Ancient genomes revealed the complex human interactions of the ancient western Tibetans

The western Tibetan Plateau is the crossroad between the Tibetan Plateau, Central Asia, and South Asia, and it is a potential human migration pathway connecting these regions. However, the population history of the western Tibetan Plateau remains largely unexplored due to the lack of ancient genomes covering a long-time interval from this area. Here, we reported genome-wide data of 65 individuals dated to 3,500-300 years before present (BP) in the Ngari prefecture. The ancient western Tibetan Plateau populations share the majority of their genetic components with the southern Tibetan Plateau populations and have maintained genetic continuity since 3,500 BP while maintaining interactions with populations within and outside the Tibetan Plateau. Within the Tibetan Plateau, the ancient western Tibetan Plateau populations were influenced by the additional expansion from the south to the southwest plateau before 1,800 BP. Outside the Tibetan Plateau, the western Tibetan Plateau populations interacted with both South and Central Asian populations at least 2,000 years ago, and the South Asian-related genetic influence, despite being very limited, was from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) migrants in Central Asia instead of the IVC populations from the Indus Valley. In light of the new genetic data, our study revealed the complex population interconnections across and within the Tibetan Plateau.

Pharmacokinetics and Nephrotoxicity of Polymyxin MRX-8 in Rats: A Novel Agent against Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

MRX-8 is a novel polymyxin for carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections that has been recently evaluated in Phase I clinical trials. Herein, its pharmacokinetics (PK) and nephrotoxicity in rats are reported for the first time. This study aimed at pre-clinical PK and safety assessments. An LC-MS/MS method was developed to determine concentrations of MRX-8 and its major deacylation metabolite, MRX-8039, in rat plasma. Animals were administered a single dose of MRX-8 (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/kg) or comparator polymyxin B (PMB) (4 and 8 mg/kg) to compare the kidney injury known for the polymyxin drug class. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated using serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) biomarkers, and renal histopathology. In rats, MRX-8 displayed linear PK within the range of 2-8 mg/kg, with approximately 4% of MRX-8 converted to MRX-8039. MRX-8 induced only mild increases in serum creatinine and BUN levels, with an apparent decrease in nephrotoxicity within 24 h, in contrast to PMB, which exhibited a significant and more persistent toxicity. Additional nephrotoxicity biomarkers (plasma NGAL and urinary NGAL, KIM-1, and TIMP-1) have confirmed attenuated MRX-8 kidney injury. Histopathology has revealed significantly greater cellular/tissue toxicity for PMB as compared to MRX-8 (variances of p = 0.008 and p = 0.048 vs. saline control, respectively). Thus, MRX-8 induces a mild and reversible kidney injury in rats compared to PMB. These data support a continued evaluation of the novel polymyxin in human trials.

Transceptor NRT1.1 and receptor-kinase QSK1 complex controls PM H+-ATPase activity under low nitrate

NRT1.1, a nitrate transceptor, plays an important role in nitrate binding, sensing, and nitrate-dependent lateral root (LR) morphology. However, little is known about NRT1.1-mediated nitrate signaling transduction through plasma membrane (PM)-localized proteins. Through in-depth phosphoproteome profiling using membranes of Arabidopsis roots, we identified receptor kinase QSK1 and plasma membrane H+-ATPase AHA2 as potential downstream components of NRT1.1 signaling in a mild low-nitrate (LN)-dependent manner. QSK1, as a functional kinase and molecular link, physically interacts with NRT1.1 and AHA2 at LN and specifically phosphorylates AHA2 at S899. Importantly, we found that LN, not high nitrate (HN), induces formation of the NRT1.1-QSK1-AHA2 complex in order to repress the proton efflux into the apoplast by increased phosphorylation of AHA2 at S899. Loss of either NRT1.1 or QSK1 thus results in a higher T947/S899 phosphorylation ratio on AHA2, leading to enhanced pump activity and longer LRs under LN. Our results uncover a regulatory mechanism in which NRT1.1, under LN conditions, promotes coreceptor QSK1 phosphorylation and enhances the NRT1.1-QSK1 complex formation to transduce LN sensing to the PM H+-ATPase AHA2, controlling the phosphorylation ratio of activating and inhibitory phosphorylation sites on AHA2. This then results in altered proton pump activity, apoplast acidification, and regulation of NRT1.1-mediated LR growth.

Age-Related Differences in Vancomycin-Associated Nephrotoxicity and Efficacy in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection: A Comparative Study between Elderly and Adult Patients

Elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) are susceptible to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, with potential for more adverse treatment outcomes or complications compared to younger adults (18-64 years). This study compared vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity and efficacy in elderly and adult patients and investigated the correlation between vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices and clinical outcomes. A prospective study was conducted in 10 hospitals in Shanghai from October 2012 to November 2019. A total of 164 patients with MRSA infections were enrolled, including 83 elderly and 81 adult patients. Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was performed in all patients, indicating significantly higher vancomycin trough concentrations (Ctrough), 24-h area under the curve (AUC24) values, and AUC24/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC) values in elderly patients compared to adult patients. The incidence of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was nearly three times higher in elderly patients (18.1% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.020), despite similar clinical and microbiological efficacy. Of particular importance, a Ctrough > 20 mg/L was found as an independent factor of nephrotoxicity in elderly patients. Further analysis of patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 also revealed that elderly patients had significantly higher vancomycin-related PK/PD indices and more nephrotoxicity than adult patients. In conclusion, elderly patients receiving vancomycin therapy face a higher risk of nephrotoxicity, which requires close vancomycin TDM, especially when the Ctrough exceeds 20 mg/L.

Ancient Mitogenomes Reveal the Maternal Genetic History of East Asian Dogs

Recent studies have suggested that dogs were domesticated during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in Siberia, which contrasts with previous proposed domestication centers (e.g. Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia). Ancient DNA provides a powerful resource for the study of mammalian evolution and has been widely used to understand the genetic history of domestic animals. To understand the maternal genetic history of East Asian dogs, we have made a complete mitogenome dataset of 120 East Asian canids from 38 archaeological sites, including 102 newly sequenced from 12.9 to 1 ka BP (1,000 years before present). The majority (112/119, 94.12%) belonged to haplogroup A, and half of these (55/112, 49.11%) belonged to sub-haplogroup A1b. Most existing mitochondrial haplogroups were present in ancient East Asian dogs. However, mitochondrial lineages in ancient northern dogs (northeastern Eurasia and northern East Asia) were deeper and older than those in southern East Asian dogs. Results suggests that East Asian dogs originated from northeastern Eurasian populations after the LGM, dispersing in two possible directions after domestication. Western Eurasian (Europe and the Middle East) dog maternal ancestries genetically influenced East Asian dogs from approximately 4 ka BP, dramatically increasing after 3 ka BP, and afterwards largely replaced most primary maternal lineages in northern East Asia. Additionally, at least three major mitogenome sub-haplogroups of haplogroup A (A1a, A1b, and A3) reveal at least two major dispersal waves onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in ancient times, indicating eastern (A1b and A3) and western (A1a) Eurasian origins.

Maternal genetic history of ancient Tibetans over the past 4000 years

The settlement of the Tibetan Plateau epitomizes human adaptation to a high-altitude environment that poses great challenges to human activity. Here, we reconstruct a 4000-year maternal genetic history of Tibetans using 128 ancient mitochondrial genome data from 37 sites in Tibet. The phylogeny of haplotypes M9a1a, M9a1b, D4g2, G2a'c, and D4i show that ancient Tibetans share the most recent common ancestor with ancient Middle and Upper Yellow River populations around the Early and Middle Holocene. In addition, the connections between Tibetans and Northeastern Asians vary over the past 4000 years, with a stronger matrilineal connection between the two during 4000 BP-3000 BP, and a weakened connection after 3000 BP, that are coincident with climate change, followed by a reinforced connection after the Tubo period (1400 BP-1100 BP). Besides, an over 4000-year matrilineal continuity is observed in some of the maternal lineages. We also find the maternal genetic structure of ancient Tibetans is correlated to the geography and interactions between ancient Tibetans and ancient Nepal and Pakistan populations. Overall, the maternal genetic history of Tibetans can be characterized as a long-term matrilineal continuity with frequent internal and external population interactions that are dynamically shaped by geography, climate changes, as well as historical events.

[Efficacy analysis of a novel dose-adjusting regimen for prolonged delayed injection allergen- specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel dose adjustment schedule based on subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) after a 16 weeks delayed injection during the maintenance period. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) who received dust mite cluster SCIT and had interrupted treatment for more than 16 weeks during the maintenance period were recruited at Beijing TongRen Hospital, from July to September 2020. They were randomly divided into the novel schedule group (n=34) and the guideline recommended schedule group (n=34). In addition, 34 patients who received dust mite SCIT at the same period were selected as the continuous treatment group (n=34). When receiving treatment again after delayed injection, the novel schedule group was injected directly with the initial dose of maintenance period (10 000 SQ), and the guideline recommended schedule group started the dosage accumulation again from the lowest dose (10 SQ), while the continuous treatment group was injected according to the original schedule. Changes in the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) from baseline after 3 years of SCIT were used as the primary efficacy evaluation index. Local and systemic adverse events were recorded to evaluate safety. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: At the end of 3 years, CSMS in all three groups decreased significantly from baseline, and there was no significant difference in the 3-year change value of CSMS from baseline between the novel schedule group and the guideline recommended schedule group (-1.0±0.3 vs -1.3±0.4, P=0.655). There was also no significant difference in the change of CSMS between the two dose-adjusted groups and the continuous treatment groups (-0.8±0.3 vs -1.3±0.3, P=0.156). No systemic adverse events occurred between the novel schedule group and the guideline recommended schedule group after restarting treatment, and there was no significant difference in frequency of adverse events (0.5% vs 0.5%, P=0.698). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in efficacy and safety between the novel dose adjustment schedule and the recommended dose adjustment schedule when SCIT interrupted injection for more than 16 weeks. Furthermore, SCIT discontinuation of injection for more than 16 weeks doesn't significantly impact on 3-year efficacy.

Paleoproteomic evidence reveals dairying supported prehistoric occupation of the highland Tibetan Plateau

The extreme environments of the Tibetan Plateau offer considerable challenges to human survival, demanding novel adaptations. While the role of biological and agricultural adaptations in enabling early human colonization of the plateau has been widely discussed, the contribution of pastoralism is less well understood, especially the dairy pastoralism that has historically been central to Tibetan diets. Here, we analyze ancient proteins from the dental calculus (n = 40) of all human individuals with sufficient calculus preservation from the interior plateau. Our paleoproteomic results demonstrate that dairy pastoralism began on the highland plateau by ~3500 years ago. Patterns of milk protein recovery point to the importance of dairy for individuals who lived in agriculturally poor regions above 3700 m above sea level. Our study suggests that dairy was a critical cultural adaptation that supported expansion of early pastoralists into the region's vast, non-arable highlands, opening the Tibetan Plateau up to widespread, permanent human occupation.

A high-confidence Physcomitrium patens plasmodesmata proteome by iterative scoring and validation reveals diversification of cell wall proteins during evolution

Plasmodesmata (PD) facilitate movement of molecules between plant cells. Regulation of this movement is still not understood. Plasmodesmata are hard to study, being deeply embedded within cell walls and incorporating several membrane types. Thus, structure and protein composition of PD remain enigmatic. Previous studies of PD protein composition identified protein lists with few validations, making functional conclusions difficult. We developed a PD scoring approach in iteration with large-scale systematic localization, defining a high-confidence PD proteome of Physcomitrium patens (HC300). HC300, together with bona fide PD proteins from literature, were placed in Pddb. About 65% of proteins in HC300 were not previously PD-localized. Callose-degrading glycolyl hydrolase family 17 (GHL17) is an abundant protein family with representatives across evolutionary scale. Among GHL17s, we exclusively found members of one phylogenetic clade with PD localization and orthologs occur only in species with developed PD. Phylogenetic comparison was expanded to xyloglucan endotransglucosylases/hydrolases and Exordium-like proteins, which also diversified into PD-localized and non-PD-localized members on distinct phylogenetic clades. Our high-confidence PD proteome HC300 provides insights into diversification of large protein families. Iterative and systematic large-scale localization across plant species strengthens the reliability of HC300 as basis for exploring structure, function, and evolution of this important organelle.

Long-term efficacy of HDM-SCIT in pediatric and adult patients with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is a well-validated and effective disease modification treatment for house dust mites (HDM)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR). Long-term post-treatment comparisons in children and adults treated with SCIT have rarely been published. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of HDM-SCIT administered under a cluster schedule in children compared to adults.

METHODS

This was an open-design, observational, long-term clinical follow-up study on children and adults with perennial AR treated with HDM-SCIT. The follow-up consisted of a three-year treatment duration plus a post-treatment follow-up of over three years.

RESULTS

Patients in the pediatric (n = 58) and adult (n = 103) groups completed a post-SCIT follow-up of over three years. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), combined symptom medication score (CSMS), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RQLQ) score decreased significantly at T1 (three-year SCIT completed) and T2 (follow-up completed) in the pediatric and adult groups. In both groups, the improvement rate of TNSS (T0-T1) was moderately correlated with the baseline TNSS (r = 0.681, p < 0.001 and r = 0.477, p < 0.001 for children and adults, respectively). Only in the pediatric group, TNSS was significantly lower at T2 compared with that right after SCIT cessation (T1) (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adults with HDM-induced perennial AR could achieve a sustainable post-treatment efficacy for over three years (up to 13 years) following a three-year SCIT. Patients with relatively severe nasal symptoms at baseline may benefit more from SCIT. Children who have completed an adequate course of SCIT may gain further improvement in nasal symptoms after SCIT cessation.

Manganese alleviates heat stress of primary cultured chick embryonic myocardial cells via enhancing manganese superoxide dismutase expression and attenuating heat shock response

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element that has been shown to attenuate the adverse effects of heat stress in the heart of broiler breeders and embryos. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms involving this process remain unclear. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to investigate the possible protective mechanisms of Mn on primary cultured chick embryonic myocardial cells exposed to heat challenge. In experiment 1, the myocardial cells were exposed to 40 °C (normal temperature, NT) and 44 °C (high temperature, HT) for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 h. In experiment 2, the myocardial cells were preincubated with no Mn supplementation (CON), 1 mmol/L of Mn as the inorganic MnCl₂ (iMn) or organic Mn proteinate (oMn) under NT for 48 h, and then continuously incubated under NT or HT for another 2 or 4 h. The results from experiment 1 showed that the myocardial cells incubated for 2 or 4 h had the highest (P < 0.0001) heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) or HSP90 mRNA levels than those incubated for other incubation times under HT. In experiment 2, HT increased (P < 0.05) the heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1) and HSF2 mRNA levels as well as Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity of myocardial cells compared with NT. Furthermore, supplemental iMn and oMn increased (P < 0.02) HSF2 mRNA level and MnSOD activity of myocardial cells compared with the CON. Under HT, the HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels were lower (P < 0.03) in iMn group than in the CON group, in oMn group than in iMn group; and the MnSOD mRNA and protein levels were higher (P < 0.05) in oMn group than in the CON and iMn groups. These results from the present study indicate that supplemental Mn, especially oMn, could enhance the MnSOD expression and attenuate heat shock response to protect against heat challenge in primary cultured chick embryonic myocardial cells.

Design and Research of Chromatic Confocal System for Parallel Non-Coaxial Illumination Based on Optical Fiber Bundle

Conventional chromatic confocal systems are mostly single-point coaxial illumination systems with a low signal-to-noise ratio, light energy utility and measurement efficiency. To overcome the above shortcomings, we propose a parallel non-coaxial-illumination chromatic-confocal-measurement system based on an optical fiber bundle. Based on the existing single-point non-coaxial-illumination system, the optical fiber bundle is used as the optical beam splitter to achieve parallel measurements. Thus, the system can yield measurements through line scanning, which greatly improves measurement efficiency. To verify the measurement performance of the system, based on the calibration experiment, the system realizes the measurement of the height of the step, the thickness of the transparent specimen and the reconstruction of the three-dimensional topography of the surface of the step and coin. The experimental results show that the measuring range of the system is 200 μm. The measurement accurcy can reach micron level, and the system can realize a good three-dimensional topography reconstruction effect.

PEP7 acts as a peptide ligand for the receptor kinase SIRK1 to regulate aquaporin-mediated water influx and lateral root growth

Plant receptors constitute a large protein family that regulates various aspects of development and responses to external cues. Functional characterization of this protein family and the identification of their ligands remain major challenges in plant biology. Previously, we identified plasma membrane-intrinsic sucrose-induced receptor kinase 1 (SIRK1) and Qian Shou kinase 1 (QSK1) as receptor/co-receptor pair involved in the regulation of aquaporins in response to osmotic conditions induced by sucrose. In this study, we identified a member of the elicitor peptide (PEP) family, namely PEP7, as the specific ligand of th receptor kinase SIRK1. PEP7 binds to the extracellular domain of SIRK1 with a binding constant of 1.44 ± 0.79 μM and is secreted to the apoplasm specifically in response to sucrose treatment. Stabilization of a signaling complex involving SIRK1, QSK1, and aquaporins as substrates is mediated by alterations in the external sucrose concentration or by PEP7 application. Moreover, the presence of PEP7 induces the phosphorylation of aquaporins in vivo and enhances water influx into protoplasts. Disturbed water influx, in turn, led to delayed lateral root development in the pep7 mutant. The loss-of-function mutant of SIRK1 is not responsive to external PEP7 treatment regarding kinase activity, aquaporin phosphorylation, water influx activity, and lateral root development. Taken together, our data indicate that the PEP7/SIRK1/QSK1 complex represents a crucial perception and response module that mediates sucrose-controlled water flux in plants and lateral root development.

Enhancement of Cu+ stability under a reducing atmosphere by the long-range electromagnetic effect of Au

In conventional thermocatalytic reactions under a reducing atmosphere, stabilization of the active Cu⁺ component and inhibition of over-reduction into metallic Cu⁰ are extremely challenging. In this study, Au@Cu₂O core-shell nano-catalysts with different Cu₂O shell thicknesses were synthesized, and the effect of the Au nano-core on Cu⁺ stability under a reducing atmosphere and the catalytic performance of Cu⁺ in the ethynylation of formaldehyde were investigated. The Au nano-core facilitates Cu₂O dispersion and leads to an increase of 0.2-0.5 eV in electron binding energies of Cu₂O and Cu₂C₂ in the range of 27-55 nm, attributed to the long-range electromagnetic effect of Au NPs. Specifically, active Cu⁺ centers exhibit high stability under a reducing atmosphere due to the long-range electromagnetic effect of the Au nano-core. In the ethynylation of formaldehyde as a probe reaction, Cu⁺/(Cu⁰ + Cu⁺) on Au@Cu₂O catalysts remained at 88-91%. The catalytic performance in the ethynylation of formaldehyde revealed that the introduction of an Au nano-core into Cu-based catalysts increased the TOF from 0.37 to 0.7 h^-1, and decreased the activation energy from 42.6 to 38.1 kJ mol^-1. Additionally, the Cu⁺/(Cu⁰ + Cu⁺) ratios and the catalytic performance in the ethynylation of formaldehyde (BD yield = 65%, BD selectivity = 95%) on Au@Cu₂O catalysts remained constant after nine cycles, while pure Cu₂O readily deactivated due to the dramatically reduced Cu⁺/(Cu⁰ + Cu⁺) ratios and carbyne deposition. In summary, Cu⁺ in Cu-based catalysts showed high catalytic activity and stability during the ethynylation of formaldehyde due to the long-range electromagnetic effect of the Au nano-core.

A Rapid and Universal Workflow for Label-Free-Quantitation-Based Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Studies in Cereals

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics are robust tools to analyze dynamics of post-transcriptional processes during growth and development. A variety of experimental methods and workflows have been published, but most of them were developed for model plants and have not been adapted to high-throughput platforms. Here, we describe an experimental workflow for proteome and phosphoproteome studies tailored to cereal crop tissues. The workflow consists of two parallel parts that are suitable for analyzing protein/phosphoprotein from total proteins and the microsomal membrane fraction. We present phosphoproteomic data regarding quantification coverage and analytical reproducibility for example preparations from maize root and shoot, wheat leaf, and a microsomal protein preparation from maize leaf. To enable users to adjust for tissue specific requirements, we provide two different methods of protein clean-up: traditional ethanol precipitation (PC) and a recently developed technology termed single-pot, solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3). Both the PC and SP3 methods are effective in the removal of unwanted substances in total protein crude extracts. In addition, two different methods of phosphopeptide enrichment are presented: a TiO₂ -based method and Fe(III)-NTA cartridges on a robotized platform. Although the overall number of phosphopeptides is stable across protein clean-up and phosphopeptide enrichment methods, there are differences in the preferred phosphopeptides in each enrichment method. The preferred protocol depends on laboratory capabilities and research objective. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Total protein crude extraction Basic Protocol 2: Total protein clean-up with ethanol precipitation Alternate Protocol 1: Total protein clean-up with SP3 method Basic Protocol 3: Microsomal fraction protein extraction Basic Protocol 4: Protein concentration determination by Bradford assay Basic Protocol 5: In-solution digestion with trypsin Basic Protocol 6: Phosphopeptide enrichment with TiO₂ Alternate Protocol 2: Phosphopeptide enrichment with Fe(III)-NTA cartridges Basic Protocol 7: Peptide desalting with C₁₈ material Basic Protocol 8: LC-MS/MS analysis of (phospho)peptides and spectrum matching.

Association of gut microbiota with idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Background

The prevalence of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is increasing worldwide and the gut microbiota is recognized to play a role in its pathology. The aim of this study was to understand the involvement of the gut–kidney axis in IMN by analyzing the composition of the gut microbiota of biopsy-proven IMN patients compared with healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Fecal samples from 30 patients with IMN diagnosed by renal biopsy and 30 healthy co-residents (control group) were collected for analysis in the Nephrology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. The microbiota composition was analyzed by a 16S rRNA microbial profiling approach.

Results

The results indicated that the α- and β-diversity of IMN patients differed significantly from those of the HC groups (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, IMN patients showed an increased abundance of Proteobacteria but a reduced abundance of Bacteroidota compared with the HC group. Actinobacteriota abundance showed a strong negative correlation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. At the genus level, Faecalibacterium, Agathobacter, and Bacteroides were less abundant in the IMN group than in the HC group (LDA score > 2). Abundant bacterial functions related to lipid metabolism were observed among IMN group.

Conclusion

Patients with IMN appear to have an altered gut microbiome, which could provide reference for future research on the interaction mechanism between the intestinal flora and IMN.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02797-5.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on frond antimony enrichment, morphology, and proteomics in Pteris cretica var. nervosa during antimony phytoremediation

Pteris cretica var. nervosa is a dominant fern species found in antimony (Sb) mining areas, capable of forming symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), especially with those members of the Glomus genus. Despite this fern's relevance and the potential contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis to phytoremediation, the AMF's impact on P. var. nervosa phytoremediation of Sb remains unknown. Here, we exposed P. var. nervosa to different concentrations of Sb for 6 months. Our results showed that Sb reduced shoot biomass, enlarged the root/shoot ratio, and disrupted the fronds' intracellular structure. AMF inoculation, however, was able to moderate these phenotypic changes and increased the accumulation level of Sb in plants. From a proteomics analysis of this plant's fronds, a total of 283 proteins were identified. Notably, those proteins with catalytic function, carbon fixing and ATP metabolic function were highly enriched. K-means clustering demonstrated protein-changing patterns involved in multiple metabolic pathways during exposure to Sb. Further, these patterns can be moderated by AMF inoculation. Pearson correlations were used to assess the plant biomarkers-soil Sb relationships; This revealed a strong correlation between ribosome alteration and the root/shoot ratio when inoculated with AMF, and a positive correlation between photosynthesis proteins and chlorophyll (SPAD value). Our results indicate AMF could moderate the fronds impairment by maintaining the sufficient protein levels for ribosomal functioning, photosynthesis activity and to counter ROS production. We demonstrate the effective use of AMF associated with P. cretica var. nervosa for Sb phytoremediation and the potential of applying proteomics to better understand the mechanism behind this symbiotic plant physiological response.

Omalizumab is effective in the preseasonal treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

To date no study has evaluated the efficacy of preseasonal omalizumab therapy with cost effective dose and at appropriate time point compared with standard medication in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label single-centre trial. 32 SAR patients were randomized to receive a single injection of omalizumab 300-mg approximately two weeks before start of the pollen period (PP) or medication therapy. All patients completed daily questionnaires; recording symptoms, medication use and quality of life (QoL) throughout the observation period. The primary efficacy parameter was the mean daily Combined Symptom and Medication Score (CSMS).

RESULTS

Preseasonal omalizumab significantly reduced the changes of mean daily CSMS of nose during the PP (p < 0.001), peak pollen period (PPP) and PP after PPP (PPP-PP) (p = 0.002) and Post-PP (p = 0.009) compared to standard medication. The proportion of allergy symptoms-relieving medication-free days during PPP-PP was also significantly higher in preseasonal omalizumab-treated group (76.2(16.7-98.8))% than in medication-treated group (19.0(0-71.4))% (p = 0.030). Omalizumab could achieve the same nasal symptom control during the entire pollen season and better eye symptoms relieving results in PP (p = 0.046) and PPP-PP (p = 0.004) than medication treatment. Significantly greater improvement in QoL was also obtained with omalizumab-pretreatment during the PP (p = 0.037) and PPP-PP (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of a single injection of 300 mg omalizumab two weeks before start of the pollen season achieves better overall control of symptoms and QoL, with significantly reduced allergy symptoms-relieving medication usage, compared with standard pharmacotherapy in SAR patients.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

Maternal Supplementation of Clofibrate Stimulates Intestinal Fatty Acid Oxidation in Newborn Suckling Piglets

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of maternal feeding of clofibrate, a pharmaceutical PPARα agonist, on the development of intestinal fatty acid metabolism in offspring using the pig as a model.

Methods

A total of 27 pregnant sows were randomly assigned into three treatment groups. Each group was fed a standard diet (3265 kcal ME/kg) supplemented with either 0, 0.25% or 0.5% clofibrate (w/w) from d 107 of gestation to d 7 of lactation. A piglet from each litter was sampled on 1, 7, 14 and 19 d of age. Fatty acid oxidation was examined in homogenates of ileum mucosa using 1 mM [1–14C] oleic acid as a substrate in the absence or presence of in vitro supplemented L-carnitine (1 mM), malonate (10 mM) or carnitine + malonate.

Results

The metabolism of [1–14C] oleic acid was modified by the maternal clofibrate, and the effects varied with the dose of clofibrate and postnatal age (p &lt; 0.001). The 14C accumulation in 14CO2 increased

by 2.4 fold at d7 (vs d1), but showed no difference after d7. Maternal clofibrate stimulated the 14CO2 accumulation from d1 to d19, but the stimulation decreased with postnatal age. The 14C accumulation in acid soluble products (14C-ASP) was reduced by 8.4 fold at d7 (vs d1), and no difference was observed after d7. Maternal clofibrate increased 14C-ASP at d1, and the effect was greater as maternal clofibrate was incremented from 0.25 to 0.5%. The 14C accumulation in esterified products (14C-ESP) was greater at d7 than d1, 14 and 19. Maternal clofibrate reduced the 14C-ESP and, again the reduction was stronger with increasing clofibrate dose. In vitro supplementation of carnitine increased 14CO2 by 60% and 14C-ASP by 120%, but reduced 14C-ESP by 39% compared to control incubations. Supplementation of malonate reduced 14CO2 by 95% and 14C-ESP by 44%, but no effect on 14C-ASP was detected.

Conclusions

Maternal dietary supplementation of clofibrate increases intestinal fatty acid oxidation in suckling offspring, but the increase is attenuated after one week. Inhibition of the TCA cycle reduces CO2 production without affecting ASP. The availability of carnitine could be a key element to maintain a high rate of intestinal fatty acid oxidation during the neonatal period.

Funding Sources

Supported by Program of Animal Nutrition, Growth and Lactation [grant no. 2015–67015-23245/project accession no. 1005855] from the USDA NIFA.

MicroRNA and mRNA Sequencing Analyses Reveal Key Hepatic Metabolic Pathways Responsive to Maternal Malnutrition in Full-Term Fetal Pigs

Objectives

Maternal and infant undernutrition is highly prevalent in developing countries, leading to serious fetus/infant mortality, intrauterine growth restriction, stunting, and severe wasting. However, the effects of maternal undernutrition have generally focused on the reduced maternal nutrient supply to the fetus. The potential impairment of fetal metabolic pathways has not been well studied.

Methods

Pregnant gilts (Landrace x Yorkshire x Duroc) received the NRC gestation diet with (n = 4) or without (n = 4) 50% intake restriction at insemination day and 70% for the following gestation period. Full term fetuses were obtained via C-section, two piglets were selected from each gilt in both groups and subject to hepatic tissue collection. MicroRNA and mRNA deep sequencing analysis was performed using the Illumina GAIIx system. The mRNA-miRNA correlation and associated signaling pathways were analyzed via CLC workbench, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Software.

Results

A total of 42 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between intake-restriction and full-nutrition group. Among of these, mir-206, mir-133b, mir-1246, mir-1843 and mir-7139 are the most downregulated and mir-10b, mir-708 and mir-222 are the most upregulated miRNAs. A total of 1215 mRNAs were identified to differentially expressed between two groups. Two metabolic pathways: retinol biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were significantly modified, and the modification was associated with the miRNA changes induced by the maternal feed restriction. Briefly, the retinol biosynthesis pathway was upregulated (p &lt; 0.01), in which those differential expressed mir-221, mir-4492, mir-1281 and mir-4492 were predicted targeting genes AADAC, CES3, PNPLA3 and RDH13 in the pathway. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was upregulated (p &lt; 0.05), and those differential expressed mir-1843, mir-222 and mir-184 were predicted targeting genes ATP5F1C, NDUFA1, NDUFB10, and NDUFS7 in this pathway.

Conclusions

These results provide the framework for further understanding of negative impact of maternal malnutrition on hepatic metabolic pathways via miRNA-RNA interactions in full-term fetal pigs.

Funding Sources

Supported in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (GCE OPP1061037) and by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service.

Clinical analysis of 40 cases of external cephalic version without anesthesia

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the success rate, complications, and success-related factors of external cephalic version (ECV) of singleton breech pregnancies after 37 gestational weeks without anesthesia.

Methods

We studied 40 singleton breech pregnancies in women who underwent ECV without anesthesia after 37 gestational weeks from October 2018 to March 2020. On the basis of success of ECV, the women were divided into two groups of the successful group and the failed group. Various factors were analyzed to determine those that affect the success of ECV.

Results

Of the 40 attempts of ECV, 24 (60.0%) were successful and 16 (40.0%) failed. With regard to success-related factors, parity was significantly different between the two groups, with more multiparous women in the successful group than in the failed group. However, none of the other factors were significantly different between the groups. Fetal outcome was good in all of the cases. Ultimately, 3 cesarean sections were performed in the successful group and 16 were performed in the failed group.

Conclusions

ECV of breech presentation after the 37th week of pregnancy without anesthesia is an effective and relatively safe alternative, and can effectively reduce the cesarean section rate.

Plasma membrane calcineurin B-like calcium-ion sensor proteins function in regulating primary root growth and nitrate uptake by affecting global phosphorylation patterns and microdomain protein distribution

The collective function of calcineurin B-like (CBL) calcium ion (Ca²⁺ ) sensors and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) in decoding plasma-membrane-initiated Ca²⁺ signals to convey developmental and adaptive responses to fluctuating nitrate availability remained to be determined. Here, we generated a cbl-quintuple mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana devoid of these Ca²⁺ sensors at the plasma membrane and performed comparative phenotyping, nitrate flux determination, phosphoproteome analyses, and studies of membrane domain protein distribution in response to low and high nitrate availability. We observed that CBL proteins exert multifaceted regulation of primary and lateral root growth and nitrate fluxes. Accordingly, we found that loss of plasma membrane Ca²⁺ sensor function simultaneously affected protein phosphorylation of numerous membrane proteins, including several nitrate transporters, proton pumps, and aquaporins, as well as their distribution within plasma membrane microdomains, and identified a specific phosphorylation and domain distribution pattern during distinct phases of low and high nitrate responses. Collectively, these analyses reveal a central and coordinative function of CBL-CIPK-mediated signaling in conveying plant adaptation to fluctuating nitrate availability and identify a crucial role of Ca²⁺ signaling in regulating the composition and dynamics of plasma membrane microdomains.

Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Plant Membranes

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool to investigate plant phosphorylation dynamics on a system-wide scale (phosphoproteomics). Plant membrane phosphoproteomics enables elucidating regulatory patterns in membranes, such as kinase-target relationships in different signaling pathways. Here, we present "ShortPhos," an efficient and simple phosphoproteomics protocol for research on plant membrane proteins, which allows fast and efficient identification and quantification of phosphopeptides from small amounts of starting plant material and/or membrane proteins. This method improves upon the efficiency of plant membrane phosphoproteomics profiling and can be applied to the study of membrane-based signaling networks.

Phosphorylation Site Motifs in Plant Protein Kinases and Their Substrates

Protein phosphorylation is an important cellular regulatory mechanism affecting the activity, localization, conformation, and interaction of proteins. Protein phosphorylation is catalyzed by kinases, and thus kinases are the enzymes regulating cellular signaling cascades. In the model plant Arabidopsis, 940 genes encode for kinases. The substrate proteins of kinases are phosphorylated at defined sites, which consist of common patterns around the phosphorylation site, known as phosphorylation motifs. The discovery of kinase specificity with a preference of phosphorylation of certain motifs and application of such motifs in deducing signaling cascades helped to reveal underlying regulation mechanisms, and facilitated the prediction of kinase-target pairs. In this mini-review, we took advantage of retrieved data as examples to present the functions of kinase families along with their commonly found phosphorylation motifs from their substrates.

Phosphoproteomics Profiling of Receptor Kinase Mutants

The transmembrane receptor kinase family is the largest protein kinase family in Arabidopsis. Many members of this family play critical roles in plant signaling pathways. However, many of these kinases have yet uncharacterized functions and very little is known about the direct substrates of these kinases. We have developed the "ShortPhos" method, an efficient and simple mass spectrometry (MS)-based phosphoproteomics protocol to perform comparative phosphopeptide profiling of knockout mutants of receptor-like kinases. Through this method, we are able to better understand the functional roles of plant kinases in the context of their signaling networks.

Kinase Activity Assay Using Unspecific Substrate or Specific Synthetic Peptides

Phosphorylation of a substrate by protein kinases leads to the activation or inactivation of numerous signaling pathways and metabolic processes. The assessment of kinase activity by using a specific or generic substrate plays a crucial role in characterization of kinase specificity and activity. Here we describe a protocol using either a synthetic peptide as a specific substrate or using myelin basic protein (MBP) as a generic substrate for the kinase activity assay. The kinase of interest is fused with a GFP (green fluorescent protein) tag and can be purified by GFP magnetic beads. Kinase-GFP complexes are then incubated with ATP, substrate, and coordinated reaction reagent for the kinase reaction. The assay is then quantified through mass spectrometry or enzymatic luminescence.

Supplemental methionine and stocking density affect antioxidant status, fatty acid profiles, and growth performance of broiler chickens

Broilers stocked in high densities may be prone to oxidative and inflammatory insults, resulting in impaired health status, growth performance, and meat quality. This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental dl-methionine alleviated or prevented those adverse effects of a higher stocking density in broiler chickens. A total of 560 male Cornish Cross cockerels (day old) were divided into four groups: two stocking densities (9 and 12 birds/m2) and two supplementations of methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Growth performance was recorded weekly. Blood and tissues were sampled at the end of each period. High stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and growth performance of growers and (or) finishers. Those differences were partially attenuated by the extra methionine supplementation. The high methionine elevated (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration in the thigh at both ages (> 24%). The high stocking density elevated (>28%, P < 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P < 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. Interaction effects (P < 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density were found on activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver of growers and breast, thigh, and adipose tissue of finishers. The interaction effect was also found on activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the thigh of growers. The extra methionine decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 90 (18%) and thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations of the finishers (35%). In conclusion, the 30% extra dl-methionine supplementation was able to partially mitigate adverse effects caused by the higher stocking density and to improve the redox status of the broilers.

The work behaviors of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) during the autumn pollen season

BACKGROUND

This study aims to analyze the work behaviors of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) during the autumn pollen season, using a 2-week diary survey.

METHODS

In this study, we recruited patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) who were allergic to autumn pollen using an experience sampling method. All participants completed a 2-week survey using the WeChat app during the autumn pollen season (September 16, 2018 through to September 30, 2018). Collected data included participants' general characteristics, nasal symptoms, symptoms of insomnia, mood, and unethical work behaviors.

RESULTS

The results showed that pollen concentration had a significant positive effect on the symptoms of rhinitis (P<0.001). Nasal symptoms had direct, positive effects on night-time insomnia (P<0.01) and a negative mood the next day (P<0.05). Insomnia positively affected a negative mood the next day (P<0.01), while negative mood exhibited a direct, positive effect on unethical work behaviors (P<0.05). Furthermore, pollen concentration, nasal symptoms, and insomnia were indirectly but positively associated with unethical work behaviors in patients with SAR.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal symptoms in patients with SAR were aggravated by pollen dispersion that induced a higher incidence of insomnia, which subsequently provoked a negative mood the next day. Therefore, the spillover effects of seasonal pollen included an increased incidence of unethical work behaviors.

Artemisia annua-sublingual immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Artemisia annua is an important autumnal pollen allergen for seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in northern China. To date, no study has investigated allergen immunotherapy with A annua. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms underlying A annua-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial involving 71 SAR patients, randomized to SLIT with A annua extract (n = 47) or placebo (n = 24) for 32 weeks. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS; primary clinical end point) was evaluated at baseline (peak pollen phase (PPP) in the previous year), initiation of A annua-SLIT, 1st PPP during SLIT, end of SLIT and 2nd PPP during follow-up. Blood samples and nasal secretions were collected at beginning and after SLIT for assessment of T cells and inflammatory mediators. Safety was assessed according to adverse events (AEs) reported.

RESULTS

Artemisia annua-SLIT significantly reduced TNSS to a greater level from baseline (from 9.45 ± 1.68 to 6.16 ± 2.27) than placebo (from 9.29 ± 2.09 to 9.05 ± 2.40) at the 1st PPP (P < .001) and sustained the improvement in symptoms throughout to the 2nd PPP. Preseasonal A annua-SLIT for 16 weeks significantly decreased Th2 cells, increased nTreg and Tr1 cells in blood; and increased cystatin 1 (CST1) in nasal secretion after 16 and 32 weeks compared with pretreatment. Overall, 17/47 patients experienced mild local AEs and 2 patients mild systemic AEs, after A annua-SLIT.

CONCLUSION

Artemisia annua-SLIT is an efficacious and safe treatment in patients with A annua SAR.

Understanding the Association Between Electronic Health Record Satisfaction and the Well-Being of Nurses: Survey Study

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses experience high levels of burnout related to the high-stress environment. Management of electronic health records (EHR) is a contributing factor to physician burnout. However, limited research has established the relationship between the nurse’s well-being and EHR use.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between EHR use and the well-being of nurses.

Methods

We surveyed registered nurses employed at a major Southeastern medical center in the United States about their demographics, experience with EHRs, satisfaction with EHRs, and elements of well-being. The correlation between subgroup demographics and survey questions was examined using Kendall and Fisher tests.

Results

A total of 113 ICU registered nurses responded to the survey, of which 93 (82.3%) were females. The population had a mean age of 35.18 years (SD 10.65). A significant association was found between satisfaction and well-being scores, where higher EHR satisfaction was associated with higher self-reported well-being (correlation 0.35, P<.001). Nurses who were unhappy with the time spent in EHR use compared with direct patient care reported higher levels of stress (P<.001) and isolation (P=.009). Older nurses reported higher dissatisfaction with the amount of time spent on EHR tasks related to direct patient care compared to younger nurses (P<.001).

Conclusions

Although nurses reported acceptable satisfaction scores with EHR use, deeper analysis suggests that EHR indirectly affects the well-being of nurses. These findings strongly indicate that lower EHR satisfaction can impact the well-being of nurses. More research is needed to optimize the nurse-EHR experience through more user-centered design approaches.

Prunella vulgaris L protects glucocorticoids-induced osteogenesis inhibition in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through activating the Smad pathway

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the role of Prunella vulgaris L (PVL) in protecting glucocorticoids (GC)-induced osteogenesis inhibition, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of osteoporosis (OP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted to assess the influence of PVL treatment on MSCs viability. Osteogenesis in MSCs was induced by Dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation. Regulatory effects of PVL on osteogenesis-related gene expressions, ALP activity, and mineralization ability in DEX-induced MSCs were determined. At last, protein levels of p-Smad1/5/9 and total-Smad1/5/9 influenced by DEX and PVL were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

PVL treatment did not pose a time- or dose-dependent influence on MSCs viability. DEX induction in MSCs downregulated ALP, RUNX2, Bglap, and Osterix. ALP activity and mineralization in DEX-induced MSCs were suppressed. Downregulated osteogenesis-related genes decreased ALP activity and mineralization in MSCs undergoing DEX stimulation were partially reversed by PVL treatment. Moreover, the downregulated p-Smad1/5/9 level in DEX-induced MSCs was elevated by PVL treatment, while total-Smad1/5/9 was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

PVL alleviated GC-induced suppression in MSCs osteogenesis by activating the Smad pathway, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of OP.

Maternal Feeding of a Synthetic PPARα Agonist Alters Renal Development of Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Neonatal Piglet

Objectives

Clofibrate as a therapeutic agent has been used for controlling hyperlipidemias of humans for more than 50 years. Its action, metabolism, half-life and excretion have been well documented in liver of adult humans and rodent species, but it has not been evaluated well in extrahepatic tissues in neonates as a stimulator of energy utilization. In this study, the role of maternal administration of clofibrate in development of renal fatty acid oxidation was evaluated using swine as a model.

Methods

A randomized complete block design was used with a total of 27 pregnant sows. The sows were fed standard gestation-lactation diets supplemented with either 0 (control), 0.25% or 0.5% clofibrate (w/w) from d 107 of gestation to d 7 of lactation. Fatty acid oxidation was measured in the presence or absence of carnitine (1 mM) or/and malonate (5 mM) in fresh kidney homogenates from piglets at d1, 7, 14 and 19 of age using 14C-oleic acid (1 mM) as substrate (9.9 mBq/mmol).

Results

Interactions (P &lt; 0.001) were observed between maternal clofibrate levels and postnatal age on 14C accumulation in CO2 (14CO2), acid soluble products (14C-ASP) and esterified products (14C-ESP). The 14CO2 increased by 1.3 fold from d1 to d7, but showed no differences between d7, 14 and 19 in pigs from the control sows. Maternal supplementation of clofibrate increased 14CO2 in pigs across all ages, but the increase was higher in pigs from sows fed 0.5% versus 0.25% clofibrate at d14. The 14C-ASP was 7-fold higher in d1 pigs from control sows than all other ages. Maternal supplementation of clofibrate increased 14C-ASP by 2 fold in pigs at d1, but had no detectable effect at d 7, 14 and 19. The 14C-ESP increased from d1 to d7 and decreased from d7 to d19 in pigs from control sows. Maternal supplementation of clofibrate had no detectable impact on 14C-ESP at d1, 14 and 19, but decreased 14C-ESP measured in d7 pigs. In vitro carnitine supplementation increased 14CO2 and malonate supplementation decreased 14CO2, but neither carnitine nor malonate altered 14C-ASP or 14C-ESP.

Conclusions

The stimulatory effect of maternal clofibrate on renal fatty acid metabolism in offspring is associated with the postnatal age, being greater at d1 and d7 than d14 and d19.

Funding Sources

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Maternal Supplementation of Clofibrate Stimulates Hepatic Fatty Acid Oxidation in Newborn Suckling Piglets

Objectives

To evaluate effects of maternal feeding of clofibrate, a PPARα agonist, on development of hepatic fatty acid metabolism in offspring using pig as a model.

Methods

Pregnant sows (N = 27) were randomly assigned into three treatment groups. Each group was fed a standard diet (3265 kcal ME/kg) supplemented with either 0, 0.25% or 5% clofibrate (w/w) from d 107 of gestation to d 7 of lactation. Liver tissue was collected from piglets at birth, d1, 7, 14 and 19. Fatty acid oxidation was examined in fresh homogenates using 1 mM [1–14C] oleic acid (9.9 mBq/mmol) as substrate. Oxidation was measured in the absence or presence of in vitro supplemented L-carnitine (1 mM) and/or malonate (5 mM).

Results

Clofibrate was not detected in piglet liver or sow milk. Interactions between clofibrate and postnatal age (P &lt; 0.001) on the 14C accumulation in 14CO2, acid soluble products (14C-ASP) and esterified products (14C-ESP) were observed. Accumulation in 14CO2 was not altered by piglet age in control sows; however, accumulation in 14C-ASP was higher at d14 and lower at d19 compared to d1. In contrast, maternal clofibrate increased 14CO2 by 100% and 14C-ASP by 80% in pigs at d1, and the increase was higher in pigs from sows given 0.5% versus 0.25% clofibrate. Accumulation in 14C-ESP in pigs from control sows increased from d1 to d14, but there was no difference detected between d14 and 19. Assessment of pigs from sows fed the 0.25% clofibrate dose revealed no impact on 14C-ESP, but the 0.5% dose increased 14C-ESP by 31%. No interaction was observed between clofibrate and the in vitro treatments (carnitine and malonate; P = 0.5). In vitro supplementation of carnitine increased radiolabel accumulation in CO2 by 60% and in ASP by 120%, but reduced 14C-ESP by 39% compared to control incubations. Supplementation of malonate reduced 14CO2 by 95% and 14C-ESP by 44%, but had no impact on 14C-ASP.

Conclusions

Maternal clofibrate enhances hepatic fatty acid metabolism in offspring, but the effect fades with postpartum age. The availability of carnitine in the milk could be a key element to support fatty acid oxidation in postnatal pigs.

Funding Sources

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Long-term exposure to TET increases body weight of juvenile zebrafish as indicated in host metabolism and gut microbiome

The application of tetracycline (TET) is very common in medical treatment, fisheries, and animal husbandry, resulting in its frequent detection with abundant concentrations in the aquatic environment. Though the effects of TET on zebrafish (Danio rerio) at embryonic and larval stages have been reported, there is very limited information on the possible long-term effect on aquatic fishes at the juvenile stage, especially at environmentally relevant levels. In this study, we have exposed juvenile zebrafish to two levels of TET at 1 and 100 µg/L for one month until their adulthood. The result showed that both levels of TET can significantly increase the body weight of the zebrafish, while there is no change in the body length. TET exposure also affected the liver microstructure by lipid vacuoles generation and global lipidomics analysis revealed a significant upregulation in hepatic triglyceride (TAG) levels. The metabolomics analysis showed great dysregulations in hepatic metabolic pathways including linoleic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and methionine metabolism, which are known to be linked with increased body weight gain through hepatic lipid accumulation. The hepatic gene expression involved in lipid transport (e.g., apoa4 and fabp11) and lipogenic factors (e.g., ppar) have been significantly upregulated in the livers of TET exposed zebrafish. Interestingly, the 16 rRNA gene sequence-based zebrafish gut microbial community analysis revealed an enhanced community diversity and altered microbial community composition upon TET exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that TET exposure can increase the body weight in juvenile zebrafish and the study on the ecotoxicity of antibiotic occurrences in the aquatic system can be further warranted.

Rap2c as a Novel Biomarker for Predicting Poor Prognosis in Glioma

Objective

Rap2c is a member of the Ras superfamily that has been implicated in various types of cancers. However, its role in glioma remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Rap2c in glioma and its specific molecular mechanism.

Methods

We determined the expression of Rap2c in glioma tissues by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The proliferation and apoptosis of cells were explored using CCK-8 and flow cytometry assay, whereas the migration and invasion of glioma cells were determined using transwell assay. The potential mechanism of Rap2c in the migration of glioma cell lines was investigated through Western blotting analysis and transwell assay. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish tumor models to test the effect of Rap2c on cancer metastasis in vivo.

Results

Our data showed that the protein expression of Rap2c was significantly up-regulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and Rap2c overexpression negatively correlated with 5-year overall survival rate. However, there was no correlation between Rap2c expression and clinicopathological parameters of glioma patients. Overexpression of Rap2c promoted the migration and invasion abilities of glioma cells but had no significant effect on the proliferation of glioma cells. Western blotting analysis revealed that Rap2c overexpression increased the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-related kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and this effect was abolished with U0126, a selective MEK inhibitor. Furthermore, overexpression of Rap2c induced lung metastasis of glioma cells in xenograft models.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that high Rap2c expression predicts poor prognosis in glioma. Rap2c-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation initiates EMT cascade and promotes migration and invasion of glioma cells. Thus, targeting Rap2c and ERK signaling pathway could be a novel treatment modality for glioma.

[Treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome in the elderly: a multi-centered prospective randomized controlled clinical study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets (Combizym(®)) in the treatment of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in the elderly, compared with gastrointestinal motility drugs. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-16008185). The elderly patients with PDS were randomly divided into three groups, including Mosapride group with Mosapride citrate tablets 5 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; Combizym(®) group with Combizym tablets 244 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; combined treatment group with both drugs and same doses for 2 weeks. The modified Nepean dyspepsia index (NDSI) score, discomfort intensity score and PDS score were calculated on patients before treatment, at the end of first and second week of treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment finished, respectively. Adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 323 patients from 16 tertiary hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. Among them, 105 patients were in Mosapride group, 109 in Combizym(®) group and 109 in combined treatment group. There were 148 males (45.8%) and 175 females (54.2%) with median age 71.4±9.0 years (60-100 years). Baseline characteristics of three groups were comparable. After treatment, the NDSI scores in three groups all decreased significantly (P<0.001), while they were similar between groups (P>0.05). The discomfort intensity score and PDS score in three groups showed a significant reduction after treatment (P<0.001), especially in the combined treatment group. Compared with Mosapride group, the scores in Combizym(®) group decreased significantly after one or two weeks [discomfort intensity score: after one week, 4.0(2.5, 8.0) vs. 6.0(3.0, 10.0); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 6.0); all P<0.05. PDS score: after one week, 6.0(3.0, 9.0) vs. 7.0(3.5, 10.5); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 7.0); all P<0.05]. The efficacy rate in all patients after first week of treatment was over 15.0%. The efficacy rates after two weeks were 55.2%, 68.8% and 73.4% in Mosapride group, Combizym(®) group and combined treatment group, respectively. After two week treatment, the efficacy rates in Combizym(®) group (P=0.041) and combined group (P=0.006) were higher than that of Mosapride group. The recurrence rate of Mosapride group was 9.5%, which was significantly higher than that of Combizym(®) group (1.8%, P<0.05) and combined treatment group (1.8%, P<0.05). There were no serious adverse effects in the three groups. Conclusions: The efficacy of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets is comparable with that of Mosapride in elderly PDS patients, with fewer adverse effects and low recurrence rate. Combination regimen indicates better efficacy than that of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets or Mosapride alone.

Reduction of fibrillar strain-rate sensitivity in steroid-induced osteoporosis linked to changes in mineralized fibrillar nanostructure

As bone is used in a dynamic mechanical environment, understanding the structural origins of its time-dependent mechanical behaviour - and the alterations in metabolic bone disease - is of interest. However, at the scale of the mineralized fibrillar matrix (nanometre-level), the nature of the strain-rate dependent mechanics is incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the fibrillar- and mineral-deformation behaviour in a murine model of Cushing's syndrome, used to understand steroid induced osteoporosis, using synchrotron small- and wide-angle scattering/diffraction combined with in situ tensile testing at three strain rates ranging from 10-4 to 10-1 s-1. We find that the effective fibril- and mineral-modulus and fibrillar-reorientation show no significant increase with strain-rate in osteoporotic bone, but increase significantly in normal (wild-type) bone. By applying a fibril-lamellar two-level structural model of bone matrix deformation to fit the results, we obtain indications that altered collagen-mineral interactions at the nanoscale - along with altered fibrillar orientation distributions - may be the underlying reason for this altered strain-rate sensitivity. Our results suggest that an altered strain-rate sensitivity of the bone matrix in osteoporosis may be one of the contributing factors to reduced mechanical competence in such metabolic bone disorders, and that increasing this sensitivity may improve biomechanical performance.

125 Supplementing extra dietary DL-methionine mitigates effects of higher stocking density on growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broiler chicks

This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental DL-methionine could improve growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broilers stocked at a high density. A total of 560 day-old male Cornish cockerel chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups: 2 stocking densities (2.9 and 3.8 kg/ft2) and 2 supplementations of DL-methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Chicks were fed the same corn-soybean meal-based starter diet and then experimental diets (grower: 6.4 g SAA/kg, finisher: 5.9 g SAA/kg, n = 10 pens/treatment). Growth performance and mortality were recorded, and blood and tissue samples (3 chicks/pen) were collected at the end of each period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. High stocking density decreased (P &lt; 0.05) BW and (or) ADG of growers and finishers. Both high stocking density and methionine decreased (P &lt; 0.05) ADFI and the high methionine improved (P &lt; 0.05) feed use efficiency of chicks during the grower-finisher period. Neither treatment affected feather coverage, mortality, incidences of diseases, or dressing percentage. The high methionine improved (P &lt; 0.05) meat to bone ratio of thigh, and exerted mixed effects (P &lt; 0.05) on texture of breast and thigh. Dietary methionine and stocking density showed no major effects on tissue lipid profiles, but moderate effects (P &lt; 0.05) on plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and(or) triglycerides of chicks. Fatty acid profiles in the liver and breast of chicks were unaffected by either treatment. The two treatments enhanced (P &lt; 0.05) tibial maximum breaking strength (15–20%) and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity of growers. In conclusion, the high stocking density affected growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broilers. Supplementing 30% extra dietary methionine seemed to mitigate some of those effects. (Supported in part by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Germany)