Sargassum fusiforme Polysaccharide Rejuvenat es the Small Intestine in Mice Through Altering its Physiol ogy and Gut Microbiota Composition

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aging can result in a progressive decline in cellular protection and physiological function. The physiological status and microbiota of the intestine are intensively linked to the aging process. Numerous studies have suggested that Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides possess antioxidant and antiaging activities. However, it remains unclear as to whether S. fusiforme polysaccharides can prevent the insult of oxidant and aging through modulating the physiological status and microbiota of the intestine.

METHODS

To assess the cytoprotective effect of S. fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPS) in the small intestine of mice embarking on the aging process, we compared the expressions of Nrf2 and several representative markers (SOD-2, CAT, NQO1 and HO-1) of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the small intestine of male ICR mice fed with a control diet with those of mice fed with a SFPS-containing diet. In addition, the overall compositional changes in the small intestine microbiota were determined by 16s rDNA sequencing followed by alpha and beta diversity analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed that dietary intake of SFPS could ameliorate the declined cytoprotective capacity of the small intestine by upregulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Moreover, SFPS could partially rejuvenate the overall status of the small intestine microbiota.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that dietary SFPS may promote the health condition of the small intestine, consequently leading to a healthy aging.

Degree of Conversion and Polymerization Shrinkage of Bulk-Fill Resin-Based Composites

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization shrinkage (PS) of contemporary bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) including giomer materials. Two giomer bulk-fill (Beautifil Bulk Restorative [BBR], Beautifil Bulk Flowable [BBF]), two nongiomer bulk-fill (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill [TNB], Smart Dentin Replacement [SDR]), and three conventional non–bulk-fill (Beautifil II [BT], Beautifil Flow Plus [BF], Tetric N-Ceram [TN]) RBCs were selected for the study. To evaluate the DC, disc-shaped specimens of 5-mm diameter and 2-mm, 4-mm, and 6-mm thickness were fabricated using customized Teflon molds. The molds were bulk filled with the various RBCs and cured for 20 seconds using a light-emitting diode curing light with an irradiance of 950 mW/cm2. The DC (n=3) was determined by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy by computing the spectra of cured and uncured specimens. PS (n=3) was measured with the Acuvol volumetric shrinkage analyzer by calculating specimen volumes before and after light curing. The mean DC for the various materials ranged from 46.03% to 69.86%, 45.94% to 69.38%, and 30.65% to 67.85% for 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. For all depths, SDR had the highest DC. While no significant difference in DC was observed between depths of 2 mm and 4 mm for the bulk-fill RBCs, DC at 2 mm was significantly greater than 6 mm. For the conventional RBCs, DC at 2 mm was significantly higher than at 4 mm and 6 mm. Mean PS ranged from 1.48% to 4.26% for BBR and BF, respectively. The DC at 2 mm and PS of bulk-fill RBCs were lower than their conventional counterparts. At 4 mm, the DC of giomer bulk-fill RBCs was lower than that of nongiomer bulk-fill materials.

[Durability of protective effect of resin-based coating material on root surface]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the durability of resin-based root-surface coating material and all-in-one self-etching adhesive on root surface in vitro.

METHODS

Human extracted premolars or molars with intact roots were selected. The cementum was removed using a periodontal scaler to expose root dentin. The root surface was coated with an acid-resistant nail varnish, leaving a window of 3 mm×3 mm on the exposed dentin.The window was covered with either PRG Barrier Coat (PRG) or Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3). After water aging for 14 d, specimens were immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 4 d and the demineralization buffer was changed every 24 h. Then the specimen was split longitudinally through the center of the 'window' and the cross-sectional surface was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). After fixed and dehydrated, the prepared samples were coated with platinum. The coating material, root dentin and the interface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thickness of the coating material was measured on the SEM images. Regarding toothbrush wear test, coronal dentindisks were prepared and covered with PRG and CS3, respectively. After storage in water for 24 h, the specimen was subjected to the toothbrush wear tester for 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1 500 brushing cycles. A slurry of fluoride toothpaste (1:2 ratio of toothpaste and deionized water by weight) was used and the brushing load was 300 N. The surface microstructure of remaining coating material was analyzed using SEM. The wear depths were determined by a profilometer. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 by one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was at 0.05.

RESULTS

Application of PRG Barrier Coat produced a coating layer of (47.1±27.3) μm, while CS3 presented a thin film of (5.7±2.1) μm in thickness. The exposed dentin was hermetically sealed and no obvious gap was observed at the interface in both PRG and CS3 groups. There was no dentin demineralization observed in both groups after water aging. The wear depths of PRG and CS3 increased along with the numbers of brushing cycles. PRG wore at a significant lower pace than CS3 did (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PRG coating resin had similar performances as CS3 on protecting root dentin from demineralization after water aging. What's more, PRG demonstrated a higher toothbrush wear resistance than CS3. We concluded that PRG Barrier Coat contained S-PRG filler may be an effective coating material for protecting exposed root from both chemical and mechanical challenges. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the long-term reliability of the rootsurface coating materials under the clinical setting.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of the stigma exertion rate and spikelet number per panicle in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The stigma exertion rate is a polygenic inherited trait that is important for increased seed yield in hybrid rice breeding. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with high stigma exertion rate, we conducted QTL mapping using 134 recombinant inbred lines derived from XieqingzaoB and Zhonghui9308, which have high and low stigma exertion rates, respectively. A total of eight QTLs (qSES6, qSSE11, qDSE1a, qDSE1b, qDSE10, qDSE11, qTSE1, and qTSE11) for single stigma exertion, double stigma exertion, and total stigma exertion were detected. The locations of qSSE11 and qTSE11 have not been previously reported, and the qDSE11 allele from parent XQZB exhibited a positive additive effect. In addition, three QTLs (qSNP1, qSNP3a, and qSNP3b), for spikelet number per panicle were identified. Of note, one QTL (qSNP1) was detected in two different environments (Hainan and Zhejiang). To evaluate the advantage of exerted stigma for cross-pollination, single, dual, and total stigma exertion should be considered separately for future genetic improvement in the production of rice hybrid seeds. In addition, this study provides information for fine mapping, gene cloning, and marker assisted selection, with emphasis on the latter.

Evaluation of canola meal derived from Brassica juncea and Brassica napus on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility by feedlot heifers fed finishing diets

Five yearling heifers (387 ± 6.5 kg) were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the substitution of canola meal (CM) derived from Brassica (B.) napus and B.juncea seed for barley grain on feed intake and nutrient utilization. The control diet (CONTROL) consisted of 88.3% barley grain, 4.4% barley silage, and 7.3% supplement [dry matter (DM) basis]. The four CM treatments included 10% and 20% B.napus or B.juncea meal, with CM replacing barley grain. Dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Total duration and area under rumen pH 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2 increased (P < 0.05) with greater inclusion of CM, regardless of type. Cattle fed 20% CM had elevated rumen ammonia-N concentration and urinary N excretion. Cattle fed B. juncea meal exhibited greater (P < 0.05) apparent nutrient digestibility compared with those fed B. napus meal. In conclusion, meal derived from B. napus or B. juncea can be used to replace barley grain at levels up to 20% (DM) in finishing diets without compromising rumen fermentation or total tract nutrient digestibility. However, animal performance and possible economic benefits need to be balanced against the increasing N excretion resulting from over-feeding protein to cattle.

Gliocyte and synapse analyses in cerebral ganglia of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis: ultrastructural study

The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis is an economically important aquatic species in China. Many studies on gene structure, breeding, and diseases of the crab have been reported. However, knowledge about the organization of the nerve system of the crab remains largely unknown. To study the ultrastructure of the cerebral ganglia of E. sinensis and to compare the histological findings regarding the nerve systems of crustaceans, the cerebral ganglia were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that four types of gliocytes, including type I, II, III, and IV gliocytes were located in the cerebral ganglia. In addition, three types of synapses were present in the cerebral ganglia, including unidirectional synapses, bidirectional synapses, and combined type synapses.

The Current Status of Health Informatics Higher Education in China

There are likely to be many opportunities and challenges for health informatics and health informatics higher education in China following her acceptance as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The purpose of the article is to review the current status and consider future directions for health informatics and health informatics higher education in China. Today, China’s educators are viewing education in global terms. China is opening its markets and especially its educational system to the world. Developed countries should take this opportunity to export their advanced health ICT technology, management expertise and existing health information systems to China, and in particular to China’s health informatics educational market.

Nanoscale Electron Bunching in Laser-Triggered Ionization Injection in Plasma Accelerators

Ionization injection is attractive as a controllable injection scheme for generating high quality electron beams using plasma-based wakefield acceleration. Because of the phase-dependent tunneling ionization rate and the trapping dynamics within a nonlinear wake, the discrete injection of electrons within the wake is nonlinearly mapped to a discrete final phase space structure of the beam at the location where the electrons are trapped. This phenomenon is theoretically analyzed and examined by three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations which show that three-dimensional effects limit the wave number of the modulation to between >2k_{0} and about 5k_{0}, where k_{0} is the wave number of the injection laser. Such a nanoscale bunched beam can be diagnosed by and used to generate coherent transition radiation and may find use in generating high-power ultraviolet radiation upon passage through a resonant undulator.

[The application of autologous cartilago auriculae in posterior wall of external auditory canal reconstruction and tympanoplasty]

Objective:To evaluate the value of of autologous cartilago auriculae in posterior wall of external auditory canal reconstruction and tympanoplasty after modified radical mastoidectomy.Method:To determine the outcome of surgery for chronic suppurative otitis media with choleteatoma. The open mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were performed on sixty patients aged 20-62 years old, and the average age was（43.16±9.43）years old, which includes 31 males and 27 females at our department in the period from September 2011 to September 2014. 58 patients all underwent modified radical mastoidectomy.Study group chose collected intraoperative cortical mastoid bone as a filler combined with autologous cartilago auriculae and temporal fascia muscle-periosteal flap covering the cavity and tympanoplasty.Control group chose collected intraoperative cortical mastoid bone as a filler temporal fascia muscle-periosteal flap covering the cavity. The hearing improvement at the time of achieving dry ear,3 months and 6 months after surgery were evaluated for both groups.Result:There are significant differeence between two groups in improvement of hearing and dry ear time,according to follow-up and analysis of therapeutic efficacy(P <0.05), There was no recurrence of cholesteatoma in 2 groups.Conclusion:The application of autologous cartilago auriculae in posterior wall of external auditory canal reconstruction and tympanoplastycan that can get more in line with the external auditory canal and the volume of physiological structure state of near normal tympanic cavity, dry ear and hearing improvement was satisfied.The autologous cartilago curiculae is suitable for repairing materials of open radical operation.

Proteomic analysis of mycelial proteins from Magnaporthe oryzae under nitrogen starvation

Magnaporthe oryzae is an important model system in studies of plant pathogenic fungi, and nitrogen is a key nutrient source affecting microbial growth and development. In order to understand how nitrogen stress causes changes in mycelial proteins, we analyzed differentially expressed mycelial proteins from the M. oryzae virulent strain CH-63 using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry in complete medium or under nitrogen starvation conditions. A total of 975 ± 70 and 1169 ± 90 protein spots were detected in complete medium and under nitrogen starvation conditions, respectively. Forty-nine protein spots exhibited at least 2-fold up-regulation or down-regulation at the protein level according to PDQuest7.4. Moreover, 43 protein spots were successfully identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Among these spots, 6 proteins were functionally unknown and 37 proteins were categorized into 5 groups according to their functions, including development, metabolism, biosynthesis, and biological process. These 37 proteins were further analyzed for their enriched metabolic pathways by KOBAS2.0, and 14 proteins were found to be involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and nitrogen metabolism. Taken together, the regulation of M. oryzae growth under the nitrogen starvation conditions appears to be complex because of the various proteins and enzymes involved.

Physics of Phase Space Matching for Staging Plasma and Traditional Accelerator Components Using Longitudinally Tailored Plasma Profiles

Phase space matching between two plasma-based accelerator (PBA) stages and between a PBA and a traditional accelerator component is a critical issue for emittance preservation. The drastic differences of the transverse focusing strengths as the beam propagates between stages and components may lead to a catastrophic emittance growth even when there is a small energy spread. We propose using the linear focusing forces from nonlinear wakes in longitudinally tailored plasma density profiles to control phase space matching between sections with negligible emittance growth. Several profiles are considered and theoretical analysis and particle-in-cell simulations show how these structures may work in four different scenarios. Good agreement between theory and simulation is obtained, and it is found that the adiabatic approximation misses important physics even for long profiles.

MICA/B genotyping of Tujias from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

One hundred eighty-seven Tujia individuals from Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China were genotyped at the MICA and MICB loci using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming and sequencing-based typing methods. MICA and MCB genotypes are consistent with expected HW proportions. These genotype data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database.

Complex dynamics in biological systems arising from multiple limit cycle bifurcation

In this paper, we study complex dynamical behaviour in biological systems due to multiple limit cycles bifurcation. We use simple epidemic and predator-prey models to show exact routes to new types of bistability, that is, bistability between equilibrium and periodic oscillation, and bistability between two oscillations, which may more realistically describe the real situations. Bifurcation theory and normal form theory are applied to investigate the multiple limit cycles bifurcating from Hopf critical point.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Clinical Decline in Amyloid Positive and Negative Populations

BACKGROUND

Brain beta-amyloid status portends different trajectories of clinical decline.

OBJECTIVE

Determine trajectories and predictive baseline variable(s).

DESIGN

Longitudinal, up to 24 months.

SETTING

ADNI sites.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthy control (n=325), early and late mild cognitive impairment (n=279; n=372), and Alzheimer's dementia (n=216) subjects from ADNI-1/GO/2.

MEASUREMENTS

Baseline amyloid status was based on first available CSF Aβ1-42 or, [11C]PiB or [18F]florbetapir (FBP) PET. Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog13) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were co-analyzed using Growth Mixture Modeling (GMM) to define latent class trajectories for each amyloid group. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis determined which variables best predicted trajectory class membership using a number of variables available to clinicians.

RESULTS

GMMs found two trajectory classes (C1, C2) each for amyloid-positive (P; n=722) and negative (N; n=470) groups. Most (90%) in the negative group were C2N with mildly impaired baseline ADAS-Cog13, normal FAQ and nonprogression; 10% were C1N with moderately impaired baseline FAQ and ADAS-Cog13 and trajectory of moderately worsening scores on the FAQ. C1P (26%) had more impaired baseline FAQ and ADAS-Cog13 than C2P (74%) and a steeper declining trajectory. CART yielded 4 decision nodes (FAQ <10.5, FAQ <6.5, MMSE ≥26.5, age <75.5) in positive and 1 node (FAQ <6.5) in negative groups, with 91.4% and 92.8% accuracy for class assignments, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The trajectory pattern of greater decline in amyloid positive subjects was predicted by greater baseline impairment of cognition and function. While most amyloid-negative subjects had nonprogression irrespective of their diagnosis, a subgroup declined similarly to the gradually declining amyloid-positive group. CART predicted likely trajectory class, with known amyloid status, using variables accessible in a clinical setting, but needs replication.

SPAG9 promotes endometrial carcinoma cell invasion through regulation of genes related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) on proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present authors' previous study demonstrated that SPAG9 is highly expressed in endometrial cancer tissues. They analyzed correlation between the levels of SPAG9 and mRNA of EMT-related genes in endometrial carcinoma tissue by using quantitative real-time PCR. They induced EMT process in ECC endometrial cancer cell lines by TGF-beta1 treatment and spheroids formation assay, and analyzed SPAG9 expression as well as correlation with EMT-related genes. In addition, they performed SPAG9 gene silencing in KLE and ECC endometrial cancer cells and evaluated the expression of genes involved in EMT, using real time PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the functional role of SPAG9 in endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

The results showed that SPAG9 expression was positively correlated with Slug and N-cadherin (NcaD) in human endometrial cancer tissues. The expression of SPAG9 in ECC cells with TGF-β1 treatment and spheroids formation was increased, which was correlated with EMT-related genes. SPAG9 knockdown significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation and reduced the motility and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. These phenotypes may partly be explained by decreased expression of EMT-related genes, including Twist, Slug, and Vimentin, after SPAG9 depletion.

CONCLUSIONS

SPAG9 may be required for cellular invasion and migration in endometrial cancer through regulation of EMT-related genes.

Quantitative candidate gene association studies of metabolic traits in Han Chinese type 2 diabetes patients

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified many loci associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperuricemia, and obesity in various ethnic populations. However, quantitative traits have been less well investigated in Han Chinese T2DM populations. We investigated the association between candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and metabolic syndrome-related quantitative traits in Han Chinese T2DM subjects. Unrelated Han Chinese T2DM patients (1975) were recruited. Eighty-six SNPs were genotyped and tested for association with quantitative traits including lipid profiles, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), serum uric acid (SUA), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma glucose [fasting plasma glucose (FPG)], plasma glucose 120 min post-OGTT (P2PG; OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test), and insulin resistance-related traits. We found that CAMTA1, ABI2, VHL, KAT2B, PKHD1, ESR1, TOX, SLC30A8, SFI1, and MYH9 polymorphisms were associated with HbA1c, FPG, and/or P2PG; GCK, HHEX, TCF7L2, KCNQ1, and TBX5 polymorphisms were associated with insulin resistance-related traits; ABCG2, SLC2A9, and PKHD1 polymorphisms were associated with SUA; CAMTA1, VHL, KAT2B, PON1, NUB1, SLITRK5, SMAD3, FTO, FANCA, and PCSK2 polymorphisms were associated with blood lipid traits; CAMTA1, SPAG16, TOX, KCNQ1, ACACB, and MYH9 polymorphisms were associated with blood pressure; and UBE2E3, SPAG16, SLC2A9, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B, TCF7L2, SMAD3, and PNPLA3 polymorphisms were associated with BMI (all P values <0.05). Some of the candidate genes were associated with metabolic and anthropometric traits in T2DM in Han Chinese. Although none of these associations reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 x 10(-8)), genes and loci identified in this study are worthy of further replication and investigation.

Giant elastic tunability in strained BiFeO3 near an electrically induced phase transition

Elastic anomalies are signatures of phase transitions in condensed matters and have traditionally been studied using various techniques spanning from neutron scattering to static mechanical testing. Here, using band-excitation elastic/piezoresponse spectroscopy, we probed sub-MHz elastic dynamics of a tip bias-induced rhombohedral−tetragonal phase transition of strained (001)-BiFeO₃ (rhombohedral) ferroelectric thin films from ∼10³ nm³ sample volumes. Near this transition, we observed that the Young's modulus intrinsically softens by over 30% coinciding with two- to three-fold enhancement of local piezoresponse. Coupled with phase-field modelling, we also addressed the influence of polarization switching and mesoscopic structural heterogeneities (for example, domain walls) on the kinetics of this phase transition, thereby providing fresh insights into the morphotropic phase boundary in ferroelectrics. Furthermore, the giant electrically tunable elastic stiffness and corresponding electromechanical properties observed here suggest potential applications of BiFeO₃ in next-generation frequency-agile electroacoustic devices, based on the utilization of the soft modes underlying successive ferroelectric phase transitions.

Ferroelectric materials possess spontaneous electrical polarization coupled to their underlying lattice structure, which may be utilized technologically. Here, the authors use band-excitation piezoresponse/elastic spectroscopy to study the sub-megahertz dynamics of a structural phase transition in BiFeO₃.

Baseline characteristics and management of patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter in the emergency department: results of a prospective, multicentre registry in China

BACKGROUND/AIM

There have been several studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) over the past decades; however, data from Chinese patients are scarce. The aim of the study was therefore to describe the patient characteristics, risk profile and management strategies for Chinese AF patients presenting to emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicentre registry of patients with AF or atrial flutter (AFL) in China. Participants were enrolled at 20 EDs, then data regarding baseline characteristics and treatment in EDs were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 2016 Chinese patients, 1104 (54.8%) were female. Six hundred eighteen (30.7%) had paroxysmal AF, 452 (22.4%) had persistent AF and 945 (46.9%) had permanent AF. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (55.5%), followed by coronary artery disease (41.8%) and heart failure (HF, 37.4%). The prevalence of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, such as HF and valvular heart disease, increased as AF progressed. Among the patients with non-valvular AF, 110 (12.7%) of those with CHADS2 (congestive HF, hypertension, age of 75 years and greater, diabetes mellitus and history of stroke) ≥2 were prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC), while 119 (15.6%) of those with CHADS2 <2 received such agents. Among the 324 patients with valvular AF, 134 (41.4%) actually were treated with OAC. The international normalised ratio value was within the target range (2.0-3.0) in 96 patients only (26.4%). Moreover, a total of 16.2% of the patients received ≥1 anti-arrhythmic agents, whereas rate control agents were used more frequently (68.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the present study, the risk profile and management of Chinese patients with AF/AFL differed from that observed in previous studies. The use of OAC inadequately deviate from current guidelines.

Heterogeneous vesicles in mucous epithelial cells of posterior esophagus of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)

The Chinese giant salamander belongs to an old lineage of salamanders and endangered species. Many studies of breeding and disease regarding this amphibian had been implemented. However, the studies on the ultrastructure of this amphibian are rare. In this work, we provide a histological and ultra-structural investigation on posterior esophagus of Chinese giant salamander. The sections of amphibian esophagus were stained by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). Moreover, the esophageal epithelium was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that esophageal epithelium was a single layer epithelium, which consisted of mucous cells and columnar cells. The esophageal glands were present in submucosa. The columnar cells were ciliated. According to the diverging ultrastructure of mucous vesicles, three types of mucous cells could be identified in the esophageal mucosa: i) electron-lucent vesicles mucous cell (ELV-MC); ii) electron-dense vesicles mucous cell (EDV-MC); and iii) mixed vesicles mucous cell (MV-MC).

No influence of CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype on the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol in healthy Chinese subjects

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Nebivolol, a clinically important antihypertensive drug, mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, shows wide interindividual variability in pharmacokinetics. The CYP2D6*10 allele (100C>T; rs1065852), present at a high frequency in the Chinese population, is associated with alteration in the pharmacokinetics of many drugs, but its effect on the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype are associated with changes in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol in Chinese subjects.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy subjects were divided into three groups according to CYP2D6*1/*1 (n = 7), CYP2D6*1/*10 (n = 5) and CYP2D6*10/*10 (n = 12) genotypes. The *1/*1 homozygotes and *1/*10 heterozygotes were C allele carriers. All subjects received oral single dose of nebivolol and dextromethorphan. Blood and urine samples were gathered at various times.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol between the three CYP2D6*10 genotypes, and no gene-dose effect was seen. The pharmacokinetic parameters of CYP2D6*10/*10 subjects were also similar to those of CYP2D6*1 carriers. A weak relationship between CYP2D6 phenotype and nebivolol clearance was found.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The CYP2D6*10 genotype and phenotype were not associated with significant alterations in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol. CYP2D6*10 alone does not account for the large interindividual differences observed in the disposition of nebivolol among Chinese healthy subjects.

Selective enhancement of endothelial BMPR-II with BMP9 reverses pulmonary arterial hypertension

Genetic evidence implicates the loss of bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR-II) signaling in the endothelium as an initiating factor in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, selective targeting of this signaling pathway using BMP ligands has not yet been explored as a therapeutic strategy. Here, we identify BMP9 as the preferred ligand for preventing apoptosis and enhancing monolayer integrity in both pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and blood outgrowth endothelial cells from subjects with PAH who bear mutations in the gene encoding BMPR-II, BMPR2. Mice bearing a heterozygous knock-in allele of a human BMPR2 mutation, R899X, which we generated as an animal model of PAH caused by BMPR-II deficiency, spontaneously developed PAH. Administration of BMP9 reversed established PAH in these mice, as well as in two other experimental PAH models, in which PAH develops in response to either monocrotaline or VEGF receptor inhibition combined with chronic hypoxia. These results demonstrate the promise of direct enhancement of endothelial BMP signaling as a new therapeutic strategy for PAH.

miR-23b-3p regulates the chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells by targeting ATG12 and HMGB2

Chemotherapy is an important treatment modality for gastric cancer (GC); however, it usually fails because of drug resistance, especially multidrug resistance (MDR). Previously, we found a novel subset of MDR-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) through high-throughput functional screening. In this report, we investigated the exact roles and mechanisms of miR-23b-3p in the MDR of GC. Using gain or loss-of-function in in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that overexpression of miR-23b-3p reversed cancer cell resistance to multiple chemotherapeutics in vitro and sensitize tumors to chemotherapy in vivo. Reporter gene assay and western blot analysis showed that ATG12 and HMGB2 were the direct targets of miR-23b-3p. Meanwhile, ATG12 and HMGB2 were positively associated with the occurrence of autophagy. Reducing the expression of these target genes by siRNA or inhibition of autophagy both sensitized GC cells to chemotherapy. These findings suggest that a miR-23b-3p/ATG12/HMGB2/autophagy-regulatory loop has a critical role in MDR in GC. In addition, miR-23b-3p could be used as a prognostic factor for overall survival in GC. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that miR-23b-3p inhibited autophagy mediated by ATG12 and HMGB2 and sensitized GC cells to chemotherapy, and suggested the potential application of miR-23b-3p in drug resistance prediction and treatment.

Dopamine D1 and D5 receptors differentially regulate oxidative stress through paraoxonase 2 in kidney cells

BACKGROUND

The renal dopaminergic system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Dopamine D1-like receptors (D1R and D5R) decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidase. Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is also involved in the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that D1R and D5R inhibit ROS production by increasing the expression of PON2, including those in membrane microdomains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PON2 colocalized with D1R and D5R in mouse renal proximal tubules (RPTs), human RPT (hRPT) cells, and HEK293 cells heterologously expressing human D1R (HEK-hD1R) or D5R (HEK-hD5R). Fenoldopam, an agonist for both D1R and D5R, increased PON2 co-immunoprecipitation with D1R and D5R in HEK-hD1R and HEK-hD5R cells, respectively. Silencing PON2 increased ROS production and NADPH oxidase activity, and impaired the inhibitory effect of fenoldopam. Fenoldopam increased PON2 protein in both lipid rafts (LRs) and non-LRs in HEK-hD1R cells, but only in non-LRs in HEK-hD5R and hRPT cells. Long-term (hrs) fenoldopam stimulation increased PON2 protein in a time-dependent manner in HEK-hD5R, but not in HEK-hD1R cells. Because the effects of fenoldopam on non-LR and total PON2 expressions were similar in HEK-hD5R and hRPT cells, additional studies were performed to determine the relationship between D5R and PON2. Renal PON2 protein was decreased in D5(-/-) mice. In hRPT cells, silencing D5R decreased PON2 expression and increased ROS production.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that D1-like receptors inhibit ROS production by altering PON2 distribution in membrane microdomains in the short-term, and by increasing PON2 expression in the long-term.

MYH9 gene polymorphisms may be associated with cerebrovascular blood flow in patients with type 2 diabetes

Genetic factors play an important role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications. Alteration of cerebrovascular blood flow (CBF) is a direct result of cerebrovascular diseases. However, few studies have reported the role of genetics on CBF in patients with T2D. We investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metabolic disease genes are associated with CBF in patients with T2D. CBF velocities of CBF were measured in 337 Han Chinese patients with T2D using transcranial Doppler sonography, with 54 cerebrovascular blood flow parameters documented. Fifty-two SNPs from 31 metabolic disease candidate genes were genotyped in patients. Quantitative allelic association and haplotype analyses were performed for candidate gene SNPs and CBF phenotypes. Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between CBF parameters and basic clinical characteristics, particularly, body mass index, lipids, fibrinogen, and GHbA1c. MYH9 gene SNPs (rs875726 and rs735853) may be associated with the peak velocity of the right-middle cerebral artery. SNPs rs875726, rs2009930, and rs375246 of the MYH9 gene may be associated with the mean velocity of the right-anterior and posterior cerebral artery. The haplotype G-C-A (rs2239782-rs3752462- rs2269532) of MYH9 may be associated with CBF. MYH9 gene polymorphisms may be associated with multiple CBF phenotypes in Chinese patients with T2D. However, whether MYH9 is a candidate gene for cerebrovascular diseases in Chinese patients with T2D remains unknown.

Improving the feeding value of straws with Pleurotus ostreatus

The high content of lignin in cell walls is the major limiting factor in the digestion and utilisation of cereal crop residues by ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the white rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus), to degrade lignin and to enhance the rumen degradability of maize stover, rice straw, wheat straw and their mixture in equal proportion on a dry-matter (DM) basis. Four samples of each substrate were incubated aerobically in triplicate with P. ostreatus for 0 (Control), 21, 28 and 35 days under solid-state conditions (temperature, 24°C; humidity, 70 ± 5%). The changes in chemical composition, DM and nutrient losses, and rumen fermentation characteristics using in vitro DM digestibility (DMD) and the in vitro gas-production (GP) technique were measured. The results showed that incubation with P. ostreatus decreased (P < 0.001) the contents of neutral detergent fibre and lignin with a concomitant increase (P < 0.001) in the contents of ash and crude protein. The losses of nutrients differed (P < 0.001) among the straw types, with rice straw and maize stover showing the largest (P < 0.05) lignin degradation compared to wheat and mixed straws. The DMD and 72-h cumulative GP increased (P < 0.001) consistently with increasing fungal incubation period and for all substrates the highest values of DMD and GP were measured after 35 days of incubation with P. ostreatus. The lignin degradation was strongly associated with hemicellulose degradation (r = 0.71) across the various straws. Results of the present study demonstrated that incubation of low-quality crop residues with P. ostreatus under solid-state conditions upgrades their feeding value by reducing the content of lignin and increasing the content of crude protein and ruminal degradation.

Vibrational spectroscopic investigation of heat-induced changes in functional groups related to protein structural conformation in camelina seeds and their relationship to digestion in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to use Fourier transform/infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FT/IR-ATR) molecular spectroscopy to quantify the heat-induced changes in feed protein molecular structures in relation to protein digestion in dairy cows. Camelina seeds were evaluated in this study as a model for feed protein. The seeds were either heated in air-draft oven (dry heating) or in autoclave (moist heating) at 120°C for 60 min or kept as raw (control). The parameters evaluated were Cornell net protein and carbohydrate system (CNCPS) subfractions, in situ ruminal degradation kinetics, intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded protein (RUP) and protein molecular structures. Moist heating decreased (P < 0.05) the content of total rumen degradable (RDP) crude protein (CP) subfractions and increased the content of total RUP subfractions compared with raw seeds, indicating a significant shift at the site of protein digestion from rumen to post-ruminal tract. The decrease in RDP was mainly related to the marked decrease in rapidly solubilised (PA) and degradable (PB1) fractions, whereas the moderately degradable (PB2) and slowly degradable (PB3) fractions increased, suggesting a decrease in degradation rate of RDP. The in situ rumen incubation study revealed that moist heating decreased (P < 0.05) RDP and increased (P < 0.05) RUP and its intestinal digestibility. The molecular spectroscopy study revealed that moist heating altered protein molecular structures. Except PA and lag time, dry heating did not significantly alter any of the CNCPS CP subfraction, in situ ruminal CP degradation parameters, intestinal digestibility of RUP, and protein molecular structures. The correlation analysis showed that the heat-induced changes in protein secondary structures, α-helix-to-β-sheet ratio, were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the contents PA (r = 0.90), PB1 (r = 0.89), RDP (r = 0.72) and intestinal digestibility (r = 0.91) of RUP, and negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with PB2 (r = –0.90), PB3 (r = –0.85) and RUP (–0.87). These results showed that compared with dry heating, moist heating significantly changed protein subfractions, rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility, and these changes were strongly associated with changes in protein molecular structures.