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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by cartilage destruction, synovitis, and osteophyte formation. Disease‐modifying treatments for OA are currently lacking. Because inflammation mediated by an imbalance of M1/M2 macrophages in the synovial cavities contributes to OA progression, regulating the M1 to M2 polarization of macrophages can be a potential therapeutic strategy. Basing on the inherent immune mechanism and pathological environment of OA, an immunoglobulin G‐conjugated bilirubin/JPH203 self‐assembled nanoparticle (IgG/BRJ) is developed, and its therapeutic potential for OA is evaluated. After intra‐articular administration, IgG conjugation facilitates the recognition and engulfment of nanoparticles by the M1 macrophages. The internalized nanoparticles disassemble in response to the increased oxidative stress, and the released bilirubin (BR) and JPH203 scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit the nuclear factor kappa‐B pathway, and suppress the activated mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, result in the repolarization of macrophages and enhance M2/M1 ratios. Suppression of the inflammatory environment by IgG/BRJ promotes cartilage protection and repair in an OA rat model, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes. This strategy of opsonization involving M1 macrophages to engulf carrier‐free BR/JPH203 nanoparticles to suppress inflammation for OA therapy holds great potential for OA intervention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case study of a Chinese family with hypotrichosis simplex, a rare hair loss disorder. The researchers identified two novel mutations in the LSS gene through whole-exome sequencing and confirmed them through Sanger sequencing. Protein modeling and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess the mutations' impact on the LSS protein structure and expression. The study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of hypotrichosis simplex and its association with the LSS gene. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the genetic signatures of SLE‐associated PAH have not been well studied. We aimed to identify genetic variants implicated in SLE‐associated PAH susceptibility within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and assess the contribution to clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 172 patients with SLE‐associated PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization, 1,303 patients with SLE without PAH, and 9,906 healthy controls were included. Deep sequencing of the MHC region was performed to identify alleles, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, and amino acids. We compared patients with SLE‐associated PAH with patients with SLE without PAH and healthy controls. Clinical association study was conducted to explore the contribution to phenotypes. Results: A total of 19,881 genetic variants were identified within the MHC region. HLA‐DQA1*03:02 was identified as a novel genetic variant associated with SLE‐associated PAH in the discovery cohort (P = 5.68 × 10−12) and authenticated in an independent replication cohort (P = 1.30 × 10−9). The strongest associated amino acid position was mapped to HLA‐DQα1 in the region affecting MHC/peptide‐CD4+ T cell receptor affinity and antigen binding. Clinical association study demonstrated that patients with SLE‐associated PAH with HLA‐DQA1*03:02 had significantly lower rates of target role achievement (P = 0.005) and survival (P = 0.04). Conclusion: This study, based on the largest cohort of SLE‐associated PAH, is the first to investigate how MHC region genetic variants contribute to SLE‐associated PAH susceptibility. HLA‐DQA1*03:02 is a novel genetic risk factor and a prognostic factor in SLE‐associated PAH. Patients with SLE with this allele require regular monitoring and careful follow‐up for early diagnosis and interventions for potential PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable isotope technique has been used in tracking nitrogen cycling processes, but the isotopic characteristics are influenced by environmental conditions. To better understand the variability of nitrate isotopes in nature, we investigated the influence of organic carbon sources on isotope fractionation characteristics during microbial denitrification. Denitrifying cultures were inoculated with freshwater samples and enriched with five forms of organic compounds, that is, acetate, citrate, glucose, cellobiose, and leucine. Though the isotope enrichment factors of nitrogen and oxygen (15ε and 18ε) changed with carbon sources, 18ε/15ε always followed a proportionality near 1. Genome‐centred metagenomics revealed the enrichment of a few populations, such as Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Atlantibacter, most of which contained both NapA‐ and NarG‐type nitrate reductases. Metatranscriptome showed that both NapA and NarG were expressed but to different extents in the enrichments. Furthermore, isotopic data collected from a deep reservoir was analysed. The results showed δ18O‐ and δ15N‐nitrate did not correlate in the surface water where nitrification was active, but 18ε/15ε followed a proportionality of 1.05 ± 011 in deeper waters (≥ 12 m) where denitrification controlled the nitrate isotope. The independence of 18ε/15ε from carbon sources provides an opportunity to determine heterotrophic denitrification and helps the interpretation of nitrate isotopes in freshwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulphur‐driven denitrification is a low‐cost process for the treatment of nitrate‐contaminated water. However, a comprehensive understanding of core populations and microbial interactions of a sulphur‐based denitrifying system is lacking. This study presents results from three replicated denitrifying systems amended with thiosulphate and operated under a low C/N ratio. Amplicon sequencing revealed gradual enrichments of a few abundant denitrifiers. Based on genome‐centred metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, a core set of microbes was identified in the systems, with Pseudomonas 1 and Thauera 2 being the most abundant ones. Although the replicates showed different enrichments, generalized observations were summarized. Most core populations conserved energy from denitrification coupled with sulphur. Pseudomonas 1 and Thauera 2 were able to finish complete denitrification. Surprisingly, they were also able to synthesize almost all amino acids and vitamins. In contrast, less abundant members, including Pseudomonas 2, were relatively auxotrophic and required an exogenous supply of amino acids and vitamins. The high expression of enzymes involved in biosynthesis and transport systems indicated their syntrophic relationships. The genomic findings suggested life strategies and interactions of the core thiosulphate‐based denitrifying microbiome, with implications for nitrate‐polluted water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the interest in "natural" and "safe" products grows, the use of natural products instead of synthetic preservatives to combat food spoilage and poisoning caused by microorganisms during processing and storage has become a prioritized option. The present research evaluated the antibacterial activity of the Mentha longifolia L. essential oil (MLEO) against several pathogenic bacteria, and the mechanism of action against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Gas Chromatography Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC‐Q‐TOF MS) analysis suggested that main components of MLEO were carvone (47.39%) and limonene (12.48%). The oil showed considerable antibacterial activity with MIC values of 0.394–1.576 mg/mL, and could be a promising bactericide. Non‐targeted metabolomics analysis based on GC‐Q‐TOF MS identified 66 different metabolites, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of these metabolites revealed that MLEO achieves the effects by affecting amino acid metabolism in MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that Akkermansia muciniphila improves host metabolism and reduces inflammation; however, its potential effects on bile acid metabolism and metabolic patterns in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are unknown. In this study, we have analysed C57BL/6 mice under three feeding conditions: (i) a low‐fat diet group (LP), (ii) a high‐fat diet group (HP) and (iii) a high‐fat diet group supplemented with A. muciniphila (HA). The results found that A. muciniphila administration relieved weight gain, hepatic steatosis and liver injury induced by the high‐fat diet. A. muciniphila altered the gut microbiota with a decrease in Alistipes, Lactobacilli, Tyzzerella, Butyricimonas and Blautia, and an enrichment of Ruminiclostridium, Osclibacter, Allobaculum, Anaeroplasma and Rikenella. The gut microbiota changes correlated significantly with bile acids. Meanwhile, A. muciniphila also improved glucose tolerance, gut barriers and adipokines dysbiosis. Akkermansia muciniphila regulated the intestinal FXR‐FGF15 axis and reshaped the construction of bile acids, with reduced secondary bile acids in the caecum and liver, including DCA and LCA. These findings provide new insights into the relationships between probiotics, microflora and metabolic disorders, highlighting the potential role of A. muciniphila in the management of MAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pork fat (PF) is a necessary ingredient in making traditional fish cakes (TFCs), which contains saturated fatty acids with potential health concerns. While linseed oil (LO) containing α‐linolenic acid is a potential nutrient‐enhancing fat substitute. In this study, the effect of pork fat and linseed oil level on gel quality, sensory characteristics, microstructure, and protein conformation of TFCs were characterized. Results showed that the TFCs with 30% pork fat (wt/wt) had the highest gel strength. Additionally, sensory evaluation determined that TFCs with 30% pork fat scored the best by a sensory panel with high gel strength, water‐holding capacity, and fresh and sweet taste. The gel strength, chewiness, and hardness of nutrient‐enriched fish cakes with 20% linseed oil replaced for pork fat were higher than that only with pork fat (wt/wt) without changing in tenderness and elasticity. Visual results showed that the network was uniform at a moderate level of linseed oil addition (20% LO/PF replacement ratio). The results of this study provided technical guidelines for standardizing the TFC manufacture processes, and useful insight for the development of fish cakes with reduced animal fat content for additional health benefits for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable evidence suggests that insulin resistance is closely linked to Parkinson's disease (PD), leading to agents aiming at treating diabetes can be regarded as new neuroprotective strategies in PD, notably glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1). However, the extremely short half‐life of GLP‐1 due to degradation by the ubiquitous proteolytic enzyme limits its clinical application. In this study, we engineered the recombinant integrant probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to create a strain EcN‐GLP‐1 that effectively delivers the heterologous GLP‐1 molecule. Subsequently, we assessed its neuroprotective effects on 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced PD mice. We demonstrated that EcN‐GLP‐1 treatment could improve motor deficits, increase tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive neurons, suppress microglia and astrocyte activation, reduce brain and colon inflammation, and ameliorate colonic barrier function damaged by MPTP induction. Meanwhile, we confirmed that the oral administration of EcN‐GLP‐1 could restore the disturbance of gut microbiota in the MPTP‐induced PD mice, by reducing the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Oscillospira, and increasing the level of Prevotella in the gut. These results support further development of an engineered probiotic platform in which production of GLP‐1 for gut‐brain disorders, such as PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the performance requirements of positioning accuracy and stability of piezoelectric inertial actuators in fields including micro‐operation and biomedical engineering, a piezoelectric inertial actuator with wedge‐shaped friction foot structure using bimorph films is proposed in this paper. The wedge‐shaped friction foot structure can adjust the friction force in different driving stages, which suppresses the backward motion and effectively improves the output performance of the actuator. And the bimorph films are processed by Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) manufacturing process technology. It enables the actuator to move steadily with a small tip mass and facilitates the miniaturization of actuator. The simulation model is constructed based on the dynamic model of actuator and the prototype parameters are optimized from the results of simulation tests. Then a series of output performance experiments are carried out. Experimental results show that the proposed actuator has the advantages of high resolution, stability, and displacement linearity. And the highest resolution of 0.035 µm is achieved. Depending on above results, the cell drug injection simulation experiments are successfully conducted. The success of experiments shows that the prototype has good output performance and great application potential and value in the field of cell manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)‐mediated signaling pathway dysregulation provides great insight into comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism and combined targeted therapy for glioblastoma. circRNA is characterized by high stability, tissue/developmental stage‐specific expression and abundance in brain and plays significant roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. Our previous published data have demonstrated that RPN2 was significantly upregulated in glioma and promoted tumor progression via the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Furthermore, we proved that miR‐422a regulated the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway by directly targeting RPN2. In this study, based on the glioblastoma microarray profiles, we identified the upstream circTOP2A, which completely bound to miR‐422a and was co‐expressed with the RPN2. circTOP2A was significantly overexpressed in glioma and conferred a poor prognosis. circTOP2A could regulate RPN2 expression by sponging miR‐422a, verified by western blot, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, and RNA pull‐down assay. Functional assays including CCK8, transwell and FITC‐annexin V were performed to explore the RPN2‐mediated role of the circTOP2A effect on the glioma malignant phenotype. Additionally, TOP/FOP and immunofluorescence analysis were used to confirm that sh‐circTOP2A could suppress the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway partly through RPN2. Finally, a tumor xenograft model was applied to validate the biological function of circTOP2A in vivo. Taken together, our findings reveal the critical role of circTOP2A in promoting glioma proliferation and invasion via a ceRNA mechanism and provide an exploitable biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial nitrate reduction can be driven by organic carbon oxidation, as well as by inorganic electron donors, such as reduced forms of sulfur and iron. An apparent inverse oxygen isotope fractionation effect was observed during nitrate reduction in sediment incubations from five sampling sites of a freshwater lake, Hongze Lake, China. Incubations with organic and inorganic electron donor additions were performed. Especially, the inverse oxygen isotope effect was intensified after glucose addition, whereas the incubations with sulfide and Fe2+ showed normal fractionation factors. Nitrate reductase encoding genes, napA and narG, were analysed with metagenomics. Higher napA/narG ratios were associated with higher oxygen fractionation factors. The most abundant clade (59%) of NapA in the incubation with glucose was affiliated with Rhodocyclales. In contrast, it only accounted for 8%–9% of NapA in the incubations with sulfide and Fe2+. Differences in nitrate reductases might explain different oxygen isotope effects. Our findings also suggested that large variance of O‐nitrate isotope fractionations might have to be considered in the interpretation of natural isotope records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The study investigated the properties and storage stability of Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) surimi gel exposed to ultraviolet irradiation for 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 h (UV0.5, UV1, UV2, UV3) before thermal treatment. The results showed that all UV‐irradiated surimi gels exhibited compact microstructure along with increased gel strength and water‐holding capacity than control. Investigations on chemical properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) from surimi showed that tryptophan fluorescence intensity declined while bromophenol blue‐binding capability increased after UV irradiation. Sulfhydryl content in MP of UV2 and UV3 decreased while their carbonyl content increased. Electrophoresis analysis indicated that myosin heavy chain of UV2 was most attenuated. Storage test showed that UV2 maintained the highest gel strength during chilled‐storage and its total viable count was below 5 log10CFU•g−1 after 18 days. Therefore, UV irradiation might be applied to improve surimi gel properties and extend shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Suanzhayu is a traditional Chinese fermented fish that often faces a long fermentation time (about 1 month) and unstable quality. This study evaluated the combined effects of papain and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1‐24‐LJ, a selected starter culture, on the quality of Suanzhayu. The addition of L. plantarum and/or papain increased the content of alcohols, esters, ketones and umami amino acids (UAAs), but decreased the content of bitter amino acids (BAAs). Besides, Lactobacillus might play a role in reducing harmful bacteria and BAAs content and increasing UAAs content, while Lactococcus and Weissella contributed to the characteristic flavour of Suanzhayu. Overall, no significant improvement in sensory quality was observed with the addition of papain alone, while better quality and faster fermentation processes were obtained with the addition of L. plantarum 1‐24‐LJ alone or in combination with papain. The results contribute to quality control in Suanzhayu production and the selection of starter cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic hydrogels are unique tissue mimics but rarely reproduce the strain‐stiffening properties of native tissues. This mechanical mismatch impairs the performance of hydrogels in practical applications. Inspired by the crimped structure of collagenous tissues, a series of strain‐stiffening hydrogels composed of curved parallel fibers are developed. These fibers are constructed from a bundle of intertwisted nanofibrils composed of short alkyl side chain‐modified polymer chains. This hierarchical organization enables exquisitely cascaded deformation that facilitates soft‐to‐firm and resilience‐to‐viscoelasticity transitions, thus synergically mimicking the strain‐adaptive stiffening and damping behaviors of natural tissues. Together with structural evolution and a constitutive model, rationally tuning the tortuosity and flexibility of the curved fibers produces a diverse combination of strain‐stiffening properties and unprecedented penetration into the regions of several tissues. The crimped structure and the resultant stiffening properties constitute major improvements to nanofiber‐based scaffolds for use in collagenous tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drug nanoparticles free of additional carriers hold great promise in drug delivery and are suitable for the therapy of cancers. Herein, we developed a one‐pot method to prepare chlorin e6 (Ce6) nano‐precipitations (Ce6 NPs) for effective photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer. The drug loading of Ce6 NPs was around 81% and showed acceptable stability, high biocompatibility as well as effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability. As a result, the Ce6 NPs can produce significantly elevated ROS upon laser irradiations and achieved better anticancer benefits than free Ce6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Impaired wound closure is an increasingly crucial clinical challenge. Recently, wound healing has shifted towards innovative treatments that exploit nanotechnology, biomaterials, biologics and phototherapy. Here, we constructed an engineered MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 strain with pMG36e plasmid encoding stromal cell‐derived factor 1α (named CXCL12) and evaluated the synergistic effects of light‐emitting diode (LED) yellow light and MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 on scald wounds in mice. The results indicated that the combined treatment with LED yellow light with mCXCL12 delivering strain accelerated wound closure, tissue remodelling, re‐epithelialization and hair follicle regeneration and inhibited over‐inflammation oppositely in the central and surrounding wounds by macroscopic, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry parameters. Furthermore, combination therapy increased the epidermal growth factor and Ki67‐positive cells and upregulated beta‐catenin (β‐catenin), cellular‐myelocytomatosis (c‐Myc), wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member 1 (Wnt1), Jagged 1, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (Notch 1) and hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes 1) protein levels of the Wnt and Notch signalling pathways. It also facilitated collagen fibrogenesis and deposition and improved the activities of hydroxyproline, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in scalded granulation tissue, in addition to reducing the inflammatory factors interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The combined treatment effectively reduced skin pathogens Ralstonia and Acinetobacter to further reduce the risk of infection. Overall, combination of LED yellow light and MG1363‐pMG36e‐mCXCL12 represents a potential strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study evaluated the relationship between the bacterial diversity and metabolites of various sour meats, a traditional fermented meat product. The results showed that sour meats had a low pH (average of 4.34), low water activity (aw, an average of 0.917), and high lactic acid (~19 177.48 mg kg−1) and free amino acid (FAA) (~4047.65 mg kg−1) concentrations. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactobacillus and Weissella, were predominated in the samples. The alcohols, aldehydes and esters accounted for the major components of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Of which, (E)‐2‐octenal, nerol, cis‐4‐decenal, tetradecanal, linalyl acetate, linalool, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, hexanal, 1‐heptanol, benzaldehyde and (E)‐2‐decenal were considered as the key VOCs of sour meats. The redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that LAB (Lactobacillus and Weissella) and salt were positively correlated with most FAAs and VOCs. Overall, higher salinity, lower aw and abundant LAB might be the indicators of good sour meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodosporidium toruloides has been reported as a potential biotechnological microorganism to produce carotenoids. The most commonly used molecular and genetic manipulation methods based on Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation (ATMT). However, this method was of relatively lower transformation efficiency. In this study, we optimized the ATMT method for R. toruloides on account of the promoter on T‐DNA, the ratio of A. tumefaciens to R. toruloides NP11, acetosyringone concentration, cocultivation temperature and time, and a transformation efficiency of 2,369 cells per 105 recipient cells was obtained and was 24 times as that of the previous report. With this optimized method, four redder mutants and four yellower mutants were selected out with torularhodin and β‐carotene production preference, respectively. The highest torularhodin production was 1,638.15 µg/g dry cell weight in A1‐13. The yellower mutants were found to divert the metabolic flux from torularhodin and torulene to γ‐carotene and β‐carotene, and the proportion of γ‐carotene and β‐carotene were all over 92%. TAIL‐PCR was carried out to found T‐DNA insertion in these mutants, and insertion hotspot was found. RT‐qPCR results showed that CTA1 genes in these mutants were closely related to the synthesis of total carotenoids, especially torularhodin, and was a potenial metabolic engineering site in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To mass‐produce nutritional kombucha with quality consistency, it is necessary to design synthetic microbial community (SMC) starters with clear bacterial compositions. In this study, a three‐species SMC, including Acetobacter pasteurianus, Gluconacetobacter xylinus and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, was designed. Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) in SMC produced a higher concentration of organic acids synergistically compared to each strain inoculated alone. Gluconic acid was the most abundant organic acid in kombucha fermented by SMC, which contributed to the pleasant sour taste of the beverage. AAB could also oxidise the alcohol produced by Z. bailii, making kombucha a soft beverage. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations increased during fermentation, which enhanced the health benefits of kombucha. The sensory evaluation demonstrated tsshat sensory attributes of SMC fermented kombucha were quite similar to those fermented by the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Therefore, SMC could be utilised in the industrial mass production of kombucha for better quality control and product consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most significant pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorders. Currently, there are no useful markers to predict the onset of the condition in pregnant women. To provide further insights into the pathogenesis of PE and identify biomarkers of the condition, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics coupled with 2‐D LC‐MS/MS, to analyze urinary protein profiles from 7 PE patients and 7 normotensive pregnant women. A total of 294 proteins were abnormally expressed in PE patients. Of these, 233 were significantly down‐regulated and 61 proteins were significantly up‐regulated. Bioinformatics analysis using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, found that the most differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were involved in coagulation and complement pathways, the renin‐angiotensin system and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) pathways. We further validated three of the DEPs, including serotransferrin (TF) and complement factor B (CFB) by immunoblottingand serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 (PON1) by ELISA using 14 pairs of urine samples from PE patients and normal pregnant women. Taken together, our results provide the basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of PE and identifying predictive biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It has been hypothesised that uric acid (UA) has a protective effect against oxidative damage in the central nervous system. Therefore, we investigated serum UA concentrations in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and explored the relationship between serum UA concentration and glaucoma severity. Methods: This prospective, cross‐sectional, case–control study was conducted in 163 POAG patients and 103 normal controls. Clinical and demographic information was obtained from the medical data platform of the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. The POAG patients were categorised into mild [median deviation (MD) ≤ 6.00 dB], moderate (MD > 6 Db–≥12 dB) and severe (MD > 12 dB) subgroups, based on their visual field MD results. Results: The level of serum UA in the POAG group (0.321 ± 0.084 mmol/l) was approximately 12.77% lower (p < 0.001) than that of the control group (0.362 ± 0.053 mmol/l). The UA/creatinine (Cr) ratio was approximately 14.99% lower (p < 0.001) in patients with POAG (4.47 ± 1.15), compared with the control group (5.14 ± 1.05). The mean level of UA was lowest in the severe POAG group, followed by the moderate POAG group, and the mild POAG group (p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed when UA levels were compared between the POAG and control groups in males. Multivariate regression analyses showed a significant negative correlation between UA and vertical cup–disc ratio (B = −0.320, p = 0.034), and UA and MD (B = −0.441, p = 0.031) in males. Conclusion: Primary open‐angle glaucoma patients have lower UA levels; however, a negative association between UA levels and disease severity was evident in male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Progesterone (P4) has the potential therapeutic effects for traumatic brain injury ( TBI) whose recovery depended on the enhanced angiogenesis. Endothelial progenitor cell ( EPC) plays an essential role in vascular biology. We previously demonstrated that P4 administration improved circulating EPC level and neurological recovery of rat with TBI. Here, we hypothesized that P4 augmented angiogenic potential of EPC and the angiogenesis-related neurorestoration after TBI through classical progesterone receptor ( PR). Materials and methods EPC derived from rats were stimulated with graded concentrations (0, 10−10, 10−9, 5 × 10−9, 10−8, 10−7 mol/L) of P4 or 10−6 mol/L ulipristal acetate ( UPA, a PR antagonist). Male rats were subjected to cortical impact injury and treated with (i) DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), (ii) P4 and (iii) P4 and UPA. Results It showed that P4 improved the angiogenic potential of EPC, including tube formation, adhesion, migration and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion, in a dose-dependent fashion with the maximal effect achieved at 10−9 mol/L P4. High concentration (10−7 mol/L) of P4 impaired the angiogenic potential of EPC. Notably, 10−6 mol/L UPA antagonized the stimulatory effects of 10−9 mol/L P4. After administrating P4, a significant improvement of neurological function and the restoration of the leaked blood-brain barrier were observed as well as a reduction of the brain water content. Both vessel density and expression of occludin of vessels were increased. When UPA was administered with P4, the neural restoration and angiogenesis were all reversed. Western blot showed that 10−9 mol/L P4 increased the content of PRA and PRB of EPC, while 10−7 mol/L P4 reduced the content of both PR isoforms, but there was no change found in the TBI rats. Conclusions It may suggest that P4-mediated angiogenic activity of EPC and angiogenesis in TBI rats were antagonized by PR antagonist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Progesterone treatment can effectively increase levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells ( EPCs) and improve neurological functional outcome in a traumatic brain injury ( TBI) rat model. However, the mechanisms of progesterone's effects on EPC viability remain elusive. The CXCL12/ CXCR4 ( CXC chemokine ligand 12/ CXC chemokine receptor 4) signalling pathway regulates cell proliferation; we hypothesize that it mediates progesterone-induced EPC viability. Materials and methods EPCs were isolated from bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells ( BM- MNCs) and treated with progesterone (5, 10 and 100 n m). MTS assay was used to investigate EPC viability. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting, ELISA assay and flow cytometry. Cell membrane and cytoplasm proteins were extracted with membrane and cytoplasm protein extraction kits. CXCR4 antagonist ( AMD3100) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases ( PI3K) antagonist ( LY294002) were used to characterize underlying mechanisms. Results Progesterone-induced EPC viability was time- and dose-dependent. Administration of progesterone facilitated EPC viability and increased expression of CXCL12 and phosphorylated Akt (also known as protein kinase B, pAkt) activity ( P < 0.05). Progesterone did not regulate CXCR4 protein expression in cultured EPC membranes or cytoplasm. However, progesterone-induced EPC viability was significantly attenuated by AMD3100 or LY294002. Inhibition of the signalling pathway with AMD3100 and LY294002 subsequently reduced progesterone-induced CXCL12/ CXCR4/ PI3K/ pAkt signalling activity. Conclusions The CXCL12/ CXCR4/ PI3K/ pAkt signalling pathway increased progesterone-induced EPC viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The structure of exopolysaccharides ( EPS) produced by Bifidobacterium and their beneficial effects on human health have been fully studied, but only a few studies have investigated their influence on microbial diversity in the human/animal intestine. RESULTS The strain named Bifidobacterium bifidum WBIN03 with high growth rate and exopolysaccharide ( EPS) yield was selected to study the effect of its EPS on modifying the intestinal microbiota of mice. The results indicated that EPS significantly increased the growth of lactobacilli and total anaerobic bacteria, and exerted their inhibition effect on the growth of enterobacteria, enterococci and Bacteroides fragilis. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis ( DGGE) analysis indicated that the EPS significantly increased the diversity of total bacteria and lactobacilli, but significantly decreased the diversity of enterobacteria. When receiving a low dose of EPS, Bacteroidales sp./ Lactobacillus sp. occupied the dominant position, and L. johnsonii, L. animalis and L. reuteri were identified as the dominant strains when receiving a high concentration of EPS. CONCLUSION The combination of viable cell count, DGGE and sequencing was used as an effective method to assess the microbial diversity in mouse intestine, and the benefit effect of EPS from B. bifidum WBIN03 on probiotics and antagonistic effect against pathogens would guaranteed the health of their hosts. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Probiotics are widely used in the food industry and medicine fields in China, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate the actual microbial amounts and species in probiotic products, which may conflict with the labels and mislead consumers to choose inappropriate foods or medicines. RESULTS Twenty commercial dairy products and eight commercial 'healthcare' samples were collected from markets in China and tested using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The results suggested that the total bacterial counts of most commercial products met the minimum quantitative requirement of the Chinese national standard (6.00 log colony-forming units g−1). However, the bacterial counts of specific species were inconsistent with the labelling. In parallel, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that some probiotic-containing products were wrongly labelled; no Bifidobacterium species were detected in the products claiming to contain bifidobacteria, and the probiotic characteristics (antimicrobial activity, acid resistance and bile resistance) of some isolates had degraded. Moreover, some contaminating bacteria, e.g. Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Serratia sp., were also detected in these products. CONCLUSION The combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods was proven to quickly and conveniently detect the microbial diversity in probiotic products, and more effort is required to regulate the probiotic market in China. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: This study analyzes the effect of the val227ala variant of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: 79 patients with NAFLD and 63 healthy counterparts were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI), hip, waist, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), the percentage of body fat, total protein, albumin, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and fasting blood glucose were assessed. The genotypes were analyzed using oligonucleotide microarray. Logistic model was used to perform the multi-factors synthetical analysis on the data obtained to screen the risk factors closely associated with Val227Ala polymorphism of PPAR-α gene. Results: There were 6.33% (5/79) subjects with CC/CT genotype (ala227ala and val227ala) and 93.67% (74/79) subjects with TT genotype (val227val) in patients with NAFLD, and there were 20.63% (13/63) with CC/CT genotype and 79.37% (50/63) subjects with TT genotype. The distribution of PPAR-α val227ala polymorphism between NAFLD and healty subjects was significant (p = 0.011). The level of weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, percentage of body fat, abdominal wall fat thickness in subjects with Val227Ala variant were significantly lower than that in Val227wide type. The results showed that waist circumference and WHR were related with the PPAR-α val227ala polymorphism. Conclusion: PPAR-α val227ala polymorphism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and play a protective role in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]