[Why dentists need to learn the epidemiological status and prevention strategy of coronary heart disease in China]

Coronary heart disease(CHD) is the leading cause of death among 235 causes of death in human currently and kills more than 7 million peoples annually worldwide and will continuously be ranked as the top cause of death in next 20 years according the prediction. As the population aging and epidemics of major risk factors of CHD, there are remarkable raising incidence and mortality of CHD in Chinese population with increasing numbers of CHD patients. The CHD patients may visit dental clinics to seek help because of their oral or dental diseases. Some of those CHD patients may not be even aware of that they have CHD or the severity of their disease, and some of them may not know well for the medications they are taking. All of those situations may increase the risk of acute CHD event or other complications during clinical processes either for diagnosis or treatment in dental clinics. Therefore, it is important for dentists to learn basic knowledge of CHD including epidemiology and clinical characteristics and treatments of CHD.

Bulk Fermi Surface of Charge-Neutral Excitations in SmB_{6} or Not: A Heat-Transport Study

Recently, there have been increasingly hot debates on whether a bulk Fermi surface of charge-neutral excitations exists in the topological Kondo insulator SmB_{6}. To unambiguously resolve this issue, we perform the low-temperature thermal conductivity measurements of a high-quality SmB_{6} single crystal down to 0.1 K and up to 14.5 T. Our experiments show that the residual linear term of thermal conductivity at the zero field is zero, within the experimental accuracy. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity is insensitive to the magnetic field up to 14.5 T. These results demonstrate the absence of fermionic charge-neutral excitations in bulk SmB_{6}, such as scalar Majorana fermions or spinons and, thus, exclude the existence of a bulk Fermi surface suggested by a recent quantum oscillation study of SmB_{6}. This puts a strong constraint on the explanation of the quantum oscillations observed in SmB_{6}.

A novel pathway for the production of H2 S by DAO in rat jejunum

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is endogenously generated from L-cysteine (L-Cys) by the enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-Lyase (CSE). Hydrogen sulfide is also produced from D-cysteine (D-Cys) by D-Amino acid oxidase (DAO).

METHODS

The H2 S production was measured by the methylene blue assay. The expression of DAO was investigated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The short-circuit current (Isc) was recorded using the Ussing chamber technique.

KEY RESULTS

The epithelium in rat jejunum possesses DAO, and generates H2 S. D-cysteine, originally used as a negative control for L-Cys, significantly increases the H2 S release, which is inhibited by I2CA, an inhibitor of DAO. In vitro study by Ussing chamber technique reveals that D-Cys decreases the Isc across the epithelium of the rat jejunum and enhances the Na(+) -coupled L-alanine transport.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

A novel pathway for the production of H2 S by DAO exists in rat jejunum.

Emergent Kondo Lattice Behavior in Iron-Based Superconductors AFe_{2}As_{2} (A=K, Rb, Cs)

Here, we experimentally study the origin of d-electron heavy fermion (HF) behavior in iron-based superconductors (FeSCs) AFe_{2}As_{2} (A=K, Rb, Cs). Nuclear magnetic resonance on ^{75}As reveals a universal coherent-incoherent crossover with a characteristic temperature T^{*}. Below T^{*}, a so-called "Knight shift anomaly" is first observed in FeSCs, which exhibits a scaling behavior similar to f-electron HF materials. Furthermore, the scaling rule also regulates the manifestation of magnetic fluctuation. These results undoubtedly support an emergent Kondo lattice scenario for the d-electron HF behavior, which qualifies the AFe_{2}As_{2} (A=K, Rb, Cs) as d-electron HF superconductors.

[The present status of aspirin use for primary prevention among hypertensive outpatients in China]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current status of aspirin for primary prevention in hypertensive outpatients in China, and the gap between aspirin use and guidelines.

METHODS

This was a multi-center cross-sectional study and carried out in hypertensive patients from 46 hospitals of twenty two cities in China from June to December in 2009. At least 100 essential hypertensive outpatients were consecutively recruited from each participant hospitals according to the consistent inclusion criteria. The patients underwent physical examinations and biochemical analyses, and answered questionnaires. Based on the relevant guidelines, the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prerequisite for the proper use of aspirin in primary prevention.

RESULTS

A total of 5 206 hypertensive outpatients were included. Among them, 1 324 (25.4%) were with a history of CVD. Among those with no history of CVD, 2 705 patients (69.7%) were at high risk of CVD, and the aspirin utilization rate for primary prevention was 29.2%, with 32.2% patients at high risk and 22.4% patients at low-medium risk of CVD, respectively. In the application of aspirin for CVD primary prevention, the inappropriate aspirin use rate in patients at low-medium risk was 23.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of subjects at high risk for CVD is high in hypertensive outpatients suggesting a wide range of application space for aspirin.There exists underutilization for high risk and overutilization for low-medium risk patients in current aspirin primary prevention application.

[The role of smoking and metabolic enzyme polymorphisms in the organic solvent induced chronic encephalopathy]

OBJECTIVE

The organic solvents and other exogenous compounds of metabolic enzymes genetic variation may affect the risk of the toxic effect of organic solvents exposure. Therefore, this research we observed the glutathione transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1) deletion mutation genotype, two kinds of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEPHX) genetic polymorphism, organic solvents exposure and smoking effection in chronic cases of toxic encephalopathy (CTE) correlation.

METHODS

The object was 115 patients who had a long history of organic solvents exposure, were divieded into two groups: CTE (n=83) , no CET (n=32) according to clinical diagnosis. DNA was isolated from patients in white blood cells through the multiple-polymerase chain reaction to determine the loss of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype. two kinds of mEPHX polymorphism were analysised through the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism).

RESULTS

The relative risk has obviously improved when lack of GSTM1 genotypes to CTE (RR=2.35, 95% CI 2.35 0.96). in according to the patient's Smoking condition and classify genotype, patients lack of GSTM1 genotypes had a significantly higher risk CTE than GSTM1+genotype patients (RR=3.13, 95% CI 3.13 1.2) , both mEPHX polymorphisms had nothing to do with an increased risk of CTE.

CONCLUSION

The GSTM1 genotypes played an important role in the organic solvent induced the CTE of susceptibility.it was Influenced by the interaction between smoking at the same time.

Abstract P2-05-07: RAGE-ligand signaling drives breast cancer metastasis through affecting cells of the tumor and microenvironment

Breast cancer is most common malignant state in women, with 20% of these patients developing metastasis during the course of their disease. Further understanding is needed of the process and mechanisms of metastasis. Our lab and others have been shown that Receptor of Advanced-Glycation End-products (RAGE) plays a role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. RAGE is highly expressed in various cancers including breast cancer and its protein levels correlate with poor patient outcome in breast cancer and other cancers. Activation of RAGE results in increased proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Further studies in mice have shown it may be a therapeutic target to reduce tumor growth and the resulting metastasis. Further understanding is needed of the role of RAGE in driving metastasis through affecting cells of both the tumor and tumor stroma to design novel therapeutics. Using the breast cancer cell model (MDA-MB-231) and its organotropic sister cells lines selected in vivo for increased metastasis to lung (4175) and bone (1833), we tested the role of RAGE in driving tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo with xenograft mouse models. To test the role of RAGE in the tumor microenvironment we used the AT-3 syngeneic breast cancer cell model in C57BL6 wild-type and RAGE knockout mice. We demonstrated that the highly metastatic variant of 231 cells (4175 and 1833) have increased expression level of RAGE compared to MDA-MB-231 parental cells. Ectopic over-expression of RAGE in parental 231 cells led to increased migratory and invasive properties compared to vector control cells, without affecting cell proliferation or viability. RAGE knockdown by shRNA in 4175 and 231 parental cells showed decreased cell invasion in transwell assays compared to control scramble shRNA. To validate our data in vivo, we performed mammary fat pad injection of 4175 cells (RAGE and scr shRNA) in NOD SCID gamma mice. Tumor growth and weight was impaired in RAGE gene knockdown 4175 cells compared to scramble (scr) controls. Analysis of lung and liver tissue retrieved from mice revealed RAGE knockdown in 4175 cells prevented metastasis compared to 4175 scr control cells. To test the role of RAGE on non-tumor cells of the breast stroma we next performed syngeneic studies with AT-3 cells (MMTV-PyMT spontaneous BC cell model), by injection into the mammary fat pad of wild-type and RAGE knockout C57BL6 immunocompetent mice. RAGE knockout mice (RAGE -/-) displayed striking impairment of tumor cell growth compared to wild-type (RAGE +/+) mice. We are currently testing whether novel RAGE inhibitors impact breast cancer progression and metastasis.

These data highlight RAGE drives breast cancer progression and metastasis through affecting both tumor cell intrinsic and non-tumor cell microenvironment effects. Future studies will demonstrate the potential of RAGE inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach for preventing and treating metastatic disease in breast and other cancers.

Citation Format: Kwak T, Drews-Elger K, Ergonul A, Zhao D, Besser A, Slingerland JM, Lippman ME, Hudson BI. RAGE-ligand signaling drives breast cancer metastasis through affecting cells of the tumor and microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-05-07.

Bio-chemical characterization of a β-mannanase from Bacillus licheniformis HDYM-04 isolated from flax water-retting liquid and its decolorization ability of dyes

A β-mannanase was purified from the bacteria,Bacillus licheniformisHDYM-04, which was a high β-mannanase-producing strain (576.16 U mL⁻¹at 48 h during fermentation).

Impact of temperature variability on childhood hand, foot and mouth disease in Huainan, China

OBJECTIVES

The short-term temperature variation has been shown to be significantly associated with human health. However, little is known about whether temperature change between neighbouring days (TCN) and diurnal temperature range (DTR) have any effect on childhood hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This study aims to explore whether temperature variability has any effect on childhood HFMD.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological study.

METHODS

The association between meteorological variables and HFMD cases in Huainan, China, from January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2014 was analysed using Poisson generalized linear regression combined with distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) after controlling for long-term trend and seasonality, mean temperature and relative humidity.

RESULTS

An adverse effect of TCN on childhood HFMD was observed, and the impact of TCN was the greatest at five days lag, with a 10% (95% CI: 4%-15%) increase of daily number of HFMD cases per 3 °C (10th percentile) decrease of TCN. Male children, children aged 0-5 years, scattered children and children in high-risk areas appeared to be more vulnerable to the TCN effect than others. However, there was no significant association between DTR and childhood HFMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that TCN drops may increase the incidence of childhood HFMD in Huainan, highlighting the importance of protecting children from forthcoming TCN drops, particularly for those who are male, young, scattered and from high-risk areas.

Angular-Dependent Phase Factor of Shubnikov-de Haas Oscillations in the Dirac Semimetal Cd_{3}As_{2}

We measure the magnetotransport properties of the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal Cd_{3}As_{2} single crystal under magnetic fields up to 36 T. Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations are clearly resolved and the n=1 Landau level is reached. A detailed analysis on the intercept of the Landau index plot reveals a significant dependence of the SdH phase factor on the orientation of the applied magnetic field. When the magnetic field is applied in the [001] direction, i.e., along the fourfold screw axis of the tetragonal crystal structure, a nontrivial π Berry phase, as predicted for the Dirac fermions, is observed. However, in a magnetic field tilted away from the [001] direction, the π Berry phase is evidently reduced, and a considerable enhancement of the effective mass is also revealed. Our observations demonstrate that the Dirac dispersion in Cd_{3}As_{2} is effectively modified in a tilted magnetic field, whereas the preserved π Berry phase in a magnetic field along the [001] direction can be related to the realization of the Weyl fermions. The sudden change of the SdH phase also indicates a possible topological phase transition induced by the symmetry-breaking effect.

Effect of autoclave sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of thermally treated Nickel-Titanium instruments

AIM

To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of HyFlex CM, Twisted Files (TF), K3XF, Race, and K3, and evaluate the effect of autoclave sterilization on the cyclic fatigue resistance of these instruments both before and after the files were cycled.

METHODOLOGY

Five types of NiTi instruments with similar size 30, .06 taper were selected: HyFlex CM, TF, K3XF, Race and K3. Files were tested in a simulated canal with a curvature of 60° and a radius of 3 mm. The number of cycles to failure of each instrument was determined to evaluate cyclic fatigue resistance. Each type of instruments was randomly divided into four experimental groups: group 1 (n = 20), unsterilized instruments; group 2 (n = 20), pre-sterilized instruments subjected to 10 cycles of autoclave sterilization; group 3 (n = 20), instruments tested were sterilized at 25%, 50% and 75% of the mean cycles to failure as determined in group 1, and then cycled to failure; group 4 (n = 20), instruments cycled in the same manner as group 3 but without sterilization. The fracture surfaces of instruments were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

HyFlex CM, TF and K3XF had significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than Race and K3 in the unsterilized group 1 (P < 0.05). Autoclave sterilization significantly increased the MCF of HyFlex CM and K3XF (P < 0.05) both before and after the files were cycled. SEM examination revealed a typical pattern of cyclic fatigue fracture in all instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

HyFlex CM, TF and K3XF instruments composed of new thermal-treated alloy were more resistant to fatigue failure than Race and K3. Autoclaving extended the cyclic fatigue life of HyFlex CM and K3XF.

Treating fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C with sofosbuvir and ribavirin: a matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) in liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

We matched the treatment outcomes of 10 liver transplant recipients who developed FCH with those of 10 recipients with recurrent HCV without FCH treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin.

RESULTS

Baseline mean alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin were 186 U/L, 197 U/L, 243 U/L, and 6.7 mg/dL, respectively, in the FCH recipients and 82 U/L, 60 U/L, 110 U/L, and 0.99 mg/dL, respectively, in non-FCH recipients. The sustained viral response in FCH and non-FCH recipients was 40% and 80%, respectively. One-yr patient and graft survival rates were 90% and 80%, respectively, in FCH recipients, and 100% in non-FCH recipients. Seven FCH and six non-FCH recipients were treated for anemia with blood transfusion and/or erythropoietin growth factors.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the use of sofosbuvir and ribavirin is effective and tolerable in liver transplant recipients treated for recurrent FCH. There is a trend of lower sustained viral response, patient survival, and graft survival in the FCH recipients.

Pharmacokinetics, Biodistribution, Excretion and Plasma Protein Binding Studies of Acteoside in Rats

Acteoside is a representative phenylethanoid glycoside, exhibiting great potency in neurodegenerative diseases treatment, such as Alzheimer's disease. This study was aimed to explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics, tissue distribution, excretion and plasma protein binding of acteoside in Sprague-Dawley rats after oral administration at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg by a validated LC-MS/MS method. Acteoside was absorbed quickly after oral administration at 3 dose levels. Acteoside reached the peak concentration at 0.29±0.17 h, exhibiting a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 312.54±44.43 ng/mL after oral administration at 40 mg/kg, and the elimination half-life was 1.05±0.23 h. Both the Cmax and AUC showed a linear increase with the oral doses administered. The absolute bioavailability of acteoside was only around 1%. After oral administration, acteoside was extensively and rapidly distributed in most tissues including brain, but little amount of acteoside was excreted in urine, bile or feces. And the rat plasma protein binding ratio with equilibrium dialysis was about 60%. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the fast gastro-intestinal absorption, the noteworthy distribution in most tissues including brain, the absence of acteoside in urine, bile and feces and valuable plasma protein binding ratio in rats will provide important reference for further research.

Overexpression of a NAC transcription factor delays leaf senescence and increases grain nitrogen concentration in wheat

Increasing the duration of leaf photosynthesis during grain filling using slow-senescing functional stay-green phenotypes is a possible route for increasing grain yields in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, delayed senescence may negatively affect nutrient remobilisation and hence reduce grain protein concentrations and grain quality. A novel NAC1-type transcription factor (hereafter TaNAC-S) was identified in wheat, with gene expression located primarily in leaf/sheath tissues, which decreased during post-anthesis leaf senescence. Expression of TaNAC-S in the second leaf correlated with delayed senescence in two doubled-haploid lines of an Avalon × Cadenza population (lines 112 and 181), which were distinct for leaf senescence. Transgenic wheat plants overexpressing TaNAC-S resulted in delayed leaf senescence (stay-green phenotype). Grain yield, aboveground biomass, harvest index and total grain N content were unaffected, but NAC over-expressing lines had higher grain N concentrations at similar grain yields compared to non-transgenic controls. These results indicate that TaNAC-S is a negative regulator of leaf senescence, and that delayed leaf senescence may lead not only to increased grain yields but also to increased grain protein concentrations.

Mating system patterns of natural populations of Pinus koraiensis along its post-glacial colonization route in northeastern China

To understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the endangerment of Pinus koraiensis, we studied the mating system of 49 families of this species in 3 natural populations along its post-glacial colonization route across ~1500 km in northeastern China using the chloroplast simple sequence repeat technique. We analyzed 11 polymorphic loci with clear and repeating bands, and we calculated the multi-locus outcrossing rate (tm), single-locus outcrossing rate, inbreeding index, and fixation index (F). Intra-population variation was not observed, but a large inter-population variation was observed in the outcrossing rate, and the tm increased from 0.767 (the south population) to 0.962 (the north population) along the post-glacial colonization route. The tm values within a population did not change with time over 2 consecutive years. The F values for the 3 populations were <0, which indicates an excess of heterozygotes. The mean effective number of alleles, Shannon diversity index, and Nei's genetic diversity index did not show a south-north pattern. The north population had the highest outcrossing rate but the lowest genetic diversity. The average genetic differentiation of P. koraiensis populations was 0.1251, which was within the average range of woody plants with outcrossing and wind pollination. This study suggests that the current endangerment of P. koraiensis is not related to its genetic structure; perhaps it is mainly caused by man-made and natural disturbances such as deforestation and fire. Therefore, reducing disturbances and enhancing habitats, rather than the genetic aspects, play more important roles in the long-term protection of P. koraiensis.

Effect of estrogen deficiency on the fixation of titanium implants in chronic kidney disease mice

We established a chronic kidney disease (CKD) mouse model with estrogen deficiency and inserted titanium implants into the femur of such mice to investigate the fixation of the implants. Both the histomorphometry and implant resistance indicated that estrogen deficiency impaired the fixation of titanium implants inserted into such mice.

INTRODUCTION

CKD has been regarded as a worldwide public health problem. Estrogen is a critical factor for both renal protection and bone remodeling. A previous study demonstrated that CKD impairs the early healing of titanium implants. However, the combined effect of estrogen deficiency and CKD on the fixation of titanium implants is largely unknown.

METHODS

Forty 9-week-old female C57BL mice were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomy (OVX), CKD, and CKD + OVX groups. Uremia and estrogen deficiency were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and OVX, respectively. Experimental titanium implants were inserted into the distal end of the femur. Bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio and bone volume (BV/TV) around the implants were histomorphometrically analyzed. The fixation strength of the implant was measured by a biomechanical push-in resistance test.

RESULTS

Serum measurement confirmed a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the CKD group, which was further increased by OVX. Estrogen deficiency led to significant decreases in the BIC ratio, BV/TV, and the push-in resistance in CKD animals. There was a significant interaction between the effects of OVX and CKD, with OVX exacerbating the effects of CKD on BIC ratio and push-in resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that estrogen deficiency exerts a synergistic effect with CKD and further impairs the fixation of titanium implants in CKD mice.

Coexistence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in (Li0.8Fe0.2)OHFeSe

Iron selenide superconductors exhibit a number of unique characteristics that are helpful for understanding the mechanism of superconductivity in high-Tc iron-based superconductors more generally. However, in the case of AxFe2Se2 (A = K, Rb, Cs), the presence of an intergrown antiferromagnetic insulating phase makes the study of the underlying physics problematic. Moreover, FeSe-based systems intercalated with alkali metal ions, NH3 molecules or organic molecules are extremely sensitive to air, which prevents the further investigation of their physical properties. It is therefore desirable to find a stable and easily accessible FeSe-based superconductor to study its physical properties in detail. Here, we report the synthesis of an air-stable material, (Li0.8Fe0.2)OHFeSe, which remains superconducting at temperatures up to ~40 K, by means of a novel hydrothermal method. The crystal structure is unambiguously determined by a combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, antiferromagnetic order is shown to coexist with superconductivity. This synthetic route opens a path for exploring superconductivity in other related systems, and confirms the appeal of iron selenides as a platform for understanding superconductivity in iron pnictides more broadly.

Cytoplasmic p27 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis via STAT3-mediated Twist1 upregulation

p27 restrains normal cell growth, but PI3K-dependent C-terminal phosphorylation of p27 at threonine 157 (T157) and T198 promotes cancer cell invasion. Here, we describe an oncogenic feedforward loop in which p27pT157pT198 binds Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) promoting STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) recruitment and activation. STAT3 induces TWIST1 to drive a p27-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and further activates AKT contributing to acquisition and maintenance of metastatic potential. p27 knockdown in highly metastatic PI3K-activated cells reduces STAT3 binding to the TWIST1 promoter, TWIST1 promoter activity and TWIST1 expression, reverts EMT and impairs metastasis, whereas activated STAT3 rescues p27 knockdown. Cell cycle-defective phosphomimetic p27T157DT198D (p27CK-DD) activates STAT3 to induce a TWIST1-dependent EMT in human mammary epithelial cells and increases breast and bladder cancer invasion and metastasis. Data support a mechanism in which PI3K-deregulated p27 binds JAK2, to drive STAT3 activation and EMT through STAT3-mediated TWIST1 induction. Furthermore, STAT3, once activated, feeds forward to further activate AKT.

Gene expression profile of IGF1 and MSTN mRNA and their correlation with carcass traits in different breeds of geese at 70 d of age

1. The expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and myostatin (MSTN) mRNA in breast and leg muscle was quantified in 70-d-old Taihu and Wanxi geese by using a Multiplex Competitive Fluorescent-PCR method and the correlations between mRNA levels and carcass traits were analysed. 2. IGF1 mRNA expression in breast muscle in Taihu geese was significantly higher than that in Wanxi geese and the MSTN mRNA level in leg muscle in Taihu geese was significantly higher than that in Wanxi geese. 3. There was no significant difference in breast muscle MSTN or leg muscle IGF1 mRNA expression between the two breeds. 4. Within the same breed, the IGF1 mRNA expression in leg muscle of male geese was significantly higher than that in female geese, and MSTN mRNA expression in leg muscle was significantly higher than that in breast muscle. 5. There was no difference in the IGF1 mRNA expression between tissues. 6. There was a positive correlation between IGF1 mRNA and MSTN mRNA and a negative correlation between IGF1 mRNA expression of breast muscle and leg muscle ratio. 7. In Wanxi geese, MSTN mRNA expression in leg muscle was negatively associated with body weight and leg muscle weight.

Antimycobacterial activity of Pichia pastoris-derived mature bovine neutrophil β-defensins 5

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing threat to global health, and the lack of effective therapies for treating it is also a global problem. Previous studies have shown that human cathelicidin and defensins have effective antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium spp. To our knowledge, there are no reports on the antimycobacterial effects of bovine neutrophil β-defensins so far. Here, we identified the antimicrobial effect of mature bovine neutrophil β-defensins (mBNBD) 5 against Mycobacterium infection both in vitro and in vivo. The mBNBD5 protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. To increase the yield of β-defensins, a purification method was employed by adding a 6-His·tag to the C-terminus of the mBNBD5 gene. Our results indicated that recombinant mBNBD5 protein was successfully expressed and purified from Pichia pastoris with intact antimicrobial activity. The recombinant protein exhibited potent bactericidal activity in vitro against M. smegmatis and M. bovis, with a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent manner. The electron microscope results showed that the bacterial cell wall of M. bovis was disrupted when incubated with mBNBD5 for 72 h. Our data also indicated that the exogenous addition of mBNBD5 could reduce the survival of Mycobacterium spp., especially M. tuberculosis and M. bovis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results provide foundations for the development of mBNBD5 as a potential new therapeutic agent for TB treatment.

Sublytic C5b-9 triggers glomerular mesangial cell apoptosis via XAF1 gene activation mediated by p300-dependent IRF-1 acetylation

The apoptosis of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in rat Thy-1 nephritis (Thy-1N), a model of human mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN), is accompanied by sublytic C5b-9 deposition. However, the mechanism by which sublytic C5b-9 induces GMC apoptosis is unclear. In the present studies, the effect of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor 1 (XAF1) expression on GMC apoptosis and the role of p300 and interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in mediating XAF1 gene activation were determined, both in the GMCs induced by sublytic C5b-9 (in vitro) and in the renal tissues of rats with Thy-1N (in vivo). The in vitro studies demonstrated that IRF-1-enhanced XAF1 gene activation and its regulation by p300-mediated IRF-1 acetylation were involved in GMC apoptosis induced by sublytic C5b-9. The element of IRF-1 binding to XAF1 promoter and two acetylated sites of IRF-1 protein were also revealed. In vivo, silence of p300, IRF-1 or XAF1 genes in the renal tissues diminished GMC apoptosis and secondary GMC proliferation as well as urinary protein secretion in Thy-1N rats. Together, these data implicate that sublytic C5b-9 induces the expression of both p300 and IRF-1, as well as p300-dependent IRF-1 acetylation that may contribute to XAF1 gene activation and subsequent GMC apoptosis in Thy-1N rats.

Where is the comfort in comfort foods? Mechanisms linking fat signaling, reward, and emotion

BACKGROUND

Food in general, and fatty foods in particular, have obtained intrinsic reward value throughout evolution. This reward value results from an interaction between exteroceptive signals from different sensory modalities, interoceptive hunger/satiety signals from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, as well as ongoing affective and cognitive processes. Further evidence linking food to emotions stems from folk psychology ('comfort foods') and epidemiological studies demonstrating high comorbidity rates between disorders of food intake, including obesity, and mood disorders such as depression.

PURPOSE

This review paper aims to give an overview of current knowledge on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the link between (fatty) foods, their reward value, and emotional responses to (anticipation of) their intake in humans. Firstly, the influence of exteroceptive sensory signals, including visual, olfactory ('anticipatory food reward'), and gustatory ('consummatory food reward'), on the encoding of reward value in the (ventral) striatum and of subjective pleasantness in the cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex will be discussed. Differences in these pathways and mechanisms between lean and obese subjects will be highlighted. Secondly, recent studies elucidating the mechanisms of purely interoceptive fatty acid-induced signaling from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, including the role of gut peptides, will be presented. These studies have demonstrated that such subliminal interoceptive stimuli may impact on hedonic circuits in the brain, and thereby influence the subjective and neural responses to negative emotion induction. This suggests that the effect of foods on mood may even occur independently from their exteroceptive sensory properties.

Stro-1-positive human mesenchymal stem cells prolong skin graft survival in mice

BACKGROUND

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its stromal cell antigen 1 Stro-1 positive (Stro-1(+)) subgroup possess immunosuppressive properties. Our objective was to evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effect of MSCs and the Stro-1 subset.

METHODS

Isolated human MSCs from bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells of healthy adults, and Stro-1(+) cells were cultured before sorting. Female C57BL/6 mice and female BALB/c mice were used as donors and recipients in an allogeneic skin graft model, respectively. The recipients were divided randomly into 4 groups: (1) The Stro-1(+) MSCs group received 2 × 10(6) Stro-1(+) MSCs injected into irradiated recipients before skin grafting. (2) The MSC group (2 × 10(6)) injected into the irradiated recipient mice before skin grafting. (3) The irradiated control group just irradiated before skin grafting. (4) The syngenic control group included irradiated BALB/c mice that received skin from syngenic mice. The main data included skin graft survival times, histologic changes on hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and plasma transforming growth factor (TGF)-β concentrations in recipients measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after transplantation.

RESULTS

The skin graft survival time in the MSCs group (12.13 ± 3.34 days) was not significantly prolonged versus the irradiated controls (11.38 ± 1.01 days), but it was notably prolonged among the Stro-1(+) MSCs group (30.68 ± 5.89 days) compared with the irradiated control and the MSCs groups, respectively. The histology of skin grafts among the stro-1(+) group showed a clear structure. After grafting, plasma TGF-β concentrations were almost the same as before transplantation among the irradiated and the syngenic controls but significantly increased in the MSCs and Stro-1(+) MSCs groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Stro-1(+) MSCs induced greater prolongation of skin grafts in mice than unsorted MSCs; however, TGF-β expression did not contribute to this effect.

First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot Caused by C. cassiicola on Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi) in China

Golden vicary privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi Rehd.), a hybrid between L. ovalifolium 'Aureum' Rehd. and L. vulgare L., is widely used as a landscape shrub for horticultural ornamentation. From 2009 to 2011, a leaf spot disease of L. × vicaryi was observed in the parks in Luoyang, Henan Province, China. Lesions were initially brown and punctiform, and with age the lesions turned into elliptic, subcircular to irregular and pale brown, faintly zonate, and depressed. Fully mature lesions were mostly irregular to circular, 5 to 15 mm in diameter, centers tan to dark brown, with reddish brown to reddish purple margins of varying width. The disease eventually caused substantial premature defoliation. After infected leaves were collected from parks and maintained in a humid atmosphere, a layer of black mold developed on the surface of the lesions. Conidiophores were cylindrical, straight to slightly curved, brown, unbranched (2 to 7 septa), and were 98.5 to 403.9 μm in length, 4.5 to 6.6 μm in width. Conidia were solitary or in short chains containing two to five spores, and were cylindrical or obclavate, straight or flexuose (3 to 19 pseudosepta), pale olivaceous brown or brown when mature, and were 78.8 to 315.2 μm in length by 5.3 to 12.3 μm in width. Morphological characteristics of the fungus were similar to those of Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei (1). Lesions on leaves were excised, surface sterilized, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 2 to 3 days. A fungus was isolated from the lesions, and pure isolates that were obtained after from single spored isolates were cultured on PDA. Colonies on PDA formed concentric growth rings, abundant aerial mycelia, and were grey or dark brown in color. The isolate ST1 was selected as a representative for molecular identification. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the isolate was amplified by PCR with primers ITS1/ITS4 (3) and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the 559 bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. KC138855) indicated 100% sequence similarity with C. cassiicola (GU138988) (2). To validate Koch's postulates, pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of five healthy potted L. vicaryi with a 10⁶ conidia per ml aqueous suspension. Control plants were inoculated with sterile water. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 24 h after inoculation and maintained at 25°C. After 3 days, all inoculated plants showed typical symptoms, whereas water sprayed controls remained healthy. C. cassiicola was consistently reisolated from these lesions. The reisolated conidia showed the same morphological characteristics as described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot caused by C. cassiicola on L. × vicaryi in China. Its confirmation is a significant step toward management recommendations for growers. References: (1) M. B. Ellis et al. Corynespora cassiicola. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, no. 303. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, UK, 1971. (2) X. B. Liu et al. Plant Dis. 94:916, 2010. (3) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

First Report of Branch Blight of Tree Peony Caused by Phoma glomerata in China

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) is a perennial woody deciduous shrub native to China and famous for its beautiful flowers. Starting in early autumn 2010, blighted branches of tree peony were detected in the International Peony Garden in Luoyang. The disease incidence was greater than 10% and disease symptoms included bulb atrophy and twig and branch dieback. Pycnidia were embedded within the bark of diseased branches. They were small, black, ostiolate, and measured 145 to 275 × 140 to 251 μm. Pycnoconidia were single-celled, hyaline or sandy beige, rounded to ellipsoidal, and 3.9 to 10.3 × 2.3 to 7.0 μm. Pure cultures were obtained by plating the pycnoconidia on potato dextrose agar (PDA). In culture, the fungus produced a circular, white to pink colony with pyknotic and linter shaped aerial mycelium. Numerous pycnidia, initially brown and dark at maturity, were embedded in the mycelium, especially in the center of the colony, with a few of them scattered in the edge. The morphological characteristics were consistent with Phoma (2). The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of three isolates were PCR amplified and sequenced with primers ITS1 and ITS4. Sequences (GenBank Accession No. JX885584) showed 99% identity with reference isolates of Peyronellaea glomerata (Corda) Goid (AB470906.1 and HQ380779.1) and Phoma glomerata (Corda) Wollenw. & Hochapfel (EU098115.1). These two species are synonyms (1). To test pathogenicity, nine healthy branches of 3-year-old potted tree peony plants were wound-inoculated with a PDA disk containing pycnidia from an actively growing colony of P. glomerata. Three control branches were inoculated with sterile PDA disks. Each inoculated branch was wrapped in a plastic bag and maintained in a greenhouse at 25 to 28°C. After 3 days, brown patches appeared on inoculated branches and extended by up to 1 cm. Pycnidia identical to those observed in the field and in storage appeared on all inoculated branches 7 days after inoculation. Control branches did not show symptoms. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated branches, fulfilling Koch's postulates. P. glomerata was reported as the causal agent of withering of flowers and young shoots of grapevines in Yugoslavia (3). To our knowledge, P. glomerata and Botryosphaeria dothidea have always been reported together, causing branch wilting or dieback. To our knowledge, this is the first report of branch blight of tree peony caused by P. glomerata in China. References: (1) M. M. Aveskamp et al. Mycol. Soc. Am. 101:363, 2009. (2) G. H. Boerema et al. Studies in Mycology, 3, 1973. (3) A. Šaric-Sabadoš et al. Atti Ist. bot. Univ. Pavia 18:101, 1960.

Successful use of aromatase inhibitor letrozole in NOA with an elevated FSH level: a case report

Aromatase inhibitors inhibit the conversion of testosterone to oestrogens and could reduce serum oestradiol concentrations. Letrozole is one of aromatase inhibitors frequently used in treatment of men with oligospermia. We present the case of an infertile man with small testes and an elevated FSH level, which was diagnosed as NOA, hypospermatogenesis proven by testicular biopsy. After taking letrozole for 3 months, semen analyses by computer-aided sperm analysis present that this man had normal spermatogenesis. This is the first case report of the activation of spermatogenesis, in man who was NOA with elevated FSH level, resulting from the use of the one of aromatase inhibitors.

Blood glucose fluctuation affects skin collagen metabolism in the diabetic mouse by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase and Smad pathways

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that in mice, blood glucose fluctuations (BGF) produced more detrimental effects on skin structure and function than did diabetes alone.

AIM

To determine whether treatment of BGF changes the collagen metabolism in the skin of diabetic mice, and to explore its possible molecular mechanism further.

METHODS

The study used diabetic and BGF animal models. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time PCR analysis were used to detect the expression of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2 and MMP-13, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and Smad2/3. The activities of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Smad signal molecules were also detected by western blotting, and the skin fibroblast ultrastructure was examined using an electron microscope.

RESULTS

BGF treatment produced a twofold reduction in type I collagen synthesis compared with diabetes-only mice. Expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-13 increased markedly in the BGF-treated mice, but TIMP-1 expression was strongly downregulated by the BGF treatment. There was also evidence of higher levels of apoptosis of skin fibroblasts after BGF treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

BGF treatment can affect collagen production in the skin of diabetic BGF mice by inhibiting collagen synthesis and increasing collagen degradation. Furthermore, both MAPK and Smad signalling pathways seem to play a role in the inhibition of collagen production in diabetic mice treated with BGF.