Biodiversity of the microbiota in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

AIMS

Spodoptera exigua is a serious pest of many agricultural crops. However, the bacterial communities of S. exigua are poorly studied, particularly over their entire life cycle. We aimed to study the biodiversity of the microbiota across the life cycle of S. exigua and to provide a better and obtain insight into new pest control strategies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The bacterial diversity across the life cycle of S. exigua was studied using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Spodoptera exigua is dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with a total relative abundance of 90·03%. Enterococcus (24·6%), Pseudomonas (12·2%) and Asaia (45·9%) were abundant and active in eggs, while Methylobacterium (18·7%) and Halomonas (16·5%) dominated freshly eclosed larvae. The 3rd and 5th instar larvae were dominated by Enterococcus (76·3 and 62·0%). Pupal stages had the highest microbial diversity. There was no significant difference between newly emerged males and females. Symbionts of eggs were extremely similar and probably vertically transmitted by males during mating.

CONCLUSIONS

The result showed that the bacterial community was affected by the host developmental stages. Our results also suggest that symbionts of egg mass are probably vertically transmitted control by male spawning adults.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our study documents the symbiont bacteria across the life cycle of S. exigua. Understanding the microbial symbionts may provide clues to develop potential biocontrol techniques against this pest.

Attenuation of Atherosclerosis by Protocatechuic Acid via Inhibition of M1 and Promotion of M2 Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage polarization has a vital impact on the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a flavonol, displays notable atheroprotective effects, but its mechanisms have not been clearly defined. We investigated whether PCA attenuated AS by regulating macrophage polarization. PCA consumption inhibited HCD-induced plaque formation (17.84 and 8.21% in the HCD and HCD with PCA groups, respectively, p < 0.05) and inflammatory responses in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice. Moreover, PCA suppressed classically activated macrophage (M1) polarization, which decreased the secretion of nitric oxide synthase (54.63 and 32.86% in the HCD and HCD with PCA groups, respectively, p < 0.05) and proinflammatory factors. PCA promoted alternatively activated macrophage (M2) activation, which increased the expression of arginine I (6.97 and 26.19% in the HCD and HCD with PCA groups, respectively, p < 0.001) and anti-inflammatory factors. PCA also regulated M1-M2 polarization in J774 cells and mouse-bone-marrow-derived macrophages. Finally, PCA reduced PI3K-Akt-mediated nuclear-factor-κB activation, thereby suppressing M1 polarization, and provoked signal-transducers-and-activators-of-transcription-6 phosphorylation and peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-γ activation, leading to enhanced M2 activation. Our data revealed that PCA alleviated AS by regulating M1-M2 conversion.

Search for the Higgs Boson Decaying to Two Muons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for the Higgs boson decaying to two oppositely charged muons is presented using data recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2016 at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. Data are found to be compatible with the predicted background. For a Higgs boson with a mass of 125.09 GeV, the 95% confidence level observed (background-only expected) upper limit on the production cross section times the branching fraction to a pair of muons is found to be 3.0 (2.5) times the standard model expectation. In combination with data recorded at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV, the background-only expected upper limit improves to 2.2 times the standard model value with a standard model expected significance of 1.0 standard deviation. The corresponding observed upper limit is 2.9 with an observed significance of 0.9 standard deviation. This corresponds to an observed upper limit on the standard model Higgs boson branching fraction to muons of 6.4×10^{-4} and to an observed signal strength of 1.0±1.0(stat)±0.1(syst).

Biliverdin administration regulates the microRNA-mRNA expressional network associated with neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

Inflammatory response has an important role in the outcome of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIR). Biliverdin (BV) administration can relieve CIR in rats, but the mechanism remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the expressional network of microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA in CIR rats following BV administration. A rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model with BV treatment was established. After neurobehavior was evaluated by neurological severity scores (NSS), miRNA and mRNA expressional profiles were analyzed by microarray technology from the cerebral cortex subjected to ischemia and BV administration. Then, bioinformatics prediction was used to screen the correlation between miRNA and mRNA, and 20 candidate miRNAs and 33 candidate mRNAs were verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the regulation relationship between ETS proto-oncogene 1 (Ets1) and miRNA204-5p was examined by luciferase assay. A total of 86 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the BV group compared with the other groups. A total of 10 miRNAs and 26 candidate genes were identified as a core 'microRNA-mRNA' regulatory network that was linked with the functional improvement of BV administration in CIR rats. Lastly, the luciferase assay results confirmed that miRNA204-5p directly targeted Ets1. The present findings suggest that BV administration may regulate multiple miRNAs and mRNAs to improve neurobehavior in CIR rats, by influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, maintaining ATP homeostasis, and angiogenesis.

Search for Dark Matter Particles Produced in Association with a Top Quark Pair at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is performed for dark matter particles produced in association with a top quark pair in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1} recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. No significant excess over the standard model expectation is observed. The results are interpreted using simplified models of dark matter production via spin-0 mediators that couple to dark matter particles and to standard model quarks, providing constraints on the coupling strength between the mediator and the quarks. These are the most stringent collider limits to date for scalar mediators, and the most stringent for pseudoscalar mediators at low masses.

Measurement of differential cross sections for inclusive isolated-photon and photon+jet production in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

Measurements of inclusive isolated-photon and photon+jet production in proton-proton collisions ats = 13 TeV are presented. The analysis uses data collected by the CMS experiment in 2015, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.26fb - 1 . The cross section for inclusive isolated photon production is measured as a function of the photon transverse energy in a fiducial region. The cross section for photon+jet production is measured as a function of the photon transverse energy in the same fiducial region with identical photon requirements and with the highest transverse momentum jet. All measurements are in agreement with predictions from next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD.

Lactate inhibits ATP6V0d2 expression in tumor-associated macrophages to promote HIF-2α-mediated tumor progression

Macrophages perform key functions in tissue homeostasis that are influenced by the local tissue environment. Within the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages can be altered to acquire properties that enhance tumor growth. Here, we found that lactate, a metabolite found in high concentration within the anaerobic tumor environment, activated mTORC1 that subsequently suppressed TFEB-mediated expression of the macrophage-specific vacuolar ATPase subunit ATP6V0d2. Atp6v0d2-/- mice were more susceptible to tumor growth, with enhanced HIF-2α-mediated VEGF production in macrophages that display a more protumoral phenotype. We found that ATP6V0d2 targeted HIF-2α but not HIF-1α for lysosome-mediated degradation. Blockade of HIF-2α transcriptional activity reversed the susceptibility of Atp6v0d2-/- mice to tumor development. Furthermore, in a cohort of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, expression of ATP6V0d2 and HIF-2α was positively and negatively correlated with survival, respectively, suggesting a critical role of the macrophage lactate/ATP6V0d2/HIF-2α axis in maintaining tumor growth in human patients. Together, our results highlight the ability of tumor cells to modify the function of tumor-infiltrating macrophages to optimize the microenvironment for tumor growth.

Texture Feature Differences between Fresh and Frozen-thawed Ex-vivo Porcine Liver Tissue in B-mode Ultrasonic Imaging

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guidance of cryotherapy could be improved if changes of tissue characterization parameters during freezing could be used to monitor freezing profiles and estimate frostbite distributions.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if B-mode ultrasonic imaging can provide sufficient information to define the damaged zone during cryotherapy by quantifying the differences of texture features between fresh and frozen-thawed porcine liver tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The B-mode ultrasonic images were obtained from ten porcine liver tissue samples before and after frozen-thawing treatment, then 20 texture parameters of the grey level histogram (GLH) and the grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) from each image were extracted and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

It was found that the differences in two texture parameters between the fresh and frozen-thawed tissue are significant enough for diagnostic purpose (variance: 317.0%, contrast: 144.4%).

CONCLUSION

Texture feature analysis of B-mode ultrasonic images can effectively differentiate the fresh and frozen-thawed porcine liver tissues, which offers a prospect for the future practice of evaluating the effectiveness of cryotherapy using Ultrasound.

Large-scale and fast synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite powder by a microwave-hydrothermal method

A microwave-hydrothermal (M-H) method assisted with ultrasonic atomization precipitation was developed for large-scale and fast synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAP) powder. This technology combines the uniform mixing effect of ultrasonic atomization precipitation at high concentration with the rapid and uniform heating effect of the M-H method, aiming to obtain a high quality product with low agglomeration, homogeneous size distribution, accurate stoichiometry, and high purity while improving the yield. The influences of reaction temperature, reaction time and reactant concentration on the formation of nano-HAP were investigated. The results show that the crystallinity increases significantly and the diameter of nano-HAP increases to some extent, but the length does not change obviously while the reaction temperature increase from 60 °C to 160 °C and the reaction time increases from 1 minute to 40 minutes respectively. The crystallinity, dispersion and crystal size of nano-HAP do not change obviously while the concentration of Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O increases from 0.06 mol L⁻¹ to 0.4 mol L⁻¹. When the reaction temperature is 160 °C, the reaction time is 40 min, and the concentration of Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O is 0.4 mol L⁻¹, the yield of nano-HAP powder achieved a maximum yield (0.033 kg L⁻¹). The obtained nano-HAP powder exhibits a uniform size and good dispersibility, with a size of 87.62 ± 22.44 nm and crystallinity of 0.92, respectively. This study indicates that the M-H method assisted with ultrasonic atomization precipitation is a facile one-pot method for the rapid and large-scale synthesis of highly crystalline, dispersible nano-HAP particles.

The obtained nano-HAP still has high crystallinity, uniform size and good dispersibility when the concentration of Na₂HPO₄ is 0.4 mol L⁻¹.

Aerobic oxidation of fluorene to fluorenone over Co–Cu bimetal oxides

Aerobic oxidation of fluorene to fluorenone was achieved over Co–Cu bimetal oxides using O₂ as an oxidant in the absence of a radical initiator. Co–Cu bimetal oxides showed better catalytic performance than CuO and Co₃O₄.

Risk of Cardiovascular Involvement in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: a large-scale cross-sectional cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of cardiovascular involvement and analyze potential risk factors independently associated with cardiovascular involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) patients.

METHODS

We recruited a cohort of 367 PSS patients and 367 age- and gender-matched controls from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, and overt cardiovascular involvement events were recorded. Potential risk factors associated with cardiovascular involvement were determined by multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

PSS patients had a significantly higher cardiovascular involvement rate than that of the controls (61.6% versus 29.7%; p<0.01). Compared with PSS patients without cardiovascular involvement, those with cardiovascular involvement were significantly older; had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipemia; were more likely to have extraglandular organ involvement; and had a higher level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (all p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, age, hypertension, and extraglandular organ involvement were found to be risk factors independently correlated with cardiovascular events in PSS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PSS patients are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In addition to traditional CVD risk factors such as age and hypertension, extraglandular organ involvement was found to be independently associated with cardiovascular involvement in PSS patients, which suggests the need for early detection and prevention measures to improve the prognosis in those patients.

Cost-Related Insulin Underuse Among Patients With Diabetes

This survey study examines the association of higher insulin costs with nonadherence in patients with diabetes.

Photocatalytic degradation of naproxen by a H2O2-modified titanate nanomaterial under visible light irradiation

A H₂O₂-modified titanate nanomaterial was synthesized to improve catalytic activity. The influencing factors, intermediate product transformation pathways and degradation mechanism of the photodegradation process of NPX by the HTNM were studied.

Reduction of peripheral natural killer cells in patients with SAPHO syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the roles of peripheral immune cell subsets in synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. Up to now, just a few studies have focused on this issue. We aimed to analyse the distribution and phenotype of T cell subsets and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with SAPHO syndrome.

METHODS

The proportion and absolute counts of circulating immune cells were assessed in 19 patients diagnosed as SAPHO syndrome and 19 healthy controls. CD4+T cell subsets were also analysed in 9 untreated SAPHO patients and 9 healthy volunteers by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The proportion and absolute counts of NK cells were significantly reduced in SAPHO patients in comparison with the controls (proportion, 10% vs. 18%, p<0.001; absolute counts, 231/μl vs. 307/μl, p=0.014). Conversely, the proportion and absolute counts of Th17 cells in untreated SAPHO patients were significantly higher than that in the healthy controls (proportion, 1.49% vs. 0.93%, p=0.004; absolute counts, 14.36/μl vs. 5.14/μl, p<0.001). Similarly, Th17/Th1 cells were significantly increased (proportion, 0.45% vs. 0.33%, p=0.024; absolute number, 5.47/μl vs. 1.98/μl, p<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the percentage and number of Treg cells in patients with SAPHO syndrome and healthy controls. Thus, the ratio of Th17/Treg was increased in SAPHO patients (0.68 vs. 0.17, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that the immune inflammation in SAPHO patients may be related to the depletion of NK cells and the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells. A reduction of peripheral NK cells may exacerbate the disease progression by not being inhibited Th17 cells.

Correction: Large-scale and fast synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite powder by a microwave-hydrothermal method

Correction for ‘Large-scale and fast synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite powder by a microwave-hydrothermal method’ by Zhengwei Cai et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 13623–13630.

A Novel Organic "Polyurea" Thin Film for Ultralong-Life Lithium-Metal Anodes via Molecular-Layer Deposition

Metallic Li is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, its commercialization has been impeded by the severe safety issues associated with Li-dendrite growth. Non-uniform Li-ion flux on the Li-metal surface and the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the Li plating/stripping process lead to the growth of dendritic and mossy Li structures that deteriorate the cycling performance and can cause short-circuits. Herein, an ultrathin polymer film of "polyurea" as an artificial SEI layer for Li-metal anodes via molecular-layer deposition (MLD) is reported. Abundant polar groups in polyurea can redistribute the Li-ion flux and lead to a uniform plating/stripping process. As a result, the dendritic Li growth during cycling is efficiently suppressed and the life span is significantly prolonged (three times longer than bare Li at a current density of 3 mA cm^-2 ). Moreover, the detailed surface and interfacial chemistry of Li metal are studied comprehensively. This work provides deep insights into the design of artificial SEI coatings for Li metal and progress toward realizing next-generation Li-metal batteries.

Preparation of silver nanoparticles with hyperbranched polymers as a stabilizer for inkjet printing of flexible circuits

Carboxyl-terminated hyperbranched polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticles were synthesized in the aqueous phase and used to prepare a printable conductive ink.

High BMI has no impact on the survival of Chinese patients with lower thoracic esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with curative esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched study

Controversy still exists as to whether a high body mass index (BMI) has any impact on the long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients treated with curative esophagectomy. Therefore, we conducted this propensity score-matched (PSM) study to explore the prognostic value of high BMI in Chinese patients with lower thoracic esophageal adenocarcinoma for the first time. We retrospectively collected data of patients with lower thoracic esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent curative esophagectomy in our department from January 2009 to December 2016. Patients were grouped into high BMI group (≥23 kg/m2) and normal BMI group (18.5-22.9 kg/m2) according to the Asian specific BMI cutoff value. Both Cox regression survival analysis and PSM analysis were applied. Finally, a total of 132 patients were included for analysis. Fifty-three patients were in the high BMI group while 79 patients were in the normal BMI group. There was no significant difference regarding age, gender, comorbidity, tumor differentiation, tumor site, lymphovascular invasion, or surgical approaches between the two groups. However, patients with a high BMI tended to have more stage III diseases but a lower rate of adjuvant therapy application than those with a normal BMI. For survival, there was no significant survival difference between patients with a high BMI and those with a normal BMI (5-year overall survival (OS): 40.8% vs. 48.1%; P = 0.398). In the multivariate analysis, high BMI was not found to be an independent prognostic factor (HR = 1.028, 95%CI: 0.621-1.667, P = 0.945). A total of 92 well-matched patients were included after PSM analysis. However, there was still no significant difference of survival between the two groups (5-year OS: 41.4% vs. 43.3%; P = 0.760). Therefore, high BMI has no impact on survival of Chinese patients with lower thoracic esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with curative esophagectomy.

UCP2-dependent improvement of mitochondrial dynamics protects against acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a public health concern, with high morbidity and mortality rates in hospitalized patients and because survivors have an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. Mitochondrial damage is the critical driver of AKI-associated dysfunction and loss of tubular epithelial cells; however, the pathways that mediate these events are poorly defined. Here, in murine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI, we determined that mitochondrial damage is associated with the level of renal uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). In hypoxia-damaged proximal tubular cells, a disruption of mitochondrial dynamics demonstrated by mitochondrial fragmentation and disturbance between fusion and fission was clearly indicated. Ucp2-deficient mice (knockout mice) with I/R injury experienced more severe AKI and mitochondrial fragmentation than wild-type mice. Moreover, genetic or pharmacological treatment increased UCP2 expression, improved renal function, reduced tubular injury and limited mitochondrial fission. In cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells, hypoxia-induced mitochondrial fission was exacerbated in cells with UCP2 deletion, whereas an increase in UCP2 ameliorated the hypoxia-induced disturbance of the balance between mitochondrial fusion and fission. Furthermore, results following modulation of UCP2 suggested it has a role in preserving mitochondrial integrity by preventing loss of membrane potential and reducing subsequent mitophagy. Taken together, our results indicate that UCP2 is protective against AKI and suggest that enhancing UCP2 to improve mitochondrial dynamics has potential as a strategy for improving outcomes of renal injury. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Complete genome sequence of Achromobacter insolitus type strain LMG 6003T, a pathogen isolated from leg wound

Achromobacter insolitus is a newly described, Gram-negative, small (1-2 mm long) and coccoid pathogen that has been isolated from leg wound. Due to its potential threat to human beings, the type strain of this species LMG 6003T was completely sequenced in this study. The genomic analysis revealed that the genome of LMG 6003T consists of one circular DNA chromosome of 6 492 697 bp with a GC content of 65.10%. The entire genome contains 6208 predicted coding genes, 61 tRNAs and 13 rRNA genes. Comparative genome analysis between LMG 6003T and another selected 10 sequenced Achromobacter revealed that 725 genes only exist in LMG 6003T. In particular, these genes include several important pathogenic-related genes such as Type IV prepilin peptidase (TadV/CpaA), Type VI secretion lipoprotein (VasD) and type 1 fimbriae major subunit (FimA). Genomic island (GI) analysis also suggests the existence of GIs in LMG 6003T. All these results strongly suggest the unique genomic features in LMG 6003T against other Achromobacter species. This report will provide us with an extended understanding of A. insolitus at the genomic level and would be helpful for understanding the evolution of the Achromobacter genus.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in a Post-Kidney Transplant Patient: An Initial Case Report in China

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the general applicability, feasibility, and safety of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in Chinese renal allograft patients for prostate cancer removal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 62-year-old patient diagnosed as having biopsy-proven localized prostate cancer in March 2016 who had undergone renal transplant 12 years ago was studied. The preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was determined to be 11.82 ng/mL and the Gleason score was determined to be 3 + 3. The RARP was carried out using a transperitoneal and posterior approach with 5 ports in May 2016. The most important technique was ensuring that the transplanted kidney and ureter remained untouched during the surgery. Only the right obturator lymph nodes were dissected because the renal allograft was overlying the iliac vessels.

RESULTS

The RARP was successfully concluded following 230 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 200 mL. There were no postoperative complications. Final pathology was T2cN0M0, Gleason 3 + 3. Following catheter removal, the patient was completely continent and was discharged with no change in serum creatinine or glomerular filtration rate levels. During a 21-month follow-up, unobstructed urination, no incontinence, no biochemical recurrence, and normal kidney function were observed.

CONCLUSION

RARP in Chinese renal allograft patients is a feasible method that can be accomplished with no injuries to the transplanted kidney or ureter and is achieved with favorable oncological and functional outcomes. In addition, post-kidney transplant male patients are recommended to have routine prostate-specific antigen screening for the early detection of prostate cancer.

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 may be a potential biomarker in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy

The mechanisms of the pathogenesis of epilepsy remain unclear. Recent research shows that the inflammatory process occurring in the brain may be a common and critical mechanism of seizures. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL-40) is a newly discovered inflammatory factor. We aimed to evaluate the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker for epilepsy. 124 subjects were classified as control group (n = 23), new-diagnosis epilepsy group (NDE, n = 34), drug responsive epilepsy group (DPE, n = 37), and drug-resistant epilepsy group (DRE, n = 30) YKL-40 was measured by ELISA in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The concentrations of serum and CSF YKL-40 and its diagnostic accuracy for epilepsy were analysed. Patients with DRE had higher concentrations of YKL-40 in serum and CSF, while patients with NDE and DPE had increased YKL-40 levels in CSF but not serum in comparison with control. Moreover, serum and CSF YKL-40 provide high diagnostic accuracy for DRE. YKL-40 may play a possible pathogenic role in epilepsy. YKL-40 may represent a potential biomarker of brain inflammation in patients with DRE.