Biocontrol agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LJ02 induces systemic resistance against cucurbits powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease found in a wide range of plants and can significantly reduce crop yields. Bacterial strain LJ02 is a biocontrol agent (BCA) isolated from a greenhouse in Tianjin, China. In combination of morphological, physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic analyses, strain LJ02 was classified as a new member of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Greenhouse trials showed that LJ02 fermentation broth (LJ02FB) can effectively diminish the occurrence of cucurbits powdery mildew. When treated with LJ02FB, cucumber seedlings produced significantly elevated production of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase as compared to that of the control. We further confirmed that the production of free salicylic acid (SA) and expression of one pathogenesis-related (PR) gene PR-1 in cucumber leaves were markedly elevated after treating with LJ02FB, suggesting that SA-mediated defense response was stimulated. Moreover, LJ02FB-treated cucumber leaves could secrete resistance-related substances into rhizosphere that inhibit the germination of fungi spores and the growth of pathogens. Finally, we separated bacterium and its fermented substances to test their respective effects and found that both components have SA-inducing activity and bacterium plays major roles. Altogether, we identified a BCA against powdery mildew and its mode of action by inducing systemic resistance such as SA signaling pathway.

Increased Expression of TGFβR2 Is Associated with the Clinical Outcome of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

To investigate the prognostic significance of TGFβR2 expression and chemotherapy in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, TGFβR2 expression NSCLC was analyzed in silico using the Oncomine database, and subsequently analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR in 308 NSCLC biopsies, 42 of which were paired with adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. Our results show that TGFβR2 expression was also increased in NSCLC biopsies relative to normal tissue samples and correlated with poor prognosis. TGFβR2 expression was also significantly correlated with other clinical parameters such as tumor differentiation, invasion of lung membrane, and chemotherapy. Moreover, overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was increased in patients with low TGFβR2 expressing NSCLC and who had undergone chemotherapy. Thus, high expression of TGFβR2 is a significant risk factor for decreased OS and DFS in NSCLC patients. Thus, TGFβR2 is a potential prognostic tumor biomarker for chemotherapy.

Genomic expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a polygenic disease and the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide; however, the tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer remains poorly understood. Research at a molecular level, which includes the exploration of biomarkers for early diagnosis and specific targets for therapy, may effectively aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in its early stages and in the development of targeted molecular-biological approaches for treatment, thus improving prognosis. By conducting expression profiling in para-carcinoma, carcinoma and relapse of human pancreatic tissues, 319 genes or transcripts with differential expression levels >3-fold between these tissue types were identified. Further analysis with Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes demonstrated that the translation, nucleus assembly processes and molecular functions associated with vitamin B6 and pyridoxal phosphate binding in pancreatic carcinoma were abnormal. Pancreatic cancer was additionally identified to be closely associated with certain autoimmune diseases, including type I diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus.

[Trends on the changing prevalence in patients with early syphilis and HIV infection among men who having sex with men in Nanjing, from 2008 to 2013]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the trends on prevalence of early syphilis and HIV infection among men who had sex with men in the last six years from a HIV/AIDS counseling and testing clinic in Nanjing, and to develop relative strategies.

METHODS

Men who have sex with men involved in AIDS/HIV and syphilis voluntary counseling and testing services were recruited and investigated from 2008 to 2013 in this clinic. Clients whose syphilis serologic test showed positive were determined the diagnosis by physician within the referral network from sexually transmitted diseases clinics. Demographic information on early syphilis, HIV infection or co-infection with HIV and early syphilis was described while related epidemic trend analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The annual numbers of men having sex with men under survey were 1 004 in 2008, 1 218 in 2009, 1 236 in 2010, 748 in 2011, 1 019 in 2012 and 1 420 in 2013. The prevalence rates of early syphilis appeared to be: 2.19% in 2008, 2.71% in 2009, 2.43% in 2010, 1.74% in 2011, 3.04% in 2012 and 2.32% in 2013, with the trend as: P > 0.05. The prevalence rates of HIV infection were 1.29% in 2008, 2.63% in 2009, 5.42% in 2010, 8.82% in 2011, 11.97% in 2012 and 10.42% in 2013, with trend as: P < 0.01. The prevalence rates of early syphilis with HIV infection increased from 0.20% in 2008 to 1.06% in 2013 (trend: P < 0.01). The proportion of HIV co-infection among men having sex with men with early syphilis infection, increased from 9.09% in 2008 to 45.45% in 2013, with trend: P < 0.01.

CONCLUSION

Early syphilis infection among men who having sex with men showed a stable trend but the number of HIV and co-infections with early syphilis and HIV increased rapidly in the last six years in Nanjing. Continued intervention strategies should target on men who have sex with men to slow down the epidemic of syphilis and HIV infection.

The essential roles of transition fibers in the context of cilia

Once thought of as a vestigial organelle, the primary cilium is now recognized as a signaling hub for key cellular pathways in vertebrate development. The recent renaissance in cilia studies significantly improved our understanding of how cilia form and function, but little is known about how ciliogenesis is initiated and how ciliary proteins enter cilia. These important ciliary events require transition fibers (TFs) that are positioned at the ciliary base as symmetric nine-bladed propeller fibrous structures. Up until recently, TFs have been the most underappreciated ciliary structures due to limited knowledge about their molecular composition and function. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of TF composition and the indispensable roles of TFs in regulating the initiation of ciliogenesis and the selective import of ciliary proteins.

The synergistic interaction between the calcineurin B subunit and IFN-γ enhances macrophage antitumor activity

Macrophages are involved in tumor growth and progression. They infiltrate into tumors and cause inflammation, which creates a microenvironment favoring tumor growth and metastasis. However, certain stimuli may induce macrophages to act as tumor terminators. Here we report that the calcineurin B subunit (CnB) synergizes with IFN-γ to make macrophages highly cytotoxic to cancer cells. Furthermore, CnB and IFN-γ act synergistically to polarize mouse tumor-associated macrophages, as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages to an M1-like phenotype. This synergy is mediated by the crosstalk between CnB-engaged integrin αM-p38 MAPK signaling and IFN-γ-initiated p38/PKC-δ/Jak2 signaling. Interestingly, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a key factor that orchestrates the synergy of CnB and IFN-γ, and the phosphorylation status at Ser727 and Tyr701 of STAT1 is directly regulated by CnB and IFN-γ.

Greater avidity and phagocytic activity of HIV gp41-specific serum IgA antibodies in elite controllers compared to subjects on antiretroviral therapy (VIR1P.1144)

Identification of the mechanisms of natural control of HIV replication in elite controllers (EC) may inform approaches for prevention of HIV. We investigated whether EC produce envelope-specific serum IgA responses of greater magnitude, avidity and function compared to subjects on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Serum was obtained from age- and race-matched HIV-uninfected women and infected women classified as EC or cART controllers (HC) or noncontrollers (HN). The EC and HC had undetectable viremia and CD4 T cell counts &gt; 450/µl. The HN had high viremia and CD4 T cells &lt; 250/µl. Concentrations and avidity of IgA and IgG against Clade B consensus gp120 and gp41BAL proteins were determined using ELISA. THP-1 monocytes and fluorescent beads coated with gp120 or gp41 were used to evaluate phagocytosis in whole serum and in IgA- or IgG-depleted serum. The magnitude of IgA and IgG responses to gp120 and gp41 was not found to differ between groups. Also, no differences were observed for avidity and phagocytic activity of gp120-specific antibodies. However, avidity and phagocytic activity of the anti-gp41 IgA in EC was significantly greater (p = 0.0186 or p = 0.0054 compared to HC or HN; p = 0.0474 compared to HC, respectively). These data indicate that, in EC, affinity maturation of IgA antibodies to gp41 may occur to a greater extent, resulting in gp41-specific IgA with greater antiviral function. Induction of gp41-specific IgA should be considered in vaccine design.

Size isn't everything

Male nematode worms may make larger sperm than hermaphrodite worms, but this is not the only reason that sperm from males have a competitive edge.

Upregulation of BNIP3 mediated by ERK/HIF-1α pathway induces autophagy and contributes to anoikis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM

Acquisition of anoikis resistance is the hallmark of cancer and has been shown to be involved in metastasis of melignant cells. Our previous work showed that anoikis resistance is associated with the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The aim of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms of this course.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Expression of BNIP3 and HIF-1α at the mRNA and protein level in HCC cells were detected by realtime PCR and western blot, respectively. Autophagy activation and signaling transduction pathway were detected by western blot. Cell viabilities were detected by CCK8 assay and trypan blue exclusion assay.

RESULTS

Upregulation of BNIP3 promoted the activation of autophagy, one type of cell survival strategy in response to external stress, by suppressing mTOR/S6K1 signaling system. The upregulation of BNIP3 was mediated by ERK/HIF-1α pathway, which further contributed to anoikis resistance of HCC cells through the mTORC1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of BNIP3 contributs to anoikis resistance of HCC cells, and BNIP3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for manipulation of cancer metastasis.

Combination of FVIII and low-dose rFVIIa improves haemostasis in acquired haemophilia A patients: a collaborative controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is an autoimmune disease that potentially leads to severe bleeding and has a high rate of mortality. This collaborative study aimed to assess the efficacy of the co-administration of FVIII and low-dose rFVIIa in patients with AHA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively compared the combined FVIII/low-dose rFVIIa therapy (initial dose range of 25-55μg/Kg) with the combined FVIII/PCC therapy and low-dose rFVIIa monotherapy. Adverse drug reactions and recurrent bleeding episodes were also monitored. Crude comparisons and the exact conditional logistic regression were performed to compare the outcomes between three treatment groups.

RESULTS

First bleeding episodes of 56 consecutive patients from 5 centres were analyzed, and 37 bleeding episodes (66.1%) were determined to be severe. Specifically, the rate of bleeding control was significantly higher with the FVIII/low-dose rFVIIa therapy compared to that of the low-dose rFVIIa alone therapy or the FVIII/PCC therapy (58.3% vs. 41.7% vs. 95.0%, respectively). Analyzing of total 236 bleeding episodes showed a clear positive association between the early initiation of haemostatic treatment and efficacy. No therapy-related adverse events in which thrombosis predominated were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of FVIII and low-dose rFVIIa offers an ideal haemostatic cover and may be promoted as a feasible and safe therapy protocol for patients with AHA.

Parameters of prostate cancer at contrast-enhanced ultrasound: correlation with prostate cancer risk

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the correlation between the parameters of prostate cancer (PCa) at contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with PCa risk.

METHODS

84 patients (68 ± 8 years; range, 33-79 years) who had undergone CEUS were included. All the images were offline analyzed. Parameters (maximum intensity (IMAX), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP) and mean transit time (mTT)) were recorded and compared with PSA level, Gleason score, clinical stages and PCa risk.

RESULTS

Age was correlated significantly with PCa risk. RT and mTT of outer gland were associated with PCa risk. No significant correlation was found between PSA and CEUS enhancement parameters. Furthermore, with the exception of IMAX of inner gland and IMAX of outer gland, there were no significant differences of enhancement parameters in Gleason score groups and clinical stages groups.

CONCLUSION

The enhancement parameters of PCa at CEUS may be used to predict PCa risk. And it is helpful for the choice of therapeutic options.

PIK3C2G copy number is associated with clinical outcomes of colorectal cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the copy number of PIK3C2G is associated with clinical outcomes for stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 142 CRC patients who received first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy after curative surgery in Ruijin Hospital and The Tenth People's Hospital were recruited in this study. Patients were enrolled between June 2006 and December 2011, with follow-up to January 2014. Quantitative real-time PCR method was used to detect the copy number of PIK3C2G. Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the association between PIK3C2G copy number and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

In patients with stage III disease, low copy number of PIK3C2G was associated with increased risk of both recurrence (HR, 2.44, 95% CI, 1.33-4.47, P=0.004) and death (HR, 2.89, 95% CI, 1.49-5.60, P=0.002). Multivariate analysis also indicated that low PIK3C2G copy number was a significant and independent predictor of OS and RFS of stage III CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

PIK3C2G is capable of predicting the recurrence and overall survival of stage III CRC patients receiving oxaliplatin-based therapy.

Roles of miR-182 in sensory organ development and cancer

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are a cluster of small non-coding RNA molecules predicted to regulate more than 30% of coding messenger (m)RNAs in the human genome and proven to be essential in developmental and pathological processes. The miR-182 gene was first found to be abundantly expressed in sensory organs and regulates the development of the retina and inner ear. Further studies revealed its roles in osteogenesis and T cell differentiation. In addition, the involvement of miR-182 in cancer initiation and progression has recently been uncovered by a growing body of evidence, the majority of which supports its promoting effects in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion, as well as distant metastasis of various cancer types. Clinical analyses demonstrated the link of miR-182 expression to poor prognosis in cancer patients. Mechanistically, multiple downstream genes including missing-in-metastasis, microphthalm-associated transcription factor, FoxO1, cylindromatiosis, and others, can be targeted by miR-182 and mediate its roles in cancer. miR-182 is also interconnected with prominent cancer-related signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor beta and nuclear factor kappa beta. Interestingly, it was shown that in vivo targeting of miR-182 prevented liver metastasis of melanoma. miR-182 is emerging as an important regulator of malignancies, which warrants further study to establish the application potential of miR-182 in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Effects of selenium on lead-induced alterations in Aβ production and Bcl-2 family proteins

Previous studies in humans and animals have suggested that lead (Pb) may increase the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and accumulation of amyloid β protein (Aβ). Our previous studies have revealed that selenium (Se) can partially improve memory deficits induced by Pb exposure. In this study we sought to investigate the effect of Pb and Se on the endogenous expression of APP, Aβ40 and Bcl-2 family proteins. In vitro, the protein levels of APP and Aβ significantly decreased in SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells co-incubated with Pb-acetate and selenomethionine (SeMet) for 48h, compared with cells treated with Pb-acetate alone. Furthermore, these reductions induced by Se appeared to be concentration-dependent. In Wistar rats, we observed that the mRNA and protein levels of APP, the protein level of Bax, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein significantly increased after Pb treatment at embryonic stage and in neonates. These increases were significantly reversed by the treatment of Se. Taken together, our results suggest that Se can attenuate the alterations in APP expression and Aβ production as well as Bcl-2 family proteins induced by lead exposure in cells and in animals.

A nine-coordinated dysprosium(iii) compound with an oxalate-bridged dysprosium(iii) layer exhibiting two slow magnetic relaxation processes

A 2D oxalate-bridged dysprosium(iii) compound, formulated as [Dy(C₂O₄)_1.5(H₂O)₃]_n·2nH₂O (1), has been hydrothermally isolated.

Structures of NHC Hg(ii) and Ag(i) complexes and selective recognition of nitrate anion

Eight N-heterocyclic carbene Hg(ii) and Ag(i) complexes were prepared, and the selective recognition of nitrate anion was studied.

Study on the treatment of simulated coking wastewater by O3 and O3/Fenton processes in a rotating packed bed

A rotating packed bed was used to intensify the O₃ and O₃/Fenton processes for coking wastewater treatment.

Silver(i)-based energetic coordination polymers: synthesis, structure and energy performance

Two energetic compounds were reported to illustrate the substituent effect of nitrogen-rich heterocycles on the energy performance of energetic materials.

NHC macrometallocycles of mercury(ii) and silver(i): synthesis, structural studies and recognition of Hg(ii) complex 4 for silver ion

Seven NHC macrometallocycles (Hg(ii) and Ag(i)) were prepared, and the recognition of Ag⁺ using (NHC)₂–Hg–I₂ (4) as a host was studied.