An esculentin-1 homolog from a dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) possesses antibacterial and immunoregulatory properties

BACKGROUND

Esculentin-1, initially discovered in the skin secretions of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae), has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its immunomodulatory properties have received little attention.

RESULTS

In the present study, esculentin-1 cDNA was identified by analysing the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Esculentin-1 from this species (esculentin-1PN) encompasses a signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignments with other amphibian esculentins-1 demonstrated conservation of the peptide, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed its closest genetic affinity to esculentin-1P, derived from the Fukien gold-striped pond frog (Pelophylax fukienensis). Esculentin-1PN transcripts were observed in various tissues, with the skin exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Synthetic esculentin-1PN demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, and esculentin-1PN exhibited bactericidal activity by disrupting cell membrane integrity and hydrolyzing genomic DNA. Esculentin-1PN did not stimulate chemotaxis in RAW264.7, a murine leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line. However, it amplified the respiratory burst and augmented the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel finding highlights the immunomodulatory activity of esculentin-1PN on immune cells.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Baishanzu horned toad Boulenophrys baishanzuensis (Anura: Megophryidae)

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Boulenophrys baishanzuensis (Anura: Megophryidae) was sequenced by the Illumina platform. The assembled circular mitogenome of B. baishanzuensis had a total length of 17,040 bp, with a GC content of 41.25%. It consisted of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a D-loop region. The majority of the PCGs were encoded by the H-strand, while one PCG (nad6) and eight tRNA genes (tRNA-Gln, tRNA-Ala, tRNA-Asn, tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Tyr, tRNA-Ser2, tRNA-Glu, and tRNA-Pro) were encoded in the L-strand. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the newly sequenced species formed a clade with other Boulenophrys species, while the genus Boulenophrys itself formed a sister group with the genus Atympanophrys.

Overexpression of cucumber CYP82D47 enhances resistance to powdery mildew and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum

Cytochrome P450s are a large family of protein-encoding genes in plant genomes, many of which have not yet been comprehensively characterized. Here, a novel P450 gene, CYP82D47, was isolated and functionally characterized from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CYP82D47 expression was triggered by salicylic acid (SA) and ethephon (ETH). Expression analysis revealed a correlation between CYP82D47 transcript levels and plant defense responses against powdery mildew (PM) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc). Although no significant differences were observed in disease resistance between CYP82D47-RNAi and wild-type cucumber, overexpression (OE) of CYP82D47 enhanced PM and Foc resistance in cucumber. Furthermore, the expression levels of SA-related genes (PR1, PR2, PR4, and PR5) increased in CYP82D47-overexpressing plants 7 days post fungal inoculation. The levels of ETH-related genes (EIN3 and EBF2) were similarly upregulated. The observed enhanced resistance was associated with the upregulation of SA/ETH-signaling-dependent defense genes. These findings indicate the crucial role of CYP82D47 in pathogen defense in cucumber. CYP82D47-overexpressing cucumber plants exhibited heightened susceptibility to both diseases. The study results offer important insights that could aid in the development of disease-resistant cucumber cultivars and elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with the functions of CYP82D47.

Characterization and Comparison of the Two Mitochondrial Genomes in the Genus Rana

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) possesses several invaluable attributes, including limited recombination, maternal inheritance, a fast evolutionary rate, compact size, and relatively conserved gene arrangement, all of which make it particularly useful for applications in phylogenetic reconstruction, population genetics, and evolutionary research. In this study, we aimed to determine the complete mitogenomes of two morphologically similar Rana species (Rana hanluica and Rana longicrus) using next-generation sequencing. The entire circular mitogenome was successfully identified, with a length of 19,395 bp for R. hanluica and 17,833 bp for R. longicrus. The mitogenomes of both species contained 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and one control region; mitogenome size varied predominantly with the length of the control region. The two synonymous codon usages in 13 PCGs showed that T and A were used more frequently than G and C. The ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions of all 13 PCGs were <1 in the Rana species, indicating that the PCGs were under purifying selection. Finally, phylogenetic relationship analyses suggested that R. hanluica and R. longicrus were classified in the R. japonica group. Our study provides valuable reference material for the taxonomy of the genus Rana.

[Prevalence and treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients based on regional medical big data]

Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors and treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A descriptive method was used to analyze the prevalence and treatment of anemia in CKD patients based on regional health data in Yinzhou District of Ningbo during 2012-2018. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent influence factors of anemia in the CKD patients. Results: In 52 619 CKD patients, 15 639 suffered from by anemia (29.72%), in whom 5 461 were men (26.41%) and 10 178 were women (31.87%), and anemia prevalence was higher in women than in men, the difference was significant (P<0.001). The prevalence of anemia increased with stage of CKD (24.77% in stage 1 vs. 69.42% in stage 5, trend χ2 test P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that being women (aOR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.50-1.63), CKD stage (stage 2: aOR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.04-1.16;stage 3: aOR=2.28,95%CI: 2.12-2.44;stage 4: aOR=4.49,95%CI :3.79-5.32;stage 5: aOR=6.31,95%CI: 4.74-8.39), age (18-30 years old: aOR=2.40,95%CI: 2.24-2.57, 61-75 years old: aOR=1.35,95%CI:1.28-1.42, ≥76 years old: aOR=2.37,95%CI:2.20-2.55), BMI (<18.5 kg/m2:aOR=1.29,95%CI: 1.18-1.41;23.0-24.9 kg/m2:aOR=0.79,95%CI: 0.75-0.83;≥25.0 kg/m2:aOR=0.70,95%CI: 0.66-0.74), abdominal obesity (aOR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.86-0.96), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aOR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.09-1.22), cancer (aOR=3.03, 95%CI: 2.84-3.23), heart failure (aOR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.35-1.54) and myocardial infarction (aOR=1.54, 95%CI:1.16-2.04) were independent risk factors of anemia in CKD patients. Among stage 3-5 CKD patients with anemia, 12.03% received iron therapy, and 4.78% received treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) within 12 months after anemia was diagnosed. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in CKD patients was high in Yinzhou. However, the treatment rate of iron therapy and ESA were low. More attention should be paid to the anemia management and treatment in CKD patients.

Host defence peptide LEAP2 contributes to antimicrobial activity in a mustache toad (Leptobrachium liui)

BACKGROUND

The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is essential in host immunity against harmful pathogens and is only known to act as an extracellular modulator to regulate embryonic development in amphibians. However, there is a dearth of information on the antimicrobial function of amphibian LEAP2. Hence, a LEAP2 homologue from Leptobrachium liui was identified, characterized, and chemically synthesized, and its antibacterial activities and mechanisms were determined.

RESULTS

In this study, LEAP2 gene (Ll-LEAP2) cDNA was cloned and sequenced from the Chong'an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui). The predicted amino acid sequence of Ll-LEAP2 comprises a signal peptide, a mature peptide, and a prodomain. From sequence analysis, it was revealed that Ll-LEAP2 belongs to the cluster of amphibian LEAP2 and displays high similarity to the Tropical Clawed Frog (Xenopus tropicalis)'s LEAP2. Our study revealed that LEAP2 protein was found in different tissues, with the highest concentration in the kidney and liver of L. liui; and Ll-LEAP2 mRNA transcripts were expressed in various tissues with the kidney having the highest mRNA expression level. As a result of Aeromonas hydrophila infection, Ll-LEAP2 underwent a noticeable up-regulation in the skin while it was down-regulated in the intestines. The chemically synthesized Ll-LEAP2 mature peptide was selective in its antimicrobial activity against several in vitro bacteria including both gram-positive and negative bacteria. Additionally, Ll-LEAP2 can kill specific bacteria by disrupting bacterial membrane and hydrolyzing bacterial gDNA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first report on the antibacterial activity and mechanism of amphibian LEAP2. With more to uncover, the immunomodulatory functions and wound-healing activities of Ll-LEAP2 holds great potential for future research.

Antimicrobial peptide hepcidin contributes to restoration of the intestinal flora after Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Acrossocheilus fasciatus

Hepcidin is a cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide that serves an important role in the immunity system of fishes. It exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor activities. However, the exact role of fish hepcidin in the regulation of the intestinal flora still remains a mystery. In our study, we sequenced and characterized hepcidin from the liver of Acrossocheilus fasciatus. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that A. fasciatus hepcidin and Gobiocypris rarus hepcidin were the most closely related, and both belonged to the fish HAMP1 cluster. Studies conducted on in vivo tissue distribution showed that the expression of hepcidin was highest in healthy A. fasciatus liver. Aeromonas hydrophila infection was confirmed by the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and bacterial loads in A. fasciatus tissues. After A. hydrophila infection, hepcidin expression significantly increased in the liver, spleen, and head kidney. In vitro antibacterial assays showed that hepcidin exhibits strong broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Furthermore, we examined the regulatory effect of hepcidin on the intestinal flora and found that A. fasciatus hepcidin restored the reduced diversity and compositional changes in intestinal flora caused by A. hydrophila infection. Our results suggest that hepcidin could regulate the intestinal flora in fishes; however, the underlying mechanisms need to be explored in greater detail.

Transcriptomic analysis of intermuscular bone development in barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo)

Intermuscular bones (IBs), which are little, bony spicules in muscle, are embedded in lower teleosts' myosepta. Despite the importance of studying IB development in freshwater aquaculture species, the genes associated with IB development need to be further explored. In the present study, we identified four stages of IB development in barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo), namely stage 1: IBs have not emerged, stage 2: a few small IBs have emerged in the tail, stage 3: longer IBs gradually emerged in the tail and stage 4: all of the IBs in the tail are mature and long, via Alizarin red staining. Subsequently, we used the HiseqXTen platform to sequence and de novo assemble the transcriptome of epaxial muscle (between 35th and 40th myomere) of barbel steed at 29 days (stage 1) and 42 days (stage 3) after hatching. A total of 190,814 unigenes were obtained with an average length and N50 of 648 bp and 1027 bp, respectively. We found 2174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between stages 1 and 3, of which 378 and 1796 were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis showed that several DEGs functioned in ossification, positive regulation of osteoblast differentiation, osteoblast differentiation, and BMP signaling pathway, and were further enriched in signal pathway, including osteoclast differentiation, TGF-β signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and other KEEG pathways. In conclusion, we identified genes that may be related to IB development, such as kazal type serine peptidase inhibitor domain 1 (KAZALD1), extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), tetranectin, bone morphogenetic protein 1 (bmp1), acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5), collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), pannexin-3 (PANX3), sp7 transcription factor (Sp7), and c-x-c motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), by comparing the transcriptomes of epaxial muscle before and after IB ossification. This study provided a theoretical basis for identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying IB development in fish.

Comprehensive assessment of the ecological risk of exposure to triphenyl phosphate in a bioindicator tadpole

The toxicity of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) to aquatic organisms in surface waters has been demonstrated; However, an understanding of toxicity profiles of TPhP in amphibians is limited. Therefore, the adverse effects and threshold concentrations of TPhP on metamorphosis, growth, locomotion, and hepatic antioxidants of Gosner stage 25 Polypedates megacephalus tadpoles under long-term (35 d) exposure to six TPhP concentrations until complete metamorphosis were assessed. Additionally, the overall effect of using integrated multiple biomarkers were determined to demonstrate the potential ecological risks of waterborne TPhP at environmentally relevant concentrations in amphibian tadpoles. With increasing TPhP concentrations, physical parameters (snout-vent length, body mass, condition factor, and hepatic somatic index), jumping distance, hepatic catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities decreased, whereas metamorphosis time and malondialdehyde content increased. The threshold concentration of TPhP that affected the tadpole biomarker, except for metamorphosis rate and jumping distance, was 50-400 μg/L. Furthermore, the standardized scores of the examined integrated biomarkers in the six TPhP concentrations were visualized using radar plots and calculated as the integrated biomarker responses (IBRs). The varying TPhP concentrations had different scores in the radar plots, and the threshold for affecting the IBR value was 10 μg/L, which was close to the TPhP concentration in surface waters. Additionally, IBR values were strongly positively correlated with the TPhP concentrations. These findings indicate that environmentally relevant exposure to waterborne TPhP can pose an ecological risk to amphibian tadpoles. This study can serve as a reference and assist in the formulation of relevant policies and strategies to control TPhP pollution in water bodies.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Takydromus kuehnei (Squamata: Takydromus) and its phylogenetic analysis

We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Takydromus kuehnei Van Denburgh, 1909 (Squamata: Takydromus). This mitogenome was 17,224 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, one non-coding regions of an L-strand replication origin and a displacement loop region. The overall nucleotide composition was 32.8% of A, 13.8% of G, 24.8% of T, and 30.5% of C. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood method validated the taxonomic status of T. kuehnei, exhibiting the close relationship with the species from the genus Takydromus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Rana wuyiensis (Anura, Ranidae) and its phylogenetic analysis

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Rana wuyiensis (Anura, Ranidae) was sequenced and annotated. The circular complete mitogenome was 17,779 bp in length (OL467321) and constituted of 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a D-loop region. The result of Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated that R. wuyiensis exhibits a close relationship with R. johnsi. R. wuyiensis was recently discovered and therefore holds a lot of potential for future research studies. Our study added a new mitochondrial data and provided valuable reference material to the taxonomy of Rana.

Ecotoxicity assessment of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) exposure in Hoplobatrachus rugulosus tadpoles

Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), a widely used aromatic organophosphate flame retardant, is known to accumulate in organisms through water, air, and soil, consequently, causing toxicity. This study is the first to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities of TPhP to amphibians. In the acute toxicity analysis, the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for GS35 Hoplobatrachus rugulosus tadpoles was 2.893 mg/L, and the 10% effect concentration (EC₁₀) was 289 μg/L. After two weeks of exposure to low TPhP concentrations, the survival and metamorphosis rates of H. rugulosus tadpoles decreased, and the metamorphosis time was prolonged as the TPhP concentration increased. The threshold concentration that affected tadpole survival and metamorphosis time was 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the condition factor and hepatic somatic index of the tadpole after metamorphosis; however, tadpole body mass and TPhP concentration were negatively correlated. Further, TPhP inhibited the expressions of Cu-Zn sod and cat, thereby reducing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the tadpole liver. The threshold for affecting gene expression and enzymatic activity was 100 μg/L. These findings provide significant insights on the stress ecology of aquatic organisms.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Red Keelback (Pseudagkistrodon rudis Boulenger, 1906)

The Red Keelback (Pseudagkistrodon rudis Boulenger, 1906) is widely distributed in the southern of China. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. rudis was determined for the first time by using next-generation sequencing. The size of assembled mitogenome for P. rudis was 19,150 bp, which included 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and two control regions (d-loop1 and d-loop2). The Bayesian tree showed that P. rudis and Rhabdophis tigrinus have a closed relationship. These results can provide data for phylogeny and molecular classification of the genus.

Analyzing the gonadal transcriptome of the frog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus to identify genes involved in sex development

BACKGROUND

The tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) is listed as a national Class II protected species in China. In the context of global warming, the sex ratio of amphibians will be affected, and the development of the population will be limited. Therefore, considering the potential for a decrease in the number of amphibians, studying sex evolution and molecular regulation of gonadal development in H. rugulosus, phenomenon that are currently unclear, is of great significance.

RESULTS

Here, H. rugulosus was used to explore the mechanisms regulating gonadal development in amphibians. Illumina HiSeq 3000 was used to sequence the gonadal transcriptome of male and female H. rugulosus at two growth stages to identify genes related to gonadal development and analyze expression differences in the gonads. This analysis indicated that cyp17α, hsd3β, hsd11β1, cyp19α, and hsd17β12 perform vital functions in sex development in amphibians. Specifically, the expression of cyp3α, cyp17α, hsd3β, hsd11β1, sox2, sox9, sox30, soat, cyp19α, hsd17β12, and hspα1s was correlated with gonadal development and differentiation in H. rugulosus, as determined using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences were found in the gonadal gene expression levels in H. rugulosus of both sexes, and we identified a steroid hormone synthesis pathway in this species and analyzed related gene expression, but the changes during sex differentiation were still unclear. To our knowledge, this report presents the first analysis of the H. rugulosus gonadal transcriptome and lays the foundation for future research.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Chong'an Moustache Toad, Leptobrachium liui (Pope, 1947) with a phylogenetic analysis of Megophryidae

The Chong’an Mustache Toad, Leptobrachium liui (Pope, 1947) is a Chinese endemic species, inhabiting the mountain streams with rich vegetation in southeastern China. The first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of L. liui was assembled using the data of whole-genome sequencing. The size of the complete mitogenome for L. liui was 17,190 bp, which included 13 PCGs, 23 tRNAs with two concatenated tRNA^Met genes, 2 rRNAs, a non-coding region, and a D-loop. The Bayesian tree shows that L. liui was positioned near L. leishanense within the genus Leptobrachium.

The first complete mitochondrial DNA of the Chinese short-limbed skink (Ateuchosaurus chinensis Gray, 1845) determined by next-generation sequencing

The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for the Chinese short-limbed skink (Ateuchosaurus chinensis Gray, 1845) was described by using next-generation sequencing. The total length of mtDNA was 16,840 bp, which contained 13 PCGs (COI-III, ND1-6, ND4L, ATP6, ATP8, and CYTB), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region (D-loop). The Bayesian inference tree showed that A. chinensis was a sister taxon to other scincid lizards in genera of Scincella, Isopachys, Sphenomorphus and Tropidophorus. The complete mtDNA of A. chinensis will be an important genetic resource to the studies of conservation and restoration of A. chinensis.

The complete mitochondrial DNA for the Fujian Bamboo-leaf Frog Odorrana exiliversabilis (Anura: Ranidae) by next-generation sequencing

The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for Odorrana exiliversabilisLi, Ye and Fei 2001 (Anura: Ranidae) was determined in this study. The length of complete mtDNA was 17,122 bp, including 13 PCGs (COI-III, ND1-6, ND4L, ATP6, ATP8 and CYTB), 25 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, 2 non-coding regions of a L-strand replication origin and a control region. The overall base composition of the sequence is 28.27% T, 28.27% C, 28.52% A, and 14.94% G, with a total A + T content of 56.79%. The phylogenetic tree showed that O. exiliversabilis was the sister species of O. tormota, and formed a monophyletic clade with other Odorrana species. These data provide a powerful tool for evolutionary biology and population genetics of genus Odorrana.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Bingzhi's stout newt (Pachytriton granulosus Chang, 1933) and its phylogenetic placement

The Bingzhi's stout newt (Pachytriton granulosus Chang, 1933) is distributed in mountainous areas of Zhejiang, China. The first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. granulosus was determined by next-generation sequencing. The size of the assembled mitogenome for P. granulosus was 16,293 bp, which included 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, a non-coding region, and a control region (D-loop). The phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian Inference validated the taxonomic status of P. granulosus, showing the close relationship with the other two species from the genus Pachytriton.

The complete mitochondrial genome of an Asian warty newt, Paramesotriton aurantius (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Paramesotriton aurantius (Caudata: Salamandridae) is a new species that found in southeastern China. Its complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence was 16,313 bp in length with with A + T contents of 60.9%, and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, one control region (D-loop), and one non-coding region. Our molecular tree showed that P. aurantius was positioned near P. hongkongensis, and formed a clade with other Paramesotriton species. The first complete mitogenome sequence of P. aurantius could provided fundamental data for resolving phylogenetic and genetic problems related to genus Paramesotriton.

Two complete mitochondrial genomes of the black-spotted stout newt (Pachytriton brevipes) and their relative phylogenetics relationship with other Salamandridae

The black-spotted stout newt (Pachytriton brevipes) is widely distributed in the mountains of southeastern China. In this study, we sequenced and determined the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenomes) of two P. brevipes samples collected in Mount Wuyi. The assembled mitogenomes were 16,298 bp and 16,301 bp in length, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, one non-coding region, and one control region. The phylogenetic analysis indicated the two samples of black-spotted stout newt grouped together and are the sister group of P. feii.

Next-generation sequencing yields the complete mitochondrial genome of Microhyla beilunensis (Anura: Microhylidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of Microhyla beilunensis (Anura: Microhylidae) was sequenced and annotated. The length of mtDNA sequences of M. beilunensis was 16,721 bp, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region. The overall nucleotide composition of this genome was 29.1% A, 24.5% C, 14.5% G, 31.9% T, with a total A + T content of 61%. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian Inference (BI) method revealed that M. beilunensis was closely related with other 8 species from the genus Microhyla. The mtDNA dataset could be utilized for studying the molecular ecology and population genetics of Microhylid frogs.

Advertisement calls of Fejervarya multistriata (Anura: Dicroglossidae), with a review of anurans in China

Vocalization plays an important role in the communication of anurans. In this study, the advertisement calls of male Fejervarya multistriata obtained in Lishui, Zhejiang, China during the breeding season were recorded. Their note number (NN), note duration (ND), note interval (NI), call duration (CD), pitch (PIT), call intensity (CIT) and dominant frequency (DF) were analyzed. The calls of F. multistriata are composed of one to 38 notes, and calls composed of fewer than ten notes have the highest frequency. Male frogs produced calls ranging from 1201 Hz to 3357 Hz with two DFs (1412.49 Hz and 2953.89 Hz). By comparing the differences among individual calls, it was found that the within-individual coefficients of variation (CVW) and among-individual coefficients of variation (CVA) for NN, NI, CD, PIT and DF were more than 10%, whereas that of CIT was less than 5%. The CVA/CVW ratios indicate that ND is important for sexual selection, whereas NN, NI CD, PIT, CIT, and DF are important for individual recognition. Phylogenetic generalized least squares analysis showed that phylogenetic signals affect DF vs. snout-vent length (SVL) and CD of anurans in China, and accounting for phylogenetic signals, DF was negatively correlated with SVL. DF was found to be higher in anurans that breed in flowing water than in those that breed in stagnant water, after eliminating the effects of phylogeny and SVL. Therefore, we conclude that phylogenetic effects, SVL, and the water type of breeding habitats have a combined impact on the advertisement calls in anurans.

Partial mitochondrial genome of the Sanchiang Tree Toad Hyla sanchiangensis (Anura: Hylidae)

We reported the partial mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) for Hyla sanchiangensis (Anura: Hylidae), a arboreal frog and endemic in China. The length of partial mitogenome of H. sanchiangensis was 15,664 bp, and contained PCGs (COX1-3, ND1-6, ND4L, ATP6, ATP8 and CYTB), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 non-coding regions of a L-strand replication origin and a partial loop region. The overall base composition of the sequence is 29.91% A, 29.86% T, 14.58% G, and 25.65% C, with a total A + T content of 59.77%. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that H. sanchiangensis formed a clade with other species belonging to the genus of Hyla. This mitogenome data could help in evolutionary biology and population genetics of the Hylid species.

The combined effects of temperature and aromatase inhibitor on metamorphosis, growth, locomotion, and sex ratio of tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) tadpoles

Background

The tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) is widely raised by many farms in southern region of China as an economically edible frog. The growth, development, and sexual differentiation of amphibians are influenced by temperature and steroid hormone level. However, the problem of hormone residues is caused by the addition of exogenous hormones in frog breeding, it is worth considering whether non-sterol aromatase inhibitors can be used instead of hormones.

Methods

In our study, H. rugulosus tadpoles were subjected to two water temperatures (29 °C and 34 °C) and three letrozole concentrations in the feed (0, 0.1 and 1 mg/g) to examine the effects of temperature, aromatase inhibitor and their interaction on metamorphosis, locomotion, and sex ratios. A G-test and contingency table were used to analyze the metamorphosis rate of tadpoles and the survival rate of froglets after feeding for 90 days. A G-test was also used to analyze sex ratios in different treatment groups.

Results

Metamorphosis time and body size (snout-vent length, body mass and condition factor) were significantly different between the two temperature treatments. Metamorphosis time was longer and body size was increased at 29 °C compared to those at 34 °C. Letrozole concentration and the temperature × letrozole interaction did not affect these variables. The jumping distance of froglets following metamorphosis was positively associated with the condition factor; when controlling for condition factor, jumping distance was not affected by temperature, letrozole concentration and their interaction. Temperature and letrozole concentration also did not affect metamorphosis and survival rate. Sex ratio of the control group (0 mg/g letrozole) was 1:1 at 29 °C, but there were more males at 34 °C. The sex ratios of H. rugulosus treated with letrozole at 29 °C and 34 °C were significantly biased toward males, and male ratio increased as letrozole concentration increased. Furthermore, more males were produced at 34 °C than at 29 °C at each letrozole concentration.

Acoustic divergence in advertisement calls among three sympatric Microhyla species from East China

Background

Species-specific advertisement calls are the main mechanism of transmitting information between individuals in anuran amphibians and are therefore indispensable for anuran survival and reproduction. Survey methods that monitor these calls can be used for rapid species recognition, behavioral experiments, and conservation monitoring. In this study, we described in detail 10 call parameters from three sympatric species in the genus Microhyla and analyzed the differences in call parameter among these species to provide a basis for systematic monitoring, acoustic analysis and taxonomic study of this genus.

Methods

The quantitative analyses of temporal and spectral call parameters were used in our study for the advertisement calls of three sympatric Microhyla species (M. beilunensis, M. fissipes and M. heymonsi) in Zhejiang Province, East China.

Results

Our results showed the following: (1) Significant differences existed among the three sympatric Microhyla species in call duration (CD), call interval (CI), number of pulses (NP), pulse rate, call intensity (CIT), dominant frequency (DF) and frequency of the first to fourth formants (F1, F2, F3 and F4). (2) Some spectral parameters (DF, F1 and F3) were negatively correlated with the body size of the vocalizing individuals in each species. (3) The coefficients of variation within individuals (CV_w) for CIT, DF and F1-F4 were smaller than 5%, whereas the CV_W for CI was larger than 10% in each species. (4) The principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis showed that call parameters could distinguish the three Microhyla species. (5) The phylogenetic generalized least squares analysis showed that phylogenetic relationships affected CD and NP against snout-vent length (SVL), DF and NP against CD, and NP against DF, but not of DF against SVL; based on the phylogenetic analysis, CD and NP were not related to SVL, but DF was negatively related to SVL.

The advertisement call of the moustache toad Leptobrachium liui Pope, 1947 (Anura: Megophryidae) from eastern China

The Leptobrachium genus is currently composed of 36 species distributed in Southern China, India, islands of the Sunda Shelf, and the Philippines (Frost 2019). In China, 11 species of the genus Leptobrachium are currently known (AmphibiaChina 2019), of which, the following nine are Chinese endemic: L. bompu (Sondhi Ohler 2011), L. boringii (Liu 1945), L. guangxiense (Fei, Mo, Ye Jiang 2009), L. hainanense (Ye Fei 1993), L. huashen (Fei Ye 2005), L. leishanense (Liu Hu 1973), L. liui (Pope 1947), L. promustache (Rao, Wilkinson Zhang 2006) and L. tengchongense (Yang, Wang Chan 2016). These species have different morphologies, narrow distribution areas, and their taxonomy is subject to controversy (AmphibiaChina 2019). The megophryid genus Leptobrachium was considered to contain two subgenera Vibrissaphora and Leptobrachium (Matsui et al. 2010). Five Leptobrachium species, L. ailaonicum, L. boringii, L. leishanense, L. liui, and L. promustache, were originally classified as Vibrissaphora, based on adult males bearing spines on the upper lip (Fei Ye 2016). However, recent phylogenetic studies showed that Vibrissaphora was not a subgenus and placed within the genus Leptobrachium (Zheng et al. 2008; Matsui et al. 2010).

Evaluation of the sensitivity of Microhyla fissipes tadpoles to aqueous cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) exposure is harmful to amphibians in natural environments and the Cd concentration is a key parameter in water monitoring. Cd pollution has been a severe issue in the Yangtze River and its southern reaches in recent years. Acute toxicity assays were employed to determine the tolerance limits of Cd for Microhyla fissipes tadpoles and five different concentrations of Cd (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 μg/L) were involved to detect its chronic effects on metamorphosis, growth, locomotion, genotoxicity and enzymatic activities of M. fissipes tadpoles. The results showed that the 24-h and 48-h LC₅₀ values of Cd on M. fissipes tadpoles were 2591.3 μg/L and 1567.9 μg/L, respectively, and the presumable non-lethal concentration obtained was 172.2 μg/L. During the 70-day chronic toxicity assays, Cd showed negative impacts on survival, growth, metamorphosis and the frequency of erythrocytes nuclear abnormality of M. fissipes tadpoles. However, the Cd exposure caused the increased body size and condition of tadpoles at complete metamorphosis (GS46). The tadpoles exposed to 200 μg/L of Cd exhibited degraded locomotor performance at GS46. Weight increments of tadpoles were inhibited at Day 14 and massive deaths were observed over the next 14 days. The enzymatic activities of tadpoles experienced a shock response stage (GS30-GS35) and a complete recovery stage (GS36-GS41) in all treatments. However, the enzymatic activities (except alkaline phosphatase) of tadpoles at GS46 increased after Cd exposure, especially at high concentrations. In summary, Cd is a threat to M. fissipes tadpoles as that causes reduced fitness.

The advertisement call of Leptobrachella liui Fei and Ye, 1990 (Anura: Megophryidae)

Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) is currently composed of seventy-one species distributed in China and Southeast Asia (Frost 2018). Fourteen species of Leptobrachella are currently known from southern China: L. alpina (Fei, Ye Li, 1990), L. laui (Sung, Yang Wang, 2014), L. liui (Fei Ye, 1990), L. mangshanensis (Hou, Zhang, Hu, Li, Shi, Chen, Mo Wang, 2018), L. maoershanensis (Yuan, Sun, Chen, Rowley Che, 2017), L. oshanensis (Liu, 1950), L. purpura (Yang, Zeng Wang, 2018), L. tengchongensis (Yang, Wang, Chen Rao, 2016), L. wuhuangmontis (Wang, Yang Wang, 2018), L. yingjiangensis (Yang, Zeng Wang, 2018), L. yunkaiensis (Wang, Li, Lyu Wang, 2018), L. ventripunctata (Fei, Ye Li, 1990), L. pelodytoides (Boulenger, 1893) and L. sungi (Lathrop, Murphy, Orlov Ho, 1998) and the first eleven species are endemic of this region (AmphibiaChina 2018). Many new species in this genus were discovered based on molecular, morphometric and bioacoustic data in recent years (Frost 2018). In comparison to molecular and morphological data, bioacoustics is especially useful in species identification of Leptobrachella in field surveys (Rowley et al. 2016). Although the advertisement calls of many Leptobrachella species were described along with the species descriptions (e.g., Rowley et al. 2016), the advertisement calls of only three Chinese endemic species (L. alpinus; L. laui and L. oshanensis) are known (Jiang et al. 2002; Matsui 2006; Xu et al. 2005). Here, we describe the advertisement calls of L. liui, which inhabits rocky streams in southeastern China (Fujian, Jiangxi and Zhejinag) and is morphologically diagnosed by the combination of a set of external color traits (Fig. 1).

Changes of DNA methylation of Isoetes sinensis under Pb and Cd stress

To investigate the molecular response of ancient plants to heavy metal stress and to explore the feature of DNA methylation in endangered plants after exposure to heavy metals, the Isoetes sinensis, an endangered plant, was stressed with three different concentrations of two heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), respectively. Then the degrees and the patterns of DNA methylation in the leaves were measured on the 14th day using Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) technique. The results showed that the DNA methylated profile of I. sinensis was affected by Pb and Cd stress. There was no significant difference in the amount of DNA methylation among control check (CK), Pb stress group, and Cd stress group (CK 46.96%, Pb 48.23%, and Cd 48.1%). However, full-methylation level of Pb stress group (28.34%) and Cd stress group (20.25%) was lower than control (33.91%), in contrast, hemi-methylation level Pb stress group (19.89%) and Cd stress group (27.85%) were higher than control (13.04%). The change of patterns from no methylation or hemi-methylation of internal and external cytosines into full-methylation of internal and external cytosines accounted for a large proportion in enhanced methylation aspects. The full-methylation into no methylation or hemi- or full-methylation of internal and external cytosines occupied most of demethylation. The proportion of DNA methylation (including hypermethylation) by both Pb and Cd stresses is nearly equal (39.04% and 39.71%), but the proportion of DNA demethylation by Cd is higher than that by Pb (46.86% than 33.92%).

Mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a narrow-mouthed frog (Microhyla fissipes)

The difference in body size and/or shape between males and females, called sexual size dimorphism, is widely accepted as the evolutionary consequence of the difference between reproductive roles. To study the mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a population of Microhyla fissipes, amplexus pairs were collected, and the snout-vent length of males and females, female reproductive traits and fertilization rate were measured. If the body size of amplexed females is larger than that of amplectant males, this is referred to as a female-larger pair, a phenomenon that was often observed for M. fissipes in this study. Interestingly, snout-vent length of males in male-larger pairs was greater than that in female-larger pairs, however the post-spawning body mass, clutch size, egg dry mass and clutch dry mass did not differ between both types of pairs. Snout-vent length of males was positively related to that of females in each amplexus pair. After accounting for the snout-vent lengths of females, we showed that snout-vent lengths of males in male-larger pairs were greater than those of females in female-larger pairs. The snout-vent length ratio of males and females was not related to fertilization rate in each amplexus pair. The mean fertilization rate was not different between both amplexus pairs. These results suggest that (1) M. fissipes displays female-biased sexual size dimorphism and has two amplexus types with size-assortative mating; (2) the snout-vent length ratio of males and females in each amplexus type was consistent with the inverse of Rensch’s rule, and was driven by the combined effect of sexual selection and fecundity selection; (3) females with a larger body size were preferred by males due to their higher fecundity, while the body size of males was not important for fertilization success.

The evaluation of acute toxicity, antimicrobial activity of 1-phenyl-5-p-tolyl-1H-1, 2, 3-triazole, and binding to human serum albumin

1-Phenyl-5-p-tolyl-1H-1, 2, 3-triazole (PPTA) was a synthesized compound. The result of acute toxicities to mice of PPTA by intragastric administration indicated that PPTA did not produce any significant acute toxic effect on Kunming strain mice. It exhibited the various potent inhibitory activities against two kinds of bananas pathogenic bacteria, black sigatoka and freckle, when compared with that of control drugs and the inhibitory rates were up to 64.14% and 43.46%, respectively, with the same concentration of 7.06 mM. The interaction of PPTA with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using fluorescence polarization, absorption spectra, 3D fluorescence, and synchronous spectra in combination with quantum chemistry and molecular modeling. Multiple modes of interaction between PPTA and HSA were suggested to stabilize the PPTA-HSA complex, based on thermodynamic data and molecular modeling. Binding of PPTA to HSA induced perturbation in the microenvironment around HSA as well as secondary structural changes in the protein.

Dynamical study of Νaν channel excitability under mechanical stress

Alteration of [Formula: see text] channel functions (channelopathies) has been encountered in various hereditary muscle diseases. [Formula: see text] channel mutations lead to aberrant excitability in skeletal muscle myotonia and paralysis. In general, these mutations disable inactivation of the [Formula: see text] channel, producing either repetitive action potential firing (myotonia) or electrical dormancy (flaccid paralysis) in skeletal muscles. These "sick-excitable" cell conditions were shown to correlate with a mechanical stretch-driven left shift of the conductance factors of the two gating mechanisms of a fraction of [Formula: see text] channels, which make them firing at inappropriate hyperpolarised (left-shifted) voltages. Here we elaborate on a variant of the Hodgkin-Huxley model that includes a stretch elasticity energy component in the activation and inactivation gate kinetic rates. We show that this model reproduces fairly well sick-excitable cell behaviour and can be used to predict the parameter domains where aberrant excitability or paralysis may occur. By allowing us to separate the incidences of activation and inactivation gate impairments in [Formula: see text] channel excitability, this model could be a strong asset for diagnosing the origin of excitable cell disorders.

Tanshinone IIA pretreatment attenuates ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury

Tanshinone IIA is a chemical compound extracted from the root of traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Tanshinone IIA has been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidizing capability. Recently, accumulating results have indicated the antitumor activity of tanshinone IIA; thus, it has attracted increasing attention. In addition, tanshinone IIA has been indicated to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion induced renal injury (I/RIRI); however, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms involved in this process. In the present study an I/RIRI rat model was used to analyze the effects of tanshinone IIA on myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α and IL-6 activities using ELISA kits. Furthermore, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), cleaved caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein expression levels were evaluated using western blot analysis. The results indicated that tanshinone IIA protected renal function in I/RIRI rats. ELISA demonstrated that tanshinone IIA significantly reduced MIF, TNF-α and IL-6 activities in I/RIRI rats. Western blot analysis showed that tanshinone IIA significantly suppressed MIF, cleaved caspase-3 and p38 MAPK protein expression levels in I/RIRI rats. The present results suggest that tanshinone IIA pretreatment attenuates I/RIRI via the downregulation of MPO expression, inflammation, MIF, cleaved caspase-3 and p38 MAPK.

Time-dependent quantum transport through an interacting quantum dot beyond sequential tunneling: second-order quantum rate equations

A general theoretical formulation for the effect of a strong on-site Coulomb interaction on the time-dependent electron transport through a quantum dot under the influence of arbitrary time-varying bias voltages and/or external fields is presented, based on slave bosons and the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function (GF) techniques. To avoid the difficulties of computing double-time GFs, we generalize the propagation scheme recently developed by Croy and Saalmann to combine the auxiliary-mode expansion with the celebrated Lacroix's decoupling approximation in dealing with the second-order correlated GFs and then establish a closed set of coupled equations of motion, called second-order quantum rate equations (SOQREs), for an exact description of transient dynamics of electron correlated tunneling. We verify that the stationary solution of our SOQREs is able to correctly describe the Kondo effect on a qualitative level. Moreover, a comparison with other methods, such as the second-order von Neumann approach and Hubbard-I approximation, is performed. As illustrations, we investigate the transient current behaviors in response to a step voltage pulse and a harmonic driving voltage, and linear admittance as well, in the cotunneling regime.

Age-related habitat selection by brown forest skinks (Sphenomorphus indicus)

In reptiles, habitat selection is the process whereby suitable habitat is selected that optimizes physiological functions and behavioral performance. Here, we used the brown forest skink (Sphenomorphus indicus) as a model animal and examined whether the frequency of active individuals, environmental temperature, illumination of activity area, and habitat type vary with different age classes. We surveyed the number of active individuals and measured environmental variables at Baiyunshan Mountain in Lishui, Zhejiang, China. We found no difference in the activity frequency of adult and juvenile S. indicus; the activity pattern of active individuals was bimodal. The mean environmental temperature selected by adults was higher than that selected by juveniles. The environmental temperature of active areas measured at 0900-1000 h and 1100-1200 h was higher than at 1400-1500 h; illumination of the active area at 1000-1200 h was also higher than at 1400 h-1600 h. The number of active individuals, the environmental temperature and illumination of activity areas showed pairwise positive correlation. There was a difference in habitat type between juveniles and adults whereby juveniles prefer rock habitats. We predict that active S. indicus select optimal habitats with different environmental temperatures and types to reach the physiological needs particular to their age classes.

Acute and joint toxicity of three agrochemicals to Chinese tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus chinensis) tadpoles

We studied acute and joint toxicity of three different agrochemicals (chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide-abamectin and penoxsulam) to Chinese tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus chinensis) tadpoles with the method of stability water tests. Results showed that the three agrochemicals increased tadpole mortality. For acute toxicity, the LC50 values after 24, 48 and 72 h of chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide-abamectin and penoxsulam exposure were 5.37, 4.90 and 4.68 mg/L; 0.035, 0.025 and 0.021 mg/L; 1.74, 1.45 and 1.29 mg/L, respectively. The safety concentrations (SC) of chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide-abamectin and penoxsulam to the tadpoles were 1.23, 0.30 and 0.003 mg/L, respectively. Based on these findings, chlorantraniliprole and penoxsulam were moderately toxic, while flubendiamide-abamectin was highly toxic. All pairwise joint toxicity tests showed moderate toxicity. The LC50 values after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure were 7.08, 6.61 and 6.03 mg/L for chlorantraniliprole+penoxsulam, with corresponding values of 2.455, 2.328 and 2.183 mg/L for chlorantraniliprole+flubendiamide-abamectin, and 1.132, 1.084 and 1.050 mg/L for penoxsulam+flubendiamide-abamectin, with safe concentrations of 1.73, 0.63 and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. For toxic evaluations of pairwise combinations of the three agrochemicals, only the joint toxicity of chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide-abamectin after 24 h was found to be synergistic, whereas all other tests were antagonistic. Our findings provide valuable information on the toxic effects of agrochemicals on amphibians and how various types of agrochemicals can be reasonably used in agricultural areas.

Effects of light intensity on activity in four sympatric anuran tadpoles

Though light conditions are known to affect the development and anti-predation strategies of several aquatic species, relatively little is known about how different species react to light, or how light can affect these species during different points in their life-cycle. In this study, we used four sympatric anuran tadpoles (Bufo gargarizans, B. melanostictus, Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Microhyla fissipes) as animal system to examine species-specific activities of the underdoing different light intensity treatments, so as to better understand how they respond to light. We exposed four different species of tadpoles to 1660 and 14 lux light intensity treatments and then measured several parameters including development stage, body length and tail length, and as well as their basic activities. The results of this observation and analysis showed that the activities of tadpoles were significantly greater in B. gargarizans and B. melanostictus than in P. nigromaculatus and M. fissipes; and were also significantly greater during times of high light intensity as compared to during low light intensity. Moreover, the observed relationship between species and light intensity was significant. The activities of B. gargarizans and B. melanostictus tadpoles were greater in high light, while the activity of P. nigromaculatus tadpoles was greater in low light intensity, while M. fissipes tadpoles showed no differences in either low or high intensity light. Furthermore, the activities of B. gargarizans, B. melanostictus and M. fissipes tadpoles in terms of developmental stage, body size or tail length did not seem to differ with light intensity, but during early larval developmental period of P. nigromaculatus, the activity of tadpoles was negatively correlated with development stage, but irrelevant to either body size or tail length in different light intensities. These results lead us to conclude the observed activities of the four sympatric anuran tadpoles are closely correlated with their specific anti-predation strategies.

Gene cloning and expression of MAP30 in Pichia pastoris

MAP30, a single-stranded type-I ribosome inactivating protein found in Momordica charantia, shows anti-HIV and anti-tumour activity. It could significantly inhibit the HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus infection. In this study, we tried a safe and convenient expression system supplying MAP30 protein for medical practice. The gene encoding MAP30 was cloned into pMD18-T vector. The pMD18-MAP30 plasmid was transformed into competent Escherichia coli JM109 by a chemical method. The MAP30 gene was obtained from the pMD18-MAP30 plasmid digested with NotI and SnaBI and the MAP30 gene was ligated into pGAPHα. Then, pGAPHα-MAP30 was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electroporation. GS115 transformants were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. SDS-PAGE revealed an extra band of approximately 32 kDa in the supernatant protein of the GS115 transformants and in their intracellular protein fraction. The result of Western-blot analysis showed that the supernatant and the cell pellet from GS115 with pGAPHα-MAP30 could specially bind to monoclonal antibodies against His in the 32 kDa site. These results demonstrated that the expression of MAP30 in P. pastoris was successful; the process of the expression did not need methanol induction or introduction of an antibiotic-resistance gene. The study may provide a new way for MAP30 synthesis. Owing to its safety, this new approach is expected to be widely used in the medical field.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND

Data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

METHODS

The survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Trained physicians collected demographic and clinical data and measured blood pressure (BP) using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medications. BP < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg were used as the 2 thresholds of hypertension control. In multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for sex and age, we analyzed the association between CKD stages and uncontrolled hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients.

RESULTS

The analysis included 8927 non-dialysis CKD patients. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients were 67.3%, 85.8%, and 81.0%, respectively. Of hypertensive CKD patients, 33.1% and 14.1% had controlled BP to < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg, respectively. With successive CKD stages, the prevalence of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients increased, but the control of hypertension decreased (P < 0.001). When the threshold of BP < 130/80 mmHg was considered, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 stages increased 1.3, 1.4, 1.4, 2.5, and 4.0 times compared with CKD 1 stage, respectively (P < 0.05). Using the threshold of < 140/90 mmHg, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased in advanced stages (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension Chinese non-dialysis CKD patients was high, and the hypertension control was suboptimal. With successive CKD stages, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased.

Lanthanum carbonate for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in CKD 5D: multicenter, double blind, randomized, controlled trial in mainland China

BACKGROUND

Serum phosphorus control is critical for chronic kidney disease (CKD) 5D patients. Currently, clinical profile for an oral phosphorus binder in the mainland Chinese population is not available.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lanthanum carbonate in CKD 5D patients.

DESIGN

Multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. A central randomization center used computer generated tables to allocate treatments.

SETTING

Twelve tertiary teaching hospitals and medical university affiliated hospitals in mainland China.

PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 258 hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) adult patients were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

After a 0-3-week washout period and a 4-week lanthanum carbonate dose-titration period, 230 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive lanthanum carbonate (1500 mg-3000 mg) or placebo for a further 4-week maintenance phase.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy and safety of lanthanum carbonate to achieve and maintain target serum phosphorus concentrations were assessed.

RESULTS

In the titration phase, serum phosphorus concentrations of all patients decreased significantly. About three-fifths achieved target levels without significantly disturbing serum calcium levels. At the end of the maintenance period, the mean difference in serum phosphorus was significantly different between the lanthanum carbonate and placebo-treated groups (0.63±0.62 mmol/L vs. 0.15±0.52 mmol/L, P < 0.001). The drug-related adverse effects were mild and mostly gastrointestinal in nature.

CONCLUSION

Lanthanum carbonate is an efficacious and well-tolerated oral phosphate binder with a mild AE profile in hemodialysis and CAPD patients. This agent may provide an alternative for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in CKD 5D patients in mainland China.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No. ChiCTR-TRC-10000817.

Life-history variation with respect to experienced thermal environments in the lizard, Eremias multiocellata (Lacertidae)

We compared adult size, female reproductive traits, and offspring phenotypes between multiocellated racerunners (Eremias multiocellata) from two thermally different sites (populations) in Inner Mongolia (North China): the colder one in Wulatehouqi (WQ) and the warmer one in Dalateqi (DQ). Both adults and neonates were smaller in the colder site. Females from the two sites both produced a single litter of 2-5 young per season, and did not differ in allocation of energy to reproduction after accounting for differences in body size. Female neonates had more ventral scales than did males, and the WQ neonates had fewer ventral scales than did the DQ neonates. The WQ neonates were slower than the DQ neonates. When body length was normalized across populations, we found that (1) hindlimb length correlated positively with sprint speed in both WQ and DQ neonates, (2) forelimb length correlated positively with sprint speed only in the DQ neonates, and (3) tail length correlated positively with sprint speed only in the WQ neonates. Hindlimb length played a more important role in locomotion than did tail length or forelimb length. Though differing in size and morphology, neonates from the two sites did not differ in early growth and survival under identical laboratory conditions. Our data are consistent with many studies that have shown countergradient variation in physiological traits (growth rate and reproductive output) and cogradient variation in morphological traits.

Income breeding and temperature-induced plasticity in reproductive traits in lizards

We used the northern grass lizard Takydromus septentrionalis as a model animal to examine the energy allocation strategy and whether body temperature can affect maternal reproductive traits in lizards. We maintained adult females collected from the field soon after winter dormancy under three thermal conditions (24.0+/-1.0 degrees C, 28.0+/-1.0 degrees C and 32.0+/-1.0 degrees C) throughout the subsequent reproductive season, and then recorded their energy intake, digestive efficiency, body size and mass changes, and reproductive parameters. Manipulation of body temperature in reproducing females affected energy intake and several maternal reproductive characteristics. Females allocated energy to reproduction following the fulfillment of energetic requirements for metabolism and growth. The reduced energy availability for reproduction constrained females at low or high body temperatures to produce fewer and smaller eggs per season but had no role in influencing the number of eggs produced in single reproductive bouts. Females used currently acquired energy to fuel reproduction, and this strategy did not shift seasonally from the first to subsequent clutches. Our study supports the idea that the use of currently acquired energy for reproduction may be more widespread in ectotherms than thought before, and shows for the first time that egg size is thermally plastic in T. septentrionalis, where eggs produced in single reproductive bouts are believed to be well optimized for size.

Clinical evaluation of oral levofloxacin 500 mg once-daily dosage for treatment of lower respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections: a prospective multicenter study in China

Levofloxacin (LVFX), a fluoroquinolone agent, has a broad spectrum that covers Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and atypical pathogens. It demonstrates good clinical efficacy in the treatment of various infections, including lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral LVFX 500 mg once daily, a large open-label clinical trial was conducted in 1266 patients (899 with LRTIs and 367 with UTIs) at 32 centers in China. In the per-protocol population, the clinical efficacy rate (cure or improvement) at 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment was 96.4% (666/691) for LRTIs and 95.7% (267/279) for UTIs. In 53 patients diagnosed with atypical pneumonia the treatment was effective. The bacteriological efficacy rate was 96.6% (256/265) for LRTIs and 93.3% (126/135) for UTIs. The eradication rate of the causative pathogens was 100% (33/33) for Haemophilus influenzae and 96.0% (24/25) for Streptococcus pneumoniae in LRTIs, and 94.1% (80/85) for Escherichia coli in UTIs. The overall efficacy rates were 89.3% (617/691) for LRTIs and 87.8% (245/279) for UTIs. The incidence of drug-related adverse events (ADRs) was 17.3% (215/1245), and the incidence of drug-related laboratory abnormalities was 15.7% (191/1213). Common ADRs were dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Common laboratory abnormalities included "WBC decreased", "alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased", "aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased", and "lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased". All of these events were mentioned in the package inserts of fluoroquinolones including LVFX, and most events were mild and transient. Thirty-four patients (2.7%) were withdrawn from the study because of the ADRs. No new ADRs were found. This study concluded that the dosage regimen of LVFX 500 mg once daily was effective and tolerable for the treatment of LRTIs and UTIs.