Controlling soft rot of green pepper by bacteriocin paracin wx3 and its effect on storage quality of green pepper

A bacteriocin paracin wx3 was investigated as a candidate of natural preservative to control green pepper soft rot. Firstly, paracin wx3 was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris X33 with an improved yield of 0.537 g/L. Its size and amino acid sequence were confirmed by Tricine-SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. Then, result of antibacterial activity showed that its MIC value against Pectobacterium carotovorum was 16 μg/mL. In vitro, paracin wx3 completely killed the pathogen at high concentrations ≥8 × MIC. In vivo, disease incidence of green pepper soft rot was decreased from 90% (control) to <2% (8 × MIC). Subsequently, results of action mode showed that paracin wx3 inhibited the growth of pathogen by pore-formation on cell membrane. Last, paracin wx3 treatment reduced losses of weight, firmness, total soluble solid, Vc of green pepper during storage. It also inhibited the production of soft rot volatile p-xylene, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 3-hydroxybutan-2-one-D, 2-pentyl furan, butanal, etc.

Clusterin Is a Prognostic Biomarker of Lower-Grade Gliomas and Is Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration

Dysregulation of clusterin (CLU) has been demonstrated in many cancers and has been proposed as a regulator of carcinogenesis. However, the roles of CLU in gliomas remain unclear. The expression of CLU was assessed using TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, and R package 4.2.1 software, leveraging data from TCGA and/or GTEx databases. Survival analysis and Cox regression were employed to investigate the prognostic significance of CLU. Immune infiltration was evaluated utilizing TIMER2.0, ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT. The findings reveal the dysregulated expression of CLU in many cancers, with a marked increase observed in glioblastoma and lower-grade glioma (LGG). High CLU expression indicated worse survival outcomes and was an independent risk factor for the prognosis in LGG patients. CLU was involved in immune status as evidenced by its strong correlations with immune and stromal scores and the infiltration levels of multiple immune cells. Additionally, CLU was co-expressed with multiple immune-related genes, and high CLU expression was associated with the activation of immune-related pathways, such as binding to the antigen/immunoglobulin receptor and aiding the cytokine and cytokine receptor interaction. In conclusion, CLU appears to play crucial roles in tumor immunity within gliomas, highlighting its potential as a biomarker or target in glioma immunotherapy.

Influence of arginine on the biocontrol efficiency of Metschnikowia citriensis against Geotrichum citri-aurantii causing sour rot of postharvest citrus fruit

This study investigated the effect of arginine (Arg) on the antagonistic activity of Metschnikowia citriensis against sour rot caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii in postharvest citrus, and evaluated the possible mechanism therein. Arg treatment up-regulated the PUL genes expression, and significantly induced the pulcherriminic acid (PA) production of M. citriensis, which related to the capability of iron depletion of M. citriensis. By comparing the biocontrol effects of Arg-treated and untreated yeast cells, it was found that Arg treatment significantly enhanced the biocontrol efficacy of M. citriensis, and 5 mmol L^-1 Arg exerted the best effect. Additionally, the biofilm formation ability of M. citriensis was greatly enhanced by Arg, and the higher population density of yeast cells in citrus wounds was also observed in Arg treatment groups stored both at 25 °C and 4 °C. Moreover, Arg was shown to function as a cell protectant to elevate antioxidant enzyme activity [including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)] and intracellular trehalose content to resist oxidative stress damage, that directly helped to enhance colonization ability of yeasts in fruit wounds. These results suggest the application of Arg is a useful approach to improve the biocontrol performance of M. citriensis.

Distribution and Characteristics of Human Plague Cases and Yersinia pestis Isolates from 4 Marmota Plague Foci, China, 1950-2019

We analyzed epidemiologic characteristics and distribution of 1,067 human plague cases and 5,958 Yersinia pestis isolates collected from humans, host animals, and insect vectors during 1950–2019 in 4 Marmota plague foci in China. The case-fatality rate for plague in humans was 68.88%; the overall trend slowly decreased over time but fluctuated greatly. Most human cases (98.31%) and isolates (82.06%) identified from any source were from the Marmota himalayana plague focus. The tendency among human cases could be divided into 3 stages: 1950–1969, 1970–2003, and 2004–2019. The Marmota sibirica plague focus has not had identified human cases nor isolates since 1926. However, in the other 3 foci, Y. pestis continues to circulate among animal hosts; ecologic factors might affect local Y. pestis activity. Marmota plague foci are active in China, and the epidemic boundary is constantly expanding, posing a potential threat to domestic and global public health.

Pathogenic analysis of suspected COVID-19 patients in a SARS-CoV-2 non-epidemic area of China

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to find the distributions of pathogens in 164 suspected COVID-19 patients from the outpatient clinic of Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University from 24th January, 2020, to 29th February of 2020.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

164 COVID-19 suspected patients were from the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Oropharyngeal swab specimens were acquired by respiratory doctors under standardized conditions. Specific nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus A and B, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, along with pneumonic mycoplasma were detected by real-time fluorescence PCR. Symptomatic, epidemiologic, laboratory and radiological data of the patients were obtained from the electronic medical record system of our hospital.

RESULTS

Among the 164 patients, 3 were positive for SARS-CoV-2, 15 were positive for other respiratory viruses and 16 were positive for pneumonic mycoplasma. Of the positive patients above, 1 patient was co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus, and 1 was co-infected with influenza B and pneumonic mycoplasma. The 3 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were clinically diagnosed as COVID-19 because they meet the diagnostic criteria listed in "Chinese Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Pneumonia diagnosis and treatment", including epidemic history, symptom and pathogenic detection, as well as abnormalities of the laboratory and radiological data. However, the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients were non-specific compared to those of the patients infected with other respiratory viruses.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic common respiratory pathogens are more prevalent than SARS-CoV-2 in the SARS-CoV-2 non-epidemic areas of this research. Detection of the pathogen is the unique means for definite COVID-19 diagnosis.

The association of bisphenol A exposure with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

A few epidemiological investigations and animal studies have demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) may affect female reproductive health. However, no epidemiologic study has investigated the relationship between BPA exposure and the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

METHODS

In this case-control study, urinary concentrations of BPA and serum levels of reproductive hormone were measured. Associations between BPA concentrations and the risk of POI and POI-related hormone levels were estimated.

RESULTS

Among BPA quartiles, no obvious association was found between BPA levels and the risk of POI (p = 0.603). Although the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of POI was slightly increased for participants in the highest BPA concentration quartile, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 1.282, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.615-2.049 for the highest vs. lowest quartile, p = 0.508). Although follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels showed no tendency of an association with BPA (p = 0.941 and p = 0.876 for FSH and AMH, respectively), the highest quartile of luteinizing hormone was significantly positively associated with BPA levels (OR = 1.333, 95% CI 0.986-1.803, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The urinary concentrations of BPA determined in this study were consistent with the range of exposure currently observed in Chinese women. However, BPA exposure at a relatively low level is not associated with POI in Chinese women. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes

BACKGROUND

Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long-term consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis.

METHODS

We report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow-up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.

Expressions of miR-525-3p and its target gene SEMG1 in the spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia

BACKGROUND

Semenogelin 1 (SEMG1) is an important secretory protein in spermatozoa involved in the formation of a gel matrix encasing ejaculated spermatozoa. Previous studies show that the SEMG1 gene is highly expressed in spermatozoa from patients with asthenozoospermia (AZS); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

To study the molecular mechanism of high expression of SEMG1 gene and its potential roles in AZS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression levels of SEMG1 protein and mRNA in the ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic males and AZS patients. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict miRNAs targeting for SEMG1 3'-untranslated region detection of the expression levels of all the candidate miRNAs in ejaculatory spermatozoa in AZS patients or normozoospermic volunteers. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm it can directly bind to SEMG1. Correlation of miR-525-3p and SEMG1 mRNA expression with clinical sperm parameters were also analyzed. Finally, we conducted a follow-up study of reproductive history about all the subjects.

RESULTS

SEMG1 mRNA and protein level were significantly higher in AZS patients compared to that in normozoospermic volunteers (p < 0.001). Subsequently, microRNA-525-3p (miR-525-3p) which was predicted as a candidate regulator of SEMG1 was found lower expressed in ejaculatory spermatozoa in AZS patients (p = 0.0074). Luciferase experiment revealed that microRNA-525-3p could directly target SEMG1 3'-untranslated region and suppress its expression. Importantly, our retrospective follow-up study showed that both low miR-525-3p expression and high SEMG1 expression level was significantly associated with low progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, and infertility.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The elevated expression of SEMG1 and reduced expression of miR-525-3p are associated with AZS and male infertility. Our study provides a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of male infertility or for male contraception.

Low Wall Shear Stress Is Associated with Local Aneurysm Wall Enhancement on High-Resolution MR Vessel Wall Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Some retrospective studies have found that the aneurysm wall enhancement on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI has the potential to distinguish unstable aneurysms. This study aimed to identify hemodynamic characteristics that differ between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TOF-MRA and high-resolution MR vessel wall T1WI of 25 patients were fused to localize the enhanced area of the aneurysm wall. Using computational fluid dynamics, we studied the aneurysm models. Mean static pressure, mean wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index were compared between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas.

RESULTS

The aneurysmal enhanced area had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a lower oscillatory shear index (P = .021) than the nonenhanced area. In addition, the whole aneurysm had lower wall shear stress (P < .05) and a higher oscillatory shear index (P = .007) than the parent artery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that there are hemodynamic differences between the enhanced and nonenhanced areas of the aneurysm wall on high-resolution MR vessel wall postgadolinium T1WI.

Birth population survey in Huai'an in 2015: perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions in China

Objective: This survey followed the birth population-based study conducted in 2010 in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, with the aim to estimate perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions with similar maternal-fetal and neonatal care conditions in China.Materials and methods: Data of total births in 2015 were prospectively collected by regional perinatal network collaboration in Huai'an, a subprovincial region with a population of 5,644,500 and gross domestic production of 9082 USD per capita.Results: The 59,424 birth registries (including 59,023 live births and 167 stillbirths) corresponded to a birth rate of 10.5‰ and a Male-to-female ratio of 113.7:100. All births there were from 85, 16, and 6 level I, II, and III hospitals, with a delivery rate of 30.4, 40.2, and 29.4%, respectively. Of all births, 14.1% had pregnancy-associated comorbidities and complications, 54.4% (32,226/59,190) had cesarean delivery, and multiple pregnancies and birth defects occurred in 2.1% (1,250) and 5.5‰ (324), respectively. The mean birth weight was 3448 ± 507 g with 13.9% being macrosomia, and 2.86% (1695/59,190) low birth weight. Preterm birth rate was 4.06% (2404/59,190) with a mortality rate of 8.5%. There were 94.5% recorded as healthy newborns and 5.5% (3263) requiring hospitalization after birth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate was 5.2‰ (167 stillbirths, 139 early neonatal deaths) and 4.0‰, respectively. Compared with the 2010 survey, these data demonstrated generally improved status of perinatal-neonatal healthcare.Conclusions: The low rates of perinatal-neonatal mortality, preterm birth and preterm mortality suggest that the concept and study protocol of perinatal-neonatal healthcare in Huai'an may serve as the benchmark for estimating regional vital statistics and perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

Serum cryptococcal antigen titre as a diagnostic tool and a predictor of mortality in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to determine the effectiveness of the serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test in the diagnosis of concurrent cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and as a predictor of mortality in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all HIV-infected patients admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from 1 January 2014 to 31 August 2016 were screened for serum CrAg using the latex agglutination test. Serum CrAg-positive patients underwent lumbar puncture to confirm CM prior to the initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy and were followed up for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and four (7.1%) of the total of 1474 HIV-infected patients screened were serum CrAg-positive. CM was diagnosed in the majority of serum CrAg-positive patients (71.3%; 67 of 94) and was confirmed in all (46 of 46) of the patients with headache or coma and in 43.8% (21 of 48) of patients without neurological symptoms. CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 showed a sensitivity of 82.5% and a specificity of 86.7% for the diagnosis of concurrent CM (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value for CM in this population was 94.3%. A total of 13 serum CrAg-positive patients [13.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5-22.4%] died (11 as a result of CM and two others as a result of bacterial pneumonia) despite early antifungal treatment initiation. Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 predicted all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.69; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 not only were associated with concurrent CM but also predicted mortality. HIV-infected patients with a positive serum CrAg test during screening should receive lumbar punctures regardless of symptoms to rule out CM and patients with serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 should be offered immediate care.

Comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma

Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry and transfer regulatory bioactive molecules and mediate intercellular communication between cells and tissues. Although seminal exosomes have been identified in human seminal plasma, their exact composition and possible physiologic function remain unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma. Seminal exosomes were isolated and purified from 12 healthy donors using a 30% sucrose cushion‐based exosome‐isolation protocol, followed by characterization by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis before performing extensive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. The identified proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, and seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were selectively validated by western blot. A total of 1474 proteins were identified in all seminal exosomes samples, with Gene Ontology analysis demonstrating that these identified seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were mostly linked to ‘exosomes,’ ‘cytoplasm,’ and ‘cytosol.’ Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these proteins were mainly involved in biologic processes, including metabolism, energy pathways, protein metabolism, cell growth and maintenance, and transport. Of these identified proteins, PHGDH, LGALS3BP, SEMG1, ACTB, GAPDH, and the exosomal‐marker protein ALIX were validated by western blot. This study provided a more comprehensive description of the seminal exosomes proteome and could also be a resource for further screening of biomarkers and comparative proteomics studies, including those associated with male infertility and prostate cancer.

IRX3 is a genetic modifier for birth weight, adolescent obesity and transaminase metabolism

OBJECTIVE

IRX3 expression has been functionally associated in obesity-associated long-distance susceptibility loci, but the effect of the IRX3 genetic variants on human obesity and obesity-related metabolism remains uncertain.

METHODS

To determine the genetic role of IRX3, we conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis using three haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs8053360, rs3751723 and rs12445085) and one nonsynonymous SNP (rs1126960) at the IRX3 locus in 333 junior and senior high school students from a northeast Chinese population.

RESULTS

We identified significant associations between IRX3 SNPs and birth weight, body mass index (BMI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio. The rs8053360 CC and rs1126960 GG genotypes were associated with increased birth weight and BMI, especially in females. Individuals with the rs12445085 TT genotype had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT, whereas individuals with the rs1126960 GG genotype had a significantly lower AST/ALT ratio than did individuals with other genotypes. However, no significant relationships were found between any of the IRX3 SNPs and metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

IRX3 genetic variants associate with birth weight, BMI and AST/ALT-related transaminase metabolism, supporting the role of IRX3 as an obesity-associated susceptibility gene.

Etiology and clinical features of 229 cases of bloodstream infection among Chinese HIV/AIDS patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS. The etiology varies in different regions and different periods. We aimed to survey the etiological and clinical features of BSIs in HIV patients in mainland China. We assessed all HIV patients with a positive blood culture in a Chinese teaching hospital from September 2009 through December 2014. We excluded those with specimens likely to have been contaminated. We used Pearson's chi-squared test to measure the differences in characteristics among subgroups of different pathogens. Among 2442 Chinese HIV-seropositive inpatients, 229 (9.38 %) experienced BSIs. The most common pathogens detected included Cryptococcus neoformans (22.7 %), Penicillium marneffei (18.8 %), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.3 %), and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (14.8 %). 30/229 (13.1 %) HIV patients with BSIs had a poor prognosis. BSIs are prevalent in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS in China. Fungi and mycobacteria are the predominant pathogens.

Structural distortion-induced magnetoelastic locking in Sr(2)IrO(4) revealed through nonlinear optical harmonic generation

We report a global structural distortion in Sr_{2}IrO_{4} using spatially resolved optical second and third harmonic generation rotational anisotropy measurements. A symmetry lowering from an I4_{1}/acd to I4_{1}/a space group is observed both above and below the Néel temperature that arises from a staggered tetragonal distortion of the oxygen octahedra. By studying an effective superexchange Hamiltonian that accounts for this lowered symmetry, we find that perfect locking between the octahedral rotation and magnetic moment canting angles can persist even in the presence of large noncubic local distortions. Our results explain the origin of the forbidden Bragg peaks recently observed in neutron diffraction experiments and reconcile the observations of strong tetragonal distortion and perfect magnetoelastic locking in Sr_{2}IrO_{4}.

Mixed linear model approach for mapping quantitative trait loci underlying crop seed traits

The crop seed is a complex organ that may be composed of the diploid embryo, the triploid endosperm and the diploid maternal tissues. According to the genetic features of seed characters, two genetic models for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of crop seed traits are proposed, with inclusion of maternal effects, embryo or endosperm effects of QTL, environmental effects and QTL-by-environment (QE) interactions. The mapping population can be generated either from double back-cross of immortalized F2 (IF2) to the two parents, from random-cross of IF2 or from selfing of IF2 population. Candidate marker intervals potentially harboring QTLs are first selected through one-dimensional scanning across the whole genome. The selected candidate marker intervals are then included in the model as cofactors to control background genetic effects on the putative QTL(s). Finally, a QTL full model is constructed and model selection is conducted to eliminate false positive QTLs. The genetic main effects of QTLs, QE interaction effects and the corresponding P-values are computed by Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for Gaussian mixed linear model via Gibbs sampling. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to investigate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method. The simulation results showed that the proposed method had higher power to accurately detect simulated QTLs and properly estimated effect of these QTLs. To demonstrate the usefulness, the proposed method was used to identify the QTLs underlying fiber percentage in an upland cotton IF2 population. A computer software, QTLNetwork-Seed, was developed for QTL analysis of seed traits.

Trends in clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Shanghai from 2006 to 2011

This study aimed to characterise the clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Shanghai, China, from 2006 to 2011. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who initiated ART in Shanghai during the 6-year period of 2006 through 2011. The median age at ART initiation decreased from 41 years in 2008 to 38 years in 2011. The median CD4 counts at ART initiation rose from 65 cells/mm(3)in 2006 to 203 cells/mm(3)in 2011. The proportion of patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm(3)at ART initiation decreased from 88.5% in 2006 to 49.6% in 2011. The proportion of patients starting stavudine-based regimens of stavudine/lamivudine/efavirenz and stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine fell from 49.2% in 2006 to 23.4% in 2011. The proportion of patients starting nevirapine-based regimens of zidovudine/lamivudine/nevirapine and stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine fell from 44.3% in 2006 to 16.5% in 2011. The study reflects that the clinical characteristics of the patients initiating ART in Shanghai have changed over time; ART was increasingly provided in patients with higher CD4 counts; and the regimens containing stavudine were prescribed less frequently. Strategies to facilitate early access to ART and further reduction in stavudine use are needed.

Receptor activity-modifying protein-dependent impairment of calcitonin receptor splice variant Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) function

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Alternative splicing expands proteome diversity to GPCRs. Distinct receptor variants have been identified for a secretin family GPCR, the calcitonin receptor (CTR). The possible functional contributions of these receptor variants are further altered by their potential interactions with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). One variant of the human CTR lacks the first 47 residues at its N terminus [Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) ]. However, very little is known about the pharmacology of this variant or its ability to interact with RAMPs to form amylin receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) was characterized both with and without RAMPs in Cos7 and/or HEK293S cells. The receptor expression (ELISA assays) and function (cAMP and pERK1/2 assays) for up to six agonists and two antagonists were determined.

KEY RESULTS

Despite lacking 47 residues at the N terminus, Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) was still able to express at the cell surface, but displayed a generalized reduction in peptide potency. Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) retained its ability to interact with RAMP1 and formed a functional amylin receptor; this also appeared to be the case with RAMP3. On the other hand, its interaction with RAMP2 and resultant amylin receptor was reduced to a greater extent.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Δ(1-47)hCT((a)) acts as a functional receptor at the cell surface. It exhibits altered receptor function, depending on whether it associates with a RAMP and which RAMP it interacts with. Therefore, the presence of this variant in tissues will potentially contribute to altered peptide binding and signalling, depending on the RAMP distribution in tissues.

microRNA-9 suppresses the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells through targeting cyclin D1 and Ets1

Recent evidence shows that altered microRNA-9 (miR-9) expression is implicated in the progression of gastric cancer. However, the exact roles and underlying mechanisms of miR-9 in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer still remain unknown. In this study, miR-9 was found to be down-regulated and inversely correlated with the expression of cyclin D1 and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1 (Ets1) in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the putative miR-9 binding sites in the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of cyclin D1 and Ets1 mRNA. Ectopic expression or knockdown of miR-9 resulted in responsively altered expression of cyclin D1, Ets1 and their downstream targets phosphorylated retinoblastoma and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in cultured gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and AGS. In the luciferase reporter system, miR-9 directly targeted the 3′-UTR of cyclin D1 and Ets1, and these effects were abolished by mutating the miR-9 binding sites. Over-expression of miR-9 suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SGC-7901 and AGS cells in vitro and in vivo. Restoration of miR-9-mediated down-regulation of cyclin D1 and Ets1 by transient transfection, rescued the cancer cells from decrease in proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, anti-miR-9 inhibitor promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, while knocking down of cyclin D1 or Ets1 partially phenocopied the effects of miR-9 over-expression. These data indicate that miR-9 suppresses the expression of cyclin D1 and Ets1 via the binding sites in their 3′-UTR, thus inhibiting the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels as drug delivery systems

Thermosensitive hydrogels are very important biomaterials used in drug delivery systems (DDSs), which gained increasing attention of researchers. Thermosensitive hydrogels have great potential in various applications, such as drug delivery, cell encapsulation, tissue engineering, and etc. Especially, injectable thermosensitive hydrogels with lower sol-gel transition temperature around physiological temperature have been extensively studied. By in vivo injection, the hydrogels formed non-flowing gel at body temperature. Upon incorporation of pharmaceutical agents, the hydrogel systems could act as sustained drug release depot in situ. Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel systems have a number of advantages, including simplicity of drug formulation, protective environment for drugs, prolonged and localized drug delivery, and ease of application. The objective of this review is to summarize fundamentals, applications, and recent advances of injectable thermosensitive hydrogel as DDSs, including chitosan and related derivatives, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based (PNIPAAM) copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO) copolymers and its derivatives, and poly(ethylene glycol)/ biodegradable polyester copolymers.

Transumbilical multiport laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for congenital renal dysplasia in children: midterm follow-up from a single institution

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical utility and efficiency of transumbilical multiport laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (TMLN) for the treatment of congenital renal dysplasia in children by analyzing consecutive cases from a single institution.

METHODS

Sixteen children underwent TMLN procedure due to dysplastic kidney between January 2010 and December 2011. The surgery was transperitoneally performed through three transumbilical incisions for two 5-mm and one 3-mm ports, which duplicated the standard laparoscopic steps with the usual laparoscopic instruments. Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

TMLN was performed in all patients, without additional ports or conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 108.4 min (range 90-125), and the blood loss was minimal. There were no severe intraoperative or post-operative complications. The post-operative recovery was uneventful in all patients. No urinary incontinence or umbilical hernias occurred. The cosmetic result was excellent as the incision scar was hidden inside the belly button.

CONCLUSION

TMLN is a safe and efficient procedure for the management of congenital renal dysplasia in children with good cosmesis. Future randomized studies with a larger number of cases and a longer follow-up are warranted to elucidate the benefits and limitations of TMLN in children.

miRNA-145 targets v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1 to suppress the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells

Recent evidence shows that v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1 (Ets1) is implicated in tumor development and progression. However, the clinical potentials and underlying mechanisms of Ets1 in gastric cancer progression and metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, Ets1 immunostaining was identified in 56 of 84 (66.7%) gastric cancer tissues, which was correlated with tumor invasion and metastasis. In gastric cancer specimens and cell lines, miRNA-145 (miR-145) was downregulated and inversely correlated with Ets1 expression. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-145 directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of Ets1 mRNA. Overexpression or knockdown of miR-145 responsively altered both the mRNA and protein levels of Ets1 and its downstream genes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1)-1 and -9, in gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45. Ectopic expression of miR-145 suppressed the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the effects of miR-145 on Ets1 expression, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were rescued by restoration of Ets1 expression in these cells. Furthermore, anti-miR-145 inhibitor promoted the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, whereas siRNA-mediated Ets1 knockdown phenocopied the effects of miR-145 overexpression in gastric cancer cells. These results show that miR-145 suppresses Ets1 expression via the binding site in the 3'-UTR, thus inhibiting the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells.

MicroRNA-145 inhibits the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma cells through targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha

Recent evidence shows that hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) may have critical roles in the growth and progression of neuroblastoma (NB) under non-hypoxic conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms and clinical potentials of normoxic HIF-2α expression in NB still remain largely unknown. In this study, HIF-2α immunostaining was identified in 26/42 NB tissues, which was correlated with clinicopathological features. In subtotal 20 NB cases, microRNA-145 (miR-145) was downregulated and inversely correlated with HIF-2α expression. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a putative miR-145 binding site in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of HIF-2α messenger RNA (mRNA). Overexpression or knockdown of miR-145 responsively altered both the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-2α and its downstream genes, cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 14 and vascular endothelial growth factor, in normoxically cultured NB cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH. In a luciferase reporter system, miR-145 downregulated the luciferase activity of HIF-2α 3'-UTR, and these effects were abolished by a mutation in the putative miR-145-binding site. Overexpression of miR-145 suppressed the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH cells in vitro and in vivo, while restoration of HIF-2α expression rescued the tumor cells from miR-145-mediated defects in these biological features. Furthermore, anti-miR-145 inhibitor rescued the HIF-2α knockdown-mediated repression on the growth, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of NB cells. These data indicate that miR-145 suppresses HIF-2α expression via the binding site in the 3'-UTR under normoxic conditions, thus inhibiting the aggressiveness and angiogenesis of NB.

Transumbilical multiport laparoscopic orchiopexy in children: comparison with standard laparoscopic orchiopexy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical outcomes of transumbilical multiport laparoscopic orchiopexy (TMLO) vs standard laparoscopic orchiopexy (SLO) for 1-stage management of impalpable testes in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients underwent primary TMLO from January 2010 to December 2011. An additional 25 patients underwent SLO during the same period. These 2 procedures were performed with 3 ports and the usual laparoscopic instruments. The demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed and compared between the patients.

RESULTS

The patients' demographic data were similar between the 2 groups. The mean operative time was slightly longer in the TMLO than in the SLO group (54.2 vs 47.3 minutes, P <.05), without intraoperative complications in either group. However, no significant difference was noted between the TMLO and SLO groups in the length of hospital stay (4.0 vs 4.1 days, P >.05), interval to resume feeding (5.2 vs 5.4 hours, P >.05) or full activity (2.1 vs 2.2 days, P >.05), viable testis rate (33 of 34 vs 27 of 28, P >.05), or testicular atrophy (1 of 34 vs 1 of 28, P >.05).

CONCLUSION

TMLO is a feasible and safe procedure for the management of impalpable testes in children, with clinical outcomes similar to those of SLO. Future randomized studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are warranted to elucidate the benefits and limitations of TMLO in children.

Separation, culture and identification of SD rat corpus cavernosal endothelial cells

The aim of the study is to investigate the methods of separation, culture and identification of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat corpus cavernosal vascular endothelial cells (CCECs). Cavernosal tissues were isolated from male SD rats. Enzymatic digestion was applied to separate CCECs. Purified cells were obtained using immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometric cell sorting and subcultured in EMG-2 medium. The growth curve of CCECs was measured by the tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The cells were identified by von Willebrand factor (vWF) using immunofluorescence, and the positive percentage of vWF expression was detected by flow cytometry. The monomorphic cobblestone-like cells were observed by microscopy. High purification was obtained using immunomagnetic beads. After 2 days of incubation, cells entered the logarithmic growth phase and reached a plateau on the fifth day. The vWF expression in cytoplasm was positive. The purity of cells was 95.8%, which was tested by flow cytometry. SD rat CCECs can be separated and cultured successfully by the method of enzymatic digestion, immunomagnetic beads and flow cytometric cell sorting.

microRNA-9 targets matrix metalloproteinase 14 to inhibit invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma cells

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 is the only membrane-anchored MMP that plays a critical role in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying MMP-14 expression in tumors still remain largely unknown. In this study, MMP-14 immunostaining was identified in 29/42 neuroblastoma tissues, which was correlated with clinicopathologic features and shorter patients' survival. In subtotal 20 neuroblastoma cases, microRNA 9 (miR-9) was downregulated and inversely correlated with MMP-14 expression. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a putative miR-9-binding site in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of MMP-14 mRNA. Overexpression or knockdown of miR-9 responsively altered both the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-14 and its downstream gene, vascular endothelial growth factor, in cultured neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH. In an MMP-14 3'-UTR luciferase reporter system, miR-9 downregulated the luciferase activity, and these effects were abolished by a mutation in the putative miR-9-binding site. Overexpression of miR-9 suppressed the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the effects of miR-9 on MMP-14 expression, adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were rescued by overexpression of MMP-14 in these cells. Furthermore, anti-miR-9 inhibitor or knockdown of MMP-14 respectively increased or inhibited the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma cells. These data indicate that miR-9 suppresses MMP-14 expression via the binding site in the 3'-UTR, thus inhibiting the invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma.

Effects of resistin-like molecule β over-expression on gastric cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of resistin-like molecule β (RELMβ) over-expression on the invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells.

METHODS: Human RELMβ encoding expression vector was constructed and transfected into the RELMβ lowly-expressed gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45. Gene expression was measured by Western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was measured by 2-(4,5-dimethyltriazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetry, colony formation and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. The in vitro migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells were measured by cell adhesion assay, scratch assay and matrigel invasion assay. The angiogenic capabilities of cancer cells were measured by tube formation of endothelial cells.

RESULTS: Transfection of RELMβ vector into SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells resulted in over-expression of RELMβ, which did not influence the cellular proliferation. However, over-expression of RELMβ suppressed the in vitro adhesion, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, accompanied by decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Moreover, transfection of RELMβ attenuated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and in vitro angiogenic capabilities of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION: Over-expression of RELMβ abolishes the invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells in vitro, suggesting its potentials as a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

[Fleas notified on Microtus fuscus foci in Sichuan province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyzed the variant information on the indices regarding fleas from natural foci of Microtus plague in Sichuan epidemic area during 2000 to 2008.

METHODS

Statistical and analytical methods were used on the surveillance data regarding Microtus fuscus plague.

RESULTS

There were 19 flea species identified and the share of Callopsylla sparsity was 62.79 percent while the share of Amphipsylla tuta was 30.90 percent on Microtus fuscus plague. The infection rate of fleas and the flea index were the highest in October and the lowest in December and March. Species as Callopsylla sparsity, Amphipsylla tuta and Rhadinopsylla dahurica vicina could naturally infect the Yersinia pestis.

CONCLUSION

Microtus fuscus plague could become epidemic when animals and flea species were infected. We should emphasis on plague monitoring program so as to prevent the occurrence of the disease.

[Monitoring the Microtus fuscus plague epidemic in Sichuan province during 2000-2008]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemic tendency of Microtus fuscus plague during 2000 - 2008 in Sichuan province.

METHODS

To investigate the plague each year according to "overall Plan of the Plague in the Whole Nation" and "Surveillance Program of Sichuan Province Plague".

RESULTS

There were plague epidemic from 2000 to 2008, with the average density as 312.41/ha. 42.57% of the Microtus fuscus were infected by body Fleas. The Fleas Index was 0.88 and the Index for nest Fleas of Microtus fuscus was 55.89. Six kinds of animals were infected by not only the Microtus fuscus but also herd-dog, sand fox, Tibetan sheep, domestic cats and Cricetulus longicaulatus as well. The positive rate of live Microtus fuscus was 0.32% but 22.99% in the dead Microtus fuscus. The overall positive rate on serological test was 6.70%. There were 4 Sections, 11 species and 19 kinds Fleas identified and carrying 3 kinds of fleas, Callopsylla sparsilis, Amphipsylla tutua tutua and Rhadinopsylla dahurica vicina, with the overall infection rate as 0.054%.

CONCLUSION

Plague among Microtus fuscus showed a continuous epidemic in Sichuan province during 2000-2008.

Comparative proteomic analysis for the detection of biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas

AIMS

To search for novel potential protein biomarkers for the early detection and better intervention of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

Eight pairs of matched PDAC and non-cancerous pancreas tissues were profiled with two-dimensional electrophoresis; differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Expression patterns of TBX4 (T-box transcription factor TBX4) and HSP60 (60 KDa heat shock protein) were studied with immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays.

RESULTS

A total of 48 differentially expressed proteins were identified; 30 of them are novel potential biomarkers. Immunohistochemistry showed that TBX4 expression could be seen in both centroacinar cells and small ducts in normal pancreas and tumour cells in 5/5 (100%) well differentiated, 35/38 (92.1%) moderately differentiated, and 11/18 (61.1%) poorly differentiated PDAC tissues with different staining intensity. However, in normal acinar cells and tumour cells in the other 3/38 (7.9%) moderately differentiated and 7/18 (38.9%) poorly differentiated PDAC tissues, there was no visible TBX4 expression. The expression difference of TBX4 between moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated PDAC tissues was statistically significant (p<0.01). In addition, there was obvious morphology difference between TBX4 negatively stained and positively stained tumour cells, which suggests different cellular origins. Strong expression of HSP60 could be seen in both acinar cells and small ducts in normal pancreas tissues and tumour cells in PDAC tissues except for islets and tumour stoma; no correlation was found between HSP60 expression and differentiation of PDAC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

30 novel potential biomarkers differentially expressed in PDAC tissues were identified. TBX4 may be a differentiation related protein; its prognostic value for PDAC deserves further study.

Middle Eocene primate tarsals from China: implications for haplorhine evolution

We describe tarsal remains of primates recovered from the Middle Eocene (approximately 45 mya) Shanghuang fissures in southern Jiangsu Province, China. These tarsals document the existence of four higher-level taxa of haplorhine primates and at least two adapid species. The meager and poorly preserved adapid material exhibits some similarities to European adapines like Adapis. The haplorhine primates are divided into two major groups: a "prosimian group" consisting of Tarsiidae and an unnamed group that is anatomically similar to Omomyidae; and an "anthropoid group" consisting of Eosimiidae and an unnamed group of protoanthropoids. The anthropoid tarsals are morphologically transitional between omomyids (or primitive haplorhines) and extant telanthropoids, providing the first postcranial evidence for primates which bridge the prosimian-anthropoid gap. All of the haplorhines are extremely small (most are between 50-100 g), and the deposits contain the smallest euprimates ever documented. The uniqueness of this fauna is further highlighted by the fact that no modern primate community contains as many tiny primates as does the fauna from Shanghuang.

The oldest known anthropoid postcranial fossils and the early evolution of higher primates

The middle Eocene primate family Eosimiidae, which is known from sites in central and eastern China and Myanmar, is central to efforts to reconstruct the origin and early evolution of anthropoid or 'higher' primates (monkeys, apes and humans). Previous knowledge of eosimiid anatomy has been restricted to the dentition and an isolated petrosal bone, and this limited anatomical information has led to conflicting interpretations of early anthropoid phylogeny. Here we describe foot bones of Eosimias from the same middle Eocene sites in China that yield abundant dental remains of this primate. Tarsals of Eosimias show derived anatomical traits that are otherwise restricted to living and fossil anthropoids. These new fossils substantiate the anthropoid status of Eosimias and clarify the phylogenetic position of anthropoids with respect to other major primate clades. Early anthropoids possessed a mosaic of primitive and derived traits in their postcranial skeletons, reflecting their derivation from haplorhine ancestors that retained many prosimian-like features.

Late eocene sivaladapid primate from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China

A new genus and species of Sivaladapidae is described from the late Eocene Gongkang Formation, Yongle Basin, western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. Guangxilemur tongi, new genus and species, shows a combination of traits that occur separately in earlier and more primitive Asian adapiforms (Hoanghonius and Rencunius) and in Miocene sivaladapines (Sivaladapis and Sinoadapis). Phylogenetic analysis of dental characters suggests that Guangxilemur is closely related to the Miocene sivaladapine clade. Miocene sivaladapines were the latest surviving members of a broad radiation of Eocene adapiforms in Asia that included Hoanghonius, Rencunius, and Wailekia in addition to Guangxilemur. European Periconodon may also be specially related to this primarily Asian clade, but current anatomical data are insufficient to test this possibility adequately. Sivaladapine adapiforms and tarsiid tarsiiforms maintained relictual distributions in southern and/or southeastern Asia far beyond the extirpation of their closest relatives on other Holarctic continents near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. This temporal persistence was mediated by Asian paleogeography, which allowed virtually continuous access to tropical refugia during a middle Cenozoic interval of climatic deterioration that coincided with the extinction of adapiforms and tarsiiforms in Europe and North America.

[A preliminary study on metastasis-associated gene screened by monoclonal antibodies HIL]

The cDNA expression libraries derived from a highly metastatic cell subline Anip[973] and from the poorly metastatic, parental cell line, AGZY-83a were screened by monoclonal antibodies HIL. A positive clone (H4-D) from the Anip[973] cDNA library was isolated and its nucleotide sequence was determined. This clone contained 978 bp with an open reading frame of 318 bp encoding a polypeptide consisting of 106 amino acids. The H4-D cDNA sequence showed 85% homology with a human propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha-chain. In western blotting analysis, the MoAb H4 recognized 2 bands (15KD and 27KD) of Anip[973] cell membrane proteins. The mRNA expression of H4-D was higher in Anip[973] cells than in AGZY-83a cells. The metastatic potential of Anip[973] cells was markedly decreased after being pretreated with MoAb H4. The above findings indicate that H4-D has a certain relationship with the metastatic phenotype of Anip[973] cells.

A diverse new primate fauna from middle Eocene fissure-fillings in southeastern China

We report the discovery of a fauna of primates from Eocene (approximately 45 Myr) deposits in China having a diversity greater than in European and North American localities of similar antiquity. From the many forms that will illuminate questions of primate phylogeny comes evidence for a basal radiation of primitive simians.

[Enhancing effect of chuangxinmycin on synthesis of enzymes in tryptophan synthesis pathway of chuangxinmycin-resistant mutant strain of E. coli]

Chuangxinmycin (CXM) and L-trp cause repression of trp-operon in wild strain of E. coli and indolepropanic acid (IPA) causes derepression of this strain. In CXM-resistant mutant strain, CXM and IPA both cause derepression, and interaction of CXM and IPA is competitive. However, L-trp results in neither repression nor derepression in the mutant, but it can counteract the activity of CXM or IPA. These results suggest that there are repression and derepression sites on repressor of E. coli. CXM can bind to both sites, but mainly to repression site. The structure of repression site of the CXM-resistant mutant is altered, so that CXM can not bind to the repression site and binds mainly to the derepression site, thus leading to the derepression of trp-operon.