Search

To study the heavy metal accumulation and its impact on insect exterior and chromosome morphology, and reveal the molecular mechanism of insects adapting to long-term heavy metal compound pollution habitats, this study, in the Diaojiang river basin, which has been polluted by heavy metals(HMs) for nearly a thousand years, two Eucriotettix oculatus populations was collected from mining and non-mining areas. It was found that the contents of 7 heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Sn, Sb) in E. oculatus of the mining area were higher than that in the non-mining 1–11 times. The analysis of morphology shows that the external morphology, the hind wing type and the chromosomal morphology of E. oculatus are significant differences between the two populations. Based on the heavy metal accumulation，morphological change, and stable population density, it is inferred that the mining area population has been affected by heavy metals and has adapted to the environment of heavy metals pollution. Then, by analyzing the transcriptome of the two populations, it was found that the digestion, immunity, excretion, endocrine, nerve, circulation, reproductive and other systems and lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and other cell structure-related gene expression were suppressed. This shows that the functions of the above-mentioned related systems of E. oculatus are inhibited by heavy metal stress. However, it has also been found that through the significant up-regulation of genes related to the above system, such as ATP2B, pepsin A, ubiquitin, AQP1, ACOX, ATPeV0A, SEC61A, CANX, ALDH7A1, DLD, aceE, Hsp40, and catalase, etc., and the down-regulation of MAPK signalling pathway genes, can enhanced nutrient absorption, improve energy metabolism, repair damaged cells and degrade abnormal proteins, maintain the stability of cells and systems, and resist heavy metal damage so that E. oculatus can adapt to the environment of heavy metal pollution for a long time. [Display omitted] • Heavy metal compound pollution can cause changes in the external and chromosome morphology of Eucriotettix oculatus. • Heavy metal stress can lead to inhibition of gene expression related to various life activities in insects. • The increased expression of some key genes may be a strategy for insects to adapt to heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 9 patients with gastric cancer underwent successful LA-NOSE gastrectomy using an auxiliary incision-free tube and standard D 2 lymph node resection. • LA-NOSE gastrectomy using the auxiliary incision-free tube to transferred the original abdominal wall incision to the natural orifice incision may reduce visible scarring, pain and faster recovery. • After a mean follow-up of 14.7±9.6 months, no transrectal or transvaginal access-site recurrence, anterior rectectomy or posterior fornix colpotomy related complications, and local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred. • Transrectal or transvaginal specimen extraction following totally laparoscopic subtotal or total gastrectomy using the auxiliary incision-free tube is a feasible procedure for patients with gastric cancer. Laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction (LA-NOSE) gastrectomy effectively avoids the need for an abdominal incision, unlike conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy. In this study, we documented our experience with LA-NOSE gastrectomy using an auxiliary incision-free tube (Cai tube, a homemade invention: ZL201410168748.2) in 9 gastric cancer patients and summarized the clinical results. From July 2018 to June 2020, a total of 9 patients with gastric cancer were recruited for this study. LA-NOSE gastrectomy (subtotal or total) using the auxiliary incision-free tube and D 2 lymph node dissection were performed. Specimens were extracted through the anterior wall of the upper rectum in 4 male patients and the posterior fornix of the vagina in 5 female patients using the auxiliary incision-free tube. All 9 patients underwent successful laparoscopic gastrectomy with NOSE using the auxiliary incision-free tube. No perioperative death, re-admission within 60 days post operation, natural orifice wound infection or tumor implantation was observed. The mean operating time was 365.3±41.7 min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 87.8±39.3 ml. The mean duration of hospital stay was 11.3±1.2 days, while the mean maximum pain score (visual analogue score, VAS) was 2.3±0.9 on postoperative day (POD) 1, and the mean time to ambulation was 1.3±0.5 days. The 60-day postoperative morbidity rate was 11.1% (1/9). After a mean follow-up of 14.7±9.6 months, there was no transrectal or transvaginal access-site recurrence, no anterior rectectomy or posterior fornix colpotomy-related complications, and no local recurrence or distant metastasis. Our preliminary experience indicates that this new technique, LA-NOSE gastrectomy using the auxiliary incision-free tube, is feasible for selected patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae B. Couch is one of the most devastating diseases on rice. Camptothecin (CPT), which was primarily isolated from Camptotheca acuminata , is well-known for its anti-tumor activities, and is also developed as a potential biological pesticide. We previously investigated the anti-microbial activities of CPT against 11 fungi, 3 oomycetes, and 4 bacteria, and found that CPT was strongly effective against M. oryzae , indicating its potential as a lead for developing fungicide against rice blast. However, the anti-fungal effects of CPT on M. oryzae need further elucidation. In this study, the anti-fungal activities of CPT against M. oryzae were further investigated, which revealed that CPT was effective against M. oryzae both in vitro and in vivo. The transcriptome of M. oryzae was analyzed after CPT treatment, which showed that CPT had a strong inhibitory effect on 'translation' and 'carbohydrate metabolism/energy metabolism' of M. oryzae. Some physiology characteristics of M. oryzae were also assayed, which confirmed that CPT inhibited RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism/energy metabolism of M. oryzae , and caused membrane damage. The molecular simulation result showed that CPT binds to the interface of DNA-topoisomerase I complex of M. oryzae. In conclusion, CPT is a promising lead for developing fungicide against rice blast. CPT may bind to DNA-topoisomerase I complex of M. oryzae , thus affecting 'translation' and 'carbohydrate metabolism/energy metabolism', leading to cell death. Unlabelled Image • Camptothecin (CPT) is effective against Magnaporthe oryzae both in vitro and in vivo. • CPT strongly inhibits the translation process of M. oryzae , which results in significant decreases in RNA and protein content. • CPT reduces carbohydrate metabolism and energy metabolism in M. oryzae. • The molecular simulation result indicated that CPT may bind to DNA-topoisomerase I complex of M. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 10-deacetyl-bacatin III (10-DAB) is a natural plant-derived taxane diterpene, whose antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the antimicrobial effect of 10-DAB on plant-pathogenic oomycetes. Our results revealed that 10-DAB exhibited significant antimicrobial activities against test oomycetes, especially against Phytophthora capsici , with a median effective concentration (EC 50) of 1.46 μg/mL, but had no effect on test fungi. Under 10-DAB treatment, mycelia of P. capsici were contorted with an increased number of top branches, and the production and germination of zoospores were inhibited and delayed, respectively. In addition, 10-DAB had favorable protective and curative activities with control efficacies of 63.90% and 74.81% at 200 μg/mL on detached pepper leaves. Furthermore, 10-DAB caused a significant decrease in soluble protein, lysine, and α, ε-diaminopimelic acid content of P. capsici , which suggested that 10-DAB inhibited the lysine biosynthesis. On the contrary, treatment with exogenous lysine effectively counteracted 10-DAB's inhibition activity on P. capsici. Moreover, relative expression of four key lysine biosynthesis-related genes of P. capsici were decreased upon 10-DAB treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest a lysine biosynthesis inhibiting-dependent antimicrobial activity of 10-DAB against P. capsici , which contributes to accelerating the application of 10-DAB for successful management of phytophthora blight disease in agricultural production. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • 10-DAB inhibits growth of P. capsici in vitro as well as infection in planta. • The inhibitory effect of 10-DAB against P. capsici is dependent on impeding lysine biosynthesis. • Expression levels of genes involved in lysine biosynthesis were decreased upon 10-DAB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction and application of pectin from jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ) peel could add value to the waste products arising from processing of the jackfruit. In this study, pectin from jackfruit peel was extracted using different organic acids and mineral acids. A response surface methodology was employed to optimize the ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE) of pectin with citric acid. The pectins obtained from UMAE (UM-P) and conventional heating (CH-P) were compared in terms of their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. The optimum UMAE conditions were: extraction temperature 86 °C, extraction time 29 min, and solid-liquid ratio 1:48 ( w/v ). Under these conditions, the yield of pectin was 21.5%. Physicochemical analysis suggested that two pectins (UM-P and CH-P) were major in galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, and galacturonic acid with a high degree of methyl-esterification. UM-P and CH-P possessed considerable antioxidant activities, while UM-P had stronger antioxidant abilities than CH-P in certain tests. The current work showed that critic acid is a ‘green’ and safe acidic solvent that could be used to effectively extract pectin from jackfruit peel. The UMAE method is considered to be a potential alternative conventional extraction method. Pectins from jackfruit peel could potentially be used as natural antioxidants by the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo ) causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and can be effectively controlled by phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), an antibiotic secreted by Pseudomonas spp. PCA resistance in Xoo was investigated in this research. Only four PCA-resistant strains were obtained by extensive screening, and the resistance was genetically stable in only one of them (P4). P4 was also resistant to phenazine and 1-hydroxyphezine but not to captan, bismerthiazol, or streptomycin. The following were reduced in P4 relative to the parental wild type: growth, virulence, EPS production, extracellular cellulase production and activity, biofilm formation, and swimming ability. ROS accumulation was reduced, resistance to exogenous H 2 O 2 was increased, and expression of catalase genes and catalase activities were increased in P4, suggesting that PCA resistance in P4 results from a reduction in ROS production and/or an increased ability to metabolize ROS following PCA treatment. Given the low risk of Xoo developing PCA resistance and the reduced virulence and fitness of the resistant strain, PCA can be used in alternation with other common bactericides to control BLB in rice fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo ) is the casual agent of bacterial blight, which is one of the most serious diseases of rice. The antibiotic phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), which is primarily produced by Pseudomonas spp., was found and previously reported very effective against Xoo . However, the biological effects of PCA on Xoo remain unclear. In this study, we found that PCA increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Xoo. Xoo was more sensitive to H 2 O 2 than Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola ( Xoc ), and had a much lower expression of CAT genes. In addition, proteomic analysis indicated that PCA inhibited carbohydrate metabolism and nutrient uptake in Xoo , and analysis of carbon source utilization further confirmed that carbohydrate metabolism in Xoo was repressed by PCA. In conclusion, PCA acted as a redox-cycling agent that disturbed the redox balance in Xoo and reduced CAT and SOD activities, resulting in higher accumulation of ROS, altered carbohydrate metabolism, and lower energy production and nutrient uptake. Moreover, a deficient antioxidant system in Xoo made it very sensitive to PCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first study using ADEs as the "window of brain" to test the in vivo inflammatory status of astrocytes in CNS. • The significantly higher inflammatory markers in ADEs in MDD patients support the inflammatory glia hypothesis of depression. • Inflammatory markers in ADEs demonstrated their potential as biomarkers for MDD. Astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEs) allow the in vivo probing of the inflammatory status of astrocytes practical. Serum sample and ADEs were used to test the inflammatory hypothesis in 70 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 70 matched healthy controls (HCs). In serum, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-17A were significantly increased, where as IL-12p70 was significantly reduced in the MDD patients compared with HCs. In ADEs, all inflammatory markers (Interferon‐γ, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17A) except IL-10 were significantly increased in the MDD patients, the Hedge's g values of elevated inflammatory markers varied from 0.48 to 1.07. However, there were no differences of all inflammatory markers whether in serum or ADEs between MDD-drug free and medicated subgroups. The association of inflammatory biomarkers between ADEs and serum did not reach statistically significance after multi-comparison correction neither in the HCs nor MDD patients. The spearman coefficients between inflammatory factors and clinical characteristics in the MDD patients, such as onset age, disease course, current episode duration, and severity of depression, were nonsignificant after multi-comparison correction. In the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, the corrected partial area under the curve (pAUC) of each inflammatory markers in ADEs ranged from 0.522 to 0.696, and the combination of these inflammatory factors achieved a high pAUC (>0.9). Our findings support the inflammatory glial hypothesis of depression, and suggests that in human ADEs could be a useful tool to probe the in vivo astrocyte status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hierarchical porous architecture with interconnected trimodal micro-meso-macroporous systems constructed from uniform zeolite Zr-doped silicalite-1 nanocrystals has been prepared. The synthesis has been made by using glycerin as a reaction medium via a quasi-solid-state crystallization of hierarchically meso-macroporous zirconosilicate precursor under the effect of the structure directing agent TPAOH. The presence of glycerin is crucial in the synthesis systems to maintain the porous hierarchy. The pores inter-connectivity, Zr location in the framework, the acidity and the catalytic activity have been studied by laser-hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and the catalytic isopropylbenzene cracking probe reaction, respectively. The products possess well-defined macrochannels interconnected with mesopores located in the macropore walls, which in turn have been constructed from microporous MFI-type zeolite units. 129Xe NMR study indicated that the hierarchically micro-, meso-, macro-pore systems are homogeneously distributed throughout the final materials and well interconnected, which is important for molecular diffusion. The TPD-NH3 investigation revealed that the hierarchically micro-meso-macroporous materials constructed from zeolite Zr-Silicalite-1 nanocrystals present strong acidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The procedure for the expression and purification of recombinant porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase using Escherichia coli [K.M. Richards, L.J. Marnett, Biochemistry 36 (1997) 6692–6699] was updated to make it possible to produce enough protein for physical measurements. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the amino acid sequence. The redox properties of the cofactor iron site were examined by EPR spectroscopy at 25K following treatment with a variety of fatty acid hydroperoxides. Combination of the enzyme in a stoichiometric ratio with the hydroperoxides led to a g4.3 signal in EPR spectra instead of the g6 signal characteristic of similarly treated soybean lipoxygenase-1. Native 12-lipoxygenase was also subjected to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. There was evidence for loss of the mass of an iron atom from the protein as the pH was lowered from 5 to 4. Native ions in these samples indicated that iron was lost without the protein completely unfolding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Swine enteric alphacoronavirus (SeACoV), also known as swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), belongs to the species Rhinolophus bat coronavirus HKU2. Herein, we report on the primary characterization of SeACoV in vitro. Four antibodies against the SeACoV spike, membrane, nucleocapsid and nonstructural protein 3 capable of reacting with viral antigens in SeACoV-infected Vero cells were generated. We established a DNA-launched SeACoV infectious clone based on the cell adapted passage-10 virus and rescued the recombinant virus with a unique genetic marker in cultured cells. Six subgenomic mRNAs containing the leader-body junction sites, including a bicistronic mRNA encoding the accessory NS7a and NS7b genes, were experimentally identified in SeACoV-infected cells. Cellular ultrastructural changes induced by SeACoV infection were visualized by electron microscopy. The availability of the SeACoV infectious clone and a panel of antibodies against different viral proteins will facilitate further studies on understanding the molecular mechanisms of SeACoV replication and pathogenesis. • Generation of four antibodies to distinct SeACoV protein for detection of SeACoV infection. • Development of a DNA-launched reverse genetics system for SeACoV. • Recombinant SeACoV with a genetic marker had similar growth kinetics to the parental virus. • Identification of all SeACoV subgenomic mRNAs containing the leader-body junction sites. • SeACoV infection induces cellular ultrastructural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), a secondary metabolite produced by Pseudomonas spp., exhibits a high inhibitory effect in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), but less inhibitory effect in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), and almost no inhibitory effect in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). In our previous study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system was reported to be involved in PCA tolerance in Xanthomonas spp. However, the PCA tolerance mechanism of Xanthomonas spp. is unclear. In the current study, we constructed a Tn5-based transposon mutant library in Xcc and four highly PCA-sensitive insertion mutants were obtained. TAIL-PCR further confirmed that the Tn5 transposon was inserted in the cytochrome c maturation (CCM) system (XC_1893 , XC_1897) of these mutants. Disruption of the CCM system significantly decreased the growth, motility and tolerance of Xcc to PCA and other phenazines, such as phenazine and 1-OH-phenazine. The CCM system is responsible for the covalent attachment of the apocytochrome and heme. Disruption of the transmembrane thioredox protein (Dsb) pathway (XC_0531), an essential process for the formation of mature apocytochrome, also exhibited a decreased tolerance to PCA, suggesting that the defect of cytochrome c caused decreased tolerance of Xcc to PCA. Meanwhile, disruption of the CCM system or Dsb pathway interfered with the functions of cytochrome c proteins, causing an increased sensitivity to H 2 O 2. Collectively, we concluded that the CCM system and Dsb pathway, regulate the tolerance of Xcc to phenazines by influencing the functions of cytochrome c. Therefore, these results provide important references for revealing the action mechanism of PCA in Xanthomonas spp. • A Transposon insertion mutant library of Xcc was constructed. • Defect of cytochrome c maturation process decreased phenazines tolerance. • CCM system and Dsb pathway affected the functions of cytochrome c proteins. • Cytochrome c proteins influenced the phenazines tolerance more directly. • Cytochrome c proteins had greater impact on PCA tolerance than ROS scavenging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet air oxidation (WAO) is a clean and eco-friendly technology for dyes removal, but the high operating temperature and pressure limit its practical application. In the present work, an electric field-promoting (EF-promoting) catalytic WAO process is developed to degrade dyes under room condition. The oxidation kinetics of four different types of dyes and their degradation pathways are studied. A kinetic model is constructed by including the exogenous electric field into the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) mechanism framework, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis is conducted to correlate the kinetic parameters to the physicochemical properties of the dyes. A negative linear relationship is found between the adsorption equilibrium constants of the dyes and their first ionization energies, and their surface reaction rate constants are positively linearly associated to E sum (E LUMO + E HOMO). The degradation pathways of the different dyes are proposed according to the degradation intermediates and the activities of the atoms within the dye molecules. The heteroatoms N and S, and the atom C connecting the aromatic rings are identified as the susceptible sites upon the electrophilic attack of O 2. Bond cleavage at these sites gives rise to aromatic fragments which are eventually mineralized via carboxyl acids. The results of this work is helpful for guiding the design and operation of the EF-promoting catalytic WAO process into the treatment of various dye wastewaters. • Electric field-promoting catalytic wet air oxidation process is was developed. • Dyes of different families are totally mineralized at low energy consumption. • A mechanistic kinetic model incorporates electric field into surface catalysis. • Kinetic parameters of dyes are correlated to their quantum descriptors. • Degradation pathways are proposed based on intermediates and charge distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially separated bidirectional charge transport pathways were elaborately designed by insulating polymer and metal nanocrystal for multifarious photoreduction catalysis. [Display omitted] • Metal/semiconductor heterostructures are elaborately designed by an electrostatic self-assembly strategy. • Schottky-type metal nanocrystals and non-conjugated polymer are utilized to tune charge transfer. • Solar-driven hydrogen generation and selective organic transformation are comprehensively probed. Exquisite tuning of spatial charge transfer and separation has been an enduringly core issue in heterogeneous photocatalysis. Nevertheless, precise modulation of directional charge transfer to the ideal catalytically active sites remains challenging owing to rapid recombination rate of photoinduced charge carriers and sluggish charge transfer kinetics. Herein, bi-directional spatially separated electron and hole transport channels were simultaneously constructed over transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs)-based heterostructures via an efficient and facile electrostatic self-assembly strategy. Tailor-made positively charged non-conjugated polymer of branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and negatively charged metal nanocrystals (NCs) building blocks were controllably anchored on the TMCs substrate. We found that electrons photoexcited over TMCs substrate can migrate spontaneously, smoothly and unidirectionally to the tightly integrated neighboring metal NCs, wherein metal NCs function as Schottky-type electron-trapping reservoirs and the ultra-thin intermediate BPEI layer serves as a directional hole transport mediator, thus synergistically contributing to the significantly enhanced charge separation and prolonged charge lifetime. Benefiting from these merits, such self-assembled TMC@BPEI/metal heterostructure exhibits the markedly enhanced photoreduction catalysis toward photocatalytic hydrogen generation and anaerobic selective reduction of nitroaromatics to amino derivatives under visible light irradiation. Our work would provide inspiring idea for fine modulation of charge separation and transfer toward solar-to-chemical energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely accurate and cost-efficient detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is of great clinical importance. This study aims to establish prediction models for detecting CRC using plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomic features. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on cfDNA from 620 participants, including healthy individuals, patients with benign colorectal diseases and CRC patients. Using WGS data, three machine learning methods were compared to build prediction models for the stratification of CRC patients. The optimal model to discriminate CRC patients of all stages from healthy individuals achieved a sensitivity of 92.31% and a specificity of 91.14%, while the model to separate early-stage CRC patients (stage 0-II) from healthy individuals achieved a sensitivity of 88.8% and a specificity of 96.2%. Additionally, the cfDNA fragmentation profiles reflected disease-specific genomic alterations in CRC. Overall, this study suggests that cfDNA fragmentation profiles may potentially become a noninvasive approach for the detection and stratification of CRC. • This study has identified clearly different profiles of cfDNA fragmentation profile and end motifs of the CRC patients compared to the healthy individuals or patients with colorectal benign disease. • cfDNA fragmentation profiles exhibit a better diagnostic value for the detection of early-stage CRC. • The genome-wide cfDNA fragmentation profiles reflected disease-specific genomic alterations in CRC. • cfDNA fragmentation profiles may potentially become a noninvasive assay for the detection and stratification of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Established 2-DE of total protein of Fusarium graminearum. [•] Revealed differential protein expression of F. graminearum treated by JS399-19. [•] Analyzed the effect of JS399-19 on biochemical metabolism of F. graminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora capsici is a plant oomycete pathogen, which causes many devastating diseases on a broad range of hosts. Zedoary turmeric oil (ZTO) is a kind of natural plant essential oil that has been widely used in pharmaceutical applications. However, the antifungal activity of ZTO against phytopathogens remains unknown. In this study, we found ZTO could inhibit P. capsici growth and development in vitro and in detached cucumber and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Besides, ZTO treatment resulted in severe damage to the cell membrane of P. capsici , leading to the leakage of intracellular contents. ZTO also induced a significant increase in relative conductivity, malondialdehyde concentration and glycerol content. Furthermore, we identified 50 volatile organic compounds from ZTO, and uncovered Curcumol, β-elemene, curdione and curcumenol with strong inhibitory activities against mycelial growth of P. capsici. Overall, our results not only shed new light on the antifungal mechanism of ZTO, but also imply a promising alternative for the control of phytophthora blight caused by P. capsici. Unlabelled Image • ZTO inhibits growth of P. capsici in vitro as well as infection in planta. • The inhibitory effect of ZTO against P. capsici is dependent on damaging cell membrane. • Curcumol, β-elemene, curdione and curcumenol of ZTO were identified with antifungal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract No evidence exists concerning the association between blood pressure and ambient particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1.0 µm (PM 1), a major component of PM 2.5 (≤ 2.5 µm) particles, and potentially causing more hazardous health effects than PM 2.5. We aimed to examine the associations of blood pressure in adults with both PM 1 and PM 2.5 in China. In 2009, we randomly selected 24,845 participants aged 18–74 years from 33 communities in China. Using a standardized mercuric-column sphygmomanometer, we measured blood pressure. Long-term exposure (2006–08) to PM 1 and PM 2.5 were estimated using a spatial statistical model. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the associations between air pollutants and blood pressure and hypertension prevalence, controlling for multiple covariates. A 10-μg/m3 increase in PM 1 was significantly associated with an increase of 0.57 (95% CI 0.31–0.83) mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP), 0.19 (95% CI 0.03–0.35) mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and a 5% (OR=1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.10) increase in odds for hypertension. Similar associations were detected for PM 2.5. Furthermore, PM 1–2.5 showed no association with blood pressure or hypertension. In summary, both PM 1 and PM 2.5 exposures were associated with elevated blood pressure levels and hypertension prevalence in Chinese adults. In addition, most of the pro-hypertensive effects of PM 2.5 may come from PM 1. Further longitudinal designed studies are warranted to validate our findings. Highlights • Little information exists on pro-hypertensive effects of PM 1. • We investigated the topic in 24,845 Chinese adults. • Associations between PM 1 and PM 2.5 and blood pressure were examined. • Long-term PM 1 exposure was associated with higher blood pressure levels. • The pro-hypertensive effects of PM 2.5 were mainly come from PM 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs can regulate gene transcription, modulate protein function, and act as competing endogenous RNA. Yet, their roles in systemic lupus erythematosus remain to be elucidated. We determined the expression profiles of lncRNAs in T cells of SLE patients and healthy controls using microarrays. Up to 1935 lncRNAs and 1977 mRNAs were differentially expressed. QRT-PCR showed downregulated uc001ykl.1 and ENST00000448942 in SLE patients. Expression of uc001ykl.1 correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein, whereas ENST00000448942 level correlated with ESR and anti-Sm antibodies. Short time-series expression miner analysis revealed some lncRNAs whose expressions might correlate with disease activity of SLE patients. Coding-non-coding gene coexpression analyses showed differential lncRNAs might operate via modulating expressions of their correlated, relevant mRNAs in SLE. Differential lncRNAs might also function through their ceRNAs. Our study established that the aberrant expression profiles of lncRNAs may play a role in SLE and thus warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated associations between serum levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and asthma or asthma related-biomarkers. However, no studies have reported a possible relationship between PFASs exposure and lung function among children. The objective of the present study is to test the association between PFASs exposure and lung function in children from a high exposure area by using a cross-sectional case-control study, which included 132 asthmatic children and 168 non-asthmatic controls recruited from 2009 to 2010 in the Genetic and Biomarkers study for Childhood Asthma. Structured questionnaires were administered face-to-face. Lung function was measured by spirometry. Linear regression models were used to examine the influence of PFASs on lung function. The results showed that asthmatics in our study had significantly higher serum PFAS concentrations than healthy controls. Logistic regression models showed a positive association between PFASs and asthma, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–1.21) to 2.76 (95% CI: 1.82–4.17). Linear regression modeling showed serum PFASs levels were significantly negatively associated with three pulmonary function measurements (forced vital capacity: FVC; forced expiratory volume in 1 s: FEV 1 ; forced expiratory flow 25–75%: FEF 25–75 ) among children with asthma, the adjusted coefficients between lung function and PFASs exposure ranged from −0.055 (95%CI: −0.100 to −0.010) for FVC and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to −0.223 (95%CI: −0.400 to −0.045) for FEF 25–75 and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFASs were not, however, significantly associated with pulmonary function among children without asthma. In conclusion, this study suggests that serum PFASs are associated with decreased lung function among children with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of exogenous lipase supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal growth and function, immune response and physical barrier function, and related signaling molecules mRNA expression of young grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ). A total of 450 grass carp (255.02 ± 0.34 g) were fed five diets for 60 days. There were 5 dietary treatments that included a normal protein and lipid diet containing 30% crude protein (CP) with 5% ether extract (EE), and the low-protein and high-lipid diets (28% CP, 6% EE) supplemented with graded levels of exogenous lipase supplementation activity at 0, 1193, 2560 and 3730 U/kg diet. The results indicated that compared with a normal protein and lipid diet (30% CP, 5% EE), a low-protein and high-lipid diet (28% CP, 6% EE) (un-supplemented lipase) improved lysozyme activities and complement component 3 contents in the distal intestine (DI), interleukin 10 mRNA expression in the proximal intestine (PI), and glutathione S-transferases activity and glutathione content in the intestine of young grass carp. In addition, in low-protein and high-lipid diets, optimal exogenous lipase supplementation significantly increased acid phosphatase (ACP) activities and complement component 3 (C3) contents ( P < 0.05), up-regulated the relative mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides (liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and hepcidin) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1) and signaling molecules inhibitor protein-κBα (IκBα) and target of rapamycin (TOR) ( P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 8, interferon γ2, and interleukin 1β), and signaling molecules (nuclear factor kappa B p65, IκB kinase β, IκB kinase γ) ( P < 0.05) in the intestine of young grass carp. Moreover, optimal exogenous lipase supplementation significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents ( P < 0.05), improved the activities of anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR), glutathione content, and the activities and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferases and glutathione reductase) ( P < 0.05), up-regulated signaling molecule NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) ( P < 0.05), down-regulated signaling molecules (Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1a, Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1b) ( P < 0.05) in the intestine of young grass carp. Furthermore, optimal exogenous lipase supplementation significantly elevated the mRNA levels of tight junction proteins (Occludin, zonula occludens 1, Claudin b, Claudin c and Claudin 3) ( P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of tight junction proteins (Claudin 12 and Claudin 15a) ( P < 0.05), down-regulated signaling molecules myosin light chain kinase ( P < 0.05) in the intestine of young grass carp. In conclusion, dietary lipid could partially spare protein, and the low-protein and high-lipid diet could improve growth, intestinal growth and function, immune response and antioxidant capability of fish. Meanwhile, in high-fat and low-protein diets, optimal exogenous lipase supplementation improved growth, intestinal growth and function, intestinal immunity, physical barrier, and regulated the mRNA expression of related signal molecules of fish. The optimal level of exogenous lipase supplementation in young grass carp (255–771 g) was estimated to be 1193 U kg −1 diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination alone is not sufficiently effective to protect human from post-exposure rabies virus infection due to delayed generation of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and weak cellular immunity. Therefore, it is vital to develop safer and more efficacious vaccine against rabies. PIKA, a stabilized chemical analog of double-stranded RNA that interacts with TLR3, was employed as adjuvant of rabies vaccine. The efficacy and safety of PIKA rabies vaccine were evaluated. The results showed that PIKA rabies vaccine enhanced both humoral and cellular immunity. After viral challenge, PIKA rabies vaccine protected 70–80% of animals, while the survival rate of non-adjuvant vaccine group (control) was 20–30%. According to the results of toxicity tests, PIKA and PIKA rabies vaccine are shown to be well tolerated in mice. Thus, this study indicates that PIKA rabies vaccine is an effective and safe vaccine which has the potential to develop next-generation rabies vaccine and encourage the start of clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gene encoding xylanase 2 mutant from Trichoderma reesei (T2C/T28C, named mxyn2) was cloned into the Pichia pastoris X33 strain using the vector pPICZαA. Recombinant Mxyn2p was functionally expressed in P. pastoris X33 and secreted into the supernatant. Real time qPCR demonstrated that an increase in gene copy number correlated with higher levels of expression. Supernatant from methanol induced cells was concentrated by ultrafiltration with a 10 kDa cut off membrane, and purified with ion exchange chromatography using SP Sepharose Fast Flow chromatography. Recombinant Mxyn2p protein had the highest activity at 75 °C, while recombinant protein encoded by the “wild type” xylanase gene xyn2, also expressed in Pichia , was 20 °C lower. The Mxyn2p enzyme retained more than 70% of its activity after incubation at 80 °C for 10 min. The effects of the optimal pH and temperature for higher expression levels in P. pastoris were also determined, 6.0 and 22 °C, respectively. The maximum xylanase activity of Mxyn2p was 13,000 nkat/mg (9.88 g/l) in fed-batch cultivation after 168 h induction with methanol in a 50 l bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY), abundant in the myocardial sympathetic nervous system and endothelial cells, in angiogenesis during chronic myocardial ischemia. Adult male Yorkshire swine underwent ameroid constrictor placement on the proximal left circumflex coronary artery. After 3weeks, an osmotic pump was placed to deliver either placebo (control, n =8) or NPY3–36 (NPY, n =8) to the collateral dependent region. Five weeks after pump placement, after cardiac catheterization and hemodynamic assessment, the heart was harvested for analysis. NPY treated animals demonstrated increased mean arterial pressures and improved left ventricular function (+dP/dt). Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a significant increase in the blush score in the NPY group (p <0.001). Blood flow to the ischemic myocardium was not different between groups at rest or during ventricular pacing. Immunohistochemical double staining for CD-31 and smooth muscle actin demonstrated an increase in capillary and arteriole formation in NPY treated animals (p =0.02 and p<0.001). Immunoblotting showed a significant upregulation of DPPIV (p =0.009) and NPY receptors 1 (p =0.008), 2 (p =0.02) and 5 (p =0.03) in the NPY treated group. Additionally, there was significant upregulation of VEGF (p =0.04), eNOS (p =0.014), phospho-eNOS (ser1177) (p =0.02), and PDGF (p <0.001) in NPY treated group. The anti-angiogenic factors endostatin and angiostatin were significantly decreased in NPY treated animals (endostatin, p =0.03; angiostatin, p =0.04). Exogenous NPY3-36 resulted in improved myocardial function and increased angiogenesis and arteriogenesis by stimulating growth factor, pro-angiogenic receptor upregulation, and decreasing anti-angiogenic expression, but did not increase blood flow to the ischemic myocardium. NPY may act as a good adjunct to primary agents of therapeutic angiogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban greenness may protect against obesity, but very few studies have assessed 'street view' (SV) greenness metrics, which may better capture people's actual exposure to greenness compared to commonly-used satellite-derived metrics. We aimed to investigate these associations further in a Chinese adult study. Our analysis included 24,845 adults in the 33 Chinese Community Health Study in 2009. SV images from Tencent Map, segmented by machine learning algorithms, were used to determine the average proportion of green vegetation in SV images at community level in 800m road network buffer. Sensitivity analyses were performed with an alternative buffer size. Overall greenness was assessed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in 800 m buffer. We used predicted PM 2.5 and monitored NO 2 as proxies of air pollution. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were regressed on SV greenness by generalized linear mixed models, with adjustment for covariates. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the mediation effects of air pollution. Each interquartile range (IQR = 3.6%) increase in street view greenness was associated with a 0.15 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.22, −0.09) decrease in BMI and 0.23 cm (95% CI: −0.35, −0.11) reduction in HC, and was associated with 7% lower odds of overweight (OR = 0.93, 95% CI:0.90, 0.96) and 18% lower odds of obesity (OR = 0.82, 95% CI:0.76, 0.89). Similar effect estimation was observed compared with commonly-used NDVI measures. PM 2.5 and NO 2 mediated 15.5% and 6.1% of the effects of SV greenness with BMI, respectively. Our findings suggest beneficial associations between community-level SV greenness and lower body weight in Chinese adults. The effects were observed in women but not in men. Air pollution may partially mediate the association. These findings may have implications to support efforts to promote greening in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Chronic myocardial ischemia induces endothelial dysfunction in the coronary microcirculation resulting in impaired nitric oxide signaling. This dysfunction has wide-ranging effects including impaired tissue perfusion and is implicated in impairment of the angiogenic process in settings of endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized chronic myocardial ischemia results in increased activity of Arginase I, diminishing bioavailability of l-arginine, the substrate for endothelial nitric oxide production. Methods: Chronic myocardial ischemia was induced for 7-weeks in 6 Yucatan miniswine utilizing an ameroid constrictor placed around the left circumflex coronary artery. Ischemic and non-ischemic tissue was harvested at the 7-week time point. Expression of Arginase I, eNOS, and phospho-eNOS was assessed utilizing Western blotting. Arginase activity was measured. Immunofluorescent staining assessed expression of Arginase I between ischemic and non-ischemic microvessels. Coronary microvascular relaxation studies were performed. Results: Arginase I expression, activity, and staining was similar between ischemic and non-ischemic territories. Significant impairments in coronary microvascular relaxation were observed in microvessels from the ischemic territory in response to endothelial-dependent agents but remained similar between territories in response to endothelial independent agents. Regression analysis between arginase activity and degree of microvascular vasorelaxation demonstrated no significant correlation. Conclusions: Coronary microvascular dysfunction in the setting of chronic myocardial ischemia occurs independently of Arginase I activity and expression. Alternative therapeutic strategies focusing away from arginine may be need for the treatment of this dysfunction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microfiltration (MF) of skim milk, alone or combined with ultraviolet-C (UVC) treatment, in extending the shelf life and retaining the native bioactive milk serum proteins, compared with high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization. The vegetative bacterial load was reduced by ~3.5 log when applying M alone, by ~5 log when combining MF with UVC, while it was reduced by only ~2 log when applying HTST pasteurization. MF with UVC resulted in near complete elimination of vegetative bacteria, including coliforms. The refrigerated shelf life of skim milk was extended with increasing UVC dosage, as least for 40 days after MF combined with a UVC dosage at 39.3 mJ/cm2. An increasing UVC dosage would further reduce the bacterial load without obvious damage of bioactive milk serum proteins, such as lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and lactoperoxidase. An LC-MS/MS based proteomics study also showed that HTST reduced the abundance of several native low-abundant milk serum proteins significantly, while MF, alone or in combination with UVC, did not change the proteome, even with higher UVC dosages. The results of this study can be used to facilitate the development of non-thermal treatments, and combinations therefore, for improving milk quality. • A microfiltration device combined with UVC treatment was developed. • Microfiltration combined with UVC remarkably extended the shelf-life of skim milk. • Microfiltration, with or without UVC, better retains native milk serum proteins. • The content of bioactive proteins after treatments are stable during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]