Sustainable treatment of aquaculture water employing fungi-microalgae consortium: Nutrients removal enhancement, bacterial communities optimization, emerging contaminants elimination, and mechanism analysis

Fungi-microalgae consortium (FMC) has emerged as a promising system for advanced wastewater treatment due to its high biomass yield and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the nutrients removal, bacterial community shift, emerging contaminants elimination, and treatment mechanism of a FMC composed of Cordyceps militaris and Navicula seminulum for aquaculture pond water treatment. The fungi and microalgae were cultured and employed either alone or in combination to evaluate the treatment performance. The results demonstrated that the FMC could improve water quality more significantly by reducing nutrient pollutants and optimizing the bacterial community structures. Furthermore, it exhibited stronger positive correlation between the enrichment of functional bacteria for water quality improvement and pollutants removal performance than the single-species treatments. Moreover, the FMC outperformed other groups in eliminating emerging contaminants such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and pathogenic Vibrios. Superiorly, the FMC also showed excellent symbiotic interactions and cooperative mechanisms for pollutants removal. The results collectively corroborated the feasibility and sustainability of using C. militaris and N. seminulum for treating aquaculture water, and the FMC would produce more mutualistic benefits and synergistic effects than single-species treatments.

Performance enhancement, bacterial communities optimization and emerging pollutants elimination by microalgal-bacterial consortium for treating aquaculture pond sediments

Aquaculture pond sediments have a notable influence on the ecosystem balance and farmed animal health. In this study, microalgal-bacterial immobilization (MBI) was designed to improve aquaculture pond sediments via synergistic interactions. The physicochemical characteristics, bacterial communities, and the removal efficiencies of emerging pollutants were systematically investigated. The consortium containing diatom Navicula seminulum and Alcaligenes faecalis was cultivated and established in the free and immobilized forms for evaluating the treatment performance. The results indicated that the immobilized group exhibited superior performance in controlling nutrient pollutants, shaping and optimizing the bacterial community compositions with the enrichment of functional bacteria. Additionally, it showed a stronger positive correlation between the bacterial community shifts and nutrient pollutants removal compared to free cells. Furthermore, the immobilized system maintained the higher removal performance of emerging pollutants (heavy metals, antibiotics, and pathogenic Vibrios) than free group. These findings confirmed that the employment of immobilized N. seminulum and A. faecalis produced more synergistic benefits and exerted more improvements than free cells in ameliorating aquaculture pond sediments, suggesting the potential for engineering application of functional microalgal-bacterial consortium in aquaculture.

[Clinical characteristics of pertussis in hospitalized children under 3 months]

Demographic data and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients with pertussis at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics between March 2011 and February 2023. Among the 270 hospitalized patients, 151 cases were male and 119 were female. The youngest age of admission was 10 days and the eldest age of admission was 11 years. The 270 hospitalized patients were divided into two groups according to onset age: <3 months (n=143) and≥3 months (n=127). For those in the <3-month-old group, the incidence of severe pneumonia and severe pertussis were 21.0% and 38.5%, respectively, both were significantly higher than those in≥3-month-old group (7.9% and 11.0%, both P<0.05). For those in the <3-month-old group, paroxysmal spasmodic cough, post-tussive vomiting, paroxysmal cyanosis, apnea, and decreased heart rate after coughing were 86.7%, 25.2%, 38.5%, 7.0% and 16.8%, respectively, all were significantly higher than those in ≥3-month-old group (76.4%, 10.2%, 15.7%, 1.6% and 1.6%, all P<0.05). For those in the<3-month-old group, the incidence of hypoxemia, respiratory failure, were 36.4%, 16.8%, respectively, and both were significantly higher than those in≥3-month-old group (10.2%, 7.1%, P<0.05). It indicated that among the infants under 3 months, the incidence of vomiting after coughing, paroxysmal cyanosis, apnea, hypoxemia, respiratory failure, decreased heart rate after coughing and severe pneumonia were significantly higher than those above 3 months. Infants under 3 months were prone to severe pertussis.

Expression and prognosis analysis of TBX2 subfamily in human lung carcinoma

PURPOSE

Lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate of all cancers worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable cancer markers for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

In this study, we used the bioinformatics database to compare the expression of the TBX2 subfamily at the transcriptional and protein levels in non-small cell lung cancer. Then, to confirm our bioinformatics analysis above, we used western bloting to determine the expression of TBX2, TBX3, TBX4 and TBX5 in human lung squamous carcinoma cell lines. Besides, low expression of TBX2 subfamily predicted a poor prognosis of patients with lung cancer. Finally, The methylation database was used to explore the relationship between the low expression of TBX2 subfamily and methylation of gene promoter region.

RESULTS

Our data showed a significant decrease of TBX2 subfamily expression in lung cancer tissues of several histological subtypes. Finally, the methylation of TBX2 subfamily members in the promoter region of NSCLC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our research provided sufficient evidence that TBX2 subfamily might play an inhibitory role in malignancy progression of lung cancer, which is promising to shed light on discovering a novel reliable cancer marker for prognosis of lung cancer patients.

Temporal stability and assembly mechanisms of gut microbiota in sea cucumbers response to nanoplastics treatment

Aquaculture provides essential food for humans, and the health of farmed species is particularly important for the aquaculture industry. Aquaculture environment could be a sink of plastic debris (PDs) due to the enclosed character and heavy use of plastics. Gut microbiota of aquaculture species could respond to the exogenous pollutants and regulate the health of hosts. Here, variations in gut microbiota of Apostichopus japonicus induced by the ingested nanoplastics (NPs) were investigated by a lab experiment. We selected a NPs concentration gradient of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg to simulate microplastic pollution to A. japonicus, and the significant differences in gut microbiota composition after 21 days of NP exposure were evaluated. According to the high-throughput sequencing from time series samples, a decrease of diversity in gut microbiota of A. japonicus with dietary NPs was observed. In addition, the gut microbiota compositions of sea cucumbers with and without NPs exposure were also distinct, expressing as enrichment of Bacteroidota while reducement of Proteobacteria under NPs stresses. Combined the results of network analysis, the less complexity and stability of gut microbiota in sea cucumbers with dietary NPs were proved. Based on the neutral community model, the ingested NPs elevated the contribution of stochastic processes for the gut microbiota assembly in sea cucumbers. Our study showed that substantial variations in gut microbiota of A. japonicus under NPs stresses, and also explored the underlying mechanisms regulating these changes. This research would offer new meaningful insights into the toxicity of NPs on sea cucumbers, contributing a solid fundament to improve the health of sea cucumbers under NPs stresses.

Robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of long-term survival and urogenital functional outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgical technology has been widely introduced and applied in various fields of surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term oncological and urogenital functional outcomes following laparoscopic/robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer surgery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We identified studies that compared oncological and functional outcomes following laparoscopic TME (LTME) and robotic TME (RTME) for treatment of rectal cancer over the past 16 years. Data related to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were subjected to meta-analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There was no difference in long-term OS and DFS in the pooled data. Compared with LTME, there were significant differences in the score of IPSS at 3, 6 and 12 months for RTME, in the pooled data for male patients. There were significant differences in IIEF score for male patients at 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with LTME, RTME has better preservation of urinary and sexual functions and comparable long-term oncological outcome in rectal cancer.

The role of histone methylase and demethylase in antitumor immunity: A new direction for immunotherapy

Epigenetic modifications may alter the proliferation and differentiation of normal cells, leading to malignant transformation. They can also affect normal stimulation, activation, and abnormal function of immune cells in the tissue microenvironment. Histone methylation, coordinated by histone methylase and histone demethylase to stabilize transcription levels in the promoter area, is one of the most common types of epigenetic alteration, which gained increasing interest. It can modify gene transcription through chromatin structure and affect cell fate, at the transcriptome or protein level. According to recent research, histone methylation modification can regulate tumor and immune cells affecting anti-tumor immune response. Consequently, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of the role of methylation function in cancer treatment. In this review, we discussed recent data on the mechanisms of histone methylation on factors associated with immune resistance of tumor cells and regulation of immune cell function.

Silence of URI in gastric cancer cells promotes cisplatin-induced DNA damage and apoptosis

URI, a prefoldin family member, has been implicated roles in cancer development. We have previously shown that URI can attenuate DNA damage in gastric cancer cells treated with potassium dichromate. The aim of this study was to investigate how URI involves cisplatin-induced DNA damage response (DDR) in gastric cancer cells and its possible mechanism relating to the ATM/CHK2 pathway. Here, MGC-803 and SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of cisplatin. Comet assay was used to detect DNA damage and the results confirmed the dose-effect of cisplatin-induced DNA damage in gastric cancer cells. URI knockdown cell lines were established with siRNA transfection. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays respectively. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that URI knockdown increased the sensitivity of cells to cisplatin by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The levels of P-ATM, P-CHK2 and γH2AX were detected by Western blot. Increased levels of P-ATM, P-CHK2, and γH2AX were observed in cisplatin treated cells, indicating that cisplatin induced a DNA damage response (DDR). URI knockdown in cisplatin-treated cells significantly decreased the levels of P-ATM and P-CHK2 at 12 hours, but not at 0 and 6 hours after drug withdrawal, while significantly increased γH2AX levels were detected at 6 hours, but not at 0 and 12 hours after drug withdrawal compared with the control cells. However, the levels of γH2AX were significantly increased in URI knockdown cells after cisplatin treatment for 12 hours. The cell cycle analysis showed that the number of cells entering S phase was significantly reduced and the cells were arrested in the G1 phase in URI-silenced cisplatin-exposed cells, indicating that cell cycle progression was inhibited. In conclusion, our results suggest that URI is involved in the cisplatin-induced DNA damage response via the ATM/CHK2 pathway, and silencing URI can increase cisplatin-induced DNA damage and enhance drug sensitivity in gastric cancer cells.

Cloning and characterization of a phosphomevalonate kinase gene that is involved in saponin biosynthesis in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is one of the most dominant and economically important aquaculture species in China. Saponin, which possesses notable biological and pharmacological properties, is a key determinant of the nutritional and health value of A. japonicus. In the present study, we amplified the full-length cDNA of a phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK) gene (named AjPMK) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Subsequently, we engineered a recombinant AjPMK (rAjPMK) protein and assessed its enzymatic activity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proteins that interact with rAjPMK were screened and identified via pull-down assay combined with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We found that the full-length cDNA of AjPMK contained 1354 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 612 bp. The AjPMK protein was predicted not to contain a signal peptide but to contain a phosphonolate kinase domain seen in higher eukaryotes and a P-loop with a relatively conserved nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase domain. The molecular weight of the AjPMK protein was estimated to be 23.81 kDa, and its isoelectric point was predicted to be 8.72. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AjPMK had a closer evolutionary relationship with genes from starfish than with those of other selected species. Besides, we found that rAjPMK synthesized mevalonate-5-diphosphate, interacted either directly or indirectly with crucial pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and was regulated by immune-related processes, including antioxidative reactions, stress resistance responses and enzyme hydrolysis. Moreover, AjPMK also interacted with farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, an enzyme reported to be involved in saponin biosynthesis. Together, our findings implied that AjPMK may be directly involved in saponin biosynthesis and the regulation of various innate immune processes.

MALT1 regulates Th2 and Th17 differentiation via NF-κB and JNK pathways, as well as correlates with disease activity and treatment outcome in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

MALT1 regulates immunity and inflammation in multiple ways, while its role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is obscure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of MALT1 with disease features, treatment outcome, as well as its effect on Th1/2/17 cell differentiation and underlying molecule mechanism in RA.

Methods

Totally 147 RA patients were enrolled. Then their blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry. Besides, PBMC MALT1 expression was detected before treatment (baseline), at week (W) 6, W12, and W24. PBMC MALT1 in 30 osteoarthritis patients and 30 health controls were also detected. Then, blood CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from RA patients, followed by MALT1 overexpression or knockdown lentivirus transfection and Th1/2/17 polarization assay. In addition, IMD 0354 (NF-κB antagonist) and SP600125 (JNK antagonist) were also added to treat CD4⁺ T cells.

Results

MALT1 was increased in RA patients compared to osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, MALT1 positively related to CRP, ESR, DAS28 score, Th17 cells, negatively linked with Th2 cells, but did not link with other features or Th1 cells in RA patients. Notably, MALT1 decreased longitudinally during treatment, whose decrement correlated with RA treatment outcome (treatment response, low disease activity, or disease remission). In addition, MALT1 overexpression promoted Th17 differentiation, inhibited Th2 differentiation, less affected Th1 differentiation, activated NF-κB and JNK pathways in RA CD4⁺ T cells; while MALT1 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. Besides, IMD 0354 and SP600125 addition attenuated MALT1’s effect on Th2 and Th17 differentiation.

Conclusion

MALT1 regulates Th2 and Th17 differentiation via NF-κB and JNK pathways, as well as correlates with disease activity and treatment outcome in RA.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Revealed Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet's Effect of Mediating Hormone Synthesis in the Treatment of Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet (HHXYT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has been approved for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH), but its mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, a strategy that integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology was applied to systemically reveal the mechanism of HHXYT in the treatment of MGH. Our pharmacodynamic study indicated that the proliferation of mammary gland was inhibited in rats, and serum-level disorder of estradiol and progesterone was reversed after HHXYT treatment. 54 compounds absorbed in rat plasma were identified after administration of HHXYT. The serum metabolome revealed 58 endogenous differential metabolites, of which 31% were steroid lipids metabolites, with steroid hormone biosynthesis being the most significant metabolic module. 7 targets, 6 herbs, and 17 ingredients were found to play key roles in HHXYT’s treatment of MGH. 3 of the 7 key targets (CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP17A1) were directly involved in androgen synthesis, while 2 targets (AR and ESR1) were receptors for the direct action of androgens and estrogens. Molecular docking was utilized to confirm the bindings between the 5 targets and their corresponding compounds. In an in vitro test, HHXYT (50 µg/ml) and its ingredient formononetin (3.2, 6.3, and 12.5 µM) were found to significantly reduce the increase of testosterone level induced by dexamethasone (10 µM) in thecal cells. In summary, this study illustrated that the mechanism of HHXYT’s treatment of MGH was to regulate hormone disorder. HHXYT could reduce estrogen-stimulated hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of its precursor androgen.

Effects of microbial community and disease resistance against Vibrio splendidus of Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) fed supplementary diets of tussah immunoreactive substances and antimicrobial peptides

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of tussah immunoreactive substances (TIS) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on microbial community and resistance against Vibrio splendidus of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. Scallops were fed with the basal diets supplemented with TIS (T group), AMPs (A group), or both of the two (TA group). After the feeding trial, the microbial community changes were evaluated, and the challenge test with V. splendidus was conducted, as well as the immune parameters and digestive enzyme activities were determined. The results revealed that the TA group was more capable of modulating the bacterial community composition of scallops by increasing the potentially beneficial bacteria and suppressing the pathogenic microorganism during the feeding trial. After injection, the cumulative mortality rate in TA group was notably lower than others. In addition, the TA group showed better digestive and immune parameters involved in digestive capacity, phagocyte function, phosphatase-responsiveness, and oxidation resistance. These results collectively confirmed that dietary TIS and AMPs in diet could effectively modulate the microflora structure and improve disease resistance against V. splendidus of scallop, and the positive effects were more obvious when dietary supplementation of them in combination.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Defatted Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Pupa Protein by Combined Neutral Protease Yield Peptides With Antioxidant Activity

In this study, peptides were prepared from defatted Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) pupa protein via hydrolysis with combined neutral proteases. Single-factor tests and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine the optimal hydrolysis condition suitable for industrial application. Optimal hydrolysis of the defatted pupa protein was found to occur at an enzyme concentration of 4.85 g/liter, a substrate concentration of 41 g/liter, a hydrolysis temperature of 55°C, and a hydrolysis time of 10 h and 40 min. Under these conditions, the predicted and actual rates of hydrolysis were 45.82% and 45.75%, respectively. Peptides with a molecular weight of less than 2,000 Da accounted for 90.5% of the total peptides generated. Some of the peptides were antioxidant peptides as revealed by sequencing and functional analysis. The antioxidant activity of the mixed peptides was subsequently confirmed by an antioxidant activity assay. The results showed that peptides with high antioxidant activity could be obtained from the hydrolysis of A. pernyi pupa protein.

Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong): A Review of Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Herba Cistanche, known as Rou Cong Rong in Chinese, is a very valuable Chinese herbal medicine that has been recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Rou Cong Rong has been extensively used in clinical practice in traditional herbal formulations and has also been widely used as a health food supplement for a long time in Asian countries such as China and Japan. There are many bioactive compounds in Rou Cong Rong, the most important of which are phenylethanoid glycosides. This article summarizes the up-to-date information regarding the phytochemistry, pharmacology, processing, toxicity and safety of Rou Cong Rong to reveal its pharmacodynamic basis and potential therapeutic effects, which could be of great value for its use in future research.

Compound Dan Zhi tablet attenuates experimental ischemic stroke via inhibiting platelet activation and thrombus formation

BACKGROUND

Compound Dan Zhi tablet (DZT) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formula. It has been used for the treatment of ischemic stroke for many years in clinical. However, its pharmacological mechanism is unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to understand the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of DZT on ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Fifteen representative chemical markers in DZT were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The protective effect of DZT against ischemic stroke was studied in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and the mechanism was further explored through a combination of network pharmacology and experimental verification.

RESULTS

Quantitative analysis showed that the contents of phenolic acids, furan sulfonic acids, tanshinones, flavonoids, saponins and phthalides in DZT were calculated as 7.47, 0.788, 0.627, 0.531 and 0.256 mg/g, respectively. Phenolic acids were the most abundant constituents. Orally administered DZT (1.701 g kg^-1) significantly alleviated the infarct size and neurological scores in MCAO rats. The network analysis predicted that 53 absorbed active compounds in DZT-treated plasma targeted 189 proteins and 47 pathways. Ten pathways were associated with anti-platelet activity. In further experiments, DZT (0.4 and 0.8 mg mL^-1) markedly inhibited in vitro prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 (PTGS1) activity. DZT (0.4 and 0.8 mg mL^-1) significantly inhibited in vitro platelet aggregation in response to ADP or AA. DZT (113 and 226 mg kg^-1, p.o.) also produced a marked inhibition of ADP- or AA-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation with a short duration of action. DZT decreased the level of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) in MCAO rats. In the carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model and ADP-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism mice model, DZT (113 and 226 mg kg^-1, p.o.) prevented thrombus formation. Importantly, DZT (113 and 226 mg kg^-1, p.o.) exhibited a low bleeding liability.

CONCLUSION

DZT protected against cerebral ischemic injury. The inhibition of TXA₂ level, platelet aggregation and thrombosis formation might involve in the protective mechanism.

Enhanced protein phosphorylation in Apostichopus japonicus intestine triggered by tussah immunoreactive substances might be involved in the regulation of immune-related signaling pathways

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an economically important species owing to its high nutritive and medicinal value. In order to avoid the pollution resulting from the overuse of antibiotics in A. japonicus aquaculture, various immunostimulants have been used as an alternative to improve the efficiency of A. japonicus farming. Our previous proteomic investigation has shown that several proteins participating in the immune-related physiology of A. japonicus were differentially expressed in the intestinal tissue in response to tussah immunoreactive substances (TIS). This study further explored the immunostimulation mechanism of TIS in A. japonicus. Phosphoproteomics technology was used to investigate the effect of TIS on protein phosphorylation in the intestine of A. japonicus following feeding with a TIS-supplemented diet. A total of 213 unique phosphoproteins were detected from 225 unique phosphopeptides. KEGG pathway analysis showed that majority of the phosphoproteins are involved in endocytosis, carbon metabolism and spliceosome functional group. Sixteen of the phosphoproteins exhibited differential phosphorylation in response to TIS and 12 of these were found to associate with biological functions. Of these 12 phosphoproteins, eight exhibited enhanced phosphorylation while four displayed reduced phosphorylation. These 12 proteins were further analyzed and all were found to play a role in regulating some aspects of the immune system and the growth of sea cucumbers, especially in phagocytosis, energy metabolism and disease resistance. The findings of this study could therefore shed new light on the immune pathways of sea cucumber that are affected by TIS. This could help us to better understand the underlying mechanism linked to the immunoenhancement of A. japonicus in response to TIS, one that is associated with the change in protein phosphorylation.

Development of an immunocompetent mouse model susceptible to Cryptosporidium tyzzeri infection

AIMS

Immunocompromised mice are extensively used in the screening of vaccines and drugs for Cryptosporidium, but this study model does not reflect the real status of infection in immunocompetent animals. This study aimed to provide an optimized animal model for future studies of Cryptosporidium vaccine.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three mouse strains (ICR, BALB/c and KM) with or without immunosuppression were compared after challenge with Cryptosporidium tyzzeri (C tyzzeri). The results indicated that ICR mice shed a greater number of faecal oocysts (20 346 ± 203 oocysts/g) compared with BALB/c (2077 ± 142 oocysts/g) and KM mice (3207 ± 431 oocysts/g) after experimental infection with C tyzzeri (P < .001). However, ICR mouse model is uniquely effective for C tyzzeri, not for other Cryptosporidium spp. such as C parvum. ICR mice were then used to determine the immunoreactions and immunoprotection of P23-DNA vaccine (pVAX1-P23) to C tyzzeri experimental infection. The results showed that a significant increase in anti-P23 antibody levels was induced by the pVAX1-P23 vaccine. Compared to pVAX1, TB and blank control mice, pVAX1-P23 immunized mice produced specific spleen cell proliferation as well as enhanced IL-5, IL-12p70 and IFN-γ production in sera. After challenge with 5 × 10⁶ C tyzzeri oocysts, the oocyst shedding of the pVAX1-P23 immunized group was reduced by 69.94% comparing to the infection control.

CONCLUSION

These results provide an optimized animal model for the study of prophylactic vaccines and this model might be applied to other candidates against Cryptosporidium, not only for pVAX1-P23.

Chemical profiling of Honghua Xiaoyao tablet and simultaneous determination of its quality markers by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics methods

Discovering marker components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas is challenging because of the hundreds of components they inherently contain. This study first proposed a reliable and validated method for the comprehensive profiling of chemical constituents in Honghua Xiaoyao tablet by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. After searching within the in-house library, a total of 55 constituents were unambiguously characterized or tentatively identified through reference standards and by comparing mass spectrometry data with literature values. Quantitative analysis of 14 compounds, which were selected as the quality marker components based on a serum pharmacochemistry study, has been performed by triple-quardrupole mass spectrometry technique. Multiple chemometric methods, including principal components analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, were subsequently used to analyze the quantitative results, classify samples from three manufacturers, and distinguish the analytical markers. In method validation results, 14 quality marker compounds have shown good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9965) with a relative wide concentration range and acceptable recovery at 98.39-102.46%. The proposed approach provides the chemical evidence for revealing the material basis of Honghua Xiaoyao tablet, and establishes a reliable statistical analysis-based strategy of quality marker investigation for controlling its quality.

Computed Tomographic Imaging of 3 Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia With Negative Virus Real-time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test

We reported computed tomographic (CT) imaging findings of 3 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia with initially negative results before CT examination and finally confirmed positive for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay.

Development of simple sequence repeat markers for Chamerion angustifolium (Onagraceae)

PREMISE

Rosebay willowherb, or fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium: Onagraceae), has diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid cytotypes. There are known physiological and ecological differences among the three cytotypes, but genetic differences remain undetermined. We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for this species.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Leaf samples were collected from three hexaploid C. angustifolium populations. We successfully amplified 16 SSR loci, which were found to be highly polymorphic. The number of alleles, the observed heterozygosity levels, and the expected heterozygosity levels ranged from four to 13, 0.286-0.899, and 0.372-0.871, respectively. Most primers could also be amplified successfully in C. conspersum and the closely related species Epilobium palustre.

CONCLUSIONS

The 16 polymorphic SSR markers developed here will be useful for genetic studies in C. angustifolium and related species.

Quantitative real-time PCR with high-throughput automatable DNA preparation for molecular screening of Nosema spp. in Antheraea pernyi

Accurate diagnosis of pathogenic Nosema spp. in Antheraea pernyi samples is considered especially useful for reducing economic losses in sericulture and improving food safety by maintaining pathogen-free pupae. However, microscopy and immunologic methods have poor diagnostic sensitivity, while the more sensitive PCR methods remain costly and time-consuming for template preparation. To address this issue, we introduce a sensitive ALMS-qPCR method that combines fast, simple DNA extraction using Alkali Lysis followed by Magnetic bead Separation (ALMS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). This approach is especially fit for large-scale pathogen molecular screening, because the DNA preparation procedure is fast (<0.94 min per sample) and is high-throughput (performs on a 96-well plate). It is cost-effective, since the most expensive materials can be made in the lab and can be recycled, while the automated procedure can help to minimize labor cost. Though the DNA preparation procedure was substantially simplified, common PCR inhibitory factors were not observed. The sensitivity of ALMS-qPCR is high and the limit of detection is 0.045 parasites/μL. Large-scale screening of Nosema spp. in 3000 Antheraea pernyi samples confirmed the efficacy of the ALMS-qPCR method. Sensitivity is much higher than clinical microscopy, especially for host groups with low infection prevalence and levels. High-throughput ALMS-qPCR, combining automated DNA preparation and sensitive qPCR, provides an enhanced approach for pébrine screening and epidemiological studies. The application of ALMS-qPCR in the sericulture industry will help to strengthen pébrine control and breed pathogen-free species, which means much safer food provision and better genetic resource conservation.

Role of tumor‑derived extracellular vesicles in cancer progression and their clinical applications (Review)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including micro‑vesicles and exosomes, are heterogeneous small membranous vesicles shed from the surface of myriad cells and are crucial in mediating intercellular communication. The vertical trafficking of cargo to the plasma membrane and subsequent redistribution of surface lipids may contribute to EV formation. Tumor‑derived extracellular vesicles (TD‑EVs) can carry complex, bioactive cargo, such as nucleic acids and proteins, during tumor metastasis. Paracrine information gets relayed by TD‑EVs to adjacent tumor cells and this allows a crosstalk between malignant cells. These structures may even move to a distant metastatic lesion and modulate the tumor microenvironment to form a premetastatic niche. Thus, TD‑EVs might be potential biomarkers for tumor development and metastasis. Additionally, EVs are promising candidates for use as cell‑free vaccines or as vehicles for the delivery of specific tumor therapeutic molecules. Genetically modified microvesicles and engineered exosomes have shed light on a novel strategy for tumor‑targeted gene therapy. This review focuses on the role of EVs in tumor development and metastasis and their possible applications in the advanced diagnosis and therapy of cancer and personalized medicine.

Tussah silkmoth pupae improve anti-tumor properties of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link by increasing the levels of major metabolite cordycepin

Silkworms have been reported to promote the growth and production of the stromata of C. militaris (L.) Link as a parasite insect medium and may improve its metabolites. The effects of Tussah silkmoth pupae (TG group) and rice (RG group) on the metabolic profile of C. militaris (L.) Link were compared by metabolomics. Meanwhile, the profile of natural C. sinensis (NG group) was also analyzed. The functions of these metabolites from different groups and cordycepin were tested using breast cancer cells and an animal model. 292 metabolites were detected, including 51, 31 and 23 unique metabolites from the TG, RG and NG groups, respectively. The level of 3-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin with anti-tumor activity) was highest in the TG group. Tussah silkmoth pupae induced the biosynthesis of cordycepin and unsaturated fatty acids, which may be beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer. The TG group and cordycepin had significant inhibitory activities on breast cancer cells and in animal models when compared with the two other groups. Tussah silkmoth pupae improved the metabolic profile of C. militaris (L.) Link, which has more pharmaceutical metabolites than C. sinensis.

Tussah silkmoth pupae improved the metabolic profile of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link by upregulating 3-deoxyadenosine (with anti-tumor activity) and insulin secretion.