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Background: Several studies have identified an association between the gut microbiome and post-stroke depression(PSD), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection cause significant alterations in the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. However, evidence regarding the role of the H. pylori infection in promoting PSD is still lacking. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to explore risk factors associated with PSD. Methods: Patients with cerebral infarction were consecutively enrolled from December 2021 to October 2022. The diagnosis of PSD is based on the DSM-V criteria, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD) was used to identify patients with PSD. White matter lesions were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and H. pylori infection was detected by 13C-urea breath test. Further, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition of fecal samples from PSD patients. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS). Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed that deep white matter lesions(DWMLs) [odds ratio(OR) 3.382, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.756–6.512; P = 0.001] and H. pylori infection(OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.149–4.159; P = 0.017) were the independent risk factors for PSD. Patients with H. pylori infection had more severe depressive symptoms than patients without infection. Intestinal microbiota was significantly different between H. pylori -positive PSD[ H. pylori (+)] patients and H. pylori -negative PSD[ H. pylori (−)] patients. Fecal SCFAs concentrations were significantly reduced in the H. pylori (+) group compared to the negative ones. Conclusion: DWMLs and H. pylori infection may play important roles in the development of PSD. H. pylori infection is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of PSD by altering the intestinal flora. • Helicobacter pylori infection, an independent risk factor for post-stroke depression. • Deep white matter lesions were another risk factor for post-stroke depression. • Gut microbiota imbalance was detected in Helicobacter pylori positive patients. • Fecal short-chain fatty acids significantly reduced in infection group. • The changes of intestinal flora were involved in the pathological process of PSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here the role of microplastic size on dissolved organic matter, leaching compounds and microbial community during anaerobic sludge digestion was evaluated. Compared to that without the addition of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), during the 30 days' incubation, the anaerobic sludge digestion by adding PVC at the size of 75 μm and the concentration of 2.4 g/g volatile solids (VS) showed a 8.5% lower cumulative methane production, while a 17.9% higher cumulative methane production was noted by adding PVC at the size of 3000 μm and the concentration of 2.4 g/g VS. A long-term fed-batch laboratory-scale fermenter test for 147 days further testified, that higher removal efficiencies of total solids, volatile solids, and total chemical oxygen demand, and higher methane production were noted by adding PVC (2.4 g/g VS, 3000 μm) into the fermenter. More interestingly, higher concentrations of proteins, polysaccharides, volatile fatty acids, and soluble microbial by-products component were noted in the liquid phase of sludge drawn from the fermenter added with PVC since the biomass therein showed higher efficiencies of solubilization, hydrolysis, acidification, and methanogenesis. Moreover, as identified from the fermenter added with PVC, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was the most predominant leaching phthalates compound, although the biomass therein showed a 93.4% anaerobic biodegradability of DBP. The leaching of DBP drove the predominance of microbial community towards Synergistota and Methanosaeta. More irregular elliptical shallow dimples were noted on the PVC surface after 147 days' incubation, accompanied with abundances of Proteobacteria , Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium. The results from this study showed that the size of microplastic was a crucial factor in evaluating its impact on anaerobic sludge digestion. • The addition of PVC (2.4 g/g VS, 3000 μm) resulted in higher methane production. • DOM concentration was higher after PVC added into the long-term fermenter (147 days). • DBP was the most predominant residual phthalate identified from sludge added with PVC. • DBP resulted in the predominance of Synergistota and Methanosaeta. • Pyrrole-N, protein-N, and irregular dimples were noted on the PVC surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cepharanthine is a medicinal plant-derived natural compound which possesses potent anti-cancer properties. However, there is little report about its effects on lung cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of cepharanthine on the cell viability and apoptosis in human non-small-cell lung cancer H1299 and A549 cells. It was found that cepharanthine inhibited the growth of H1299 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner which was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). These effects were markedly abrogated when cells were pretreated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a specific ROS inhibitor, indicating that the apoptosis-inducing effect of cepharanthine in lung cancer cells was mediated by ROS. In addition, cepharanthine triggered apoptosis in non-small lung cancer cells via the upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2 and significant activation of caspase-3 and PARP. These results provide the rationale for further research and preclinical investigation of cepharanthine's anti-tumor effect against human non-small-cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by severe neurological impairment, ophthalmologic defects, and gastric dysfunction. MLIV cells have a deficiency in the late endosomal/lysosomal (LEL) pathway that results in the buildup of lysosomal inclusions. Using a Xenopus oocyte expression system, we previously showed that mucolipin-1 (MLN1), the protein encoded by the MCOLN1 gene is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel that is transiently modulated by elevations in intracellular Ca2+. We further showed that MLN1 is translocated to the plasma membrane during lysosomal exocytosis. In this study we show that lysosomal exocytosis is impaired in fibroblasts from MLIV patients, indicating that MLN1 plays an active role in this process. Further, we show that transfection with wild type MLN1 cDNA rescues exocytosis, suggesting the possibility of treatments based on the restoration of this crucial cellular function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To understand the genetic basis of gelatinization temperature (GT), gel textural traits and flour swelling volume, quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped for these traits using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between indica variety Zai-Ye-Qing 8 (ZYQ8) and japonica variety Jing-Xi 17 (JX17). The results indicated that the starch property parameters were continuously distributed among the DH lines, and some DH lines showed transgressive segregation for all the parameters. A total of 16 QTLs were identified for seven traits. A major QTL, the alk gene on chromosome 6 was significant for the three GT traits, onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and completion temperature (Tc). This locus could explain 49.4, 38.9, and 28.3% of the total variance, respectively, indicating that GT parameters were substantially controlled by the alk gene which has previously been identified for alkali spreading value (ASV). The additive effects of alk on To,Tp and Tc were from ZYQ8. Another two QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 7 were also identified for the three GT parameters, whose positive effects were contributed from JX17. Another QTL on chromosome 10 with the positive effects coming from ZYQ8 was significant only for Tc. However, the enthalpy (ΔH) of gelatinization was controlled by two minor QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 7. A major QTL, the Wx gene on chromosome 6 was identified for gel hardness and flour swelling volume which explained 58.8 and 36.6% of the total variances, respectively. Another two QTLs were also detected for flour swelling volume, one of which (qSV-7) could explain 21.4% of the total variance. However, gel cohesiveness was controlled by a major QTL located between alk and Wx on chromosome 6. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, carvacrol (Car) is first embedded in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) by the freeze-drying method to form the β-cyclodextrin-Carvacrol inclusion compound (β-CD-Car), and then β-CD-Car liposomes (β-CD-Car-Lip) and β-CD-Car liposomes coated with ε-polylysine (ε-PL/β-CD-Car-Lip) with different concentrations (0–20 mg/mL) of β-CD-Car were prepared. The liposomes were characterized, and their physicochemical properties, in vitro release characteristics, and antibacterial activities were analyzed. Results showed that the fabricated liposomes β-CD-Car-Lip and ε-PL/β-CD-Car-Lip were nanosized and spherical, and the latter had a larger particle size (152.21 ± 14.48 to 520.45 ± 30.69 nm) and greater encapsulation efficiency (69.23 ± 0.95 to 73.25 ± 0.65%). The in vitro release study results showed that the rate of release from ε-PL-coated liposomes was much lower than that from uncoated liposomes. Inhibition of bacterial growth experiments revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of ε-PL/β-CD-Car-Lip against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (0.025 and 0.05 mg/mL, respectively) was twice as low as that of β-CD-Car-Lip and nearly 12 times lower than that of Car at the same concentration. The ε-polylysine coating increased the diameter, encapsulation efficiency (EE), release time, and antibacterial activity of β-CD-Car-Lip, and the fabricated complex liposome could be applicable as an additive in the design of antibacterial packaging. • The two novel liposomes β-CD-Car-Lip and ε-PL/β-CD-Car-Lip were constructed. • ε-PL coating effectively improved the slow-release characteristics and antibacterial activity of β-CD-Car-Lip. • ε-PL-coated liposome can be used as a delivery system for improving the efficiency of carvacrol in food products. • ε-PL-coated liposome can be used as a delivery system for novel applications such as active packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of collagen XII in regulating injury repair and reestablishment of corneal function is unknown. This manuscript aims to investigate the role(s) of collagen XII in the repair of incisional and debridement injuries in an adult mouse model. Two different types of injury in wild type and Col12a1 −/− corneas were created to investigate the effects of collagen XII -in wound repair and scar formation-by using clinical photographs, immunohistology, second harmonic generation imaging and electron microscopy. Results showed that collagen XII is a regulator of wound closure after incisional injuries. Absence of collagen XII retarded wound closure and the wound healing process. These findings show that collagen XII regulates fibrillogenesis, CD68 cell lineage infiltration, and myofibroblast survival following injury. In vitro studies suggest that collagen XII regulates deposition of an early and provisional matrix by interacting with two proteins regulating early matrix deposition: fibronectin and LTBP1(latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 1). In conclusion, collagen XII regulates tissue repair in corneal incisional wounds. Understanding the function of collagen XII during wound healing has significant translational value. • Collagen XII is essential to attain wound closure and scar maturation. • Incisional injuries heal poorly and closure is delayed without collagen XII. • Collagen XII is deposited early during wound closure. • Collagen XII interacts with other matrix components of the provisional matrix [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiranthes (∼36 species, Orchidaceae) is a small genus with a global distribution. It has a center of diversity in North America with only a few species occurring in Asia. This study focuses on the Asian Spiranthes with an emphasis on understanding their biogeographic relationships and species delimitations using molecular markers. Our phylogenetic trees based on nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast ( trnL-trnLF , matK and trnS-G ) sequences from samples across their range in Asia revealed the Asian Spiranthes are monophyletic. Ancestral area optimization suggested that North America forms the ancestral region for the Asian Spiranthes rather than Europe suggesting that they originated from a single long-distance dispersal event. Our study also revealed the presence of a cryptic species S. himalayensis , which was discovered based on molecular data thus emphasizing the importance of wide geographical sampling in phylogenetic studies. Sequences of cloned ITS provided support for the hypothesis that natural hybridization between S. sinensis and the newly described S. himalayensis resulted in the allotetraploid S. hongkongensis , with S. himalayensis as the paternal parent. One of the species complexes known in Asia is the S. sinensis complex, which shows a wide occurrence and is known for local geographical variants. Some of these variants have been described as new species in Australia and New Zealand. Our studies show that all the sampled variants including the Australian and New Zealand species show monophyly despite having long branches. This suggests that there may be high rates of gene flow between the geographically distinct forms resulting in lack of species resolution within the S. sinensis complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helical nanofibers with different degree of twist were assembled from the homochiral C 16 - L V 4 L R 4 and C 16 - D V 4 D R 4 peptides, along with the heterochiral C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 peptide, respectively. Compared with the homochiral peptides, C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 self-assembled into more stable right-handed helical nanofibers with lower twisting degree and larger helical pitch, but exhibiting stronger cell membrane damaging ability and higher antimicrobial activity. [Display omitted] • Helical nanofibers were formed from homochiral and heterochiral AMPs, respectively. • LL , DD and DL nanofibers had different supramolecular chirality and stability. • The valine configuration determined the supramolecular chirality of the nanofibers. • The nanofibers both inhibited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. • DL nanofibers showed stronger membrane damaging ability and antimicrobial activity. The nanostructured antimicrobial agents, self-assembled by the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), represent an intriguing platform for the treatment of pathogens. Although the structural characteristics significantly influence antimicrobial functionality, the role of chirality is usually ignored and still unclear. Herein, two homochiral AMPs (all L- or all D-amino acids), including C 16 - L V 4 L R 4 (LL) and C 16 - D V 4 D R 4 (DD), and a heterochiral AMP with alternating D-/L-amino acids, C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 (DL), were self-assembled into left-handed, right-handed, and right-handed helical nanofibers, respectively. The valine configuration determined the supramolecular chirality of the nanofibers. However, the DL molecules exhibited a highly aggregated propensity to form more stable helical nanofibers with a lower degree of twist and a larger helical pitch. This characteristic resulted in the optimal antimicrobial activity of the DL nanofibers against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, the membrane permeability assay confirmed the higher activity for damaging the cell membrane by the DL nanofibers. These results demonstrated the significance of molecular chirality in directing the self-assembly of the amphiphilic peptides, eventually affecting their antimicrobial activity. This study opens up the possibility to fabricate promising nanostructured antimicrobial materials by controlling the chirality and structure of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] TFF3 and TLR2 are functionally linked in Caco-2 cell model. [•] TLR2 and TFF3 inhibit the IL-1β induced increase in permeability and proinflammatory cytokines. [•] TLR2 enhances intestinal TJ barrier integrity by PI3K/Akt pathway in Caco-2 cell model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents results from the first known population-based survey of recreational fishers in Louisiana (n=1774). The ultimate goal of this study was to obtain data in support of the development of regional advisories for a high exposure population with unique seafood consumption patterns. Between July and August of 2008, a survey was mailed to a random sample of licensed recreational fishers to characterize local fishing habits, sportfish consumption, and advisory awareness. Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported eating sportfish. Respondents ate an estimated mean of four fish meals per month, of which, approximately half were sportfish. Over half of all sportfish meals (54%) were caught in the Gulf of Mexico or bordering brackish areas. Sportfish consumption varied by license and gender; and was highest among Sportsman’s Paradise license holders (2.8±0.2 meals per month), and males (2.2±0.1 meals per month). The most frequently consumed sportfish species were red drum, speckled trout, catfish, bass, crappie and bream. Advisory awareness rates varied by gender, ethnicity, geographic area, license type, age and education; and were lowest among women (53%), African-Americans (43%), fishers from the southeast of Louisiana (50%), holders of Senior Hunting and Fishing licenses (51%), individuals between 15 and 19 years of age (41%), and individuals with less than a high school education (43%). Results were used to identify ways to optimize monitoring, advisory development and outreach activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phylogeny of Larix species was studied using chloroplast DNA RFLPs and nuclear ITS sequences and AFLPs. The study resolved the sister relationships between the Eurasian and Asian species and the monophyletic origin of each major geographic group. It also provides strong evidence for an early splitting of American Larix from other species in the genus. The discrepancy between phylogenies based on chloroplast DNA and nuclear DNA, previously observed by Qian et al. [Can. J. For. Res. 25 (1995) 1197], is confirmed. Various explanations for the incongruence between chloroplast DNA and nuclear DNA are discussed, and a tentative reconstruction of Eurasian Larix phylogeography is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increasing soil carbon (C) sequestration in paddy field and improving rice nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) are vital for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. It was a benefit practice for achieving these goals by taken rice straw and organic manure managements. However, there is still need to further investigate the effects of different long-term fertilizer managements on soil C sequestration and NUE under the double-cropping rice system in southern of China. Therefore, the effects of different long-term (36-years) fertilizer practices on soil C sequestration and NUE under the double-cropping rice system in southern of China were investigated in the present paper. The field experiment was included four different fertilizer treatments: chemical fertilizer alone (MF), rice straw residue and chemical fertilizer (RF), 30% organic manure and 70% chemical fertilizer (OM), and without fertilizer input as a control (CK). This result indicated that soil C content at plough layer in paddy field with RF and OM treatments were increased, compared with MF and CK treatments. Besides input C directly into paddy field, soil original organic C accumulation with RF and OM treatments were increased by 1.54% and 3.01%, compared with MF treatment. This result indicated that soil TOC content increase rate and annual topsoil organic C sequestration rate in paddy field with RF and OM treatments increased by 55.56%, 88.89% and 48.05%, 76.62%, compared with MF treatment, respectively. Compared with MF treatment, NUE with RF and OM treatments increased by 10.43% and 22.61%, respectively, mainly due to increasing soil organic C. Grain yield of double-cropping rice with RF and OM treatments increased by 1009.5 and 1166.5 kg ha−1, compared with MF treatment, respectively. This result indicated that there was significantly correlation between NUE/NUE NPK and TOC content with RF and OM treatments, at early rice and late rice growth seasons. Therefore, it was benefit practice for increasing soil carbon sequestration and improving rice NUE in the double-cropping rice system with long-term application of rice straw and organic manure managements. • Soil C contents were increased at plough layer in paddy field with RF and OM treatments. • Soil original organic C accumulation with RF and OM treatments were also increased. • Rice nitrogen use efficiency with rice straw and organic manure managements were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular basis for group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1 and 5) coupling to membrane ion channels and intracellular calcium pools is not fully understood. Homer is a family of post synaptic density proteins functionally and physically attached to target proteins at proline-rich sequences. In the present study, we demonstrate that Homer1b/c is constitutively expressed in PC12 cells, whereas Homer1a, the immediate early gene product, can be up-regulated by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutamate. Knockdown of Homer1b/c using specific target small interfering RNA (siRNA) did not interfere the expression of mGluR1, mGluR5 and their downstream effectors, including inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP 3 R), phospholipase C (PLC) and G q proteins. By analyzing Ca 2+ imaging in PC12 cells, we demonstrated that Homer1b/c is an essential regulator of the Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induced by the activation of group I mGluRs, IP 3 R and ryanodine receptors (RyR). Furthermore, the group I mGluRs activation-dependent refilling of the Ca 2+ stores in both resting and depolarizing conditions were strongly attenuated in the absence of Homer1b/c. Together, our results demonstrate that in PC12 cells Homer1b/c is a regulator of group I mGluRs related Ca 2+ homeostasis that is essential for the maintenance of normal Ca 2+ levels in the ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is a rate-limiting enzyme participating in starch biosynthesis, which may be responsible for the filling rate and starch accumulation in the developing rice kernel. However, it is still unknown whether the naturally occurring variation in the sequence of ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase of rice (OsAGP) is related to the grain weight (GW). In this study, we discovered a total of 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) in the partial sequences of six OsAGP isoform genes from 30 rice accessions with diverse agronomic traits. We then developed ten cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and derived CAPS (dCAPS) markers for genotyping the SNPs and InDels for an association mapping population consisting of 416 rice accessions. Candidate gene association study indicated that an InDel of OsAGPL4 was associated with GW in two environments and an SNP of OsAGPL2 was associated with GW in one environment. Each gene marker only explained 1% of the variation of GW, thus it could be concluded that both genes contributed little to GW of rice. However, the markers identified in this study could be used for tagging other traits of interests and in molecular breeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Twenty-two samples (including fruits, pulp, peel, or seeds) from 13 edible and medicinal fruit plant species selected in Hong Kong were investigated for their antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality and phenolic profiles. Significant variation existed among the tested samples in all the antioxidant and nutritional parameters. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified as major categories of phenolic compounds in these samples. Whole fruits of Hong Kong gordonia exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity (213.4mmol trolox/100gDW) and had the second highest content of carotenoids. Seeds of Annona squamosa possessed the highest contents of total protein, fat and amino acids (17.6, 37.2 and 14.4%, respectively). Most peel and some seeds contained high levels of phenolics, carotenoids and vitamin C, which contributed to their strong antioxidant activity. Some of the fruits, peel or seeds from these Hong Kong plants can be a potential resource of functional components and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helper virus-free herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) plasmid vectors are an attractive system for gene transfer into neurons in the brain, but promoters that support long-term, neuronal-specific expression are required. Elucidation of general principles that govern long-term expression would likely assist efforts to develop improved promoters. Although expression from many promoters in HSV-1 vectors is unstable, two neuronal subtype-specific promoters, the preproenkephalin (ENK) promoter and the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, support long-term expression. We have previously shown that 5′ upstream sequences in the TH promoter are required for long-term expression, and addition of these upstream sequences to a neurofilament heavy gene (NF-H) promoter enhances long-term, neuronal-specific expression. The goal of this study was to determine if the upstream sequences from the TH promoter contain a unique element that enhances expression, or if other neuronal promoters also contain sequences that can enhance expression. To this end, we tested 5′ upstream sequences in the ENK promoter. We isolated a vector that fuses upstream sequences from the ENK promoter to the NF-H promoter. This vector supported expression in the striatum for 2 months after gene transfer, the longest time point evaluated. Expression was neuronal specific. As ENK and TH are a peptide neurotransmitter and a classical neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzyme, respectively, these results suggest that a significant number of promoters for neurotransmitter biosynthetic genes may contain elements that can enhance expression from HSV-1 vectors. The strategy of using upstream sequences from neuronal subtype-specific promoters to enhance expression from heterologous promoters is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]