disease in patients with normal UACR and eGFR.

MicroRNA-1 Expression and Function in Hyalomma Anatolicum anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks

MicroRNAs act as mRNA post-transcriptional regulators, playing important roles in cell differentiation, transcriptional regulation, growth, and development. In this study, microRNA expression profiles of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks at different developmental stages were detected by high-throughput sequencing and functionally assessed. In total, 2,585,169, 1,252,678, 1,558,217, and 1,155,283 unique reads were obtained from eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults, respectively, with 42, 46, 45, and 41 conserved microRNAs in these stages, respectively. Using eggs as a control, 48, 43, and 39 microRNAs were upregulated, and 3, 10, and 9 were downregulated in larvae, nymphs, and adults, respectively. MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) was expressed in high abundance throughout Ha. anatolicum development, with an average of nearly one million transcripts, and it is highly conserved among tick species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed that miR-1 expression gradually increased with tick development, reaching the highest level at engorgement. Differential tissue expression was detected, with significantly higher levels in the salivary glands and epidermis than in the midgut. Inhibition assays showed no significant change in body weight or spawning time or amount between experimental and control groups, but there was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in engorgement time. With miR-1 inhibition, ticks displayed obvious deformities during later development. To more fully explain the microRNA mechanism of action, the miR-1 cluster was analyzed according to the target gene; members that jointly act on Hsp60 include miR-5, miR-994, miR-969, and miR-1011. Therefore, microRNAs are critical for normal tick development, and the primary structure of the mature sequence of miR-1 is highly conserved. Nonetheless, different developmental stages and tissues show different expression patterns, with a certain role in prolonging feeding. miR-1, together with other cluster members, regulates mRNA function and may be used as a molecular marker for species origin, evolution analysis, and internal reference gene selection.

Thermo-Responsive Shape Memory Behavior of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber/Olefin Block Copolymer Blends via Co-Crosslinking

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are developed by blending and cross-linking polymers which include crystalline domains and cross-linked networks. In this paper, we describe the morphology, thermal and shape memory behavior of methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVMQ)/olefin block copolymer (OBC) blends prepared by a melt-blending and chemical cross-linking method. MVMQ without crystalline domains could not hold its temporary shape. After introducing the OBC, the obtained blends exhibited excellent dual shape memory properties. The cross-linking networks of MVMQ acted as reversible domains, while crystalline regions of OBC worked as fixed domains. When the blending ratio of MVMQ/OBC was 50/ 50, the blend had both a high shape fixity ratio and shape recovery ratio.

Orbital competition of Mn3+ and V3+ ions in Mn1+x V2-x O4

The structural and magnetic properties of Mn1+x V2-x O4 (0 < x ⩽ 1) have been investigated by the heat capacity, magnetization, x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction measurements, and a phase diagram of temperature versus composition was built up. For x ⩽ 0.3, a cubic-to-tetragonal (c > a) phase transition was observed. For x > 0.3, the system maintained the tetragonal lattice. Although the collinear and noncollinear magnetic transitions of V3+ ions were obtained in all compositions, the canting angles between the V3+ ions decreased with Mn3+-doping, and the ordering of the Mn3+ ions was only observed as x > 0.4. In order to study the dynamics of the ground state, the first principles simulation was applied to analyze not only the orbital effects of Mn2+, Mn3+, and V3+ ions, but also the related exchange energies.

The Requirement of the C-Terminal Domain of GluA1 in Different Forms of Long-Term Potentiation in the Hippocampus Is Age-Dependent

Long-term potentiation (LTP) at glutamatergic synapses is an extensively studied form of long-lasting synaptic plasticity widely regarded as the cellular basis for learning and memory. At the CA1 synapse, there are multiple forms of LTP with distinct properties. Although AMPA glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are a key target of LTP expression, whether they are required in all forms of LTP remains unclear. To address this question, we have used our recently developed mouse line, GluA1^C2KI, where the c-terminal domain (CTD) of the endogenous GluA1 is replaced by that of GluA2. Unlike traditional GluA1 global or conditional KO mice, GluA1^C2KI mice have no changes in basal AMPAR properties or synaptic transmission allowing a better assessment of GluA1 in synaptic plasticity. We previously showed that these mice are impaired in LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation (HFS-LTP), but whether other forms of LTP are also affected in these mice is unknown. In this study, we compared various forms of LTP at CA1 synapses between GluA1^C2KI and wild-type littermates by using several induction protocols. We show that HFS-LTP is impaired in both juvenile and adult GluA1^C2KI mice. The LTP induced by theta-burst stimulation (TBS-LTP) is also abolished in juvenile GluA1^C2KI mice. Interestingly, TBS-LTP can still be induced in adult GluA1^C2KI mice, but its mechanisms are altered becoming more sensitive to protein synthesis and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors compared to wild type (WT) control. The GluA1^C2KI mice are also differentially altered in several forms of LTP induced under whole-cell recording paradigms. These results indicate that the CTD of GluA1 is differentially involved in different forms of LTP at CA1 synapse highlighting the complexity and adaptative potential of LTP expression mechanisms in the hippocampus.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction extracts from Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq. and Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. could be used as potential Rhipicephalus sanguineus control agents

Nicotiana tabacum, Stemona japonica, and Cnidium monnieri are common plants that are widely used for their anti-parasitic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of extracts from these plants against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. A composition analysis of crude extracts by GC-MS was conducted to discover compounds with acaricidal effects. The toxicity of extraction against the engorged nymphs of R. sanguineus was evaluated by an immersion test. The results showed that the crude extracts of S. japonica and C. monnieri in varying ratios, concentrations, and from different extraction methods, had a killing effect on R. sanguineus. Lethality reached 76.67% ± 0.04410 when using a 1:1 extract of S. japonica:C. monnieri in 75% ethanol with ultrasonic extraction; the crude extract was determined at a concentration of 0.5 g/mL. GC-MS results showed that osthole and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) are the main components of the extract. These results suggested that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) extracts contained acaricidal components acting against R. sanguineus, which may result in the development of effective extracts of S. japonica and C. monnieri as a source of low-toxicity, plant-based, natural acaricidal drugs.

Coxiella burnetii is widespread in ticks (Ixodidae) in the Xinjiang areas of China

Background

The gram-negative Coxiella burnetii bacterium is the pathogen that causes Q fever. The bacterium is transmitted to animals via ticks, and manure, air, dead infected animals, etc. and can cause infection in domestic animals, wild animals, and humans. Xinjiang, the provincial-level administrative region with the largest land area in China, has many endemic tick species. The infection rate of C. burnetii in ticks in Xinjiang border areas has not been studied in detail.

Results

For the current study, 1507 ticks were collected from livestock at 22 sampling sites in ten border regions of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region from 2018 to 2019. C. burnetii was detected in 205/348 (58.91%) Dermacentor nuttalli; in 110/146 (75.34%) D. pavlovskyi; in 66/80 (82.50%) D. silvarum; in 15/32 (46.90%) D. niveus; in 28/132 (21.21%) Hyalomma rufipes; in 24/25 (96.00%) H. anatolicum; in 219/312 (70.19%) H. asiaticum; in 252/338 (74.56%) Rhipicephalus sanguineus; and in 54/92 (58.70%) Haemaphysalis punctata. Among these samples, C. burnetii was detected in D. pavlovskyi for the first time. The infection rate of Rhipicephalus was 74.56% (252/338), which was the highest among the four tick genera sampled, whereas the infection rate of H. anatolicum was 96% (24/25), which was the highest among the nine tick species sampled. A sequence analysis indicated that 63 16S rRNA sequences could be found in four newly established genotypes: MT498683.1 (n = 18), MT498684.1 (n = 33), MT498685.1 (n = 6), and MT498686.1 (n = 6).

Conclusions

This study indicates that MT498684.1 might represent the main C. burnetii genotype in the ticks in Xinjiang because it was detected in eight of the tick species studied. The high infection rate of C. burnetii detected in the ticks found in domestic animals may indicate a high likelihood of Q fever infection in both domestic animals and humans.

Analysis of microRNA expression profiles dynamic in different life stages of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks by deep sequencing of small RNA libraries

The three-host tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is an obligate blood-sucking ectoparasite. In life-stage transitions, microRNAs (miRNAs) show a variety of expression changes. To investigate these changes, deep sequencing technology was applied to identify the conserved and potentially novel miRNAs expressed during the different life stages of H. longicornis. Total RNA from eggs, unfed larvae, unfed nymphs and unfed adults was extracted for deep sequence analysis. Deep sequencing on a Hiseq 4000 generated a total of 111,192,069 reads, grouped into four small RNA (sRNA) libraries, one for each of the four developmental stages of H. longicornis. Among these sequences, 78 conserved and 55 potentially novel miRNAs were identified, including stage-specific and differentially expressed miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated significantly enriched GO terms related to cell proliferation and differentiation, including specific terms for the processes of development, growth, metabolism, regulation of biological functions, reproduction, and membrane enzyme regular activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed a significant enrichment of the insulin, notch, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways for growth and development. Our data highlight the abundance of miRNA changes (conserved and potentially novel) in the different life stages of H. longicornis. In particular, stage-specific miRNAs, as observed, are essential regulators for the development of H. longicornis.

Characterization of an MLP Homologue from Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks

Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family are known to participate in muscle development in vertebrates. Muscle LIM protein (MLP) belongs to the CRP family and has an important function in the differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells. In this study, the full-length cDNA encoding MLP from Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis; HLMLP) ticks was obtained by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). To verify the transcriptional status of MLP in ticks, HLMLP gene expression was assessed during various developmental stages by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Interestingly, HLMLP expression in the integument was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that observed in other tested tissues of engorged adult ticks. In addition, HLMLP mRNA levels were significantly downregulated in response to thermal stress at 4 °C for 48 h. Furthermore, recombinant HLMLP was expressed in Escherichia coli, and Western blot analysis showed that rabbit antiserum against H. longicornis adults recognized HLMLP and MLPs from different ticks. Ten 3-month-old rabbits that had never been exposed to ticks were used for the immunization and challenge experiments. The rabbits were divided into two groups of five rabbits each, where rabbits in the first group were immunized with HLMLP, while those in the second group were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) diluent as controls. The vaccination of rabbits with the recombinant HLMLP conferred partial protective immunity against ticks, resulting in 20.00% mortality and a 17.44% reduction in the engorgement weight of adult ticks. These results suggest that HLMLP is not ideal as a candidate for use in anti-tick vaccines. However, the results of this study generated novel information on the MLP gene in H. longicornis and provide a basis for further investigation of the function of this gene that could potentially lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of myofiber determination and transformation.

Biology and applications of Clonostachys rosea

Clonostachys rosea is a promising saprophytic filamentous fungus that belongs to phylum Ascomycota. Clonostachys rosea is widespread around the world and exists in many kinds of habitats, with the highest frequency in soil. As an excellent mycoparasite, C. rosea exhibits strong biological control ability against numerous fungal plant pathogens, nematodes and insects. These behaviours are based on the activation of multiple mechanisms such as secreted cell-wall-degrading enzymes, production of antifungal secondary metabolites and induction of plant defence systems. Besides having significant biocontrol activity, C. rosea also functions in the biodegradation of plastic waste, biotransformation of bioactive compounds, as a bioenergy sources and in fermentation. This mini review summarizes information about the biology and various applications of C. rosea and expands on its possible uses.

[Spectomycin B1 induces VEGFR2 de-SUMO modification to inhibit angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:To explore the new mechanism of spectomycin B1 in inhibiting angiogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to provide a theoretical basis for targeted gene therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Method:Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells were divided into two groups, the control group and spectomycin B1 group. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of small ubiquitin-related modified protein（SUMO） 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2（VEGFR2）. The angiogenesis assay was used to detect the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-bearing mice was established, spectomycin B1 was administered, tumor volume and weight were measured, and protein expression of CD31 was detected by immunohistochemistry and microvessel density was compared. Result:Spectomycin B1 could reduce deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein by 4.05 times, significantly reduce the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and increase the apoptosis rate by 20.68%. In the tumor-bearing mouse model, spectomycin B1 treatment could inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth rate and weight, and the blood vessel density decreased by 40.04%. Conclusion:Spectomycin B1 can inhibit neovascularization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by inducing deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein.

Chronic peripheral ghrelin injection exerts antifibrotic effects by increasing growth differentiation factor 15 in rat hearts with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of ghrelin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, ISO, and ISO + ghrelin groups. ISO (2 mg/kg per day, subcutaneous) or vehicle was administered once daily for 7 days, then ghrelin (100 microg/kg per day, subcutaneous) was administered once daily for the next 3 weeks. Ghrelin treatment greatly improved the cardiac function of ISO-treated rats. Ghrelin also decreased plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and ratios of heart weight to body weight and left ventricular weight to body weight. Ghrelin significantly reduced myocardial collagen area and hydroxyproline content, accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of collagen type I and III. Furthermore, ghrelin increased plasma level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and GDF15 mRNA and protein levels in heart tissues, which were significantly decreased with ISO alone. The phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and GSK-3beta at Ser9 was decreased with ISO, and ghrelin significantly reversed the downregulation of p-Akt and p-GSK-3beta. Mediated by GDF15, ghrelin could attenuate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis via Akt-GSK-3beta signaling.

Genetic determinates for conjugated linolenic acid production in Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058

AIMS

To investigate the genetic determinates for conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) production in Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058, a high CLNA producer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After culturing with α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the medium, the fatty acid compositions of supernatant fluid and cell pellets were analysed via GC-MS. cis9,trans11,cis15-CLNA was identified to be the predominant isomer. And during CLNA production, 10-hydroxy-cis12-cis15-octadecenoic acid (10-HOEA) and 10-oxo-cis12-cis15-octadecenoic acid (10-OXOA) were accumulated. The E. coli recombinants harbouring genes encoding myosin-cross-reactive antigen (MCRA), short-chain dehydrogenase/oxidoreductase (DH) and acetoacetate decarboxylase (DC), respectively, were analysed for their roles in CLNA production. The results indicated that MCRA converted ALA to 10-HOEA, following converted to 10-OXOA by DH. While with the combination of three recombinants, ALA could be transformed into CLNA plus 10-HOEA and 10-OXOA. When the three genes were deleted, none of the L. plantarum ZS2058 knockout mutants could produce any CLNA, after complementation, and all the complementary mutants recovered the CLNA-production ability at similar levels as the wild strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 produced CLNA from ALA with 10-HOEA and 10-OXOA as intermediates. The triple-component isomerase of MCRA, DH and DC was the unique genetic determinant for CLNA generation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The current results firstly provided conclusive evidence that the triple-component isomerase complex was shared by both CLA and CLNA production in lactobacilli.

Identification and comparative profiling of gonadal microRNAs in the adult pigeon (Columba livia)

1. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in gene expression. However, the comparative profiling of testicular and ovarian microRNAs in birds are rarely reported, particularly in pigeon.2. In this study, Illumina next-generation sequencing technology was used to sequence miRNA libraries of the gonads from six healthy adult utility pigeons. A total of 344 conserved known miRNAs and 32 novel putative miRNAs candidates were detected. Compared with those of ovaries, 130 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the testes. Among them, 70 miRNAs showed down-regulation in the ovaries, while another 60 miRNAs were up-regulated.3. Combining the results of the expression of target gene measurements and pathway enrichment analyses, it was revealed that some DEmiRNAs from the gonad samples involved in sexual differentiation and development (such as cli-miR-210-3p and cli-miR-214-3p) could down-regulate AR (androgen receptor). Cli-miR-181b-5p, cli-miR-9622-3p and cli-miR-145-5p were highly expressed in both the ovaries and testes, which could co-target HOXC9, and were related to regulation of primary metabolic processes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEmiRNAs may play biological and sex-related roles in pigeon gonads.4. The expression profiles of testicular and ovarian miRNA in adult pigeon gonads are presented for the first time, and the findings may contribute to a better understanding of gonadal expression in poultry.

[Hypoxia increases chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via inducing CDK6 deSUMOylation]

Objective: To understand the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma under hypoxic conditions through the perspective of protein SUMOylation modification. Methods: Cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) was used to establish the hypoxic model of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells. Then, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression level of small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO) and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) proteins were detected by western blotting. MTT assay was used to determine the median lethal dose (IC(50)) of cancer cells against cisplatin, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Results: The cell cycle of CNE1 induced by hypoxia was arrested in G0/G1 phase.The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression level of CDK6 in CNE1 cells was lower than that in the control group (0.83±0.25 vs. 0.43±0.21, t=14.67, P=0.003). The protein level of conjugated SUMO1 was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.69±0.48 vs. 1.38±0.31, t=17.22, P=0.001), while the level of free SUMO1 protein was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.01±0.43 vs. 2.60±0.59, t=15.45, P=0.002).The LC50 of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly lower than that in the hypoxic group (29.44 μg/ml vs. 97.72 μg/ml, t=12.79, P=0.001). After CNE1 cells received 50 μg/ml cisplatin for 48 h, the LDH content in the supernatant of the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((541.49±64.59) ng/ml vs. (234.67±41.03) ng/ml, t=11.94, P=0.007)). The apoptosis rate of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((76.64±5.37)% vs. (32.84±4.77) ng/ml, t=8.49, P=0.003)). Conclusion: Hypoxia can dissociate the covalent modification of CDK6 and SUMO1, inhibit cell cycle and increase the chemotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

MicroRNA let-7 regulates the expression of ecdysteroid receptor (ECR) in Hyalomma asiaticum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

Background

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit diseases to humans and animals. These arthropods are the second most important vectors of pathogens. MicroRNAs are a class of conserved small noncoding RNAs that play regulatory roles in gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Molting is an important biological process in arthropods. Research on the molting process is important for understanding tick physiology and control.

Methods

Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the role of miRNA let-7 in ecdysteroid receptor (ECR) biology. The expression levels of ECR and let-7 were measured by real-time qPCR before and after tick molting. To explore the function of let-7 and ECR, we performed overexpression and knocking down of let-7 and RNAi of ECR in tick nymphs. The biological function of let-7 in molting was explored by injecting nymphs, ten days after engorgement, with let-7 agomir for overexpression and let-7 antagomir for knocking down. The rate of molting was then determined. ECR dsRNA was injected into ticks to evaluate the function of ECR by gene silencing. The expression of ECR and let-7 was measured using RT-qPCR. All data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism v.6.

Results

The results of the luciferase assay using a eukaryotic expression system revealed that ECR was a natural target of let-7. Let-7 overexpressed by agomir affected the rate of molting (P < 0.01) and the period of molting (P < 0.01). Let-7 antagomir for knockdown affected the period of molting (P < 0.01), but there was no effect on the rate of molting (P = 0.27). ECR dsRNA gene silencing significantly affected the rate of molting (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that let-7 can regulate the expression of ECR and that let-7 can affect molting in ticks. Our results help to understand the regulation of let-7 by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and will provide a reference for functional analysis studies of microRNAs in ticks.

Comparative analysis of microRNA profiles between wild and cultured Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari, Ixodidae) ticks

The miRNA profiles of a Haemaphysalis longicornis wild-type (HLWS) and of a Haemaphysalis longicornis cultured population (HLCS) were sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq 4000 platform combined with bioinformatics analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 15.63 and 15.48 million raw reads were acquired for HLWS and HLCS, respectively. The data identified 1517 and 1327 known conserved miRNAs, respectively, of which 342 were differentially expressed between the two libraries. Thirty-six novel candidate miRNAs were predicted. To explain the functions of these novel miRNAs, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed. Target gene function prediction identified a significant set of genes related to salivary gland development, pathogen-host interaction and regulation of the defence response to pathogens expressed by wild H. longicornis ticks. Cellular component biogenesis, the immune system process, and responses to stimuli were represented at high percentages in the two tick libraries. GO enrichment analysis showed that the percentages of most predicted functions of the target genes of miRNA were similar, as were certain specific categories of functional enhancements, and that these genes had different numbers and specific functions (e.g., auxiliary transport protein and electron carrier functions). This study provides novel findings showing that miRNA regulation affects the expression of immune genes, indicating a considerable influence of environment-induced stressful stimulation on immune homeostasis. Differences in the living environments of ticks can lead to differences in miRNAs between ticks and provide a basis and a convenient means to screen for genes encoding immune factors in ticks.

Regulation of hippocampal long term depression by Neuroligin 1

Neuroligins (NLGs) are postsynaptic adhesion molecules known to play essential roles in synapse development and maturation, but their effects on synaptic plasticity at mature synapses remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the involvement of NLG1 in hippocampal long-term depression (LTD), a key form of long lasting synaptic plasticity, critical for memory formation and brain disorders, by using mice deficient in the expression of NLG1. We find that although NLG1 homozygous (NLG1-/-) mice show no impairments in either NMDA receptor- (NMDAR-LTD) or metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent LTD (mGluR-LTD), the heterozygous (NLG1+/-) mice are significantly altered in both forms of LTD characterized by the absence of NMDAR-LTD but enhanced mGluR-LTD. Accordingly, the NLG1+/-, but not the NLG1-/- mice are altered in synaptic proteins, including PSD95, GluA2 and phosphorylated GluA1 at serine 845, all of which are involved in the expression of LTD. The NLG1+/- mice also exhibit autistic-like behaviors including increased grooming and impaired recognition memory. We further show that the expression of NLG3, a close family member of NLG1, is elevated in the NLG1-/-, but not in NLG1+/- mice, suggesting that the lack of LTD deficits in the NLG1-/- mice might be due to the increased NLG3. Our results reveal a gene dosage dependent role for NLG1 in the regulation of LTD and suggest that moderate changes in NLG1 protein level may be sufficient to cause synaptic and behavior deficits in brain disorders where copy number variants and hemizygosity of gene mutations are common.

Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Theileria orientalis in cattle in China

The apicomplexan parasite Theileria orientalis is a tick-borne intracellular protozoan parasite that is widely distributed throughout China. It causes bovine theileriosis in infected cattle, which results in huge economic losses to the cattle industry. In this study, the infection status of T. orientalis was determined in 260 blood samples from cattle from seven provinces across China. Results of a major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP)-PCR assay revealed that an average of 36.5% (95/260) of cattle was positive for T. orientalis infection. Based on the MPSP gene sequences, phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates of T. orientalis comprised of eight MPSP types, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, N1, and N2. This is the first report of new T. orientalis MPSP genotypes N1 and N2 in cattle in China.

Optimization of Growth Temperature of β-Ga₂O₃ Thin Films for Solar-Blind Photodetectors

Monoclinic gallium oxide thin films were deposited on c-plane sapphire substrates at various substrate temperatures ranging from 450 °C to 700 °C by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technology. X-ray diffraction results showed that the deposited β-Ga2O3 films were oriented at ( 2 ¯ 01) direction. As the substrate temperature increased, the intensity of β-Ga2O3 peaks increased and bandgap decreased accordingly. Metal/semiconductor/metal structured solar-blind photodetectors based on β-Ga2O3 thin films growing at various substrate temperatures had been fabricated. The growth temperatures of thin films had no obvious influence on dark current and response to 365 nm light illuminations. The photoelectric properties such as responsivity and response speed of the thin films to 254 nm light illuminations were growth temperature dependent. At an applied bias of 50 V, the photodetectors prepared with 450 °C grown film had the highest responsivity of 2.18 A/W, and the photodetectors prepared with 700 °C grown film had the shortest rising time of 0.95 s under 254 nm light illuminations.