Sustainable bio-bricks prepared with synthetic urine enabled by biomineralization reactions

In this study, mineralization during brick preparation was performed with ureolytic bacterium, Lysinibacillus fusiformis that use urine as a substrate, omitting the heat that is normally required. Artificial urine for reasons of standardization was used to grow the bacterium for bio-bricks made of clay and cement, but their mineralization was enabled by biological activity instead of by heat. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy were conducted to analyse the microstructures formed by L. fusiformis that precipitated various minerals in synthetic urine. The brick specimens were tested for compressive strength that was 59% more than control ones, whereas porosity of bio-bricks was 13% compared to 22% of control specimens. The minerals formed in the bio-bricks confirmed as struvite, apatite and calcite by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectra, were responsible for improved strength and reduced porosity. The research provided evidence in utilizing ureolytic bacteria as a mode to mineralize clay in brick production with the use of (artificial) urine as a substrate.

Arctigenin Attenuates Tumor Metastasis Through Inhibiting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Suppressing GSK3β-Dependent Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

Arctigenin (ARG) has been reported to be a bioactive lignan from Arctium lappa exerting various activities including anti-cancer and immune-regulation. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-metastasis activity and mechanism of ARG against hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that ARG exhibited a significant cytotoxicity on Hep G2 and SMMC 7721 cells (but not on normal liver cells LO2). In addition, the migration and invasion of Hep G2 and SMMC 7721 cells were also remarkably repressed. Furthermore, ARG attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation, resulting in the down-regulation of β-catenin target genes including c-Myc, cyclin D1, MMP-9, and ZO-1. Noticeably, ARG attenuated the activation of Wnt/β-catenin through a GSK3β-dependent pathway. Besides, we also found that ARG potentially inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by up-regulating the epithelial and down-regulating the mesenchymal marker proteins. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of ARG not only significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor but also dramatically alleviated the tumor metastasis in liver. Our data demonstrated that ARG exerted anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition and anti-metastasis activities against hepatocellular carcinoma, which might make it a candidate as a preventive agent for cancer metastasis.

[Characteristics of cognitive impairment of different infarct locations among patients after acute ischemic stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of cognitive function changes of different infarct sites among patients after acute ischemic stroke, so as to provide theoretical basis for preventing and treating vascular cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

One hundred and five cases of acute ischemic stroke within fourteen days meeting the standard set were enrolled, and they were tested by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). And the characteristics of cognitive changes with different infarction sites were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with acute stroke suffered cognitive impairment.The significantly impaired cognitive domains in MMSE were: graphics execution in patients with left hemisphere infarction (P=0.027); verbal repetition in frontal infarction (P=0.003); short memory (P=0.04) and verbal repetition (P=0.007) in parietal infarction.The significantly impaired cognitive domains in MoCA were: language (P=0.002), naming (P=0.011), attention (P=0.028) and time orientation (P=0.031) in frontal infarction; delayed memory (P<0.001), attention (P=0.041), language (P=0.049) and visual space and executive ability (P=0.049) in parietal infarction; attention in temporal infarction (P=0.045); language (P=0.009) and time orientation (P=0.026) in basal ganglia region infarction.

CONCLUSION

Most ischemic stroke patients at acute phase suffered cognitive impairment and the characteristics of cognitive changes differed according to different infarction sites.Comprehensive assessment of cognitive impairment after acute stroke is of great importance.

A universal multi-wavelength fluorescence polarization immunoassay for multiplexed detection of mycotoxins in maize

Multi-analyte immunoassays have attracted increasing attention due to their short assay times, low sample consumption, and reduced detection costs per assay. In this work, we describe a homologous and high-throughput multi-wavelength fluorescence polarization immunoassay (MWFPIA) for the multiplexed detection of mycotoxins. Three typical Fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin and fumonisin B1 (FB1), were labeled with different dyes. Tracers and specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were employed in the MWFPIA to simultaneously detect the three mycotoxins. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection using MWFPIA were 242.0 μg kg(-1) for DON, 17.8 μg kg(-1) for T-2 toxin and 331.5 μg kg(-1) for FB1, providing sufficient sensitivity to meet the action levels of these three contaminants in maize as set by the European Union. The use of a methanol/water (2:3, v/v) mixture for sample pretreatment allowed recoveries ranging from 76.5-106.3%, with coefficients of variation less than 21.7%. The total time of analysis, including sample preparation, was less than 30 min. Twenty naturally contaminated maize samples were tested using MWFPIA and HPLC-MS/MS, with correlation coefficients (R(2)) of 0.97 for DON and 0.99 for FB1. By changing the targets of interest, homologous MWFPIA, a method with high sensitivity, a simple procedure and a short analysis time, can easily be extended to other chemical contaminants. Thus, MWFPIA represents a versatile strategy for food safety analysis.

Development of a screening fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of fumonisins B₁ and B₂ in maize

This paper reports the development of a screening fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for the simultaneous detection of fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in maize. Three FB1 tracers including FB1-fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FB1-FITC), FB1-5-([4,6-dichlorotriazine-2-yl]amino)-fluorescein (FB1-5-DTAF), and FB1-Texas Red-X succinimidyl ester (FB1-TRX) were synthesized and studied to select appropriate tracer-antibody pairs using seven previously produced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). An FPIA employing the pair of FB1-FITC and mAb 4B9 showing 98.9% cross-reactivity (CR) toward FB2 was used to simultaneously detect FB1 and FB2. Maize flour samples were extracted with methanol/water (2:3, v/v). After optimization, the FPIA revealed a limit of detection (LOD) of 157.4 μg/kg for FB1 and an LOD of 290.6 μg/kg for FB2, respectively. Recoveries were measured for spiked samples of FB1 or FB2 separately, ranging from 84.7 to 93.6%, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of <9.9%. Total time needed for FPIA including sample pretreatment was <30 min. The FPIA was used to screen naturally contaminated maize samples. Results detected by FPIA showed good agreement with that of HPLC-MS/MS with a fit of R(2) = 0.99 for the simultaneous detection of FB1 and FB2. The established method offered a rapid, simple, sensitive, and high-throughput screening tool for the detection of fumonisins in maize.

Simultaneous determination of multiple (fluoro)quinolone antibiotics in food samples by a one-step fluorescence polarization immunoassay

This paper describes a rapid one-step fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for the simultaneous determination of multiple (fluoro)quinolone antibiotics (FQs) in food samples. Several fluorescent tracers were synthesized and evaluated in the FPIA method based on a broad-specificity of monoclonal antibodies toward FQs. The heterogeneous tracer, SAR-5-FAM, was considered as the optimal choice to prepare the immunocomplex single reagent, which allows a rapid and sensitive displacement reaction by addition of analytes. Optimized single-reagent FPIA exhibited broad cross-reactivities in the range of 7.8-172.2% with 16 FQs tested and was capable of determining most FQs at the level of maximum residue limits. Recoveries for spiked milk and chicken muscle samples were from 77.8 to 116%, with relative standard deviation lower than 17.4%. Therefore, this method could be applicable in routine screening analysis of multiple FQ residues in food samples.

Multiple abnormalities due to a nonsense mutation in the Alx4 gene

Patterning of the limb anterior-posterior axes depends on several signals that derive from the three signaling centers of the limb bud. These signals interact to constitute a complex and ordered network that critically contributes to the development of limb buds. Preaxial polydactyly in mouse is predominantly caused by ectopic expression of the zone of polarizing activity or Sonic hedgehog in the anterior region of the limb bud. In this study, we describe an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced polydactylous mouse (Alx4m1Yzcm) with an extra digit on the anterior aspect of one or two hinddigits. The mutation was mapped to chromosome 2, between markers D2Mit45 and D2Mit184. The Alx4 gene was identified as a potential candidate gene in this location. Sequence analysis of the Alx4 gene for polydactylous heterozygotes revealed an A/T transversion mutation that resulted in substitution of a lysine codon with a stop (nonsense) codon at position 145. Alx4m1Yzcm homozygous mice exhibited multiple abnormalities, including extensive preaxial polydactyly of all four limbs (up to seven digits) and the formation of omphalocele.

A monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for multiresidue determination of avermectins in milk

Due to the widespread use and potential toxicity of avermectins (AVMs), multi-residue monitoring of AVMs in edible tissues, especially in milk, has become increasingly important. With the aim of developing a broad-selective immunoassay for AVMs, a broad-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) was raised. Based on this Mab, a homologous indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the rapid detection of AVMs in milk was developed. Under the optimized conditions, the IC₅₀ values in assay buffer were estimated to be 3.05 ng/mL for abamectin, 13.10 ng/mL for ivermectin, 38.96 ng/mL for eprinomectin, 61.00 ng/mL for doramectin, 14.38 ng/mL for emamectin benzoate. Detection capability (CCβ) of the ELISA was less than 5 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL in milk samples prepared by simple dilution and solvent extraction, respectively. The optimized ELISA was used to quantify AVMs in milk samples spiked at different amounts. The mean recovery and coefficient of variation (CV) were 95.90% and 15.42%, respectively. The Mab-based ELISA achieved a great improvement in AVMs detection. Results proved this broad-selective ELISA would be useful for the multi-residue determination of AVMs in milk without purification process.

Simultaneous determination of trace levels of 10 quinolones in swine, chicken, and shrimp muscle tissues using HPLC with programmable fluorescence detection

A HPLC method using a modified sample preparation procedure was optimized and validated for the quantification of 10 quinolones (QNs), including marbofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, lomefloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, sarafloxacin, difloxacin, oxolinic acid, and flumequine, in swine, chicken, and shrimp tissues. In this method, only a small mass (<or=2.0 g) of sample and a relatively small volume of organic reagent (<or=4.6 mL) of a nonchlorinated extraction solvent were required. The QNs were analyzed by liquid chromatography in a single run using a gradient elution program and with a programmable fluorescence detector to obtain optimum detection wavelengths. Mean recoveries of 10 drugs from edible animal tissues at a concentration range of 1-100 ng g-1 were 72.8-106.8% with relative standard deviations below 11.2%. The limits of quantification for each QN in different muscle tissues ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 ng g-1, which were below the lowest maximum residue limits (10 ng g-1) established in many countries. The method was also applied to the measurement of QN residues in commercial muscle samples. The results showed it was rapid, simple, sensitive, and suitable for use in food surveillance programs.

Stem cell plasticity in muscle and bone marrow

Recent discoveries have demonstrated the extraordinary plasticity of tissue-derived stem cells, raising fundamental questions about cell lineage relationships and suggesting the potential for novel cell-based therapies. We have examined this phenomenon in a potential reciprocal relationship between stem cells derived from the skeletal muscle and from the bone marrow. We have discovered that cells derived from the skeletal muscle of adult mice contain a remarkable capacity for hematopoietic differentiation. Cells prepared from muscle by enzymatic digestion and 5 day in vitro culture were harvested and introduced into each of six lethally irradiated recipients together with distinguishable whole bone marrow cells. Six and twelve weeks later, all recipients showed high-level engraftment of muscle-derived cells representing all major adult blood lineages. The mean total contribution of muscle cell progeny to peripheral blood was 56%, indicating that the cultured muscle cells generated approximately 10- to 14-fold more hematopoietic activity than whole bone marrow. Although the identity of the muscle-derived hematopoietic stem cells is still unknown, they may be identical to muscle satellite cells, some of which lack myogenic regulators and could respond to hematopoietic signals. We have also found that stem cells in the bone marrow can contribute to cardiac muscle repair and neovascularization after ischemic injury. We transplanted highly purified bone marrow stem cells into lethally irradiated mice that subsequently were rendered ischemic by coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. The engrafted stem cells or their progeny differentiated into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells and contributed to the formation of functional tissue.

Hematopoietic potential of stem cells isolated from murine skeletal muscle

We have discovered that cells derived from the skeletal muscle of adult mice contain a remarkable capacity for hematopoietic differentiation. Cells prepared from muscle by enzymatic digestion and 5-day in vitro culture were harvested, and 18 x 10(3) cells were introduced into each of six lethally irradiated recipients together with 200 x 10(3) distinguishable whole bone marrow cells. After 6 or 12 weeks, all recipients showed high-level engraftment of muscle-derived cells representing all major adult blood lineages. The mean total contribution of muscle cell progeny to peripheral blood was 56 +/- 20% (SD), indicating that the cultured muscle cells generated approximately 10- to 14-fold more hematopoietic activity than whole bone marrow. When bone marrow from one mouse was harvested and transplanted into secondary recipients, all recipients showed high-level multilineage engraftment (mean 40%), establishing the extremely primitive nature of these stem cells. We also show that muscle contains a population of cells with several characteristics of bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells, including high efflux of the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342 and expression of the stem cell antigens Sca-1 and c-Kit, although the cells lack the hematopoietic marker CD45. We propose that this population accounts for the hematopoietic activity generated by cultured skeletal muscle. These putative stem cells may be identical to muscle satellite cells, some of which lack myogenic regulators and could be expected to respond to hematopoietic signals.