Search

Purpose: Mowing may exert profound influences on nutrient acquisition strategies of herbaceous species due to the nutrient removal along with the mown plants. Nutrient uptake by roots and nutrient resorption from senescent leaves, are two main nutrient acquisition strategies of perennial herbaceous species. However, few studies have considered both nutrient acquisition strategies in exploring the effects of long-term mowing on the nutrient acquisition of perennial herbs. Methods: We measured root traits of absorptive roots and leaf nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE) of seven herbaceous species with different plant height on a long-term mowing experimental platform (2003-2020) in a temperate steppe. Results: We found that root traits of tall and short species had little response to long-term mowing. While, mowing exerted opposite effects on leaf NRE of the two plant groups, i.e., mowing significantly decreased the NRE of tall species, but increased that of short species (except for Potentilla acaulis). Furthermore, root absorption capacity (indicated by root traits) was positively correlated with leaf NRE for tall species in control plots, but mowing eliminated this relationship. In contrast, for short species, root traits and leaf NRE had no correlation in control plots, while, mowing led to synergic relationship between root absorption capacity and leaf resorption rates. Conclusions: Our results suggested that perennial herbs changed the relationships between alternative resource acquisition strategies in response to long-term mowing in temperate steppe. These findings provide new perspectives for understanding the adaptation of herbaceous species to mowing in the temperate steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mowing is an important management practice in the Inner Mongolia grassland and can significantly regulate plant and soil microbial communities. However, impact of long-term mowing on soil microbiota has been rarely evaluated in grassland ecosystems, and the effects of plant community on belowground microbiota under mowing were mainly focused on plant α-diversity, while the role of plant β-diversity is largely unknown. Methods: We examined the soil bacterial, fungal and protistan communities under the influence of a 17-year mowing treatment in a natural grassland of Inner Mongolia, and studied the relationship between the soil microbial communities and plant/soil parameters, and the correlations between β-diversity of the soil microbial and plant communities. We also constructed co-occurrence networks to investigate the legacy of mowing on the interactions between plant community and the three microbial groups (bacteria, fungi, protists). Results: We found that long-term mowing had significant effects on the community structures of plants and the three microbial groups. The microbial community structures mainly correlated to the plant parameters including aboveground biomass, plant litter, root carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and plant Shannon index rather than to soil properties. Moreover, β-diversity of the soil microbial communities was significantly regulated by plant community β-diversity. Furthermore, mowing enhanced plant-microbe interactions in the networks under long-term mowing. Conclusions: Long-term mowing significantly alters plant and soil microbial community compositions and can reinforce their connections. The induced shifts of plant community attributes by long-term mowing rather than soil properties may be more effective factors in shaping soil microbial communities in grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical effect of lymphatic preserving varicocelectomy (LPV) versus lymphatic non-preserving varicocelectomy (nLPV). Literature retrieval was performed for literatures published until January 2021 using the terms "varicoceles" and "lymphatic" through databases including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Review database, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LPV and nLPV were included. A meta-analysis was conducted using risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous variables. A total of 8 RCTs involving 419 cases with LPV and 434 cases with nLPV met inclusion criteria. LPV was with lower incidence of hydrocele compared with nLPV (RR = 0.099, 95% CI 0.046, 0.212; p = 0.000). In addition, no significant difference was found in recurrence rate (RR = 0.883, 95% CI 0.468, 1.665; p = 0.700) or testicular atrophy rate (RR = 0.750, 95% CI 0.170, 3.311; p = 0.704). This meta-analysis provided evidence that LPV was with lower incidence of hydrocele compared with nLPV, LPV may be preferable to nLPV in the treatment of varicoceles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some deep-sea microbes may incorporate inorganic carbon to reduce CO2 emission to upper layer and atmosphere. How the microbial inhabitants can be affected under addition of bicarbonate has not been studied using in situ fixed and lysed samples. In this study, we cultivated 40 L natural bottom water at ∼1 000 m depth with a final concentration of 0.1 mmol/L bicarbonate for 40 min and applied multiple in situ nucleic acids collection (MISNAC) apparatus for nucleic acids extraction from the cultivation. Our classification result of the cultivation sample showed a distinct microbial community structure, compared with the samples obtained by Niskin bottle and six working units of MISNAC. Except for notable enrichment of Alteromonas, we detected prevalence of Asprobacter, Ilumatobacter and Saccharimonadales in the cultivation. Deep-sea lineages of Euryarchaeota, SAR406, SAR202 and SAR324 were almost completely absent from the cultivation and Niskin samples. This study revealed the dominant microbes affected by bicarbonate addition and Niskin sampling, which suggested rapid responses of deep-sea microbes to the environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed somatic embryogenesis protocols for Picea pungens (Engelm), an important ornamental species, including initiation, proliferation, maturation, germination, and acclimation. Somatic embryogenic tissues were induced from mature zygotic embryos of five families, with a frequency of ≥ 22% for each. Embryogenic tissues (ET) from 13 clones of three families were proliferated for one week, achieving an average rate of 179.1%. The ET of 38 clones of three families were cultured in maturation medium for six weeks; 188 mature embryos on average were counted per gram ET cultured, of which ≥ 81.1% appeared normal, and each clone developed at least 28 normally matured embryos. A total of 69.9% or more of cotyledonary somatic embryos germinated normally and developed into normal emblings. The experiment of transplanting the emblings into a greenhouse had an average survival rate of 68.5%. Considerable variation among and within families during initiation and proliferation was observed, but this variation decreased in the maturation and germination. Changing the concentration of plant growth regulator of the initiation medium did not significantly change the initiation frequency. We recommend incorporating these protocols into the current Picea pungens practical programs, although further research is essential to increase efficiencies and reduce cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient loading in the fall is a practical way to improve seedling quality and has been proven to increase nutrient accumulation, translocation and utilization. Few studies have reported on the variation in free amino acids as a result of fall fertilization, especially for different seasonal needle habits (evergreen, deciduous). Therefore, a balanced two-factor factorial design with one fall fertilization treatment (10 mg N/seedling) and Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) and Prince Rupprecht's larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.) seedlings was used to examine growth response over one nursery season. Associated changes between fall fertilization, N storage and free amino acids were analyzed. Results showed that: (1) stem height, diameter and biomass for both species were similar between controls and fall fertilization treatments; (2) compared to controls, fall fertilization increased Chinese pine needle and root N by 17.7% and 36.9%, respectively. For Prince Rupprecht's larch, fall fertilization resulted in 26.3% and 34.54% more N in stem and roots, respectively, than controls; (3) the three main amino acids in control and fertilization treatments in Prince Rupprecht's larch seedlings were glutamine, arginine and proline, and in Chinese pine seedlings were glutamine, arginine and γ-amino butyric acid; (4) total amino acid contents were not significantly increased by fall fertilization, but glutamine in Chinese pine and Prince Rupprecht's larch increased by 64.2% and 35.2%, respectively. Aboveground biomass of Prince Rupprecht's larch had higher proline contents than Chinese pine, which suggests that the stress resistance of the aboveground tissue may be higher for Prince Rupprecht's larch. The results indicate that different plant organs with various response are well adapted to nitrogen loading for nutrient storage in evergreen and deciduous conifer seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strip test is described for the optical determination of influenza virus H3 subtype. It utilizes gold nanoparticle (AuNP) coated polystyrene latex microspheres (PS) as the label and a sandwich format. The AuNP and PS particles were linked using monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus as the bridge. Under the optimal conditions, the visual detection limit of the AuNP-PS-based strip test was as low as 1/16 hemagglutination unit (HAU). It was 64 times higher than that of 10 nm (4 HAU) AuNP-based strip tests. Quantitative analysis showed that the detection limit of the AuNP-PS-based strip is 0.016 HAU. The AuNP-PS-based strip test showed no cross-reactivity to the other subtypes (H1, H5, H7, or H9) of influenza viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following acute infection of mucosal surfaces by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), sensory neurons are a primary site for lifelong latency. Stress, as mimicked by the synthetic corticosteroid dexamethasone, consistently induces reactivation from latency. Two viral regulatory proteins (VP16 and bICP0) are expressed within 1 h after calves latently infected with BoHV-1 are treated with dexamethasone. Since the immediate early transcription unit 1 (IEtu1) promoter regulates both BoHV-1 infected cell protein 0 (bICP0) and bICP4 expressions, we hypothesized that the bICP4 protein is also expressed during early stages of reactivation from latency. In this study, we tested whether bICP4 and bICP22, the only other BoHV-1 protein known to be encoded by an immediate early gene, were expressed during reactivation from latency by generating peptide-specific antiserum to each protein. bICP4 and bICP22 protein expression were detected in trigeminal ganglionic (TG) neurons during early phases of dexamethasone-induced reactivation from latency, operationally defined as the escape from latency. Conversely, bICP4 and bICP22 were not readily detected in TG neurons of latently infected calves. In summary, it seems clear that all proteins encoded by known BoHV-1 IE genes (bICP4, bICP22, and bICP0) were expressed during early stages of dexamethasone-induced reactivation from latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the tolerance, variability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of bevacizumab biosimilars (MIL60, BAT1706, IBI305) in Chinese healthy male subjects.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, two-arm, parallel studies included three separate investigations, which were conducted by three sponsors to investigate the bioequivalence of bevacizumab biosimilars (MIL60, BAT1706, IBI305) with that of bevacizumab-EU as a reference drug. Subjects received a single-dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of the bevacizumab biosimilars or bevacizumab-EU and were followed up for 70-99 days. Serum concentrations of bevacizumab, antidrug antibody (ADA), and neutralizing antibody (NAb) were measured using electrochemiluminescence. In addition, the PK parameters were determined using non-compartmental methods. The safety assessments included adverse events, hematology tests, and biochemistry tests.Results: The three bevacizumab biosimilars exhibited similar PK properties to that of bevacizumab-EU. Bevacizumab demonstrated linear PK properties and a concentration-dependent disposition. When comparing the three biosimilars with bevacizumab-EU, the 90% CIs of the ratios for Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were within 80-125%. The inter-CV ranged from 12.6 to 23.3%. Three subjects in the biosimilar groups and bevacizumab-EU were positive for the ADA and negative for the NAb. Treatment-related mild or moderate adverse events were reported in 56-80 and 36-80% of subjects in the biosimilar and bevacizumab treatment arms, respectively.Conclusions: The bevacizumab biosimilars exhibit similar PK characteristics to that of the reference product bevacizumab-EU. The inter-CV is moderate and less than 25% in all cases. The safety profile was similar among bevacizumab biosimilars and bevacizumab-EU with significant adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe an ultrasensitive method for simultaneous detection of neomycin (NEO) and quinolones antibiotics (QNS). It is based on the use of (a) two immuno-nanoprobes (a probe for NEO and a probe for QNS), (b) surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection, and (c), a portable lateral flow assay (LFA). The two probes consist of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to the Raman active molecule 4-aminothiophenol (PATP), and to monoclonal antibody against NEO (NEO mAb) or against NOR (NOR mAb). Quantitative detection of NEO and QNS was realized via SERS of the PATP-coated AuNPs captured in the test line of a LFA. Under optimized condition, the visual limits of LFA are 10 ng·mL for NEO and 200 ng·mL for NOR, and with LODs down to 0.37 pg·mL and 0.55 pg·mL by using SERS. The NEO test line is not interfered by the NEO analogues gentamycin, streptomycin and tobramycin, but the NOR test line suffers from different degrees of cross-reactivity (CR) to 12 common other QNS, the CRs ranging from 1.5% to 136%. The recoveries of NEO and NOR from spiked milk samples ranged between 86% and 121%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 3% to 6%. The method is highly sensitive, accurate and effective. It may be applied to simultaneous detection of NEO and 8 QNS, including NOR, enoxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, fleroxacin, marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and pefloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid lateral flow colloidal gold immunoassay strip was established in a sandwich format with the colloidal gold-labelled mouse anti-β-conglycinin monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the rabbit anti-β-conglycinin polyclonal antibody (pAb) in order to specifically identify a soybean allergen, β-conglycinin. Soybean and soy derivatives have become ubiquitous in many vegetarian and meat-based food products, and as a result, dietary avoidance has become difficult. Therefore, soybean avoidance is challenging for individuals with soybean allergy. In our study, the selected mAb showed high affinity to the target and no cross-reactivity with other soybean allergens. Based on the sandwich immunoassay principle, the rabbit pAb was applied in the test line with high titre. The assay could be accomplished within 10 min without sophisticated procedures. The limit of detection of the test strip was calculated at 1.66 mg/kg in powdered milk using an optical density scanner that measures relative optical density. The assay showed high specificity for β-conglycinin, with no cross-reactions with other food allergens. The efficacy of the lateral flow test strip to detect β-conglycinin in powdered milk samples ranged between 80.8 and 89.2% with relative standard deviations of less than 7.2%. Therefore, the test strip is useful as a rapid and reliable detection method for β-conglycinin in powdered milk. In addition, this assay is suitable for monitoring β-conglycinin in other processed foods when samples are appropriately extracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several parts of China, there have been a large number of pseudorabies (PR) outbreaks which have devastated many swine farms even though the herds had been previously immunized with gE-deleted vaccines (Bartha-K61). The emergence of these outbreak-associated PRV strains might indicate that Bartha-K61 vaccine could not provide effective protection and poses challenges for current serologic diagnostics of anti-PRV antibodies. Here, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on partial gE, gB, and gC genes to provide information about the molecular epidemiology, diagnostics, and immune protection in these outbreak-associated PRV strains. Our results indicated that the maximal nucleotide sequence divergence for gE, gB, and gC genes are 1.7, 0.4, and 2.7 % within the cluster where outbreak-associated PRV strains were located, and are 2.3, 2.7, and 7.6 % with other clusters in the phylogenetic trees, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that gE, gB, and gC genes of the twelve outbreak-associated PRV strains clustered to a relatively independent branch of the tree, and evolved from the same ancestor with strains Ea-China-1999, Fa-China-2001, and BJ-China-2008. The genetic relationship between these outbreak-associated PRV strains and strain Bartha is not close which may genetically explain the emergence of PR outbreaks in Bartha-K61-vaccinated swine farms. We suggest that these outbreak-associated PRV strains originate from earlier strains in local regions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptors for the Fc region (FcγRs) of immunoglobulin G (IgG) play a crucial role in the immune system and host protection against infection. In this study, we describe the cloning, sequencing, and expression of the high-affinity IgG receptor from pig. By screening a translated Expressed Sequence Tags database with the human FcγRI (CD64) protein sequence, we identified a putative porcine homologue. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction amplification confirmed that the identified full-length cDNA was expressed in porcine cells. Rosetting analysis shows that COS-7 cells transfected with a plasmid containing the cloned cDNA were able to bind chicken erythrocytes sensitized with porcine IgG. Scatchard analysis indicated that monomeric IgG bound to transiently transfected cells with an affinity of approximately 4×107 M−1. The porcine FcγRI cDNA is 1,038 nucleotides long and is predicted to encode a 346-amino-acid transmembrane glycoprotein composed of three Ig-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The overall identity of the porcine FcγRI to its human and mouse counterparts at the level of the amino acid sequence was 75% and 57%, respectively. Identification of porcine FcγRI will aid in the understanding of the molecular basis of the porcine immune system and further studies of the receptor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]