[Rethinking kidney disease surveillance in the era of big data]

Chronic kidney disease is increasingly recognized as an important global public health problem, posing a heavy burden to the health system. It is necessary to monitor the status of kidney diseases and promote early intervention and management. Due to the large regional differences in the characteristics of kidney diseases and the uneven distribution of medical resources in China, traditional monitoring methods have several limitations in comprehensively exploring the burden and trends of kidney diseases. On the premise of ensuring data security and personal privacy, a cost-effective kidney disease surveillance system could be developed by integrating big data, artificial intelligence, and surveillance systems and utilizing health care data from different sources, thereby overcoming major disadvantages of traditional monitoring methods and providing reference for the prevention and control of kidney diseases in China.

[Effect of phacoemulsification on the Berger space]

Objective: To investigate the effect of phacoemulsification on the Berger space (BS). Methods: A prospective cohort study. Patients with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from May 2021 to October 2021 were enrolled. The BS was observed by slit-lamp microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) before and 1 month after operation. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography with a 25G optical fiber was performed to observe the BS. The number of eyes with the BS and materials in the BS (MIB) detected perioperatively was counted, and the width of the BS was measured. Statistical analysis was carried out by the Chi-square test, generalized estimating equations, Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 119 patients (119 eyes) were included [44 males, 75 females; mean age, (65±12) years]. Preoperatively, the BS was identified in only 4 eyes (3.4%), and no MIB was found. Intraoperatively, the BS was identified in 47 eyes (39.5%), and the MIB was observed in 20 eyes (16.8%). At one month postoperatively, the BS was identified in 33 eyes (27.7%), of which 16 eyes (13.4%) still had MIB. There were significant differences in the detection rates of the BS and MIB between intraoperative and preoperative groups (both P<0.001). The difference in the detection rate of the BS postoperatively compared to intraoperatively was statistically significant (P=0.001), while the difference in the detection rate of MIB was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The intraoperative and postoperative width of the BS [M (Q₁, Q₃)] was 160.3 (61.6, 273.1) μm and 106.8 (0, 259.4) μm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.28, P=0.023). In addition, the detection rate of the BS and MIB in patients with a high risk of zonular fiber weakness [60.7% (17/28) and 42.9% (12/28)] was significantly higher than that in patients without this risk factor [33.0% (30/91) and 8.8% (8/91)] (χ²=6.90, P=0.009; P<0.001). In the multivariable model, weakness of zonular fibers (OR=0.214, 95%CI: 0.081 to 0.561) and higher cumulative dissipated energy (OR=1.255, 95%CI: 1.047 to 1.504) were the main risk factors for structural changes of the BS intraoperatively. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification can damage the normal anatomical structure of the BS, resulting in intraoperative entrance of fluid and particulates to the BS.

Bottom-up redistribution of biomass optimizes energy allocation, water use and yield formation in dryland wheat improvement

BACKGROUND

Modern wheat cultivars have been developed having distinct advantages in many aspects under drought stress, such as plasticity in biomass allocation and root system architecture. A better understanding of the biomass allocation mechanisms that enable modern wheat to achieve higher yields and yield-based water use efficiency (WUE_g ) is essential for implementing best management strategies and identifying phenotypic traits for cultivar improvement. We systematically investigated the biomass allocation, morphological and physiological characteristics of three ploidy wheat genotypes under 80% and 50% field water-holding capacity (FC) conditions. Some crucial traits were also assessed in a complementary field experiment.

RESULTS

The diploid and tetraploid genotypes were found to allocate more biomass to the root system, especially roots in the topsoil under drought stress. Our data illustrated that lower WUE_g and yield of these old genotypes were due to excessive investment in the root system, which was associated with severely restricted canopy development. Modern hexaploid genotypes were found to allocate smaller biomass to roots and larger biomass to shoots. This not only ensured the necessary water uptake, but also allowed the plant to distribute more assimilates and limited water to the shoots. Therefore, the hexaploid genotypes have evolved a stable plant canopy structure to optimize WUE_g and grain yield.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the biomass shift from below ground to above ground or a more balanced root:shoot ratio tended to optimize water use and yield of the modern cultivars. This discovery provides potential guidance for future dryland wheat breeding and sustainable management strategies. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Polyethylene film mulching enhances the microbial carbon-use efficiency, physical and chemical protection of straw-derived carbon in an Entisol of the Loess Plateau

The global use of agricultural polyethylene mulches has emerged as a widespread farming practice, however, its effects on the fate and dynamics of crop straw-derived C in soil microbial biomass C (MBC), aggregate-associated and chemical recalcitrance-related C fractions are rarely assessed in situ. A two-year field experiment using ¹³C-labeled maize stem was carried out to quantify the allocation and dynamics of straw-C in an Entisol with and without plastic mulching. The results indicated that across the treatments, from 49.2% to 56.4% of straw-¹³C was released as CO₂-C, from 34.9% to 43.1% was sequestrated as SOC pool, and from 6.7% to 9.7% remained undecomposed at the end of the experiment. Compared to non-mulching, plastic mulching significantly decreased the straw-derived CO₂-C emissions by 14.6%, partially owing to the increased incorporation of straw-C into SOC pool. Across the treatments, the straw-derived MBC ranged from 14.4 to 147.9 mg ¹³C kg^-1; and plastic mulching increased straw-derived MBC and microbial C use efficiency (CUE) of straw residue by 41.2% and 35.2% compared with non-mulching, respectively. The allocation dynamics of straw-C in each soil aggregate followed a sustained upward trend with time, while a significantly higher straw-C was incorporated into both macro- (> 0.25 mm) and micro-aggregates (0.25-0.053 mm) with plastic mulching. Compared to the non-mulching, plastic mulching enhanced the inclusion of straw-¹³C in the chimerically more stable C fraction, especially at the late experimental period. We conclude that crop straw return combined with plastic mulching could improve SOC sequestration by enhancing microbial CUE, physical and chemical protection of straw-derived C in this dryland cropping system.

DNA Methylation Differences in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Objective To study the DNA methylation of nucleated cells in peripheral blood of patients died from anaphylactic shock caused by cephalosporin drugs and to provide a new research direction and basis for the forensic diagnosis of shock caused by drug hypersensitiveness. Methods Methylation microarray was used to detect DNA methylation of nucleated cells in peripheral blood of patients died from anaphylactic shock caused by cephalosporin drugs and normal subjects. Sequencing data and chip data were analyzed for differences in DNA methylation using R language methylkit, ChAMP package. Random forest algorithm was used to evaluate the importance of the DNA methylation differential sites. Results Differential sites of DNA methylation highly associated with anaphylaxis caused by cephalosporin drugs were obtained at loci such as ETS1, PRR23B and GNAS. Conclusion Cephalosporin allergy is associated with DNA methylation, and DNA methylation may be a new strategy for forensic identification of anaphylactic shock and death.

[Characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and KL-6 in ASSD-ILD and IPF]

Objective: To study the characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and kerbs von den lungen 6 (KL-6) in anti-synthetase syndrome related interstitial lung disease (ASSD-ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: The clinical data of 43 patients with ASSD-ILD (ASSD-ILD group) from May 2015 to May 2017 were collected retrospectively, including 12 males and 31 females, and 34 patients with IPF (IPF group) treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University during the same period, including 28 males and 6 females, were also included. The basic information, and the value of pulmonary function test [pulmonary function parameters included the forced vital capacity expressed as percent predicted (FVC%pred), the forced expiratory volume in 1 second expressed as percent predicted (FEV(1)%pred), the ratio of FVC to FEV(1) (FVC/FEV(1)), the peak expiratory flow expressed as percent predicted (PEF%pred), the forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75% of FVC as percent predicted (FEF(25)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, and FEF(75)%pred), the maximum mid-expiratory flow as percent predicted (MMEF% pred), and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide as percent predicted (DLCO% pred)], and serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD and IPF were compared. Results: The FEV(1)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, FEF(75)%pred, and MMEF%pred values in ASSD-ILD group were significantly lower than those in IPF group (all P<0.05), while the FVC% pred, FVC/FEV(1), PEF% pred, FEF(25)%pred, and DLCO% pred values in ASSD-ILD group had no significant difference compared with IPF group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum KL-6 level between ASSD-ILD group and IPF group [(1 169±911) vs (1 210±908) U/ml, t=0.62, P=0.463]. Follow-up analysis showed that the serum KL-6 level of ASSD-ILD patients who died within two years was significantly higher than that of survivors [(2 060±1 168) vs (1 042±858) U/ml, t=2.93, P=0.041]. The serum KL-6 level of patients who died within two years of IPF patients was also significantly higher than that of patients who survived [(1 767±865) vs (1 089±894) U/ml, t=2.53, P=0.026]. The serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD group was negatively correlated with FVC%pred (r=-0.43, P=0.004), FEV(1)%pred (r=-0.39, P=0.010) and DLCO% pred (r=-0.41, P=0.006). There was no correlation between serum KL-6 level and pulmonary function test indexes in IPF group (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There is difference in pulmonary function test between ASSD-ILD patients and IPF patients. High serum KL-6 level will be predictive of poor prognosis.

[Short-term effect of Isobar dynamic stabilization system fixation combined with lumbar discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation]

Objective: To investigate the short-term effect of Isobar dynamic stabilization system fixation combined with lumbar discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: From June 2015 to June 2017, 62 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were divided into control group and observation group according to the therapy. The 31 patients in the control group were treated with simple excision of nucleus pulposus and the 31 patients in the observation group were treated with Isobar dynamic stabilization system fixation combined with lumbar discectomy. The score of Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score of low back pain, lumbar and adjacent stage activity, inflammatory factor levels[C reaction protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] were compared between the two groups before and after the operation and 6 months after the operation. The data were compared between the two groups with t test. Results: After the operation and 6 months after, the ODI scores of the two groups decreased and the JOA scores increased significantly (25.5±3.0, 27.5±3.2 vs 15.3±2.2 and 18.6±2.3, 23.3±2.9 vs 15.3±2.0), the ODI scores of the observation group was significantly lower than those in the control group; the JOA scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (t=0.04-10.19, all P<0.05). The operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative blood lose and complications rate in the observation group were all significantly lower than those in the control group. The total activity of lumbar vertebrae in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group after operation and 6 months after (t=37.67, 36.60, both P<0.05); the activity of adjacent segments in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=9.28, 3.79, both P<0.05); the Pfirrmann grade was significantly lower than that in the control group (t=3.11, 5.05, both P<0.05). The levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the two groups were lower than those before operation, and those were also significantly lower in the observation than the corresponding indexes in the control group (t=0.52-10.99, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Isobar dynamic stable system fixation combined with lumbar intervertebral disc resection can effectively improve the lumbar function and lumbar activity in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, and reduce the level of inflammation and relapse.

Rapid Communication: Period2 gene silencing increases the synthesis of αs-casein protein in bovine mammary epithelial cells

(), a core clock gene, encodes a circadian rhythm protein which has been shown to control mammary metabolism in rodents. Whether regulates milk component synthesis such as α-casein protein in bovine mammary cells is unknown. Thus, we used gene silencing technology to determine if silencing could affect α-casein synthesis and cell growth in cultured primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). The BMEC were established by enzymatic digestion of mammary tissue from mid-lactation cows. A transient-transfection technique was used to insert a small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotide specific for to inhibit transcription. Control and siRNA-transfected cells were cultured for 48 h. qRT-PCR and ELISA analysis showed that silencing enhanced the synthesis of 2 kinds of α-casein ( < 0.05) through upregulating the mRNA level of and ( < 0.01). Furthermore, the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) results demonstrated that cell proliferation was not affected ( > 0.05). These data led us to hypothesize that PER2 protein may potentially play an important role in the control of milk protein synthesis and, hence, represents a target that can be used to regulate protein synthesis rate during lactation.

Establishment and characterization of a brain-cell line from kelp grouper Epinephelus moara

A new brain-cell line, EMB, was developed from kelp grouper Epinephelus moara, a cultured marine fish. The EMB cells were subcultured for more than 60 passages. The cells were cultured in Leibovitz's L-15 medium (L15) supplemented with antibiotics, foetal bovine serum (FBS), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The cells could grow at 18-30° C, with the maximum growth between 24 and 30° C. The optimum FBS concentration for the cells growth ranged between 15 and 20%. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48 in the cells at passage 45. After being transfected with pEGFP-N3 plasmid, the cells could successfully express green fluorescence protein (GFP), implying that this cell line can be used for transgenic studies. A significant cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed in the cells after infection with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) or red spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and the viral replication was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) assay, which suggested EMB's application potential for studies of SGIV and RGNNV.

Morphological and physiological responses of different wheat genotypes to chilling stress: a cue to explain yield loss

BACKGROUND

The eco-physiological mechanism of wheat yield loss resulting from chilling stress is a fundamental scientific issue. However, previous studies have focused on hexaploid wheats, and few studies on the morphological and physiological plasticity of wheat plants. Six different wheat genotypes were tested under chilling stress to investigate the physio-morphological parameters as well as the loss of grain yield in growth chambers.

RESULTS

Chilling stress resulted in significant loss in grain yield in all genotypes. Under chilling stress, diploid wheats generated zero harvest, and tetraploid genotypes also suffered from a pronounced loss in grain yield, compared with the control group. In contrast, hexaploid genotypes acquired relatively high maintenance rate of grain yield among three species.

CONCLUSIONS

Diploid and tetraploid wheat genotypes maintained relatively large leaf area and high photosynthetic rates, but they were subjected to significant declines in vascular bundle number and productive tillers as a consequence of the inhibition by sink growth under chilling stress. The hexaploid wheats were found to have relatively low leaf area and photosynthetic rates. These genotypes also stored more soluble carbohydrates and exhibited stronger sink enhancement, ensuring the translocation and redistribution of assimilates. Our findings provided a new theoretical understanding of yield stabilization in the domestication process of wheat genotypes under chilling stress. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Regional Difference in Bone Mineral Density on Hip Fracture Site in Elderly Females by Finite Element Analysis

Hip fracture is a kind of osteoporotic fractures in elderly patients. Its important monitoring indicator is to measure bone mineral density (BMD) using DXA. The stress characteristics and material distribution in different parts of the bones can be well simulated by three-dimensional finite element analysis. Our previous studies have demonstrated a linear positive correlation between clinical BMD and the density of three-dimensional finite element model of the femur. However, the correlation between the density variation between intertrochanteric region and collum femoris region of the model and the fracture site has not been studied yet. The present study intends to investigate whether the regional difference in the density of three-dimensional finite element model of the femur can be used to predict hip fracture site in elderly females. The CT data of both hip joints were collected from 16 cases of elderly female patients with hip fractures. Mimics 15.01 software was used to reconstruct the model of proximal femur on the healthy side. Ten kinds of material properties were assigned. In Abaqus 6.12 software, the collum femoris region and intertrochanteric region were, respectively, drawn for calculating the corresponding regional density of the model, followed by prediction of hip fracture site and final comparison with factual fracture site. The intertrochanteric region/collum femoris region density was [(1.20 ± 0.02) × 10(6)] on the fracture site and [(1.22 ± 0.03) × 10(6)] on the non-fracture site, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Among 16 established models of proximal femur on the healthy side, 14 models were consistent with the actual fracture sites, one model was inconsistent, and one model was unpredictable, with the coincidence rate of 87.5 %. The intertrochanteric region or collum femoris region with lower BMD is more prone to hip fracture of the type on the corresponding site.

Proteome analysis of the liver in the Chinese fire-bellied newt Cynops orientalis

The Chinese fire-bellied newt, Cynops orientalis, belonging to Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae is a species endemic to China. The liver, which is an important digestive gland and the largest amphibian organ, has various functions, including detoxification, glycogen storage, protein synthesis, and hormone production. However, the newt liver has rarely been studied at the molecular level. We performed histomorphology and high-throughput proteomic analysis of the Chinese fire-bellied newt liver, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. The H&E staining showed that the newt liver nuclei are large and round, are located in the lateral cytoplasm, and contain a large quantity of lipid droplets. Melanins were abundantly present throughout the hepatic parenchyma. The proteome analysis showed a total of 545 proteins detected in the newt liver. Furthermore, a gene ontology analysis suggested that these proteins were associated with metabolism, immune response, cellular homeostasis, etc. Among these, proteins with metabolic functions were found to be the most abundant and highly expressed. This supports the role of the liver as the metabolic center. The proteomic results provide new insights into the aspects of the liver proteomes of the Chinese fire-bellied newt. The identification of a more global liver proteome in the newt may provide a basis for characterizing and comparing the liver proteomes from other amphibian species.

Correlation between polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 and susceptibility to asthma in a Chinese population from the Henan Province

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between four single nucleotide polymorphisms in NR3C1 (Tth111I, BclI, ER22/23EK, and N363S), which encode the glucocorticoid receptor, and asthma susceptibility in patients from the Henan Province of China. Three hundred and twenty-eight patients with asthma and 60 healthy volunteers were recruited to this study. The target SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-high resolution melting and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The frequencies of the AA (8.84%) and GG (30.79%) genotypes of Tth111I were higher, and that of the AG genotype was lower (60.37%), in the asthma patients compared to that seen in healthy controls (5.00, 26.67, and 68.33%, respectively). On the other hand, asthma patients showed higher frequencies of the AA genotype (78.05%) of N363S, and lower frequencies of the AG and GG genotypes (15.55 and 6.40%), compared to healthy volunteers (71.67, 18.33, and 10.00%, respectively). Neither of these differences were found to be statistically significant. Moreover, we observed no significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of the BclI and ER22/23EK SNPs between the patient and control groups. In conclusion, SNPs in NR3C1 were not significantly associated with asthma in patients from the Henan Province. Patients showed higher frequencies of the AA and GG genotypes of Tth111I and the AA genotype of the N363S SNP compared to healthy volunteers, although these differences were not significant.

Plant architecture, plasticity, and adaptation strategies of two oat genotypes under different competition intensities

BACKGROUND

The hypothesis that positive and negative interactions account for adaptive strategies was tested in a controlled study with two oat (Avena sativa) genotypes: 'Manotick' with erect leaves and 'Oa1316-1' with prostrate leaves. An increasing competition pattern was designed by varying the number of seeds planted in each container and the space between containers, thus creating different planting density regimes (i.e. alternative and solid treatments).

RESULTS

Total biomass of individual plants tended to decrease exponentially with increasing density in both genotypes. Under high density stress, Manotick allocated more biomass to the roots and produced 50% more tillers, leading to more non-productive tillers and lower harvest index in the alternative than in the solid treatment. In contrast, Oa1316-1 allocated more biomass to panicles and stems, and less to the roots, with fewer tillers.

CONCLUSIONS

With increasing density and strengthening intraspecific competition, Manotick reduced aboveground biomass allocation, leading to lower yield, while Oa1316-1 decreased allocation to the roots, but increased allocation to the panicles under an increasingly competitive environment. These adjustments were mechanically derived from negative and positive interactions, ensuring greater yield in the prostrate type. Our findings provided a novel rationale for a planting strategy based on plant type selections.

Intrafollicular expression and potential regulatory role of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the ovine ovary

Follicular growth is regulated by a complex interaction of pituitary gonadotropins with local regulatory molecules. Previous studies demonstrated an important role for cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in regulation of granulosa cell estradiol production associated with dominant follicle selection in cattle. However, intraovarian expression and actions of CART in other species, including sheep, are not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of CART in sheep follicles and determine the effects of CART on indices of ovine granulosa cell function linked to follicular development. Results demonstrated the expression of CART messenger RNA and prominent intraovarian localization of CART peptide in granulosa cells of sheep follicles. Granulosa cell CART messenger RNA was lower, but follicular fluid estradiol concentrations were higher in large (>5 mm) follicles vs smaller 3- to 5-mm follicles harvested from sheep ovaries of abattoir origin. CART treatment inhibited follicle stimulating hormone-induced estradiol production by cultured ovine granulosal cells and also blocked the follicle stimulating hormone-induced increase in granulosa cell numbers. Results demonstrate expression of CART in sheep follicular tissues and suggest potential biological actions of CART, which are inhibitory to ovine follicular growth and development.

Dryland wheat domestication changed the development of aboveground architecture for a well-structured canopy

We examined three different-ploidy wheat species to elucidate the development of aboveground architecture and its domesticated mechanism under environment-controlled field conditions. Architecture parameters including leaf, stem, spike and canopy morphology were measured together with biomass allocation, leaf net photosynthetic rate and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE(i)). Canopy biomass density was decreased from diploid to tetraploid wheat, but increased to maximum in hexaploid wheat. Population yield in hexaploid wheat was higher than in diploid wheat, but the population fitness and individual competition ability was higher in diploid wheats. Plant architecture was modified from a compact type in diploid wheats to an incompact type in tetraploid wheats, and then to a more compact type of hexaploid wheats. Biomass accumulation, population yield, harvest index and the seed to leaf ratio increased from diploid to tetraploid and hexaploid, associated with heavier specific internode weight and greater canopy biomass density in hexaploid and tetraploid than in diploid wheat. Leaf photosynthetic rate and WUEi were decreased from diploid to tetraploid and increased from tetraploid to hexaploid due to more compact leaf type in hexaploid and diploid than in tetraploid. Grain yield formation and WUEi were closely associated with spatial stance of leaves and stems. We conclude that the ideotype of dryland wheats could be based on spatial reconstruction of leaf type and further exertion of leaf photosynthetic rate.

The Metabolizable Energy Value, Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Soybean Meal, Soy Protein Concentrate and Fermented Soybean Meal, and the Application of These Products in Early-weaned Piglets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the metabolizable energy (ME) value, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) of soybean meal (SBM), soy protein concentrate (SPC) and fermented soybean meal (FSBM), and the application of these products in early-weaned piglets. In Exp. 1, four barrows with initial body weight (BW) of 14.2±1.4 kg were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. The diet 1 contained corn as the only energy source. The other three diets replaced 25% of corn in diet 1 with one of the three soybean products, and the digestable energy (DE) and ME contents were determined by difference. In Exp. 2, four barrows (initial BW of 18.2±1.5 kg) were fitted with ileal T-cannulas and allotted to a 4×4 Latin square design. Three cornstarch-based diets were formulated using each of the soybean products as the sole source of AA. A nitrogen-free diet was also formulated to measure endogenous losses of AA. In Exp. 3, ninety six piglets (initial BW of 5.6±0.9 kg) weaned at 21±2 d were blocked by weight and assigned to one of three treatments for a 21-d growth performance study. The control diet was based on corn and SBM, the two treatments’ diets contained either 10% SPC or FSBM and were formulated to same SID lysine to ME ratio of 3.6 g/Mcal. The results showed that the ME content of SPC was greater than SBM (p<0.05). The SID of most AA in SPC was greater than the SID of AA in SBM (p<0.05). For the essential AA, the SID of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and threonine in FSBM were greater than in SBM (p<0.05). Even though they were fed same SID lysine to ME ratio of 3.6 g/Mcal diets, pigs fed SPC and FSBM diets had greater weight gain, G:F (p<0.05) and better fecal score (p<0.05) than pigs fed SBM diet. In conclusion, SPC showed a higher ME content and SID of AA than the SBM. SID of some essential AA in FSBM was higher than SBM and was similar with SPC. But the lower antigenic proteins and anti-nutritional factors content in SPC and FSBM may be the main factors affecting the performance of early-weaned piglets rather than the increased ME content and SID of AA.

Forsythia suspensa Extract Has the Potential to Substitute Antibiotic in Broiler Chicken

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the potential for Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) to substitute for antibiotic in broiler chicken. First, a well-diffusion assay procedure and a 2-fold dilution method were used to determine the bacteriostatic activity of FSE on Escherichia coli K88, staphylococcus aureus, and salmonella was assayed. An inhibitory effect of FSE was observed on the growth of these bacteria. This effect seems to be dose depended, which disappeared after 25.00, 12.50, 1.56 mg/ml. Second, a 42-d trial with 252 broiler chickens (d 1, 38.7±1.1 g BW) was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of FSE in broiler chicken. The feeding program consisted of a starter diet from d 1 to 21 and a finisher diet from d 22 to 42. Dietary treatments included were: i) NC: negative control fed a corn-soybean meal based diet; ii) PC: positive control group fed based diet with chlortetracycline; and iii) FC: a test group fed with 100 mg FSE/kg diet. In this study growth performance did not differ among treatments during the starter period. However, dietary supplemental chlortetracycline and FSE increased (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with NC during the finisher and overall phase. Apparent digestibility of calcium on d 21, digestibility of energy and calcium on d 42 of FC was greater (p<0.05) than NC. Moreover, cecal Escherichia coli counts for birds from FC were lower (p<0.05) than NC. Dietary FSE supplementation also improved (p<0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios in both duodenum and ileum and decreased (p<0.05) crypt depth in the duodenum. Duodenum villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in both duodenum and ileum from the FC group were also greater (p<0.05). Serum growth hormone and IGF-1 were not influenced by different treatments. Apparently, FSE has the potential to substitute for antibiotic in broiler chicken.

Transferable tight-binding potential for germanium

We report a new tight-binding potential model for Ge. In this model, the bonding environment around each bond is taken into account. The features of this model are extensively examined using various structures, such as the diamond bulk with point defects, reconstructed surfaces, nanowires and small and medium-sized clusters. The resulting configurations, energies and the phonon dispersion as well as the electronic structures of the tested systems are in agreement with those predicted at the level of density functional theory. This indicates that the new model is able to handle complex Ge-based materials.

Chito-oligosaccharide reduces diarrhea incidence and attenuates the immune response of weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Seventy-two barrows (Landrace × Large White, initial BW of 4.9 ± 0.3 kg and 17 ± 3 d old) were used to determine if dietary chito-oligosaccharides can replace antibiotics as a means to reduce signs associated with infection in weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli. Pigs were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design using 6 pens per treatment with 3 pigs per pen. The treatments consisted of pigs fed the unsupplemented corn-soybean meal diet challenged or unchallenged with E. coli K88 and pigs fed the same diet supplemented with 160 mg of chito-oligosaccharides or 100 mg of cyadox/kg and challenged with E. coli K88. On d 7, 1 group of pigs fed the unsupplemented diet, as well as all pigs fed diets containing chito-oligosaccharides or cyadox, were orally dosed with 30 mL of an alkaline broth containing E. coli K88. Another group of pigs fed the unsupplemented diet was orally dosed with 30 mL of sterilized alkaline broth. Fecal consistency was visually assessed each morning from d 7 to 14. Blood samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, and 168 h postinfection. On d 14 postchallenge, all pigs were killed to evaluate intestinal morphology and determine E. coli concentrations in the intestine. During the postchallenge period (wk 2), unsupplemented pigs challenged with E. coli had decreased (P < 0.05) BW gain, feed intake, fecal consistency, villus height, villus height:crypt depth ratio, and plasma IGF-1, and increased (P < 0.05) diarrhea incidence, E. coli counts in the intestine, plasma interleukin-1β, plasma IL-10, and IGA-positive cells in the jejunal and ileal lamina propria, compared with unchallenged pigs. Supplementation with cyadox largely mitigated these effects. Although chito-oligosaccharide reduced the incidence of diarrhea, the growth performance of E. coli-challenged pigs supplemented with chito-oligosaccharide was not better than that of unsupplemented pigs challenged with E. coli. Therefore, chito-oligosaccharide, at the amount used in this experiment, does not seem to be an effective substitute for antibiotics as a growth promoter for newly weaned pigs challenged with E. coli.

Morphine alleviates early stages of apoptosis in cultured CEM x174 cells infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

The reduction in apoptosis caused by short-term exposure of CEM x174 cells infected with SIVmac239 to morphine was investigated. Eeffects of morphine on the viability of normal and infected CEM x174 cells were determined by MTS assay. Apoptosis induced by SIVmac239 and the effects of morphine were analyzed by flow cytometry. cAMP levels, PKA activity, and the resulting histone H3 phosphorylation levels were measured. The results show a pronounced decrease in numbers of infected SIVmac239 cells compared to controls. Morphine elevated cell viability in the infected groups. Annexin V binding assays showed that 1 microM l(-1) morphine increased the percentage of viable cells and decreased apoptotic cells. Morphine also downregulated cAMP and PKA activity in both groups, but more markedly in the infected group. Histone H3 phosphorylation was elevated after virus infection and decreased in the presence of morphine. The results indicate that the cAMP-PKA signal transduction cascade is involved in morphine regulation of early SIVmac239-induced apoptosis.

Morphine alleviates early stages of apoptosis in cultured CEM x174 cells infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

The reduction in apoptosis caused by short-term exposure of CEM x174 cells infected with SIVmac239 to morphine was investigated. Eeffects of morphine on the viability of normal and infected CEM x174 cells were determined by MTS assay. Apoptosis induced by SIVmac239 and the effects of morphine were analyzed by flow cytometry. cAMP levels, PKA activity, and the resulting histone H3 phosphorylation levels were measured. The results show a pronounced decrease in numbers of infected SIVmac239 cells compared to controls. Morphine elevated cell viability in the infected groups. Annexin V binding assays showed that 1 microM l(-1) morphine increased the percentage of viable cells and decreased apoptotic cells. Morphine also downregulated cAMP and PKA activity in both groups, but more markedly in the infected group. Histone H3 phosphorylation was elevated after virus infection and decreased in the presence of morphine. The results indicate that the cAMP-PKA signal transduction cascade is involved in morphine regulation of early SIVmac239-induced apoptosis.

p53 regulates mitochondrial membrane potential through reactive oxygen species and induces cytochrome c-independent apoptosis blocked by Bcl-2

Downstream mediators of p53 in apoptosis induction remain to be elucidated. We report that p53-induced apoptosis occurred in the absence of cytochrome c release into the cytosol. Although Bax was upregulated, it remained largely in the cytosol and there was no detectable translocation to the mitochondria. Bid was not activated as no cleavage could be detected. Thus, the absence of cytochrome c release may be due to the lack of Bax translocation to mitochondria and/or Bid inactivation. Nevertheless, p53-induced apoptosis is still caspase dependent because it could be abolished by z-VAD-fmk. To search for alternative downstream targets of p53, we detected production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi). p53 induced ROS generation, which then caused a transient increase of Deltapsi followed by a decrease. Antioxidants could inhibit the alterations of Deltapsi, thereby preventing apoptosis. z-VAD-fmk was unable to abrogate Deltapsi elevation but inhibited Deltapsi decrease, indicating that Deltapsi elevation and its decrease are two independent events. Bcl-2 may abolish elevation as well as decrease of Deltapsi without interfering with ROS levels. Thus, the ROS-mediated disruption of Deltapsi constitutes a pivotal step in the apoptotic pathway of p53, and this pathway does not involve cytochrome c release.

Requirement for protein kinase C in reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis is a component of a variety of cardiovascular diseases and may be related to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study was designed to determine the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in ROS-induced VSMC apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rat aortic VSMCs were exposed to H(2)O(2), and the nature of cell death was characterized in the absence or presence of different PKC inhibitors. The results demonstrate that exposure of VSMCs to H(2)O(2) led to a dose-dependent (25 to 100 micromol/L) and time-dependent (peak at 2 minutes) activation of PKC. Among the PKC isoforms alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, and zeta, only PKC-alpha and PKC-epsilon were found to change their intracellular distribution on H(2)O(2) treatment. Apoptosis was the predominant form of cell death when PKC had been activated by H(2)O(2) alone or by H(2)O(2) in the presence of 50 nmol/L phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. In contrast, necrosis became the predominant form of cell death when PKC had been downregulated by prolonged exposure to 200 nmol/L phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or inhibited by 50 nmol/L staurosporine, 100 nmol/L calphostin C, or 30 micromol/L H-7. In addition, caspase-3 was activated in H(2)O(2)-induced VSMC apoptosis but not when PKC was downregulated or inhibited. Inhibition of caspase-3 by 50 micromol/L Ac-DEVD-CHO could significantly attenuate H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis and was not associated with the induction of necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in VSMCs, PKC converts the ROS-induced signals from necrotic cell death to the activation of an apoptotic cell death program. These data imply a novel and important role of PKC for the pathogenesis of such vascular diseases as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension.

Signaling pathways in reactive oxygen species-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis

BACKGROUND

The importance of free radical homeostasis and apoptosis in normal and diseased hearts and their interrelationships are poorly defined. We tested whether reactive oxygen species can trigger apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, and we explored the underlying pathways.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cell culture model of isolated cardiac cells and different reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating systems were used. Apoptosis became evident when cardiomyocytes were exposed to either H2O2 or superoxide anion (O2-). Both H2O2- and O2--induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were associated with an increase in p53 protein content, whereas protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were unaltered. H2O2, but not O2-, induced an increase in the protein content of Bad. Furthermore, H2O2 elicited translocation of Bax and Bad from cytosol to mitochondria, where these factors formed heterodimers with Bcl-2, which was followed by the release of cytochrome c, activation of CPP32, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Interestingly, this pathway was not activated by O2-. Instead, O2- used Mch2alpha to promote the apoptotic pathway, as revealed by the activation of Mch2alpha and the cleavage of its substrate, lamin A.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results indicate that ROS may play an important pathophysiological role in cardiac diseases characterized by apoptotic cell death and suggest that different ROS-induced activations of the apoptotic cell death program in cardiomyocytes involve distinct signaling pathways.

Flutamide suppressed prostate hypertrophy in rats and mice

AIM

To study the suppressive effect of flutamide (Flu) on benign prostate hypertrophy.

METHODS

The effect of Flu 10, 25, and 50 mg.kg-1 i.g. on the prostate was tested in orchiectomized rats with s.c. testosterone daily for 30 d and in mice implanted with homologous strain fetal mouse urogenital sinus for 14 d.

RESULTS

1) Flu dose-dependently suppressed the weight and volume of each lobe of the prostate to about 10%-50% of control. Also, the acini and height of epithelial cells atrophied. The effect was more powerful than that of estradiol (Est). 2) The weight and volume of the mouse prostate diminished in Flu-treated groups, but the dose-response relationship was seen only in volume. In this model, Est was better than Flu.

CONCLUSION

Flu possesses the suppressive action on benign prostate hypertrophy.

Superoxide induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, but proliferation and expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in cardiac fibroblasts

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibroblast proliferation are characteristic features of failing myocardium. Here we investigated the effect of superoxide on the cell fate of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Cultured rat cardiomyocytes or cardiac fibroblasts were treated with superoxide. In response to superoxide stimulation cardiomyocytes underwent apoptosis as revealed by the increase in histone associated DNA fragmentation and positive to in situ nick end-labeling. In contrast, cardiac fibroblasts were stimulated to proliferate as demonstrated by the increase in DNA synthesis detected by [3H]thymidine incorporation and in cell number. Additionally, Northern blot analysis showed that transforming growth factor-beta1, a key factor responsible for myocardial fibrosis, was upregulated in cardiac fibroblasts in response to superoxide stimulation. These data suggest that superoxide can induce such divergent effects as apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and cell growth in cardiac fibroblasts, indicating that it may be a potential factor involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure.

Differential effect of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion on apoptosis and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are two important components of atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension. Although reactive oxygen species have been demonstrated to participate in the pathogenesis of these diseases, their precise involvement has not been fully understood. We hypothesized that different reactive oxygen species exert distinct effects on proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cultured rat VSMCs were exposed to xanthine oxidase/xanthine (XO/X) or H2O2-Fe(II). A single exposure to XO/X predominantly resulted in cell proliferation, whereas frequent exposures to high levels of XO/X predominantly resulted in cell death. Administration of superoxide dismutase and catalase revealed that O2- but not H2O2, was mitogenic to VSMCs, whereas H2O2 was responsible for VSMC death. Treatment with H2O2-Fe(II) alone or in the presence of different hydroxyl radical scavengers showed that VSMC death occurred in a dose-dependent manner and was mediated by the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Cell death caused by XO/X or H2O2-Fe(II) occurred by apoptosis as revealed by condensation of nuclei, appearance of a "DNA ladder," increases in DNA fragmentation, and positive in situ nick-end labeling. Northern blot analysis indicated that bcl-2 and c-fos but not p53 and c-myc may participate in mediating H2O2-Fe(II)-induced VSMC apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Different reactive oxygen species exert distinct effects on VSMCs, with O2- inducing proliferation and H2O2 causing apoptosis. Thus, reactive oxygen species might participate in atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension in a dual manner by stimulating proliferation and triggering apoptosis of VSMCs.

[Inhibitory effect of 2-(N-acetyl-methyl amino)-3',4'-methylenedioxyacetyl-aminophene(SY-640) on covalent binding of carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene with mouse hepatocyte nuclear DNA]

Many carcinogens must be first transformed into electrophilic ultimate carcinogens via metabolic activation in liver microsomes before covalent binding to nucleophilic center of DNA. SY-640 is a synthetic compound with hepatoprotective activity. Results of the present study indicate that the covalent binding of 3H-benzo(a)pyrine to mouse hepatocyte nuclear DNA in vitro and in vivo was markedly inhibited by SY-640. Further studies found that the liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content and aminopyrine demethylase activity were significantly increased in mice treated with SY-640 (150 mg.kg-1 p.o.) once daily for three days, while the hepatic microsomal aminopyrine demethylase activity was obviously inhibited two hours after oral administration of SY-640 150 mg.kg-1 in mice. The aminopyrine demethylase activity of liver microsomes from normal, PB- and 3-MC-treated mice was also significantly inhibited by the addition of SY-640 in vitro. When SY-640 was incubated with NADPH-reduced mouse liver microsomes, a metabolic-intermediate(MI) complex at 457 nm was formed. The effects of SY-640 on cytochrome P-450 and its formation of MI complex with cytochrome P-450 may partially explain why SY-640 could inhibit covalent-binding of BP to mouse hepatocyte DNA in vitro.

Reactive oxygen species induce apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell

Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plays an important role in the genesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. In order to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species in the induction of VSMC apoptosis, rat VSMCs were treated with glucose oxidase/glucose (GO/G) or diethylmaleate (DEM). The results showed that GO/G and DEM led to VSMC death. Administration of catalase, superoxide dismutase and deferoxamine revealed that H2O2 was the major reactive oxygen species causing cell death, and H2O2O exerted its effect by formation of hydroxyl radical (.OH). GO/G- and DEM-induced VSMC death occurred by apoptosis characterized by "DNA ladders", condensation of nuclei, positive to in situ nick-end labeling and increases in histone-associated DNA fragmentation. This study suggests that H2O2 and its derived form .OH might be related to apoptosis of VSMC in atherosclerosis and restenosis.

[Oxidative modification of cupro-zinc superoxide dismutase by reactive oxygen species]

Exposure of cupro-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) to hydrogen peroxide or ascorbate-Fe(III) gives rise to the extensively oxidative modification of SOD. The results showed as (1) the enzyme was irreversibly inactivated by H2O2 and ascorbate-Fe(III); (2) both human and bovine SOD showed an increase in reactivities with their antibodies; (3) the reduction and the loss of Cu(II) as well as the loss of His44, His118 and His78 indicated by 1HNMR and ESR might be responsible for the mechanism of SOD inactivation; (4) there were great changes in the primary structure and conformation in SOD; (5) the physicochemical properties of SOD were altered; (6) antigenic determinants analysis of SOD was performed and the results showed that there are at least three antigenic determinants in SOD.

Oxidative modification of bovine erythrocyte superoxide dismutase by hydrogen peroxide and ascorbate -Fe(III)

Exposure of superoxide dismutase to hydrogen peroxide or ascorbate -Fe(III) gives rise to the modification of the enzyme structure and the changes of its function as well as of its immunological property. The structure alterations are especially shown as the loss of the enzyme-bound copper, the production of peptide fragments, the formation of carbonyl groups in the amino acid side chains, the increase in the contents of aspartic acid, glutamic acid and glycine and a decrease in the number of histidine, proline, arginine, lysine, serine and threonine. Accompanying the structure changes, the enzyme lost its catalytic activity. Hydrogen peroxide and ascorbate -Fe(III) exhibited different effects on the structural and functional changes of the enzyme. Furthermore, the bovine superoxide dismutase exposed to hydrogen peroxide or ascorbate -Fe(III) with different kinds of antisera such as antibovine, anticanine, antiporcine and antihuman superoxide dismutase antisera all showed greatly increases in the reactivities. It is proposed that reactive oxygen species may play a role in the building up of circulating immune complexes in autoimmune diseases.