Quercetin ameliorates oxidative stress-induced senescence in rat nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells via the miR-34a-5p/SIRT1 axis

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a main contributor to low back pain. Oxidative stress, which is highly associated with the progression of IDD, increases senescence of nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) and weakens the differentiation ability of NPMSCs in degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs). Quercetin (Que) has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress in diverse degenerative diseases.

AIM

To investigate the role of Que in oxidative stress-induced NPMSC damage and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

In vitro, NPMSCs were isolated from rat tails. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses were used to evaluated the protective effects of Que. Meanwhile the relationship between miR-34a-5p and Sirtuins 1 (SIRT1) was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. To explore whether Que modulates tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced senescence of NPMSCs via the miR-34a-5p/SIRT1 pathway, we used adenovirus vectors to overexpress and downregulate the expression of miR-34a-5p and used SIRT1 siRNA to knockdown SIRT1 expression. In vivo, a puncture-induced rat IDD model was constructed, and X rays and histological analysis were used to assess whether Que could alleviate IDD in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that TBHP can cause NPMSCs senescence changes, such as reduced cell proliferation ability, increased SA-β-Gal activity, cell cycle arrest, the accumulation of ROS, and increased expression of senescence-related proteins. While abovementioned senescence indicators were significantly alleviated by Que treatment. Que decreased the expression levels of senescence-related proteins (p16, p21, and p53) and senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP), including IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-13, and it increased the expression of SIRT1. In addition, the protective effects of Que on cell senescence were partially reversed by miR-34a-5p overexpression and SIRT1 knockdown. In vivo, X-ray, and histological analyses indicated that Que alleviated IDD in a puncture-induced rat model.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present study provides evidence that Que reduces oxidative stress-induced senescence of NPMSCs via the miR-34a/SIRT1 signaling pathway, suggesting that Que may be a potential agent for the treatment of IDD.

[Application progress of hypercrosslinked porous organic polymers in cartridge-based solid phase extraction]

Hypercrosslinked porous organic polymers (HCPs), a novel type of porous materials synthesized via the Friedel-Crafts reaction, are widely used in gas storage, heterogeneous catalysis, chromatographic separation, and organic pollutant capture. HCPs have the advantages of a wide monomer source, low cost, mild synthesis conditions, and easy functionalization. In recent years, HCPs have shown great application potential in solid phase extraction. Given their high specific surface area, excellent adsorption properties, diverse chemical structures, and easy chemical modification, HCPs have been successfully applied to the extraction of different types of analytes with efficient extraction performance. Based on the chemical structure of HCPs, their target analytes, and the adsorption mechanism, HCPs can be classified as hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and ionic species. Hydrophobic HCPs are usually constructed as extended conjugated structures by overcrosslinking aromatic compounds as monomers. Common monomers include ferrocene, triphenylamine, triphenylphosphine, etc. This type of HCPs shows good adsorption effects on nonpolar analytes such as benzuron herbicides and phthalates through strong π-π and hydrophobic interactions. Hydrophilic HCPs are prepared by introducing polar monomers or crosslinking agents, or by modifying polar functional groups. This type of adsorbent is commonly used to extract polar analytes such as nitroimidazole, chlorophenol, tetracycline, etc. In addition to hydrophobic forces, polar interactions, such as hydrogen-bonding and dipole-dipole interactions, also occur between the adsorbent and analyte. Ionic HCPs are mixed-mode solid phase extraction materials formed by introducing ionic functional groups into the polymer. Mixed-mode adsorbents usually have a dual reversed-phase/ion-exchange retention mechanism, which helps control the retention behavior of the adsorbent by adjusting the elution strength of the eluting solvent. In addition, the extraction mode can be switched by controlling the pH of the sample solution and eluting solvent. In this manner, matrix interferences can be removed while the target analytes are enriched. Ionic HCPs present a unique advantage in the extraction of acid-base drugs in water. The combination of new HCP extraction materials with modern analytical techniques, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, has been widely used in environmental monitoring, food safety, and biochemical analyses. In this review, the characteristics and synthesis methods of HCPs are briefly introduced, and the application progress of different types of HCPs in cartridge-based solid phase extraction is described. Finally, the future outlook of HCP applications is discussed.

Polymeric carbohydrates utilization separates microbiomes into niches: insights into the diversity of microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes in the inner shelf of the Pearl River Estuary, China

Polymeric carbohydrates are abundant and their recycling by microbes is a key process of the ocean carbon cycle. A deeper analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) can offer a window into the mechanisms of microbial communities to degrade carbohydrates in the ocean. In this study, metagenomic genes encoding microbial CAZymes and sugar transporter systems were predicted to assess the microbial glycan niches and functional potentials of glycan utilization in the inner shelf of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). The CAZymes gene compositions were significantly different between in free-living (0.2-3 μm, FL) and particle-associated (>3 μm, PA) bacteria of the water column and between water and surface sediments, reflecting glycan niche separation on size fraction and selective degradation in depth. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota had the highest abundance and glycan niche width of CAZymes genes, respectively. At the genus level, Alteromonas (Gammaproteobacteria) exhibited the greatest abundance and glycan niche width of CAZymes genes and were marked by a high abundance of periplasmic transporter protein TonB and members of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS). The increasing contribution of genes encoding CAZymes and transporters for Alteromonas in bottom water contrasted to surface water and their metabolism are tightly related with particulate carbohydrates (pectin, alginate, starch, lignin-cellulose, chitin, and peptidoglycan) rather than on the utilization of ambient-water DOC. Candidatus Pelagibacter (Alphaproteobacteria) had a narrow glycan niche and was primarily preferred for nitrogen-containing carbohydrates, while their abundant sugar ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporter supported the scavenging mode for carbohydrate assimilation. Planctomycetota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Bacteroidota had similar potential glycan niches in the consumption of the main component of transparent exopolymer particles (sulfated fucose and rhamnose containing polysaccharide and sulfated-N-glycan), developing considerable niche overlap among these taxa. The most abundant CAZymes and transporter genes as well as the widest glycan niche in the abundant bacterial taxa implied their potential key roles on the organic carbon utilization, and the high degree of glycan niches separation and polysaccharide composition importantly influenced bacterial communities in the coastal waters of PRE. These findings expand the current understanding of the organic carbon biotransformation, underlying the size-fractionated glycan niche separation near the estuarine system.

Rare adult neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis associated with CLN6 gene mutations: A case report

BACKGROUND

Adult neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL) can be caused by compound heterozygous recessive mutations in CLN6. The main clinical features of the disease are neurodegeneration, progressive motor dysfunction, seizures, cognitive decline, ataxia, vision loss and premature death.

CASE SUMMARY

A 37-year-old female presented to our clinic with a 3-year history of limb weakness and gradually experiencing unstable walking. The patient was diagnosed with CLN6 type ANCL after the identification of mutations in the CLN6 gene. The patient was treated with antiepileptic drugs. The patient is under ongoing follow-up. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition has deteriorated, and she is currently unable to care for herself.

CONCLUSION

There is presently no effective treatment for ANCL. However, early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are possible.

[Progress on specific and non-specific immune effects of Bacille Calmette-Guerin]

Currently, Bacille Calmette-Guerin(BCG) is still the only admitted vaccine to prevent tuberculosis around the world. The target population is infants and children, but its protective efficacy is limited. As more and more studies have shown that re-vaccination with BCG protects against tuberculosis in adults, BCG can also induce non-specific immunity against other respiratory diseases and some chronic diseases by training immunity, especially the immune effects against COVID-19. At present, the epidemic of COVID-19 has not been effectively contained, and it is worth considering whether BCG vaccine can be used as an intervention to prevent COVID-19. The WHO and China do not have a policy to support BCG revaccination, and as more and more BCG vaccines are discovered, whether selective revaccination can be carried out in some high-risk populations and whether the vaccine can be used more widely have led to intense discussions. This article reviewed the effects of specific immunity and non-specific immunity of BCG on tuberculosis and non-tuberculous diseases.

Extracellular vesicles, hyperadhesive von willebrand factor, and outcomes of gastric cancer: a clinical observational study

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an adhesive ligand critical for maintaining hemostasis. However, it has also been increasingly recognized for its role in cancer development because it has been shown to mediate the adhesion of cancer cells to endothelial cells, promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and enhance angiogenesis. We have previously shown that gastric cancer cells synthesize VWF, which mediates the interaction between the cancer and endothelial cells to promote cancer growth. Here, we report results from a clinical observational study that demonstrate the association of VWF in plasma and on the surface of extracellular vesicles (EVs) with the pathological characteristics of gastric cancer. We found that patients with gastric cancer had elevated and intrinsically hyperadhesive VWF in their peripheral blood samples. VWF was detected on the surface of EVs from cancer cells, platelets, and endothelial cells. Higher levels of these VWF-bound EVs were associated with cancer aggression and poor clinical outcomes for patients. These findings suggest that VWF⁺ EVs from different cell types serve collectively as a new class of biomarkers for the outcome assessment of gastric cancer patients.

Process Study on the Enzyme-Catalyzed Preparation of Key Chiral Intermediates for Saxagliptin

Saxagliptin is a therapeutic drug for diabetes. The key synthesis process of the drug involves catalyzing 2-(3-hydroxy-1-adamantyl)-2-oxoacetic acid (A) into (S)-3-hydroxyadamantane glycine (B), during which enzymes phenylalanine dehydrogenase mutant from Thermoactinomyces intermedius (TiPDHm) and formate dehydrogenase (FDH) were most often used for biocatalysis. However, the process was limited due to difficulty in enzyme preparation and a low conversion rate. This study focuses on co-expression of TiPDHm and FDH in recombinant Escherichia coli, cell homogenate clarification, enzyme concentration as well as the optimized conditions of enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Our data showed that the wet weight density of bacteria reached 300 g/L, and the yields of TiPDHm and FDH were 7674.24 and 2042.52 U/L, respectively. The combination of ammonium formate and polyethyleneimine favors the clarification of the bacteria homogenate. The clarified enzyme solution obtained can be concentrated by ultrafiltration and directly used in a reductive amination reaction in a high concentration of keto acid A. The reaction time was only 12 hours and the conversion rate reached 95%. Therefore, this process could provide a reference for enzyme-catalyzed preparation of saxagliptin on an industrial scale.

A conventional immune regulator mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein blocks hepatic steatosis by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although the prevalence of NAFLD has risen dramatically to 25% of the adult population worldwide, there are as yet no approved pharmacological interventions for the disease because of uncertainty about the underlying molecular mechanisms. It is known that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor in the development of NAFLD. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a critical signaling adaptor for host defenses against viral infection. However, the role of MAVS in mitochondrial metabolism during NAFLD progression remains largely unknown.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Based on expression analysis, we identified a marked down-regulation of MAVS in hepatocytes during NAFLD progression. By using MAVS global knockout and hepatocyte-specific MAVS knockout mice, we found that MAVS is protective against diet-induced NAFLD. MAVS deficiency induces extensive mitochondrial dysfunction during NAFLD pathogenesis, which was confirmed as impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity and membrane potential. Metabolomics data also showed the extensive metabolic disorders after MAVS deletion. Mechanistically, MAVS interacts with the N-terminal stretch of voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2), which is required for the ability of MAVS to influence mitochondrial function and hepatic steatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In hepatocytes, MAVS plays an important role in protecting against NAFLD by helping to regulate healthy mitochondrial function. These findings provide insights regarding the metabolic importance of conventional immune regulators and support the possibility that targeting MAVS may represent an avenue for treating NAFLD.

Comparative efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with ALK-rearranged: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background

Whereas there are many pharmacological interventions prescribed for patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)- rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), comparative data between novel generation ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain scant. Here, we indirectly compared the efficacy and safety of first-line systemic therapeutic options used for the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC.

Methods

We included all phase 2 and 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any two or three treatment options. Eligible studies reported at least one of the following outcomes: progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), or adverse events of grade 3 or higher (Grade ≥ 3 AEs). Subgroup analysis was conducted according to central nervous system (CNS) metastases.

Results

A total of 9 RCTs consisting of 2484 patients with 8 treatment options were included in the systematic review. Our analysis showed that alectinib (300 mg and 600 mg), brigatinib, lorlatinib and ensartinib yielded the most favorable PFS. Whereas there was no significant OS or ORR difference among the ALK-TKIs. According to Bayesian ranking profiles, lorlatinib, alectinib 600 mg and alectinib 300 mg had the best PFS (63.7%), OS (35.9%) and ORR (37%), respectively. On the other hand, ceritinib showed the highest rate of severe adverse events (60%).

Conclusion

Our analysis indicated that alectinib and lorlatinib might be associated with the best therapeutic efficacy in first-line treatment for major population of advanced NSCLC patients with ALK-rearrangement. However, since there is little comparative evidence on the treatment options, there is need for relative trials to fully determine the best treatment options as well as the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08977-0.

Improvement of feed intake, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and lactation performance of dairy cows fed mixed silage of sugar beet pulp and rice straw inoculated with lactic acid bacteria

A study was conducted to investigate the inclusion effects of sugar beet pulp and rice straw mixture silage with inoculation (BRMS), in place of whole-plant corn silage (CS), on the dry matter intake, total-tract nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, rumen fermentation, and lactation performance in high-production dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (body weight, 622 ± 35 kg; days in milk, 90 ± 11 d; mean ± standard deviation) were used in our experiments; the experiments were based on a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21 d, and each experimental period consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 7 d of data collection. The 4 dietary treatments used were (dry matter basis): (1) 0% BRMS and 28.6% CS (0BRMS); (2) 4.3% BRMS and 24.3% CS (15BRMS); (3) 8.60% BRMS and 20.0% CS (30BRMS); and (4) 12.9% BRMS and 15.7% CS (45BRMS). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS was observed to linearly increase the total volatile fatty acids and the propionate concentration. The dry matter intake and digestibility values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly as the percentage of BRMS increased up to 45%. Milk yield linearly increased with the increase in the content of BRMS (39.0, 39.8, 40.9, and 40.3 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). The increasing inclusion of dietary BRMS induced a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration, leading to a linear increase in milk protein production (1.15, 1.26, 1.35, and 1.27 kg/d for 0BRMS, 15BRMS, 30BRMS, and 45BRMS, respectively). In conclusion, the diets with the replacement of CS with BRMS up to 45% were beneficial to the production performance of high-production dairy cows, indicating that this method may be an appropriate use of sugar beet pulp and rice straw.

TMBIM1 is an inhibitor of adipogenesis and its depletion promotes adipocyte hyperplasia and improves obesity-related metabolic disease

Obesity is characterized by the excessive accumulation of the white adipose tissue (WAT), but healthy expansion of WAT via adipocyte hyperplasia can offset the negative metabolic effects of obesity. Thus, identification of novel adipogenesis regulators that promote hyperplasia may lead to effective therapies for obesity-induced metabolic disorders. Using transcriptomic approaches, we identified transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif-containing 1 (TMBIM1) as an inhibitor of adipogenesis. Gain or loss of function of TMBIM1 in preadipocytes inhibited or promoted adipogenesis, respectively. In vivo, in response to caloric excess, adipocyte precursor (AP)-specific Tmbim1 knockout (KO) mice displayed WAT hyperplasia and improved systemic metabolic health, while overexpression of Tmbim1 in transgenic mice showed the opposite effects. Moreover, mature adipocyte-specific Tmbim1 KO did not affect WAT cellularity or nutrient homeostasis. Mechanistically, TMBIM1 binds to and promotes the autoubiquitination and degradation of NEDD4, which is an E3 ligase that stabilizes PPARγ. Our data show that TMBIM1 is a potent repressor of adipogenesis and a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related metabolic disease.

Necrostatin-1 Analog DIMO Exerts Cardioprotective Effect against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Suppressing Necroptosis via Autophagic Pathway in Rats

AIM

It has been reported that necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) is a specific necroptosis inhibitor that could attenuate programmed cell death induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study aimed to observe the effect and mechanism of novel Nec-1 analog (Z)-5-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-imine-1-methylimidazolin-4-1 (DIMO) on myocardial I/R injury.

METHODS

Male SD rats underwent I/R injury with or without different doses of DIMO (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg) treatment. Isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment with or without DIMO (0.1, 1, 10, or 100 μM). Myocardial infarction was measured by TTC staining. Cardiomyocyte injury was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH) and flow cytometry. Receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase (RIP1K) and autophagic markers were detected by co-immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analysis. Molecular docking of DIMO into the ATP binding site of RIP1K was performed using GLIDE.

RESULTS

DIMO at doses of 1 or 2 mg/kg improved myocardial infarct size. However, the DIMO 4 mg/kg dose was ineffective. DIMO at the dose of 0.1 μM decreased LDH leakage and the ratio of PI-positive cells followed by OGD/R treatment. I/R or OGD/R increased RIP1K expression and in its interaction with RIP3K, as well as impaired myocardial autophagic flux evidenced by an increase in LC3-II/I ratio, upregulated P62 and Beclin-1, and activated cathepsin B and L. In contrast, DIMO treatment reduced myocardial cell death and reversed the above mentioned changes in RIP1K and autophagic flux caused by I/R and OGD/R. DIMO binds to RIP1K and inhibits RIP1K expression in a homology modeling and ligand docking.

CONCLUSION

DIMO exerts cardioprotection against I/R- or OGD/R-induced injury, and its mechanisms may be associated with the reduction in RIP1K activation and restoration impaired autophagic flux.

[Effect of advanced maternal age on development of hippocampal neural stem cells in offspring rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of advanced maternal age (AMA) on the development of hippocampal neural stem cells in offspring rats.

METHODS

Ten 3-month-old and ten 12-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were housed individually with 3-month-old male rats (1:1, n=20), whose offspring rats were assigned to a control group and an AMA group. A total of 40 rats were randomly selected from each group. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot were used to localize and determine the levels of protein expression of Nestin and doublecortin (DCX) on day 7 as well as neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on day 28 (n=8 for each marker). Immunofluorescence assay was also used to localize the hippocampal expression of polysialylated isoforms of neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) on day 14 (n=8 for each marker).

RESULTS

According to the Western blot results, the AMA group had significantly lower protein expression of DCX than the control group (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the protein expression of Nestin, NeuN, and GFAP between the two groups (P>0.05). According to the results of immunofluorescence assay, the AMA group had significantly lower protein expression of Nestin, DCX, and PSA-NCAM in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region than the control group (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the above indices in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions between the two groups (P>0.05). The AMA group had significantly higher expression of NeuN in the hippocampal CA1 region than the control group (P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in the expression of NeuN in the hippocampal DG and CA3 regions between the two groups (P>0.05). The AMA group had significantly lower expression of GFAP in the hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG regions than the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AMA may cause inhibition of proliferation, survival, and migration of hippocampal neural stem cells. AMA may also affect their differentiation into neurons and astrocytes, which will eventually lead to developmental disorders of hippocampal neural stem cells in offspring rats.

There "ain't no mountain high enough"?: The drivers, diversity and sustainability of China's Rhodiola trade

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Across Asia, Rhodiola species have been used in Bhutanese, Mongolian, Nepalese, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditional medical systems. China is globally significant in terms of Rhodiola species diversity, with over 60% (55 species) of the world's 90 Rhodiola species, including 16 species found nowhere else in the world. Since the late 1980's there has been a shift from relatively low demand for infusions using chopped dried Rhodiola roots, to high 21st century demand for a wide variety of processed products. China's trade in Rhodiola products is now very diverse, with use in cosmetics and foods in addition to herbal products. Rhodiola crenulata (Hook.f. & Thomson) H.Ohba is the most widely traded species in China. In addition to R. crenulata and Rhodiola rosea L., 19 Rhodiola other species are used.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

These were to: (i) better understand why adulteration occurs in Rhodiola products; (ii) become more aware of what drives the growing market demand for Rhodiola products in China; (iii) find out whether increased demand is reflected in wholesale prices for Rhodiola raw materials traditional medicine markets; (iv) to examine Rhodiola supply chains and (v) given that wild populations are the primary supply source, to review the implications of growing demand for conservation and sustainable use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, we assessed growth in the diversity of Rhodiola products using three approaches: (i) by assessing patent applications for Rhodiola products in China (1990-2019); (ii) in 2018, through on-line searches of CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration) records for medicines and dietary supplements that had Rhodiola as an ingredient and (iii) by visiting retail stores in 2018 and 2019 to assess the diversity of commercial Rhodiola based products in trade. Secondly, we visited traditional medicine markets in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai provinces to investigate the trade in Rhodiola (folk taxonomy, trade names, prices, source areas, levels of processing and grading). Thirdly, we analysed the wholesale price data for Rhodiola raw materials in trade over a 16-year period (2002-2018). Fourthly, as most products come from wild collected Rhodiola species, we documented the extent of Rhodiola cultivation in China.

RESULTS

International exports of Rhodiola products from China, particularly extracts, is a major driver of commercial trade. One proxy indicator of Rhodiola product diversification in China has been the rapid rise in patent applications from single applications in 1990 and 1991, to a peak of 1017 patent applications in 2015. Wholesale price data from 2002 to 2018 shows a steady increase in wholesale prices. As the growing market for Rhodiola products in China is currently supplied entirely from wild collection, there are justifiable concerns about sustainability. Commercial cultivation needs to expand to meet future demand.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to Europe and North America, where R. rosea is the focal species in commerce, the trade in Rhodiola products in China is much more diverse. In the face of growing demand, both effective conservation of wild populations and cultivation are needed.

Effects of short-time exposure to atrazine on miRNA expression profiles in the gonad of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

BACKGROUND

Atrazine is widely used in agriculture and is a known endocrine disrupting chemical. Atrazine can seep into the water body through surface, posing a potential threat to the aquatic ecological environment and human drinking water source. In vertebrate, studies have shown that it can affect reproduction and development seriously, but its molecular mechanism for aquatic animals is unknown. Aquaculture is very common in China, especially common carp, whose females grow faster than males. However, the effects of atrazine on the reproduction of carp, especially miRNA, have not been investigated.

RESULTS

In this study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at two key developmental stages were exposed to atrazine in vitro. Sex ratio was observed to analyze the effect of atrazine on the sex. MiRNA expression profiles were analysed to identify miRNAs related to gonad development and to reveal the atrazine mechanisms interfering with gonad differentiation. The results showed that the sex ratio was biased towards females. Atrazine exposure caused significant alteration of multiple miRNAs. Predicted targets of differently-expressed miRNAs were involved in many reproductive biology signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that atrazine promoted the expression of female-biased genes by decreasing miRNAs in primordial gonad. In addition, our results indicate that atrazine can up-regulate aromatase expression through miRNAs, which supports the hypothesis that atrazine has endocrine-disrupting activity by altering the gene expression profile of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonad axis through its corresponding miRNAs.

Selection of suitable candidate genes for miRNA expression normalization in Yellow River Carp (Cyprinus carpio. var)

Yellow River carp is widely cultivated in the world due to its economic value in aquaculture, and the faster growth of females compared to males. It is believed that microRNAs (miRNA) are involved in gonadal differentiation and development. qPCR is the most preferred method for miRNA functional analysis. Reliable reference genes for normalization in qRT-PCR are the key to ensuring the accuracy of this method. The aim of present research was to evaluate as well as identify the efficacy of reference genes for miRNA expression using qRT-PCR in Yellow River carp. Nine ncRNAs (miR-101, miR-23a, let7a, miR-26a, miR-146a, miR-451, U6, 5S, and 18S) were chosen and tested in four sample sets: (1) different tissues in adult carp, (2) different tissues in juvenile carp, (3) different early developmental stages of carp, and (4) different developmental stages of carp gonads. The stability and suitability values were calculated using NormFinder, geNorm, and BestKeeper software. The results showed that 5S was a suitable reference gene in different tissues of adult and juvenile carp. The genes 5S, 18S, and U6 were the most stable reference genes in the early developmental stages of carp. Let-7a and miR-23a were considered as the suitable reference genes in the development of gonads. All these reference genes were subsequently validated using miR-430. The results showed that genes 5S and 18S were the most suitable reference genes to normalize miRNA expression under normal growth conditions in early different developmental stages. The genes Let-7a, and miR-23a were the most suitable in different developmental stages. The present study is the first comprehensive study of the stability of miRNA reference genes in Yellow River carp, providing valuable as well as basic data for investigating more accurate miRNA expression during gonadal differentiation and development of carp.

[L-carnitine improves sperm acrosin activity in male infertility patients]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on low sperm acrosin activity in infertile man.

METHODS

A total of 240 male infertility patients with low sperm acrosin activity were randomly assigned to an LC group (n = 180) and a control group (n = 60) to be treated with LC (1g, tid) and vitamin E (VE) capsules (100 mg, tid) respectively, both for 3 months. Based on the results of routine semen analysis, the patients in the experimental group were further divided into oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and normozoospermia subgroups. Semen parameters and sperm acrosin activity were examined before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Totally, 220 of the patients completed the treatment and follow-up, 163 in the LC medication and 57 in the VE control group. Compared with the baseline, the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) was significantly increased in the LC group after 3 months of treatment (［32.58 ± 1.13］% vs ［36.35 ± 1.26］%, P < 0.05), and so was sperm acrosin activity (［37.05±0.66］ vs ［58.61±1.93］ μIU/106 sperm, P < 0.01). Sperm concentration, PMS and sperm acrosin activity were also improved in the VE control group after treatment, but with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). In comparison with pretreatment, remarkable increases were observed after LC medication in sperm concentration in the oligozoospermia subgroup (［11.27 ± 0.73］ vs ［21.82 ± 4.21］ ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.01) and PMS in the asthenozoospermia patients (［20.61 ± 0.85］% vs ［29.81 ± 1.88］%, P < 0.01). And sperm acrosin activity was even higher after treatment in the asthenozoospermia than in the oligozoospermia and normozoospermia subgroups (［60.85 ± 3.04］ vs ［56.32 ± 2.86］ and ［57.09 ± 6.31］ μIU/106 sperm, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

L-carnitine can effectively elevate sperm acrosin activity in male infertility patients, particularly in those with asthenozoospermia.

Time-dependent response of A549 cells upon exposure to cadmium

Cadmium is considered one of the most harmful carcinogenic heavy metals in the human body. Although many scientists have performed research on cadmium toxicity mechanism, the toxicokinetic process of cadmium toxicity remains unclear. In the present study, the kinetic response of proteome in/and A549 cells to exposure of exogenous cadmium was profiled. A549 cells were treated with cadmium sulfate (CdSO₄ ) for different periods and expressions of proteins in cells were detected by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The kinetic expressions of proteins related to cadmium toxicity were further investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Intracellular cadmium accumulation and content fluctuation of several essential metals were observed after 0-24 hours of exposure by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fifty-four protein spots showed significantly differential responses to CdSO₄ exposure at both 4.5 and 24 hours. From these proteins, four expression patterns were concluded. Their expressions always exhibited a maximum abundance ratio after CdSO₄ exposure for 24 hours. The expression of metallothionein-1 and ZIP-8, concentration of total protein, and contents of cadmium, zinc, copper, cobalt and manganese in cells also showed regular change. In synthesis, the replacement of the essential metals, the inhibition of the expression of metal storing protein and the activation of metal efflux system are involved in cadmium toxicity.

[Influence of two kinds of probiotics combined with bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Compound Lactobacillus Tablets or Saccharomyces boulardii Sachets combining with bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) eradication. Methods: A total of 360 H. pylori- infected patients were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups. Group A received esomeprazole 20 mg bid+ bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg bid+ amoxicillin 1 000 mg bid+ furazolidone 100 mg bid for 10 days. Group B or group C received the same quadruple therapy for 10 days as group A, as well as Compound Lactobacillus Tablets 1 000 mg tid or Saccharomyces boulardii Sachets 500 mg bid for 14 days. Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions were collected during the therapy, and H. pylori eradication results were confirmed by (13)C/(14)C-UBT at least 4 weeks after cessation of therapy. Results: The H. pylori eradication rates in group A, B and C were 81.7%, 84.2% and 85.0% by ITT analysis (P=0.768) and 92.5%, 90.1% and 93.6% by PP analysis (P=0.770), respectively. The overall side effects and adverse reactions rates (P=0.008) and occurrence of diarrhea (P<0.001) were significantly lower in group B than group A. The overall side effect rates (P=0.003) and occurrence of diarrhea (P<0.001), abdominal distension (P=0.004) and constipation(P=0.002) were significantly lower in group C than group A. There was no significant difference in side effects and adverse reactions rates between the two probiotics groups. Conclusions: Both Compound Lactobacillus Tablets and Saccharomyces boulardii Sachets, combining with bismuth quadruple therapy, reduced the overall side effects and adverse reactions rates for H. pylori eradication. Moreover, the former can reduce the incidence of diarrhea, and the latter can reduce the incidence of diarrhea, abdominal distension and constipation.

Determination of benzo[α]pyrene in edible oil using tetraoxocalix[2]arene[2]triazine bonded silica SPE sorbent

Benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) is a well-known carcinogen in edible oil. In this study, a method combined solid-phase extraction (SPE) with fluorescent detection was developed using tetraoxocalix[2]arene[2]triazine sorbent (SiO₂-OCA) for the clean-up and enrichment of BaP. The interaction between SiO₂-OCA and BaP involves a donor-acceptor complex mechanism. The experimental procedure was as follows: BaP was extracted from edible oil with DMF/H₂O (9:1, v/v). Then, the ratio of DMF/H₂O was adjusted to 1:2 prior to SPE. The final concentrate was analysed using a fluorescence detector at excitation and emission wavelengths of 255 and 420 nm. The method was fully validated. The linearity was in the range of 0.1-100 μg kg^-1 with a coefficient of 0.999. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 and 0.1 μg kg^-1, respectively. The average recoveries were in the range of 88.0 - 122.3%. The intraday and interday precisions were 6.8% and 9.2%, respectively. Compared with other methods, the method reported in this article shows a good detection limit, high reproducibility and recovery and linearity over a broad concentration range. This established method was also applied to evaluate real samples. The concentration of six tested samples was below 5 μg kg^-1.

Influence of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Corrosion Behavior of Superhydrophobic Surfaces on Bare and Oxidized Aluminum Substrates

It is generally recognized that superhydrophobic surfaces in water may be used for corrosion resistance due to the entrapped air in the solid/liquid interface and could find potential applications in the protection of ship hull. For a superhydrophobic surface, as its immersion depth into water increases, the resultant hydrostatic pressure is also increased, and the entrapped air can be squeezed out much more easily. It is therefore predicted that high hydrostatic pressure would cause an unexpected decrease in corrosion resistance for the vessels in deep water (e.g., submarines) because of the unstable entrapped air. In this work, in order to clarify the role of hydrostatic pressure in the corrosion behavior of superhydrophobic surfaces, two typical superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) were prepared on bare and oxidized aluminum substrates, respectively, and then were immersed into the NaCl aqueous solutions with different depths of ∼0 cm (hydrostatic pressure ∼0 kPa), 10 cm (1 kPa), and 150 cm (15 kPa). It was found out for the SHSs on the oxidized Al, as the hydrostatic pressure increased, the corrosion behavior became severe. However, for the SHSs on the bare Al, their corrosion behavior was complex due to hydrostatic pressure. It was found that the corrosion resistance under 1 kPa was the highest. Further mechanism analysis revealed that this alleviated corrosion behavior under 1 kPa resulted from suppressing the oxygen diffusion through the liquid and reducing the subsequent corrosion rate as compared with 0 kPa, whereas the relatively low hydrostatic pressure (HP) could stabilize the entrapped air and hence enhance the corrosion resistance, compared with 15 kPa. The present study therefore provided a fundamental understanding for the applications of SHSs to prevent the corrosion, especially for various vessels in deep water.

[Progression of diagnosis and treatment for adenosquamous lung carcinoma]

Adenosquamous lung carcinoma (ASC) is an uncommon entity of the primary lung cancer, which is mixed by adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma cells. ASC not only possesses the malignant biological characteristics of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but also exhibits special clinical features, such as the higher malignant degree and poorer prognosis. This paper is aimed to elaborate the research process of the pathological origin of ASC, the application of different diagnostic methods in ASC, various therapeutic strategies and its associated prognosis so as to help to develop the clinical strategies of ASC.

[Application of three risk assessment models in occupational health risk assessment of dimethylformamide]

Objective: To investigate the application of United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inhalation risk assessment model, Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model, and occupational hazards risk assessment index method in occupational health risk in enterprises using dimethylformamide (DMF) in a certain area in Jiangsu, China, and to put forward related risk control measures. Methods: The industries involving DMF exposure in Jiangsu province were chosen as the evaluation objects in 2013 and three risk assessment models were used in the evaluation. EPA inhalation risk assessment model: HQ=EC/RfC; Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model: Risk= (HR×ER) ^1/2; Occupational hazards risk assessment index=2^{Health effect level}×2^{exposure ratio}×Operation condition level. Results: The results of hazard quotient (HQ>1) from EPA inhalation risk assessment model suggested that all the workshops (dry method, wet method and printing) and work positions (pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting) were high risk. The results of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model indicated that the workshop risk level of dry method, wet method and printing were 3.5 (high) , 3.5 (high) and 2.8 (general) , and position risk level of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were 4 (high) , 4 (high) , 2.8 (general) , 2.8 (general) and 2.8 (general) . The results of occupational hazards risk assessment index method demonstrated that the position risk index of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were 42 (high) , 33 (high) , 23 (middle) , 21 (middle) and 22 (middle) . The results of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model and occupational hazards risk assessment index method were similar, while EPA inhalation risk assessment model indicated all the workshops and positions were high risk. Conclusion: The occupational hazards risk assessment index method fully considers health effects, exposure, and operating conditions and can comprehensively and accurately evaluate occupational health risk caused by DMF.

[The effects of β-elemene on rabbit VX2 laryngeal carcinoma and factors associated with tumor growth and metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibition effect of β-elemene on the growth and metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty-six rabbits were vaccinated with suspension of VX2 cancer tissues to establish a rabbit laryngeal carcinoma model and then they were randomly treated with the injection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (as a control), cisplatin, or β-elemene from the seventh day after vaccination. The rabbits were sacrificed three weeks after vaccination. The laryngeal tumor was dissected. and the volume of tumor and the inhibitory rate of tumor growth were measured. The expressions of PCNA (proliferation cell nuclear antigen), Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) and VEGF-D (vascular endothelial growth factor D) in tumor were semiquantitatively examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The inhibition rates of tumor growth in β-elemene-treated group and the cisplatin-treated group were 48.5% and 51.4%, respectively. The expressions of Bcl-2 in β-elemene-treated group and cisplatin-treated group were significantly lower than the control (P<0.05), but with no significant difference between β-elemene-treated group and cisplatin-treated group. The expression of PCNA in β-elemene-treated group was significantly decreased compared to control group (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF-D in β-elemene-treated group was lower than that in control group or the cisplatin-treated group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

β-elemene can inhibit the growth of rabbit VX2 laryngeal tumor, which may be associated with the inhibition of factors related to tumor growth and metastasis.

Acupuncture point injection treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea: a randomised, double blind, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if injection of vitamin K3 in an acupuncture point is optimal for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea, when compared with 2 other injection treatments.

SETTING

A Menstrual Disorder Centre at a public hospital in Shanghai, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Chinese women aged 14-25 years with severe primary dysmenorrhoea for at least 6 months not relieved by any other treatment were recruited. Exclusion criteria were the use of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices or anticoagulant drugs, pregnancy, history of abdominal surgery, participation in other therapies for pain and diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhoea. Eighty patients with primary dysmenorrhoea, as defined on a 4-grade scale, completed the study. Two patients withdrew after randomisation.

INTERVENTIONS

A double-blind, double-dummy, randomised controlled trial compared vitamin K3 acupuncture point injection to saline acupuncture point injection and vitamin K3 deep muscle injection. Patients in each group received 3 injections at a single treatment visit.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the difference in subjective perception of pain as measured by an 11 unit Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary measurements were Cox Pain Intensity and Duration scales and the consumption of analgesic tablets before and after treatment and during 6 following cycles.

RESULTS

Patients in all 3 groups experienced pain relief from the injection treatments. Differences in NRS measured mean pain scores between the 2 active control groups were less than 1 unit (-0.71, CI -1.37 to -0.05) and not significant, but the differences in average scores between the treatment hypothesised to be optimal and both active control groups (1.11, CI 0.45 to 1.78) and (1.82, CI 1.45 to 2.49) were statistically significant in adjusted mixed-effects models. Menstrual distress and use of analgesics were diminished for 6 months post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture point injection of vitamin K3 relieves menstrual pain rapidly and is a useful treatment in an urban outpatient clinic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00104546; Results.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is a multifunctional pro-hormone and has widespread actions in human body. Several studies showed a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes, but no definite conclusion was available.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively assess the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and DPN in patients with type 2 diabetes. Data from eligible studies were pooled using meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Six studies that involved a total of 1,484 type 2 diabetic patients were finally included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that there were obviously decreased serum 25(OH)D levels in DPN patients [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -6.36 ng/ml, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) -8.57 to -4.14, P < 0.00001]. Vitamin D deficiency was also significantly associated with increased risk of DPN in patients with type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 2.88, 95 % CI 1.84-4.50, P < 0.00001]. Meta-analysis of three studies with adjusted estimates showed that vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with increased risk of DPN in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR 2.68, 95 % CI 1.67-4.30, P < 0.0001). Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no obvious change in the pooled estimates.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D is involved in the development of DPN in type 2 diabetic patients, and vitamin D deficiency is very likely to be associated with DPN in type 2 diabetic patients. Further studies are needed to validate the association between vitamin D deficiency and DPN.

Self-penetrating and interpenetrating 3D metal–organic frameworks constructed from 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)-phthalic acid and N-donor auxiliary ligands

Two new interesting entangled structures, namely, [Ni

Opposite effects of genistein on the regulation of insulin-mediated glucose homeostasis in adipose tissue

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Genistein is an isoflavone phytoestrogen found in a number of plants such as soybeans and there is accumulating evidence that it has beneficial effects on the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In this study we evaluated the effect of genistein on glucose homeostasis and its underlying mechanisms in normal and insulin-resistant conditions.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

To induce insulin resistance, mice or differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with macrophage-derived conditioned medium. A glucose tolerance test was used to investigate the effect of genistein. Insulin signalling activation, glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) translocation and AMP-activated PK (AMPK) activation were detected by Western blot analysis or elisa.

KEY RESULTS

Genistein impaired glucose tolerance and attenuated insulin sensitivity in normal mice by inhibiting the insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) at tyrosine residues, leading to inhibition of insulin-mediated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes. Mac-CM, an inflammatory stimulus induced glucose intolerance accompanied by impaired insulin sensitivity; genistein reversed these changes by restoring the disturbed IRS1 function, leading to an improvement in GLUT4 translocation. In addition, genistein increased AMPK activity under both normal and inflammatory conditions; this was shown to contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of genistein, which leads to an improvement in insulin signalling and the amelioration of insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Genistein showed opposite effects on insulin sensitivity under normal and inflammatory conditions in adipose tissue and this action was derived from its negative or positive regulation of IRS1 function. Its up-regulation of AMPK activity contributes to the inhibition of inflammation implicated in insulin resistance.

Highly efficient and compact cavity oscillator for high-power, optically pumped gas terahertz laser

We demonstrate a highly efficient and compact terahertz cavity oscillator that is based on z-cut crystal quartz used as the dichroic beam splitter, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. With D(2)O gas as the active medium, pumped with a multitransverse mode TEACO(2) laser, experimental verification was also presented to demonstrate the advantages of this cavity oscillator. With the cavity length of 120 cm, 7.4 mJ pulse energy at pulse repetition frequency of 6 Hz, pulse width of 90 ns, and peak power of 82.2 kW were achieved at a wavelength of 385 μm. Photon conversion efficiency (PCE) of 44% was obtained at the maximum output level from this terahertz cavity oscillator. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this PCE is the highest efficiency ever reported in D(2)O gas, 385 μm terahertz cavity laser systems. The beam quality or M(2) factor was found to be about 1.77.

[Studies on causes of gynecology postoperative urinary retention and its acupuncture treatment]

Urinary retention is a frequent-encountered complication after gynaecological surgery. It affects the postoperative recovery and decreases the life quality of patients. In recent years, extensive researches on causes and treatments of postoperative urinary retention are carried out in clinic. And it is approved that acupuncture treatment, which includes body needling, moxibustion, combination of acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint injection and medication plasters, has reliable effects and less side-effects. Acupuncture treatment on postoperative urinary retention keeps developing and innovating. And it is held to have better effect when compare with western medicine.

[Semen quality and sperm ultrastructure in infertile men with varicocele]

OBJECTIVE

To examine and analyze semen quality and sperm ultrastructural characteristics of infertile patients with varicocele.

METHODS

This study included 118 infertile patients with varicocele (the VC group) and 76 normal semen donors (the control group). We obtained routine semen parameters, seminal plasma biochemical markers and the levels of reproductive hormones in the subjects, and observed the changes in sperm structure under the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control, the VC patients showed significantly decreased sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm viability (P < 0.05), but no remarkable difference in semen volume and non-progressive motility (P > 0.05). The concentrations of zinc and alpha-glycoside enzyme in the seminal plasma were markedly reduced in the VC group in comparison with the controls (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the level of fructose (P > 0.05), nor in such seminal plasma biochemical markers as FSH, LH, T and E2 between the two groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was dramatically lower in the VC than in the control group ([56.76 +/- 15.32]% vs [12.34 +/- 6.58]%, P < 0.05), and the sperm deformities were mostly in the head and neck, mainly tapering pin head accompanied by complex abnormal differentiation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that VC may lead to oligo-astheno-terato zoospermia, and hence male infertility, which may be attributed to the changes of seminal plasma microenvironment and sperm ultrastructure.

First Report of a Group 16SrI-B Phytoplasma Associated with Gardenia jasminoides in China

Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, (also known as common gardenia, cape jasmine, or cape jessamine) is a fragrant flowering evergreen tropical plant, a favorite in gardens worldwide. G. jasminoides were found with small, seriously yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and witches'-broom in a green belt on the Southwest University campus in October 2011. The incidence was lower than 2%. In another green belt, G. jasminoides with only slightly yellowing leaves were found. The incidence was about 5%. Five months later, most seriously yellowed leaves withered. However, no withered leaf was observed among the slightly yellowing leaves. Leaf samples from each symptomatic plant, together with asymptomatic plants from the same belt, were collected for total DNA extraction using a modified cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide method (1). The resulting DNA extracts were analyzed by a nested PCR assay using the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene primer pairs R16mF2/R16mR1 followed by R16F2n/R16R2 (2). DNA fragments of 1.2 kb that corresponded to 16S rDNA were amplified only from the DNA samples of the five plants with the symptoms mentioned above. The purified nested PCR products were cloned in pGEM-T Easy Vector (Promega) and then sequenced. The resulting 16S rDNA sequences were found to be identical (GenBank Accession No. JQ675713). The consensus sequence was analyzed by the iPhyClassifier online tool ( http://plantpathology.ba.ars.usda.gov/cgi-bin/resource/iphyclassifier.cgi ) and found to share 99.4% similarity with the 16S rDNA sequence of the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' reference strain (GenBank Accession No. M30790) that belongs to the 16SrI-B subgroup (3). The virtual RFLP pattern of the G. jasminoides phytoplasma 16S rDNA gene sequence showed maximum similarity to the reference pattern of NC005303 (similarity coefficient of 1.0). The phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rDNA sequences of phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrI and other distinct phytoplasma groups also showed that our sequences clustered with members of subgroup 16SrI-B. Subsequently, the presence of the phytoplasmas in symptomatic plants was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Taken together, the phytoplasma was classified as a member of subgroup 16SrI-B. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a subgroup 16SrI-B phytoplasma associated with diseased G. jasminoides in China. G. jasminoides yellowing is often considered to result from nutrient deficiency (especially iron compounds). However, our findings showed that a phytoplasma can cause G. jasminoides yellowing, which should be considered in the control of leaves yellowing. References: (1) E. Angelini et al. Vitis 40:79, 2001. (2) D. E. Gundersen and I.-M. Lee. Phytopathol. Mediterr. 35:144, 1996. (3) Y. Zhao, et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 59:2582, 2009.

The shear mode of multilayer graphene

The quest for materials capable of realizing the next generation of electronic and photonic devices continues to fuel research on the electronic, optical and vibrational properties of graphene. Few-layer graphene (FLG) flakes with less than ten layers each show a distinctive band structure. Thus, there is an increasing interest in the physics and applications of FLGs. Raman spectroscopy is one of the most useful and versatile tools to probe graphene samples. Here, we uncover the interlayer shear mode of FLGs, ranging from bilayer graphene (BLG) to bulk graphite, and suggest that the corresponding Raman peak measures the interlayer coupling. This peak scales from ~43 cm(-1) in bulk graphite to ~31 cm(-1) in BLG. Its low energy makes it sensitive to near-Dirac point quasiparticles. Similar shear modes are expected in all layered materials, providing a direct probe of interlayer interactions.

Melatonin potentiates glycine currents through a PLC/PKC signalling pathway in rat retinal ganglion cells

In vertebrate retina, melatonin regulates various physiological functions. In this work we investigated the mechanisms underlying melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Immunofluorescence double labelling showed that rat RGCs were solely immunoreactive to melatonin MT(2) receptors. Melatonin potentiated glycine currents of RGCs, which was reversed by the MT(2) receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT. The melatonin effect was blocked by intracellular dialysis of GDP-beta-S. Either preincubation with pertussis toxin or application of the phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor D609, but not the phosphatidylinositol (PI)-PLC inhibitor U73122, blocked the melatonin effect. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA potentiated the glycine currents and in the presence of PMA melatonin failed to cause further potentiation of the currents, whereas application of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide IV abolished the melatonin-induced potentiation. The melatonin effect persisted when [Ca(2+)](i) was chelated by BAPTA, and melatonin induced no increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Neither cAMP-PKA nor cGMP-PKG signalling pathways seemed to be involved because 8-Br-cAMP or 8-Br-cGMP failed to cause potentiation of the glycine currents and both the PKA inhibitor H-89 and the PKG inhibitor KT5823 did not block the melatonin-induced potentiation. In consequence, a distinct PC-PLC/PKC signalling pathway, following the activation of G(i/o)-coupled MT(2) receptors, is most likely responsible for the melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents of rat RGCs. Furthermore, in rat retinal slices melatonin potentiated light-evoked glycine receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in RGCs. These results suggest that melatonin, being at higher levels at night, may help animals to detect positive or negative contrast in night vision by modulating inhibitory signals largely mediated by glycinergic amacrine cells in the inner retina.

Dichlorido[N-(2-pyridylmethylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine]zinc(II)

In the title compound, [ZnCl₂(C₁₂H₁₁N₃)], the Zn^II atom is four-coordinated by two N atoms from an N-(2-pyridylmethyl­ene)benzene-1,4-diamine ligand and two Cl atoms in a distorted tetra­hedral geometry. In the crystal, the complex mol­ecules are connected by N—H⋯Cl and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional layer structure parallel to (110).

First Report of a Soft Rot of Banana in Mainland China Caused by a Dickeya sp. (Pectobacterium chrysanthemi)

Banana is one of the most important fruit crops grown in China (2). A severe outbreak of a soft rot of banana occurred in Guangzhou, China from 2009 to 2010. The disease was characterized by an odorous soft rot of the center of the rhizome. The rot progressed up the pseudostem, destroying the growing point and causing internal decay and often accompanied by vascular discoloration. Yellowing and wilting of the leaves were also characteristic symptoms. A survey of three areas of production of Musa sapientum (cv. ABB) covering 10 ha in Guangzhou revealed that 82% of the fields were affected at an incidence ranging from 20 to 40%. Forty-five bacterial isolates were obtained from lesions on plants sampled from these fields by surface-sterilizing symptomatic tissue in 0.3% NaOCl for 10 min, rinsing the tissue sections three times in sterile water, and plating the sections on nutrient agar. Three representative isolates selected randomly were all gram negative, caused a soft rot of potato disks, utilized malonate, tested positive for phosphatase production, and tested negative for acid production from palatinose, glucopyranoside, and trehalose. A Biolog similarity index of 0.803 indicated that the three isolates had a high similarity to the Biolog reference strain of Pectobacterium chrysanthemi (Version 4.2, Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA). The 16S rDNA sequence (GenBank Accession No. 1321085) of each of the three isolates was determined (1). When compared with sequences in GenBank, the highest degree of sequence similarity was with P. chrysanthemi AF373199. On the basis of a phylogenetic tree of the sequences, the three bacterial isolates are related to Pectobacterium (100% bootstrap values). On the basis of two diagnostic methods, the three isolates were identified as P. chrysanthemi. However, according to Samson et al. (3), they are a Dickeya sp. Additional genetic comparisons with type strains will be needed for the strains to be assigned to a known species of Dickeya. Pathogenicity of each of the three strains on M. sapientum (cv. ABB) was confirmed by injecting 60 40-day-old seedlings each with 5 ml of a suspension of the isolate (10⁸ CFU/ml) into the rhizome. Sixty plants of the same cultivar injected with sterile water served as the control treatment. After 48 h, yellowing and wilting of the leaves, similar to symptoms observed on field plants, were observed on all inoculated seedlings for each of the three bacterial strains. There were no symptoms on the control plants. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolating bacteria from lesions on the leaves of inoculated seedlings. The reisolates were identical to the inoculated strains in biochemical characteristics. Bacteria characteristic of the inoculated strains were not reisolated from the control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Dickeya sp. causing soft rot of banana in mainland China. References: (1) W. S. Kaneshiro et al. Plant Dis. 92:1444, 2008. (2) Y. P. Ke et al. China Trop. Agric. 1:14, 2008. (3) R. Samson et al. Evol. Microbiol. 55:1415, 2005.

WITHDRAWN: Spinal d-amino acid oxidase contributes to the pathogenesis of hyperalgesia in the rat formalin test

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

DUHOCAMIS: a dual hollow cathode ion source for metal ion beams

In this paper we describe a novel ion source named DUHOCAMIS for multiply charged metal ion beams. This ion source is derived from the hot cathode Penning ion gauge ion source (JINR, Dubna, 1957). A notable characteristic is the modified Penning geometry in the form of a hollow sputter electrode, coaxially positioned in a compact bottle-magnetic field along the central magnetic line of force. The interaction of the discharge geometry with the inhomogeneous but symmetrical magnetic field enables this device to be operated as hollow cathode discharge and Penning discharge as well. The main features of the ion source are the very high metal ion efficiency (up to 25%), good operational reproducibility, flexible and efficient operations for low charged as well as highly charged ions, compact setup, and easy maintenance. For light ions, e.g., up to titanium, well-collimated beams in the range of several tens of milliamperes of pulsed ion current (1 ms, 10/s) have been reliably performed in long time runs.

[Effect of Penicillium marneffei on TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 expression and TNF-alpha production in macrophage]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of heat-killed Penicillium marneffei (PM) on the expressions of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) and dendritic cell associated C-type lectin-1 (Dectin-1)and the production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

METHODS

Mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in the presence of heat-killed yeast-phase PM for 24 h, and the average fluorescence intensity of TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 in the macrophages was detected using flow cytometry. Fluorescent staining of the macrophages was performed to observe the fluorescence of TLR-2, TLR-4, and Dectin-1 with confocal microscopy. TNF-alpha mRNA in the cell culture supernatant was measured with real-time PCR, and TNF-alpha protein detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The average fluorescence intensity of TLR-2, TLR-4 and Dectin-1 in the macrophages was increased in response to a 24-h PM stimulation, and the stimulated macrophages produced large amounts of TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSION

PM up-regulates the expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and Dectin-1 in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and their expressions are directly associated with macrophage activation.

Kinetics of Oxidation of 1,4-Butylene Glycol by Dihydroxydiperiodatoargentate(III) in Alkaline Medium

Kinetics of oxidation of 1,4-butylene glycol by dihydroxydiperiodatoargentate(III) in alkaline liquid has been investigated by spectrophotometry in the 298.2–318.2K range. The order in oxidant was pseudo first order and the order with respect to 1,4-butylene glycol was 1< nap<2. The associated rate law was: –d[Ag(III)]t/dt = { kK1 K2[OH-][HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH]2[Ag(III)]t}/{[H2IO43-] + K1[OH-] + K1 K2[OH-][HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH]} = kobs [Ag(III)]t. A plausible mechanism involving a pre-equilibrium of adduct formation between the complex and reductant was proposed. The activation parameters along with rate constants of the rate-determining step were calculated.

Effect of oxidative stress and exogenous beta-carotene on sclerotial differentiation and carotenoid yield of Penicillium sp. PT95

AIMS

To determine the effect of oxidative stress and exogenous beta-carotene on sclerotial differentiation and carotenoid yield of Penicillium sp. PT95.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this experiment, high oxidative stress was applied by inclusion of FeCl(3) (10 micromol l(-1)) in the growth medium and by light exposure. Low oxidative stress was applied by omitting iron from the growth medium and by incubation in the dark. Supplementation of exogenous beta-carotene (as antioxidant) to the basal medium caused a concentration-dependent delay of sclerotial differentiation (up to 72 h), decrease of sclerotial biomass (up to 43%) and reduction of carotenoid yield (up to 92%). On the contrary, the exogenous beta-carotene also caused a concentration-dependent decrease of lipid peroxidation in colonies of this fungus.

CONCLUSIONS

Under high oxidative stress growth condition, the sclerotial biomass and carotenoid yield of PT95 strain in each plate culture reached 141 mg and 30.03 microg, which were 1.53 and 3.51 times higher respectively, than that at low oxidative stress growth condition.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These data prompted us to consider that in order to attain higher sclerotial biomass and pigment yield, the strain PT95 should be grown under high oxidative stress and in the absence of antioxidants.

Overexpression of gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter subtype I leads to susceptibility to kainic acid-induced seizure in transgenic mice

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, and the GABAergic synaptic transmission is normally terminated by the rapid uptake through GABA transporters. With transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing GABA transporter subtype I (GAT1), the present study explored the pathophysiological role of GAT1 in epileptogenesis. Though displaying no spontaneous seizure activity, these mice exhibit altered electroencephalographic patterns and increased susceptibility to seizure induced by kainic acid. In addition, the GABA(A) receptor and glutamate transporters are up-regulated in transgenic mice, which perhaps reflects a compensatory or corrective change to the elevated level of GAT1. These preliminary findings support the hypothesis that excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, and seizure susceptibility can be altered by neurotransmitter transporters.