Excitation functions for fast neutron induced reactions on iron and lead

Cross sections of the 54Fe(n,p)54Mn, 54Fe(n,α)51Cr, 56Fe(n,p)56Mn and 204Pb (n,2n)203Pb reactions induced by D-T neutrons were obtained with activation method and γ-ray spectrometry technique. Experimental values measured in this work are consistent with most of the previous literature data. These reactions cross sections were theoretically calculated by using the TALYS-1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 codes from threshold up to 20 MeV, and significant discrepancies were found between calculated results and experiment data. In addition, experimental values are compared with evaluated nuclear data of the CENDL-3.2, ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1 and JEFF-3.3 libraries, and significant difference was found for the 54Fe(n,α)51Cr reaction in ENDF/B-VIII.0 library but not for other reactions.

Fast neutron induced reaction cross sections on natural manganese and tantalum

The cross sections for the 55Mn(n,2n)54Mn, 181Ta(n,2n)180gTa, and 181Ta(n,p)181Hf reactions were measured to be 705.1 ± 26.1 mb at 14.0 MeV, 1362.7 ± 87.2 mb at 13.6 MeV, and 2.31 ± 0.09 mb at 13.6 MeV, respectively, by using an off-line γ-ray spectroscopic technique. The neutrons were produced via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. The monitor reactions 27Al(n,α)24Na and 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb were used for neutron flux determination. The results from the present work were compared with those of the literature and the evaluated data from ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, JENDL-5, CENDL-3.2, and BROND-3.1 libraries. Besides, the cross sections were also estimated with the TALYS-1.96 nuclear model code using different level density models for a better description of the present work and literature data. The present experimental results were found to be in good agreement with most of the available literature data and with the evaluated data.

One new species of the genus Ocellarnaca Gorochov, 2004 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from Yunnan, China

This paper reports one new species of the genus Ocellarance Gorochov, 2004 from Yunnan, China, i.e. Ocellarnaca virida sp. nov. Diagnostic illustrations are provided. The type specimen is deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.

Measurement and analysis of leakage neutron spectra from Lead slab samples with D-T neutrons

The leakage neutron spectra from three different sizes of Lead samples were measured by a TOF technique at 60° and 120°. The essential characteristic properties of the experimental measurement spectra can be reproduced well by MCNP code simulations with the ENDF/B-VIII.0, CENDL-3.2, JENDL-5.0, JEFF-3.3 and TENDL-2021 evaluated nuclear data libraries. The calculated results of JENDL-5.0 and JEFF-3.3 libraries agree better with the experimental data in the whole energy range. The results from ENDF/B-VIII.0 and CENDL-3.2 are overestimated in the 4-9 MeV range at 60° and in the 4-12.5 MeV range at 120°. The differences of the leakage neutron spectra by MCNP simulations using five evaluated nuclear data libraries mainly originate from the differences of the spectrum distributions of neutron reaction channels in these libraries. And the secondary neutron energy distribution and angular distribution from the five libraries have been present to explain it.

One new species of the genus Acosmetura (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Hunan, China

This paper reports one new species of the genus Acosmetura Liu, 2000, i.e., Acosmetura compressa sp. nov. from Hunan, China. In addition, morphological photographs of the new species and a distribution map of the known species of the genus are provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.

[Identification the key factor of pulmonary fibrosis following silica nanoparticles exposure based on bioinformatics analysis]

Objective: To investigate the main mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis following silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) exposure through constructing the macrophage-fibroblast model in vitro, which simulated the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In January 2021, human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) were treated with 0, 25, 50, 100 μg/ml SiNPs for 24 h. The supernatant of THP-1 cells was collected and applied to human embryonic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) which divided into control and low, medium and high dose groups at the logarithmic growth stage for 24 h. MRC-5 cell viability was detected by CCK8. The hydroxyproline (Hyp), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression were detected in the supernatants of MRC-5. The changed proteins were detected by liquid-phase mass spectrometry in high dose group. GeneCard database were applied to identity the differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in high dose group. Gene Ontology (GO) was performed to identity the key biological process in differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins of high dose group. The String database was used to construct the protein-protein interactions (PPI) network of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins. The APP of CytoHubba was applied to calculate the key protein of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in PPI network. Correlation coefficients between key differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis. Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of key proteins of differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins in different groups. Results: CCK8 results showed that MRC-5 cell viability was increasing in low, medium and high dose groups compared with control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of Hyp and IL-1β in different group were increased compared with control group, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were increased in high dose group compared with control group (P<0.05). GeneCard database identified 26 differential pulmonary fibrosis proteins, which were mainly involved in extracellular matrix hydrolysis, cell inflammatory response, tissue repair, cell proliferation, inflammation response by GO analysis. The APP of CytoHubba was calculated that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) played an important role in PPI network. The results of correlation analysis showed that MMP9 was correlated with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), TIMP1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (r=0.97, 0.98, 0.94, 0.93, P<0.05). Western blotting results showed that TIMP1 protein expression was increased in low, medium and high dose groups, while MMP9 protein expression was increased only in high dose group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Differential expression proteins related with pulmonary fibrosis in MRC-5 cells mainly regulate biological processes of extracellular matrix hydrolysis, tissue repair, and cellular inflammation response following SiNPs exposure. MMP9 and TIMP1 may be the key proteins, which affected the fibrosis process in vitro pulmonary fibrosis model.

Two new species of the genus Phlugiolopsis (Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) and the male description of Phlugiolopsis circolobosis Bian, Shi & Chang, 2013 from Yunnan, China

This paper reports two new species of the genus Phlugiolopsis from Yunnan, China, i.e. Phlugiolopsis furcicaudis sp. nov. and Phlugiolopsis breviproceris sp. nov., and describes the male of Phlugiolopsis circolobosis Bian, Shi & Chang, 2013 for the first time. Examined specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.

Three new species of the genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China

This paper reports three new species of the genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 from Yunnan, China, i.e. Nigrimacula biprotubera sp. nov., Nigrimacula trigona sp. nov. and Nigrimacula wuliangshanensis sp. nov. In addition, we supplement the male description of Nigrimacula inlobata Cui, Liu & Shi, 2021.

Two new species of the genus Homogryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) with the male of Homogryllacris irregularis Lu, Zhang & Bian, 2022 from Yunnan, China

This paper reports two new species of the genus Homogryllacris Liu, 2007 from Yunnan, China. In addition, the male of Homogryllacris irregularis Lu, Zhang & Bian, 2022 is described for the first time.

Activation cross sections for reactions induced by 14 MeV neutrons on natural titanium

Cross sections for the neutrons around 14 MeV interaction with natural titanium were precisely measured by neutron activation and off-line measurement technique. The fast neutrons were produced by ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction and the neutron energy was obtained by using the cross section ratio method of ⁹⁰Zr(n,2n)⁸⁹Zr to ⁹³Nb(n,2n)^92mNb reactions. Experimental cross sections have been acquired for ^natTi(n,x)⁴⁶Sc, ^natTi(n,x)⁴⁷Sc, ⁵⁰Ti(n,x)⁴⁷Ca and ⁴⁸Ti(n,x)⁴⁸Sc reactions. The measured cross section data are compared with the experimental data available in the previous literature and evaluated nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1, CENDL-3.2 and FENDL-3.2b libraries. Furthermore, excitation functions for these reactions were calculated by using the theoretical model based on Talys-1.96 code with default and adjusted parameters. Within experimental error, evaluated nuclear data are mostly consistent with experimental data. The excitation function with adjusted parameters can roughly reproduce the experimental data.

Efficacy of non-surgical periodontal treatment on patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is defined as one of the most common cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Periodontitis is one of the risk factors for CAD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were carefully and thoroughly retrieved until October 2021. On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible articles were selected strictly to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Using Cochran's Q statistic, Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 16, data were extracted, and a comprehensive analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

Six RCTs of 619 patients were included in this study, including 360 in the intervention group (IG) and 259 in the control group (CG). Meta-analysis showed significant difference for C-reactive protein (CRP) (1.20mg/L, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.27, p < 0.00001) after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), but showed no significant difference for interleukin-6 (IL-6) (1.19mg/L, 95% CI: -1.03 to 3.40, p=0.29), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (-1.64%, 95% CI: -4.95 to 1.67, p=0.33), triacylglycerol (TG) (-0.02mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.27, p=0.90), total cholesterol (TC) (0.04mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.33, p=0.90), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (0.00mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.29, p=0.99) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.11mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.40, p=0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of NSPT on the reduction of CRP in patients of CAD with periodontitis is significant. NSPT can be considered as an important preventive strategy for major cardiovascular events in CAD.

The Role of Feeding Characteristics in Shaping Gut Microbiota Composition and Function of Ensifera (Orthoptera)

Feeding habits were the primary factor affecting the gut bacterial communities in Ensifera. However, the interaction mechanism between the gut microbiota and feeding characteristics is not precisely understood. Here, the gut microbiota of Ensifera with diverse feeding habits was analyzed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing to further clarify the composition and function of the gut microbiota and its relationship with feeding characteristics. Our results indicate that under the influence of feeding habits, the gut microbial communities of Ensifera showed specific characteristics. Firstly, the gut microbial communities of the Ensifera with different feeding habits differed significantly, among which the gut microbial diversity of the herbivorous Mecopoda niponensis was the highest. Secondly, the functional genes related to feeding habits were in high abundance. Thirdly, the specific function of the gut microbial species in the omnivorous Gryllotalpa orientalis showed that the more diverse the feeding behavior of Ensifera, the worse the functional specificity related to the feeding characteristics of its gut microbiota. However, feeding habits were not the only factors affecting the gut microbiota of Ensifera. Some microorganisms' genes, whose functions were unrelated to feeding characteristics but were relevant to energy acquisition and nutrient absorption, were detected in high abundance. Our results were the first to report on the composition and function of the gut microbiota of Ensifera based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing and to explore the potential mechanism of the gut microbiota's association with diverse feeding habits.

[Multimodality-based super-resolution reconstruction for routine brain magnetic resonance images]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a multi-modality-based super-resolution synthesis model for reconstruction of routine brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) with a low resolution and a high thickness into high-resolution images.

METHODS

Based on real paired low-high resolution MRI data (2D T1, 2D T2 FLAIR and 3D T1), a structure-constrained image mapping network was used to extract important features from the images with different modalities including the whole T1 and subcortical regions of T2 FLAIR to reconstruct T1 images with higher resolutions. The gray scale intensity and structural similarities between the super-resolution images and high-resolution images were used to enhance the reconstruction performance. We used the anatomical information acquired from segment maps of the super-resolution T1 image and the ground truth by a segmentation tool as a significant constraint for adaptive learning of the intrinsic tissue structure characteristics of the brain to improve the reconstruction performance of the model.

RESULTS

Our method showed the performance on the testing dataset than other methods with an average PSNR of 33.11 and SSIM of 0.996. The anatomical structure of the brain including the sulcus, gyrus, and subcortex were all reconstructed clearly using the proposed method, which also greatly enhanced the precision of MSCSR for brain volume measurement.

CONCLUSION

The proposed MSCSR model shows excellent performance for reconstructing super-resolution brain MR images based on the information of brain tissue structure and multimodality MR images.

Phylogeny and Integrative Taxonomy of the Genera Gymnaetoides and Pseudotachycines (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae)

The genera Gymnaetoides and Pseudotachycines are endemic to China and are morphologically homogeneous. The few available diagnostic characters make species identification particularly challenging. Species cannot be classified according to the given generic diagnosis, and phylogenetic analyses have not been reported. Here, we reconstruct the phylogeny using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood and employ four approaches to delimit species. The results suggest that both Gymnaetoides and Pseudotachycines are paraphyletic. Therefore, we revise their taxonomy based on the combination of morphological characters and molecular data. A new genus Homotachycines Zhu & Shi gen. nov. is erected, and six new combinations are proposed. Species delimitation identifies 15 new species and one new subspecies: Gymnaetoides huangshanensis, G. petalus, G. yangmingensis, G. lushanensis, Pseudotachycines procerus, P. procerus guizhouensis, P. zhengi, P. nephrus, P. sagittus, P. fengyangshanensis, Homotachycines triangulus, H. quadratus, H. baokangensis, H. fusus, H. concavus, and H. qinlingensis sp. nov. Moreover, we find that the shapes of the dorsal lateral lobes and the dorsal median lobe of the male genitalia are also important characters for identifying these genera and that the shapes of the dorsal and lateral sclerites of the male genitalia are suitable for the classifications of species.

Quantitative Collateral Assessment on CTP in the Prediction of Stroke Etiology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with stroke etiology of large-artery atherosclerosis were thought to have better collateral circulation compared with patients with other stroke etiologies. We aimed to investigate the association between stroke etiology and collateral circulation with a new quantitative collateral assessment method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed data from consecutive patients with proximal anterior artery occlusion who underwent CTP before reperfusion therapy. CBF maps were derived from CTP. A new indicator, maximum CBF of collateral vessels within the Sylvian fissure (cCBF_max), was applied to quantitatively assess the collateral status. The relationship between collateral status and stroke etiology was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 296 patients were finally analyzed. The median cCBF_max was significantly higher in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis than in those without it (92 [interquartile range, 65-123] mL/100 g/min versus 62 [interquartile range, 46-82] mL/100 g/min; P < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that a higher cCBF_max score was independently associated with large-artery atherosclerosis etiology (OR, 1.010; 95% CI, 1.002-1.018; P = .017) after adjustment. The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the final model in predicting the etiology of large-artery atherosclerosis were 0.870, 89.7%, and 75.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with large-artery atherosclerosis had a more adequate collateral perfusion supply with the new quantitative collateral assessment. The new quantitative collateral measurement might contribute to the prediction of stroke etiology in the acute clinical scenario for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

[Impact of probiotics on the lung development of Bama minipig after premature birth]

Objectives: To examine the impact of probiotics on the lung development of preterm birth of Bama pig. Methods: From April 2020 to October 2021, this animal experimental research was performed by setting up preterm (birth at gestation 104 d), full-term (birth at gestation 113 d), preterm with probiotics (birth at gestation 104 d treated with probiotics given at 3 d after birth), and full-term with probiotics (birth at gestation 113 d treated with probiotics given at 3 d after birth) groups and using the preterm Bama minipig model, the body weights were recorded and lung, ileum, and intestinal content samples were collected at birth, 4 days, 9 days, and 21 days after births of the piglets in preterm and full-term groups, the same samples were collected on 9 days after births of the piglets in preterm with probiotics and full-term with probiotics groups. The body weight and radial alveolar counts (RAC) were compared to evaluate the lung development of the piglets. The lengths of ileal villus were compared to evaluate the development of ileum. The composition structures of bacteria in ileum were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing. The statistical analyses between different groups were performed by t test. Results: There were totally 30 piglets (16 female piglets and 14 male piglets) involving 12 piglets in preterm and full-term groups respectively and 3 piglets in preterm with probiotics and full-term with probiotics groups respectively. The body weights of the piglets in preterm group were lower than those in full-term group at 4, 9 and 21 d after birth ((507±27) vs. (694±56) g, (620±35) vs. (1 092±154) g, (1 660±210) vs. (2 960±418) g,t=2.96, 2.99, 2.78, all P<0.05). The alveolarization of the preterm piglets at 9 days after birth was significantly lower than that of the full-term piglets at the equivalent time point (4.00±0.29 vs. 6.11±0.35, t=4.64, P<0.01). The bacteria genus with the highest abundance in ileum were all different between the preterm and the full-term groups at 4, 9 and 21 d after birth (4 d Escherichia-Shigella (26.63%) and Enterococcus (30.48%) respectively;9 d Turicibacter (35.94%) and Lactobacillus (27.33%) respectively;21 d Escherichia-Shigella (28.02%) and Lactobacillus (46.29%) respectively). The heights of ileal villus of the preterm piglets at 9 d after birth were significantly lower than those of the full-term minipigs at the equivalent time point ((297±21) vs. (411±32) μm, t=3.01, P=0.007).There were both no differences in the body weight and alveolarization ((692±36) vs. (767±67) g, 5.44±0.34 vs. 5.89±0.26, t=0.74, 1.04, both P>0.05) between the piglets in preterm with probiotics group and those in full-term with probiotics group. Turicibacter was the dominant genus in the piglets of both preterm with probiotics and the full-term with probiotics groups. The heights of ileal villus of the piglets in preterm with probiotics group were significantly longer that those of the piglets in preterm group ((371±13) vs. (297±21) μm, t=3.04, P=0.006), and were both not significantly different from those of the piglets in full-term with probiotics group and full-term group ((371±13) vs. (338±12) and (411±32) μm, t=1.90, 1.15, both P>0.05). Conclusions: Premature birth could impact the lung alveolarization of piglets. The probiotics could improve the lung alveolarization of preterm minipigs by promoting the development of ileum.

Cell-free DNA from bile outperformed plasma as a potential alternative to tissue biopsy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and highly heterogenous malignant neoplasms. Because obtaining BTC tissues is challenging, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential roles of bile as a liquid biopsy medium in patients with BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with suspected BTC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on tumor tissues, whole blood cells, plasma, and bile samples using a large panel consisting of 520 cancer-related genes.

RESULTS

Of the 28 patients enrolled in this cohort, tumor tissues were available in eight patients, and plasma and bile were available in 28 patients. Somatic mutations were detected in 100% (8/8), 71.4% (20/28), and 53.6% (15/28) of samples comprising tumor tissue DNA, bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and plasma cfDNA, respectively. Bile cfDNA showed a significantly higher maximum allele frequency than plasma cfDNA (P = 0.0032). There were 56.2% of somatic single-nucleotide variant (SNVs)/insertions and deletions (indels) shared between bile and plasma cfDNA. When considering the genetic profiles of tumor tissues as the gold standard, the by-variant sensitivity and positive predictive value for SNVs/indels in bile cfDNA positive for somatic mutations were both 95.5%. The overall concordance for SNVs/indels in bile was significantly higher than that in plasma (99.1% versus 78.3%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the sensitivity of CA 19-9 combined with bile cfDNA achieved 96.4% in BTC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that bile cfDNA was superior to plasma cfDNA in the detection of tumor-related genomic alterations. Bile cfDNA as a minimally invasive liquid biopsy medium might be a supplemental approach to confirm BTC diagnosis.

One new genus and six new species (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematini) from Yunnan, China

The paper reported one new genus and six new species from Yunnan, China. The new genus, Neoteratura gen. nov. is similar to the genus Alloteratura Hebard, 1922, but differs from the latter by: apical segment of maxillary palpus slightly shorter than subapical one; humeral sinus indistinct; tegmina shorter, not reaching or slightly surpassing apex of abdomen, but longer than hind wings; male genitalia sclerotized, simple; cercus divided into two branches, or with branches. It resembles the genus Borneratura Gorochov, 2008, but differs from the latter by: tegmina and hind wings shorter; male genitalia sclerotized, cercus with branches.

Remarks on the genus Dolicholobosa Bian, Zhu amp; Shi, 2017 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) with one new species from Guizhou, China

The paper reports one new species of the genus Dolicholobosa Bian, Zhu Shi, 2017 from Leigongshan, Guizhou, China, i.e. Dolicholobosa bisofurcula sp. nov., and provides the high-quality multifocused montage images of the new species, two known species and distribution map for the genus.

[Indications, selection, and effect of flap application in repairing scar carcinoma in the lower leg and ankle]

Objective: To explore the indications, selection, and effect of flap application in repairing scar carcinoma in the lower leg and ankle. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From June 2008 to December 2018, six male patients with scar carcinoma in the lower leg and ankle were treated in Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, aged 48-64 years, with the area of lesion ranging from 3 cm×2 cm to 15 cm×6 cm. After extended resection, the defect area ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 22 cm×9 cm, with tissue of tendon or bone exposed. Free anterolateral thigh perforator flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, or pedicled sural neurovascular flap was selected to repair the wound according to the location of wound in the lower extremity, selection of operation position, the location of the anastomotic vessels in the recipient area, and whether there was good skin and soft tissue available in the lower leg. The size of flap was 11 cm×8 cm-26 cm×10 cm. The donor site of free flap or myocutaneous flap was closed directly by suturing in 5 cases, and the donor site of pedicled flap was repaired with full-thickness skin graft in 1 case. The blood supply and survival of flap, quality of skin graft survival, and complication were observed postoperatively. During the follow-up period, the recurrence and metastasis of scar carcinoma, and the appearance and function of donor and recipient sites were observed. Results: All the patients completed the operation successfully, all the transplanted flaps survived with good blood supply, and the skin graft in one donor site survived well. The wounds in the donor and recipient sites of all the patients healed well without infection, effusion, or dehiscence, etc. All the patients were followed up for 1-5 years. No local recurrence or distant metastasis of scar carcinoma was found. The quality of the transplanted flaps was good. The shape of the recipient area was quite good, and the function of the affected limb was fine. The appearance of the donor area was good without dysfunction. Conclusions: Flap transplantation is suitable for the patients with tendon and bone exposure after the excision of scar carcinoma in the lower leg and ankle. The flap can be selected according to the location of scar carcinoma, operation position, the location of anastomotic vessels in the recipient area, and whether there is good skin and soft tissue available in the lower leg. The free anterolateral thigh perforator flap or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal choice for repair, which can be obtained in a large area, and the donor site can be directly sutured without affecting the function.

Gut bacterial communities across 12 Ensifera (Orthoptera) at different feeding habits and its prediction for the insect with contrasting feeding habits

Insect microbial symbioses play a critical role in insect lifecycle, and insect gut microbiome could be influenced by many factors. Studies have shown that host diet and taxonomy have a strong influence on insect gut microbial community. In this study, we performed sequencing of V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene to compare the composition and diversity of 12 Ensifera from 6 provinces of China. Moreover, the influences of feeding habits and taxonomic status of insects on their gut bacterial community were evaluated, which might provide reference for further application research. The results showed that Proteobacteria (45.66%), Firmicutes (34.25%) and Cyanobacteria (7.7%) were the predominant bacterial phyla in Ensifera. Moreover, the gut bacterial community composition of samples with different feeding habits was significantly different, which was irrespective of their taxa. The highest diversity of gut bacteria was found in the omnivorous Ensifera. Furthermore, common and unique bacteria with biomarkers were found based on the dietary characteristics of the samples. However, the bacterial community structure of the Ensifera samples was significantly different from that of Caelifera. Therefore, we concluded that feeding habits and taxonomic status jointly affect the gut bacterial community composition of the samples from Orthoptera. However, the influence of feeding habit dominates when taxonomy category below the suborder level. In addition, the dominant, common and unique bacterial community structure could be used to predict the contrastic feeding habits of insects belonging to Ensifera.

Excitation functions of proton induced reactions on titanium and copper

Excitation functions of the Tnati(p,x)S43,47c, V48 and Cnatu(p,x)⁶⁴Cu, Z62,65n reactions were measured in the energy range of 8.8-18.4 MeV by using the stacked-foil activation technique and off-line gamma spectroscopy. The irradiation was carried out at the superconducting linac of the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Besides, the reliability and effectiveness of theoretical data from the TALYS code, recommended data of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and evaluated nuclear data of the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries were evaluated and verified by comparing with experimental data. Our experimental results agree with most of the available literature data. TALYS-1.95 code could not reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data. Evaluated nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries are able to reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data trend. Recommended data of the IAEA are in good consistent with our work and most of the available literature data.

[Studies on resistance of Schistosoma to praziquantel XVIII Sensitivity to praziquantel in filial generations of praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive Schistosoma japonicum mixed infections]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the sensitivity of adult worms of filial generations from praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive Schistosoma japonicum mixed infections to praziquantel.

METHODS

Mice were infected with the cercariae of an experimentally generated praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate [median effective dose (ED₅₀) = 277.4 mg/kg] and a laboratory-maintained praziquantel-sensitive S. japonicum isolate (ED₅₀ = 99.6 mg/kg) at a mixture ratio of 1:1 and 2:1, which was maintained in the laboratory via the mouse-snail cycle for 8 generations. Then, mice were infected with the cercariae of the 8th filial-generation parasite, and grouped 35 days post-infection. Mice in the 5 treatment groups were given praziquantel treatment by gavage at a single oral dose of 37.5, 75, 150, 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, while animals in the control group was administered orally with 2.5% cremophor EL. All mice were sacrificed 14 days post-treatment and adult worms were collected by perfusion of the portal vein. The worm burden reductions and praziquantel ED₅₀ values were calculated. The praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate generated from experimental induction with 12 rounds of praziquantel treatment with sub-curative doses was maintained in the laboratory via the mouse-snail cycle, and mice were infected with the cercariae of the 8th filial-generation parasite. The praziquantel ED₅₀ value against the 8th filial-generation adults was measured.

RESULTS

After mice were infected with the mixture of cercariae of PZQ-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates at a ratio of 1:1, the praziquantel ED₅₀ was 135.2 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation parasite. After mice were infected with the mixture of cercariae of PZQ-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates at a ratio of 2:1, the praziquantel ED₅₀ was 129.2 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation parasite. In addition, the praziquantel ED₅₀ was 208.4 mg/kg against the adults of the 8th filial-generation S. japonicum without the selection pressure of praziquantel.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the experimentally induced praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate, the adult worms of the filial-generation S. japonicum show a reduced sensitivity to praziquantel in the same host following infection with the mixture of cercariae of praziquantel-resistant and -sensitive S. japonicum isolates. The adult worms of the filial generation of the praziquantel-resistant S. japonicum isolate without the selection pressure of praziquantel may still maintain the resistance to praziquantel.

MiR-129-2 weakens proliferation and promotes apoptosis of liver cancer cells by suppressing the Wnt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of micro ribonucleic acid-129-2 (miR-129-2) on proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells and its possible mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-129-2 was measured in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues from patients with liver cancer. Its level in liver cancer HepG2 cells and normal liver cells L-02 was also detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). MiR-192-2 overexpression model was established in the HepG2 cell line. The proliferation and apoptosis levels of cells were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing assay was performed to detect the migration ability of cells. The expressions level of genes in the Wnt signaling pathway were measured through Western blotting. Xenograft tumor model was conducted in nude mice for exploring the in vivo effects of miR-129-2 on liver cancer growth.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-129-2 was significantly lower in liver cancer tissues than that in adjacent tissues (p<0.01), and it was overtly lower in HepG2 cells than that in L-02 cells (p<0.01). Overexpression of miR-129-2 weakened proliferation and migration abilities of liver cancer cells (p<0.01), and evidently increased apoptosis level (p<0.01). Sex-determining region Y-related HMG-box 4 (Sox4) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were downregulated, while phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK3β) was upregulated in liver cancer cells overexpressing miR-129-2. Besides, the weight and volume of tumors in nude mice bearing liver cancer were significantly smaller after overexpression of miR-129-2.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-129-2 weakens proliferation and migration and stimulates apoptosis in liver cancer cells mainly by downregulating Sox4 and inactivating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Antifungal activity screening for mint and thyme essential oils against Rhizopus stolonifer and their application in postharvest preservation of strawberry and peach fruits

AIMS

With a goal to identify specific essential oils that can control postharvest Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, we performed screening for 26 essential oils based on their antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mentha spicata (Ms), Mentha piperita (Mp), Thymus vulgaris CT carvacrol (Tc) and Thymus vulgaris CT thymol (Tt) exhibited strong inhibition on R. stolonifer growth in the screening. These essential oils increased plasma membrane permeability of R. stolonifer and resulted in the outflow of intercellular electrolyte, nucleic acid, protein and soluble sugar. Morphology of R. stolonifer mycelia was greatly altered by these essential oils. Hyphae treated by these essential oils exhibited high accumulation of superoxide anion and malonaldehyde. Combination of these essential oils in commercial package reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits, with Mp showing the strongest efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Ms, Mp, Tc and Tt essential oils inhibited R. stolonifer growth by targeting its plasma membrane and reduced Rhizopus rot on strawberry and peach fruits.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides potential applications of natural plant extract, as alternatives to tradition fungicides, to control postharvest decay on fruits and vegetables.

Remarks on the genus Tachycines Adelung, 1902 (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae) with description of eight new species from caves in southern China

This paper describes eight new cave-dwelling species of the genus Tachycines from Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi and Sichuan, i.e. Tachycines (Gymnaeta) liboensis sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) bifolius sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) tuberus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) paradoxus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) umbellus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) nulliscleritus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) taenus sp. nov. and Tachycines (Gymnaeta) latiliconcavus sp. nov. The females of T. (G.) ferecaecus (Gorochov, Rampini Di Russo, 2006) and T. (G.) proximus (Gorochov, Rampini Di Russo, 2006) are first recorded. Moreover, we consider T. (G.) aspes (Rampini Di Russo, 2008) as a valid species instead of a synonym of T. (G.) proximus (Gorochov, Rampini Di Russo, 2006) according to obviously different reduction of fastigium verticis and eyes, higher number of spines on the hind tibia and the shape of male genitalia. Furthermore, Eutachycines crenatus (Gorochov, Rampini Di Russo, 2006) should be retransferred to the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta) due to the diagnosis of genus Eutachycines: dorsal sclerite of male genitalia with a protuberance in the upper part. Therefore, it should still belong to the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta). In addition, morphological photographs of the eight new species and five known species are provided, including eyeless species.

[Correlation between elevation of brachial artery pulse pressure increased and coronary heart disease in different genders]

Objective: To explore the relationship between elevation of brachial pulse pressure and coronary heart disease in different genders. Methods: A total of 5 116 inpatients with suspected stable coronary heart disease were consecutively enrolled from December 2011 to June 2017 in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, and divided into coronary heart disease group (n=3 694) and non-coronary heart disease group (n=1 422). The clinical data of all inpatients were collected. A binary logistic regression model of coronary heart disease in different genders were separately established. Results: The morbidity of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, ischemic stroke and elevated pulse pressure were all higher in the coronary heart disease group than those in the non-coronary heart disease group (all P<0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of pulse pressure in the male group was 0.540, with an optimal diagnostic threshold of 50 mmHg. The AUC of pulse pressure in the female group was 0.612, with an optimal diagnostic threshold of 60 mmHg. Besides hypertension, type 2 diabetes, increase of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ischemic stroke, smoking, and aging, elevated pulse pressure was also an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease in both male and female groups (all P<0.05). Additionally, the risk of elevated pulse pressure for coronary heart disease was higher in female group than that of male group (odds ratio (OR): 1.741 vs 1.284, P<0.05). Conclusion: Elevated pulse pressure may be a new risk factor for coronary heart disease, and its risk for coronary heart disease is higher in women than in men.

Comparative mitochondrial genomics of Shoveliteratura triangula (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae) and the first description of a female specimen

This paper provides the first description of a female of Shoveliteratura triangula Shi, Bian Change, 2011, as well as the complete mitogenome sequence using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The length of the entire mitogenome was 16,152 bp and contained the typical gene arrangement, base composition, and codon usage found in other related species. The overall base composition exhibited a clear anti-G (10.8%) and AT bias (70.5%). The third codon positions in all protein-coding genes (PCGs) displayed high AT-content values (81.4%) in contrast to lower values of 64.2%/64.5% in the first/second positions. Two tandem repeats, 2.49 repeats of 112 bp and 3.65 repeats of 201 bp, contributed 1013 bp to the length of the S. triangula control region (CR). A T-stretch as a recognition sequence of the replication origin and more than one distinct tandem repeat in the CR were common in the Tettigoniidae mitogenomes. Both the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses supported each subfamily of the Tettigoniidae as a monophyletic group. The relationships of the subfamilies were as follows: (Lipotactinae (Hexacentrinae (Conocephalinae (Meconematinae (Bradyporinae, Tettigoniinae))))). The newly sequenced species S. triangula was most closely related to Pseudokuzicus pieli.

One new genus and species of the tribe Meconematini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China

In this paper, one new genus Paradoxitettigia gen. nov. is established and one new species Paradoxitettigia longicaudica sp. nov. is described. Furthermore, the morphological images of the new species are provided.

Two new species of the genus Xizicus Gorochov, 1993 (Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae: Meconematini) from Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China

The paper reports 2 new species of the genus Xizicus Gorochov, 1993 from Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China, i.e. Xizicus (Axizicus) furcus Cui, Liu Shi sp. nov. and Xizicus (Eoxizicus) gaoligongshanensis Cui, Liu Shi sp. nov., and supplies characteristic photographs of external morphology. Besides, morphological illustrations of Xizicus (Eoxizicus) kulingensis (Tinkham, 1943) are provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, P. R. China.

New interpretations of the genus Sinocyrtaspis Liu, 2000 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China

In this paper, one new species of the genus Sinocyrtaspis Liu, 2000, i.e. Sinocyrtaspis megalobia sp. nov. and the previously unknown male of Sinocyrtaspis huangshanensis Liu, 2000 are described from China. Meanwhile, Sinocyrtaspis brachycerca Chang, Bian Shi, 2012 is downgraded to subspecies of Sinocyrtaspis huangshanensis Liu, 2000.

Efficacy of Clopidogrel-Aspirin Therapy for Stroke Does Not Exist in C YP2C19 Loss-of-Function Allele Noncarriers With Overweight/Obesity

Background and Purpose—

The role of dual-antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel plus aspirin has been demonstrated to substantially decrease the risk of recurrent stroke among patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack. We aimed to determine whether the efficacy of clopidogrel-aspirin therapy among patients with minor stroke / transient ischemic attack was influenced by the stratification of CYP2C19 genotype and body mass index (BMI).

Methods—

CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele (LoFA) carriers were defined as patients with either LoFA of *2 or *3. Low/normal weight and overweight/obesity was defined as BMI <25 and ≥25 kg/m 2 , respectively. Primary outcome was defined as stroke recurrence at 3 months.

Results—

In a total of 2933 patients, there were 1726 (58.8%) LoFA carriers and 1275 (43.5%) patients with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ). Stratified analyses by LoFA carrying status and BMI, hazard ratios (hazard ratios 95% CIs) of the clopidogrel-aspirin therapy for stroke recurrence were 0.90 (0.60–1.36), 0.87 (0.56–1.35), 0.65 (0.39–1.09), and 0.40 (0.22–0.71) among subgroups of LoFA carriers with overweight/obesity, LoFA carriers with low/normal weight, LoFA noncarriers with overweight/obesity, and LoFA noncarriers with low/normal weight, respectively, with P =0.049 for interaction.

Conclusions—

Efficacy of clopidogrel-aspirin therapy in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence is not present in CYP2C19 LoFA noncarriers with overweight/obesity. Our study suggests that BMI significantly influences the correlation between CYP2C19 genotype and efficacy of clopidogrel-aspirin therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00979589.

Piperine, a functional food alkaloid, exhibits inhibitory potential against TNBS-induced colitis via the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and induces tight junction protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) signaling pathway in experimental mice

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Piperine, an alkaloid, has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antiulcer potential.

AIM

To elucidate the plausible mechanisms of action of piperine on experimental trinitrobenzenesufonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis by assessing various biochemical, molecular, histological, and ultrastructural modifications.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Then, the rats were treated with piperine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days.

RESULTS

TNBS induced significant (p < 0.05) colonic damage, which was assessed by disease activity index, macroscopic score, and stool consistency. The administration of piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) these damages. Treatments with piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) notably inhibited (p < 0.05) the TNBS-induced elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide), 5-hydroxytryptamine, and hydroxyproline content in the colon. Furthermore, colonic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were upregulated after TNBS instillation and piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) these elevated mRNA expressions. TNBS decreased the expressions of tight junction (TJ) protein (claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) and increased the expressions of proapoptotic (caspase-1) protein. These expressions were markedly inhibited (p < 0.05) by piperine treatment. Histological and ultrastructural studies of transmission electron microscopy suggested that piperine significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) TNBS-induced colonic aberrations.

CONCLUSION

Piperine ameliorated the progression of TNBS-induced colitis by modulating the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-alpha/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL's), COX-2, iNOs, oxido-nitrosative stress, and proapoptotic proteins (caspase-1) that may improve the expression of TJ protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1).

A novel, rapid and simple method for detecting brucellosis based on rapid vertical flow technology

AIMS

To prevent the spread of brucellosis, a simple and rapid vertical flow technology (RVFT) for the detection of antibodies targeting brucellosis was developed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, Brucella sp. lipopolysaccharide was purified and used to detect brucellosis antibodies. Sheep IgG was used as a negative control. Colloidal gold-labeled recombinant staphylococcus aureus protein A was sprayed on a fibreglass membrane to prepare immunogold pads. Rapid vertical flow technology was used to detect Brucella in 1668 Sheep, 2743 bovine, 674 red deer and 420 human samples. The results indicated that the accuracy of this assay can reach 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

The established RVFT uses a single multifunctional buffer that can be used to detect antibodies in serum, plasma, whole blood and other biological samples while preserving the advantages of lateral-flow immunoassays.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This technology would be of great use in primary medical units and veterinary stations, and it is of great significance for the control of epidemic diseases.

Predicting the potential distribution of Rhaphidophorinae (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) in China

The rhaphidophorid subfamily Rhaphidophorinae, distributed from South Asian to Australia, comprises 7 extant genus and 160 species. In China, the subfamily are poorly understood. Based on the occurrence data and climate data, ecological niche model can be used as a tool for species discovery. Herein we predict the potential distribution of Chinese Rhaphidophorinae using MAXENT under R environment. The mean temperature of coldest quarter plays an important role in the distribution of true cave cricket in China. Our potential map suggested the main concentrated area of the subfamily's range is in Yunnan, while expanding to the east, there is an obviously geographical barrier in Guangxi. Considering the diversity of rhaphidophorids in China is not well known, we hope that the combining ecological niche model can serve as a guide to future survey expeditions in China.