Effects of microplastics on functional genes related to CH4 and N2O metabolism in bacteriophages during manure composting and its planting applications

Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of pollutant, widely exist in livestock and poultry breeding and agricultural soils. However, research on MPs pollution on greenhouse gas emissions in combined planting and breeding systems is lacking, especially from the perspective of phage horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, this paper explores the effects of MPs on functional genes related to CH4 and N2O metabolism in bacteriophages during manure composting and its planting applications. The results of the study indicated that the addition of MPs had an impact on both the physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of manure during the composting process and on the compost-applied rhizosphere soil of lactuca (Lactuca sativa). Specifically, on day 7 of composting, mcrA/pmoA and (nirS+nirK) levels in bacteria in the MP group significantly increased. Additionally, it was observed that the MP group had higher average temperatures during the high-temperature period of composting, which led to a rapid reduction in phages. However, the phage levels quickly recovered during the cooling period. Furthermore, the addition of MPs to the rhizosphere soil resulted in higher levels of nirK. These changes may affect greenhouse gas emissions.

Cyclic AMP and biofilms reveal the synergistic proliferation strategy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli under the costimulation of high concentrations of microplastics and enrofloxacin

Microplastics (MPs) provide attachment sites for biofilm formation of microorganisms, which can promote their resistance to environmental stress has been proved. However, the effect of MPs on synergy survival among microorganisms under antibiotic stress remains unclear. In the present study, the proliferation of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed under enrofloxacin stress with the influence of MPs. Here, MPs reduced the growth speed of E. coli and enhanced that of P. aeruginosa, especially at 12 h, but the final value of OD₆₀₀ and CFU of both bacteria not be influenced. E. coli was enrofloxacin sensitive (MIC = 0.25 μg/mL), and a high MP concentration in the presence of enrofloxacin notably enhanced the biofilm formation ability of P. aeruginosa, but proliferation decreased. In the coculture system, the proliferation of E. coli (increased 1.42-fold) and P. aeruginosa (increased 1.06-fold) both increased under enrofloxacin stress (0.25 μg/mL) with high-concentration MP addition. P. aeruginosa may provide the biofilm matrix for E. coli to resist the stress of enrofloxacin. The high concentration of cyclic AMP secreted by E. coli may slightly inhibited biofilm formation, leading to a decrease in the fitness cost of P. aeruginosa; thus, the proliferation of P. aeruginosa increased. The present study is the first to show that MP combined with antibiotics stimulates the metabolic cooperation of bacteria to promote proliferation.

A sustainable and economic strategy to reduce risk antibiotic resistance genes during poultry manure bioconversion by black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larvae: Larval density adjustment

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) are common insects that are known for bioconversion of organic waste into a sustainable utilization resource. However, a strategy to increase antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) elimination in sustainable and economic ways through BSFL is lacking. In the present study, different larval densities were employed to assess the mcr-1 and tetX elimination abilities, and potential mechanisms were investigated. The application and economic value of each larval density were also analyzed. The results showed that the 100 larvae cultured in 100 g of manure group had the best density because the comprehensive disadvantage evaluation ratio was the lowest (14.97%, good bioconversion manure quality, low ARG deposition risk and reasonable larvae input cost). Further investigation showed that mcr-1 could be significantly decreased by BSFL bioconversion (4.42 ×10⁷ copies/g reduced to 4.79 ×10⁶-2.14 ×10⁵ copies/g)(P＜0.05); however, mcr-1 was increasingly deposited in the larval gut with increasing larval density. The tetX abundance was stabilized by BSFL bioconversion, except that the abundance at the lowest larval density increased (1.22 ×10¹⁰ copies/g increase, 34-fold). Escherichia was the host of mcr-1 and tetX in all samples, especially in fresh manure; Alcaligenes was the host of tetX in bioconversion manure; and the abundance of Alcaligenes was highly correlated with the pH of bioconversion manure. The pH of bioconversion manure was extremely correlated with the density of larvae. Klebsiella and Providencia were both hosts of tetX in the BSF larval gut, and Providencia was also the host of mcr-1 in the BSF larval gut. The density of larvae influenced the bioconversion manure quality and caused the ARG host abundance to change to control the abundance of ARGs, suggesting that larval density adjustment was a useful strategy to manage the ARG risk during BSFL manure bioconversion.

Breed differences in the expression levels of gga-miR-222a in laying hens influenced H2S production by regulating methionine synthase genes in gut bacteria

BACKGROUND

The microbiota in the cecum of laying hens is crucial for host digestion, metabolism, and odor gas production. The results of recent studies have suggested that host microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression of the gut microbiota. In the present study, the expression profiles of host-derived miRNAs in the cecal content of two laying hen breeds; Hy-line Gray and Lohmann Pink, which have dissimilar H₂S production, were characterized; and their effects on H₂S production by regulating the expression of gut microbiota-associated genes were demonstrated.

RESULTS

The differential expression of microbial serine O-acetyltransferase, methionine synthase, aspartate aminotransferase, methionine-gamma-lyase, and adenylylsulfate kinase between the two hen breeds resulted in lower H₂S production in the Hy-line hens. The results also revealed the presence of miRNA exosomes in the cecal content of laying hens, and an analysis of potential miRNA-target relationships between 9 differentially expressed miRNAs and 9 differentially expressed microbial genes related to H₂S production identified two methionine synthase genes, Odosp_3416 and BF9343_2953, that are targeted by gga-miR-222a. Interestingly, in vitro fermentation results showed that gga-miR-222a upregulates the expression of these genes, which increased methionine concentrations but decreased H₂S production and soluble sulfide concentrations, indicating the potential of host-derived gga-miR-222a to reduce H₂S emission in laying hens.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study reveal both a physiological role by which miRNAs shape the cecal microbiota of laying hens and a strategy to use host miRNAs to manipulate the microbiome and actively express key microbial genes to reduce H₂S emissions and breed environmentally friendly laying hens. Video Abstract.

Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. essential oil mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. essential oil (named CEO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats. In the present study, 21 compounds were characterized in CEO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Furthermore, animal data suggested that CEO could protect rats against ALI, as evidence by increasing white blood cell count, reducing immune organ index and improving lung histopathological changes in rats subjected to LPS. Reduction of the levels of IL-1β was also shown during CEO-triggering lung protection in rats. Meanwhile, these protective effects of CEO were accompanied by the attenuation of lipid oxidation, and elevation of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting that enhancement of antioxidant defense was linked to its lung protection. Moreover, a combination with CEO and LPS significantly elevated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared with LPS alone via increasing propionic, i-butyric, butyric and i-valeric acid on LPS-induced ALI in rats. Therefore, our findings indicated that CEO could alleviate LPS-caused ALI in rats by controlling aberrant inflammation, correcting the redox system, and modulating SCFAs in rats.

Elimination and analysis of mcr-1 and blaNDM-1 in different composting pile layers under semipermeable membrane composting with copper-contaminated poultry manure

The mcr-1 and bla_NDM-1 elimination in copper contamination poultry manure was evaluated by semi-permeable membrane composting. The results showed the mcr-1 in control and high copper groups could not be removed, but mcr-1 decreased superlatively 80.1% in low copper treatment group. Bla_NDM-1 was increased after composting, especially the copper addition groups, the results indicated that the relative abundance of mcr-1 and bla_NDM-1 was obviously different in the different pile layers of copper treatment groups. Three mobile gene elements (MEGs) correlated both mcr-1 and bla_NDM-1,copB correlated mcr-1, czcA and copA correlated both mcr-1 and bla_NDM-1. The major phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria in all layers. The correlation analysis showed that the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) potential hosts could be influenced by copper form and physicochemical parameters. Semi-permeable membrane composting could decrease the abundance of major potential pathogens. Furthermore, the composting pile was not homogeneous by semi-permeable membrane composting.

Occurrence of microplastic in livestock and poultry manure in South China

Microplastic (MP) contamination in soil has attracted much attention, and increasing evidence suggests that MPs can accumulate in agricultural soils through fertilization by compost. In addition, the most common raw materials for composting are livestock and poultry manure wastes. Because the presence of MPs may threaten the safe utilization of fertilizers composted by livestock and poultry wastes during crop planting, it is necessary to understand the contamination risk of MPs present in livestock and poultry manure. In this study, the distribution of MPs in 19 livestock and poultry farms with 3 different species was investigated by using FTIR microscopy. A total of 115 items manure MPs and 18 items feed MPs were identified as PP and PE types dominated by colorful fragments and fibers. Furthermore, after comparing the compositions of plastic products used in the feeding process, we proposed two transport pathways for MP pollution in manure and one potential transport pathway in feeds. Our result proved that the application of swine and poultry manure directly could be a new route of MPs in agricultural soil, furthermore, the presence of MPs could threaten the safety of resource utilization in agricultural soil by using swine and poultry manure for manure potentially. Not, only that, our study also provided a reference for the remediation of MP-contaminated soil.

A novel method for extraction of polypropylene microplastics in swine manure

With the development of modern industry and agriculture, plentiful microplastics (MPs) were produced as a result of the abuse of plastic. The widespread presence of MPs in soils has caused coastal ecological environment pollution. Previous research has shown that fertilizer is one pathway for the entry of MPs into agricultural soils. Meanwhile, livestock manure is a major fertilizer for crops, and the application of livestock manure compost creates a potential pathway for MPs to enter soils. Thus, MPs may exist in livestock manure from the process of livestock breeding and ultimately contaminate agricultural soils. Based on the increasing attention to MP pollution, manure-born MPs will attract more interest in the future. Thus, the present study compares the extraction effects of centrifugation with fractional distillation, and an improved method is introduced to extract polypropylene (PP) from different types of swine manure. The numbers of particles and fibers were determined using a camera (MS60) connected to a stereomicroscope (Mshot MZ62), and the results showed that the recovery rate of plastic particles in swine manure based on different added numbers ranged from 71.43% ± 8.36 to 96.67% ± 3.33 with the centrifugation method, and only 31.11% ± 10.56 to 43.33% ± 12.56 using fractional distilling. The recovery rate for fibers was generally higher than for particles, especially using centrifugation, and ranged from 95.67% ± 1.58 to 100% ± 0, while the rate of fiber recovery using fractional distillation ranged from 39.44% ± 10.66 to 39.44 ± 10.66. The results of recovery rates using the two methods show that the effect of extraction by centrifugation is superior to the method of fractional distillation, with a recovery rate of approximately 100% for fibers and 90% for particles. The recovery number of microplastics evaluated with a line regression model was acceptable. Graphical abstract.

The Combination of Lead and Bacillus coagulans R11 Increased the Concentration of Alpha-Solanine in the Cecum of Laying Hens and the Pathogens Abundance Decreased

Alpha-solanine is an alkaloid that can inhibit the growth of pathogens and cancer cells, the present study proved that feeding with Bacillus coagulans R11 increases the concentration of alpha-solanine in the cecum of laying hens, which also decreases the abundance of potential pathogens. In addition, the bacteria genera, metabolism pathways and its proteins involved in the biosynthesis of alpha-solanine in the cecum were also characterized. The results showed that B. coagulans R11 feeding could increase the concentration of alpha-solanine, even with lead exposure. Mevalonic acid and MEP/DOXP pathways were both participated in the biosynthesis of alpha-solanine; at the same time, the gut metabolites (S)-2-amino-6-oxohexanoate, N2-succinyl-L-ornithine and the bacteria proteins atoB, ispH were shown to be crucial role in the biosynthesis of alpha-solanine in the gut. The genera Faecalibacterium sp. An77 and Faecalibacterium sp. An58 2 were important in the biosynthesis of alpha-solanine, which provided the key proteins atoB and ispH. In addition, alpha-solanine could decrease the abundance of Prevotella sp. 109 and Prevotella marshii. In conclusion, alpha-solanine could be biosynthesized by cecal microorganisms with the stimulation of B. coagulans R11 in the intestine of laying hens, in addition, alpha-solanine was the main compound which also decreased the abundance of gut potential.

Attenuation of a virulent swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus strain via cell culture passage

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a newly identified enteric alphacoronavirus that causes fatal diarrhea in newborn piglets in China. Here, we propagated a virulent strain SADS-CoV/CN/GDWT/2017 in Vero cells for up to 83 passages. Four strains of SADS-CoV/GDWT-P7, -P18, -P48 and -P83 were isolated and characterized. Sequence alignments showed that these four novel strains exhibited 16 nucleotide mutations and resultant 10 amino acid substitutions in open reading frame 1a/1b, spike, NS3a, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid proteins. Furthermore, a 58-bp deletion in NS7a/7b was found in P48 and P83 strains, which led to the loss of NS7b and 38 amino acid changes of NS7a. Pig infection studies showed that the P7 strain caused typical watery diarrhea, while the P83 strain induced none-to-mild, delayed and transient diarrhea. This is the first report on cell adaption of a virulent SADS-CoV strain, which gives information on the potential virulence determinants of SADS-CoV.

12 novel atypical porcine pestivirus genomes from neonatal piglets with congenital tremors: A newly emerging branch and high prevalence in China

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), a newly discovered member of the genus Pestivirus, is considered to be associated with congenital tremors (CT) in piglets. From June 2016 to January 2018, 440 serum and tissue samples from CT-affected piglets in Anhui, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces were collected to detect APPV. The results showed a high level of 63.4% preference for APPV in 27 swine farms and complicated co-infection cases between APPV and other 12 swine viruses. Meanwhile, 12 novel APPV genomes were screened and identified. Results showed that complete genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of these novel 12 APPV sequences revealed 80.5%-99.8%, 78%-100% and 76.9%-99.8% nucleotide identities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of full-length genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of APPV indicated three well-defined clades including a newly emerging branch in China. This study provides novel epidemiological information of APPV in China.

Effects of a Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide against pancreatic damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

This study aimed at exploring the role of a Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) in pancreatic damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mice.

Phylogenetic and Genome Analysis of 17 Novel Senecavirus A Isolates in Guangdong Province, 2017

Senecavirus A (SVA), an emerging RNA virus, is considered to be associated with porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD). From February to September 2017, 17 novel SVA strains were isolated from samples with the vesicular disease from Guangdong Province, China. Full-length genomes and individual genes of the 17 new SVA isolates were genetically and phylogentically analyzed. Results showed that complete genomes, VP1, 3C, and 3D genes of these 17 novel SVA isolates revealed 96.5–99.8%, 95.1–99.9%, 95.6–100%, and 96.9–99.7% nucleotides identities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of full-length genomes, VP1, 3C, and 3D genes indicated that 17 novel SVA isolates separated to three well-defined groups. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis for all available Chinese SVA strains demonstrated that 45 Chinese SVA strains clustered into five distinct groups with no significant relationship between strains from different provinces and/or years, including a newly emerging branch in China. This is the first comprehensive study of phylogenetic analysis for all available Chinese SVA strains, indicating the appearance of a new type of SVA strains and the complicated circulations with at least five different types of SVA strains in pigs in China.

Development of a TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of SADS-CoV associated with severe diarrhea disease in pigs

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We established a TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of a novel swine diarrhea virus SADS-CoV.

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The assay in this study was of high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility.

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We compared the accuracy between conventional PCR and TaqMan-based RT-PCR assay with adequate clinical samples.

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This approach will help to provide knowledge on epidemiology and pathogenesis studies of SADS-CoV.

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus which was first reported in southern China in 2017. It can cause severe diarrhea disease in pigs. In order to detect this new emerging virus rapidly and reliably, a TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay was established in this study. Specific primers and probe were designed and synthesized based on the conserved region within the N gene of the viral genome. Results showed that the lowest limit of detection was 3.0 × 10¹ copies/μL. This approach was specific for SADS-CoV, and there were no cross-reaction observed against other 15 swine viruses. It was 10 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR and gave higher SADS-CoV positive detection rate (70.69%, 123/174) than the conventional PCR (51.15%, 89/174) from clinical samples. These data indicated that the TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay established here was an effective method with high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility for faster and more accurate detection and quantification of SADS-CoV.

Multilevel selection of bcrABDR-mediated bacitracin resistance in Enterococcus faecalis from chicken farms

In this study we isolated 109 Enterococcus faecalis from chicken faecal samples in 6 provinces of China to investigate the prevalence and transmission mechanism of the bacitracin resistance locus bcrABDR in E. faecalis. Thirty-seven bcrABDR-positive E. faecalis were detected with 26 different PFGE clusters. The MLST of 14 positive strains belonged to ST16 and we also detected three new sequence types. S1-PFGE analysis indicated that the locus was located on plasmids presenting different sizes, with the most prevalent size being ~50 kb (13/37). Sequence analysis revealed that 17 out of the 37 strains harbored a 5400-bp central region, in which locus bcrABDR was bracketed by two ISEnfa1 of the same orientation. Two types of bcrABDR alleles, differing in around 10% of their sequence were found. In silico analysis showed that bcrABDR is present in a variety of bacteria including the chicken commensal Enterococcus cecorum. Our results indicate that the use of bacitracin at farms might trigger the emergence and spread of the bacitracin resistance determinant bcrABDR among human bacterial pathogens. The finding of bcrABDR in the chicken commensal E. cecorum indicates that farm animals microbiota can be an important reservoir of resistance genes with relevance for human health.

Role of autophagy in protection afforded by hypoxic preconditioning against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

A sublethal preconditioning has been proposed as a neuroprotective strategy against several CNS neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the involvement of autophagy in the protection provided by hypoxic preconditioning against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced neurotoxicity was studied in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In contrast to the cytotoxicity of 0.1% oxygen, 1% oxygen hypoxia for 24h did not cause significant cell death. A transient increase in LC3-II level, a biomarker of autophagy, was demonstrated during hypoxic treatment. At the same time, 8-h hypoxia increased fluorescence due to monodansylcadaverine, a specific dye for autophagosomes, in the treated cells. Co-incubation with bafilomycin A1 (10 nM) further increased hypoxia-induced LC3-II levels but 3-methyladenine (3-MA; 10 mM) reduced the elevation in LC3-II levels induced by 8-h hypoxia. Moreover, 8-h hypoxia increased free radical formation and nuclear HIF-1alpha level. Glutathione was found to diminish hypoxia-induced LC3-II elevation. In contrast to the elevated LC3-II level, 8-h hypoxia significantly decreased mitochondrial mass. Furthermore, a rebound elevation in mitochondrial mass was observed under 8-h hypoxia and subsequent 12-h normoxia. Prior hypoxia attenuated the MPP(+)-induced elevation in LC3-II levels and cell death. Moreover, hypoxic pretreatment inhibited MPP(+)-induced activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. Co-incubation with 3-MA during hypoxia prevented the protection afforded by hypoxic preconditioning against MPP(+)-induced increases in LC3-II levels and neurotoxicity. Taken together, our results suggest that sublethal hypoxia induces autophagy that is mediated by oxidative stress. Furthermore, autophagy may be involved in the protection provided by hypoxic preconditioning against MPP(+)-induced neurotoxicity, indicating a neuroprotective role of autophagy in hypoxic preconditioning.

The crystal structure of a multifunctional protein: phosphoglucose isomerase/autocrine motility factor/neuroleukin

Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) plays a central role in both the glycolysis and the gluconeogenesis pathways. We present here the complete crystal structure of PGI from Bacillus stearothermophilus at 2.3-A resolution. We show that PGI has cell-motility-stimulating activity on mouse colon cancer cells similar to that of endogenous autocrine motility factor (AMF). PGI can also enhance neurite outgrowth on neuronal progenitor cells similar to that observed for neuroleukin. The results confirm that PGI is neuroleukin and AMF. PGI has an open twisted alpha/beta structural motif consisting of two globular domains and two protruding parts. Based on this substrate-free structure, together with the previously published biological, biochemical, and modeling results, we postulate a possible substrate-binding site that is located within the domains' interface for PGI and AMF. In addition, the structure provides evidence suggesting that the top part of the large domain together with one of the protruding loops might participate in inducing the neurotrophic activity.

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: a clinicopathologic study of 283 cases

BACKGROUND

Although in the English literature, much has been published about ovarian teratoma, no large series has been reported in Taiwan. Therefore a retrospective study of 283 consecutive cases of mature cystic teratomas of the ovary, operated at National Taiwan University Hospital between 1988 and 1993, was undertaken.

METHODS

This series was based on a retrospective chart study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National Taiwan University Hospital from 1988 to 1993. All cases included in this study were proven by pathology review. The clinical data, pathology and complications are summarized.

RESULTS

The incidence of mature cystic teratoma was 32.6% of primary ovarian neoplasm. As for the age distribution, the youngest patient was 12 years old and the oldest, 76. The largest number of cases was found in patients between the ages of 20 and 30 years; the mean age was 35.4 years. Pain, the most common complaint, was noted in 48.1% of the cases in whom it varied from a dull ache to the sharp, stabbing pain of torsion. Of greater interest was an unexpectedly high incidence (16.6%) of asymptomatic cysts found on routine physical examination. The right ovary was involved in 51.2%, the left ovary in 40.6% and bilateral ovaries were involved in 8.2%. The incidence of torsion was 9.2%, and was the highest in all complications. Ten concurrent pregnancies were noted, an incidence of 3.5%. The incidence of malignant transformation was 0.7%, with a pathology of squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Mature cystic teratom is the most common germ cell tumor and accounts for about 33% of all ovarian neoplasm They occur primarily during the reproductive years, but may occur in the postmenopausal period or in childhood. A cystic teratoma can undergo malignant transformation; it occurs most frequently in postmenopausal women, and the prognosis is poor. However, it is a rare complicaiton, with an incidence less than 1%.

Female genital tuberculosis: report of seven cases

Seven cases of histologically proven genital tuberculosis (TB) encountered at the National Taiwan University Hospital in the past 16 years were reviewed. From a total of 54,576 gynecologic specimens submitted for pathologic examination, the occurrence of genital TB was 0.01%. Of these seven patients, one suffered from primary infertility and one from secondary infertility. The patient with primary infertility had been married for 29 years. The patient with secondary infertility underwent a tuboplasty due to bilateral hydrosalpinx. Genital TB was not diagnosed preoperatively in any of the seven cases. The preoperative diagnoses included: postmenopausal spotting, ovarian malignancy, cervicitis, ectopic pregnancy and hydrosalpinx with secondary infertility. This review suggests that genital TB is becoming rare in Taiwan. It is difficult to diagnose from clinical symptoms and is usually discovered on pathologic examination.

A controlled study of anxiety and morbid cognitions at initial screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a cohort of people with haemophilia

AIM

This study examines the relationship between anxiety, psychological state and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) stages as defined by the Centers for Disease Control at the time of initial screening for HIV in a cohort of people with haemophilia who were at risk of prior exposure to HIV transmission from blood products.

METHOD

Psychological scores, immunological measures, and clinical data from case notes for 116 potentially HIV exposed people with haemophilia attending initial screening for HIV infection in 1984-1985, were used to examine the relationship between psychological variables, clinical state and their clinical classification under the Centres for Disease Control categorization. Psychometric test results were obtained for 63 HIV seronegative patients and 53 HIV seropositive patients. Planned comparisons, multiple and logistic regressions, were used to explain observed differences between seronegative and seropositive subjects. The potential confounders of sex, age, severity of haemophilia, haemophilia type and blood product usage were controlled.

RESULTS

The major finding of this study was that higher levels of State Anxiety at the time of initial screening for HIV, were observed in those patients who lacked recognized symptoms of HIV infection and were seropositive, compared with seronegative subjects. The State Anxiety scores were predicted by HIV infection or alternatively CD4+ T-cell levels.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that HIV infection can produce psychological effects prior to any physical symptoms of infection being apparent.

Altered queuine modification of transfer RNA involved in the differentiation of human K562 erythroleukemia cells in the presence of distinct differentiation inducers

Altered queuine modification of tRNA has been correlated to neoplasia and cell differentiation, but much of the existing evidence is only circumstantial. In the present study, we used several distinct differentiation inducers to measure changes in Q-family tRNA species during the erythroid differentiation of human K562 erythroleukemia cells. Treatment of K562 cells with 3.6 microM 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C), 1 mM sodium butyrate, 0.1 mM hemin, or 5 microM 5-azacytidine resulted in growth inhibition, erythroid differentiation, and changes in queuine content of tRNA. In the presence of the irreversible inducer ara-C, the queuine content of tRNA increased markedly when the cells differentiated into benzidine-positive erythroid cells, and cell growth was inhibited. The increase in the queuine content of tRNA in differentiated K562 cells was an irreversible event. In cells incubated with the reversible inducer sodium butyrate, an increase in the queuine content of tRNA was correlated with the increase in benzidine-positive erythroid cells throughout the culturing period. After removal of the drug at 48 h, the queuine content of tRNA decreased concomitant with a decrease in benzidine-positive cells. Treatment with another reversible inducer, hemin, caused only a transient increase in the queuine content of tRNA, which was not correlated with the steady increase in benzidine-positive erythroid cells. The agent 5-azacytidine slightly inhibited cell growth but did not significantly change the percentage of benzidine-positive cells and the queuine content of tRNA. We further clarified the changes in queuine content of tRNA by analyzing the Q-containing isoacceptors of Q-family tRNA species including tRNA(Tyr), tRNA(His), tRNA(Asp), and tRNA(Asn) by RPC-5 chromatography, and found that the change in queuine content of tRNA(Tyr) was greater than the other Q-family tRNA species during induction by ara-C, sodium butyrate, and hemin. Our results indicate that the change in queuine content of tRNA is an irreversible event of terminal differentiation in ara-C induction and is a transient event of reversible differentiation in hemin induction. Sodium butyrate induction might represent a status between irreversible and reversible differentiation. Q-containing isoacceptors of tRNA might potentially play an important biological role during K562 cell differentiation.

Relationship of the queuine content of transfer ribonucleic acids to histopathological grading and survival in human lung cancer

To elucidate the significance of tRNA hypomodified with queuine to the grade of malignancies in human solid tumors, the amount of tRNA having guanosine in place of queuosine was determined in human lung cancer and normal lung tissue, by exchanging the unmodified guanosine residue for [3H]guanine. The reaction is catalyzed by guanine:queuine tRNA transglycosylase. Total tRNA was extracted from 23 different lung cancer specimens and the precursor of isoacceptor tRNA that contains guanine instead of queuine in the first or wobble position of the anticodon [(Q-)tRNA] content was determined. In 12 cases the (Q-)-tRNA was determined in normal lung tissues as well. In each individual, the (Q-)tRNA content in lung cancer tissue was higher than that of the normal lung tissue. The (Q-)tRNA content was not correlated to the surgicopathological staging of the patients but was highly correlated to the histopathological classification of the tumors. The amounts of (Q-)-tRNA were 1.75 +/- 0.67 (SD), 2.36 +/- 0.89, 3.77 +/- 1.39, 5.18 +/- 2.32, and 7.65 +/- 1.34 pmol/A260 in normal, well, moderately, moderately to poorly, and poorly differentiated tumors. The difference from normal to moderately differentiated or less differentiated groups was significant (P less than 0.05). In 10 patients with (Q-)tRNA higher than 3.5 pmol/A260, their cancers relapsed and only 2 were alive after 4 years. In 11 patients with (Q-)tRNA less than 3.5 pmol/A260 in their lung cancer tissues, 7 patients were still alive without any evidence of disease, 3 were dead, and 1 had recurrence of disease. These results, taken together with other previous studies, suggest that a decreased queuosine content of tRNA may be a general feature of neoplasms and may be useful for grading malignancy and perhaps also for the prediction of survival in human lung cancer.

Immunomodulating effects of the hydrolysis products of formosanin C and beta-ecdysone from Paris formosana Hayata

Formosanin C (PF-3, I), a diosgenin glycoside with four sugars isolated from Paris formosana Hayata as main constituent, significantly showed immunomodulating effects on the proliferative response of mouse lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A). The partialy hydrolysis products of formosanin C, dioscin (II) and prosapogenin A of dioscin (III), also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation of Con A-stimulated lymphocytes maximally at 0.01 micrograms/ml, whereas formosanin C did so at 0.0001 micrograms/ml. However, trillin (IV) and diosgenin (V) obtained from the partial hydrolysis of formosanin C had no effects on these immune responses. Evidently, the immunomodulating activities increased in the order of increasing polarity. Probably the solubility in water was a factor. This demonstrated that the sugar moiety in the structure of formosanin C (I) displays a very important pattern for the effect on the proliferative response of mouse lymphocytes to Con A. On the other hand, these hydrolysis products at higher concentrations of 1 and 10 micrograms/ml reduced the cytotoxic effects on spleen cells as compared with formosanin C. The other constituent, beta-ecdysone (VI) isolated from the stems of Paris formosana Hayata also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation of Con A-stimulated splenocytes. At the concentration of 0.001 micrograms/ml, the stimulation index of beta-ecdysone (2) is higher than that of formosanin C (1.65), and at the concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, beta-ecdysone had no cytotoxicity for normal spleen cells whereas formosanin C at the lower concentration of 10 micrograms/ml showed cytotoxicity. Based on this study, beta-ecdysone (VI) is therefore a better immunomodulator than formosanin C.

Immunomodulators from Paris formosana Hayata

Eight glycosides PF-1 to PF-8 were isolated from the leaves and stems of Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae), of which PF-3 (III) was the main compound. It was found that PF-1 to PF-3 (I-III) caused proliferative responses of mouse lymphocytes to concanavalin A and augmentation of mouse granulocyte/macrophage colony forming cells in mouse fibroblast cell L929 conditioned medium. PF-4(IV) and PF-8 showed significant immunomodulatory effects with very low toxicity: they not only caused the same immune responses as PF-1, 2 & 3 but also enhanced the proliferative response of human peripheral whole blood to phytohemagglutinin. PF-5 (V) also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation in ConA-stimulated lymphocytes and in PHA-stimulated human peripheral whole blood, and enhanced the proliferative response of granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating activity. PF-6(VI) and PF-7(VII) augmented 3H-thymidine incorporation in granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming cells and mitogenic response of PHA-stimulated human peripheral whole blood cells from healthy adults. However, PF-1, 2 and 3 showed hemolytic action, while PF-4 to PF-8 had no hemolytic action at all. On the other hand, the hemolytic action of PF-3 derivatives was reduced as compared with PF-3 but their immune responses did not equal those of PF-3, only showing granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating activity.

Immunosuppressive effect of emodin, a free radical generator

The possible mechanism of immunosuppressive effect of emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) was investigated in this study. Human mononuclear cells (10(6) cells/ml) were stimulated with 0.25% phytohemagglutinin for 24, 48 and 72 h, and the proliferative response was determined by the uptake of tritiated thymidine. In the presence of emodin (10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5) M), the proliferative response was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Emodin (3 x 10(-7) to 3 x 10(-5) M) also dose dependently reduced the proliferative response to mixed lymphocyte reaction. After 72 h exposure to emodin (10 microM), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and IL-2 receptor expression were all reduced. The structure-activity relationship of emodin and 10 other anthraquione derivatives indicates that the free hydroxyl group at the beta-position of the anthraquinone nucleus plays an important role in the immunosuppressive effect. The suppressive activity of emodin was significantly inhibited by catalase (a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide), but little affected by superoxide dismutase (a scavenger of superoxide radical) and mannitol (a scavenger of hydroxyl radical). Methylene blue and hemoglobin, guanylate cyclase inhibitors, did not significantly affect the suppressive activity of emodin. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) significantly potentiated the suppressive activity whereas quinacrine (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor) and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) did not significantly affect it. The results suggest that the immunosuppressive effect of emodin may be partly mediated through hydrogen peroxide generated from semiquinone and regulated by arachidonic acid metabolites or byproducts.

Expression of c-myc proto-oncogene during podophyllotoxin induced IW32 erythroleukemia cell differentiation

The effect of hemin or podophyllotoxin on the differentiation of the erythropoietin (epo)-producing IW32 erythroleukemia cells was investigated. Podophyllotoxin induced IW32 cells to differentiate, and hemin potentiated the differentiation. Hemin had no effect on cell proliferation whereas podophyllotoxin inhibited cell growth. c-myc mRNA levels decreased biphasically by hemin or podophyllotoxin, while the combined treatment of hemin plus podophyllotoxin did not result in the initial decrease in c-myc mRNA level. Our data suggested that down-regulation of c-myc expression was not a prerequisite of IW32 cell differentiation induced by hemin and podophyllotoxin combined.

Modulation of experimental autoimmune uveitis with formosanin-C in guinea pigs

Formosanin-C, a diosgenin saponin, was isolated from a perennial herb, Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae) which has been used as a folk remedy for snake bite and as an anti-inflammatory or anti-neoplastic agent. Its effect on the development of S-antigen-induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in guinea pigs was studied. Guinea pigs treated with formosanin-C (1.5 mg/kg/2 days and 0.5 mg/kg/2 days) were compared with untreated guinea pigs in regard to the development of EAU, lymphocytic proliferative responses, and anti-S-antigen serum antibodies. The higher dosage of formosanin-C (1.5 mg/kg) obviously delayed the onset of EAU. Treatment of this drug, 1.5 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg doses, significantly inhibited the specific lymphocytic response of lymph node and spleen cells to S-antigen. On the contrary, treatment in 1.5 mg/kg dose significantly increased the response of lymph node and spleen cells to the polyclonal T cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Treatment with formosanin-C in both the 1.5 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg doses had a minimal effect on the lymphocytic response of lymph node to concanavalin-A (ConA), while a noticeable suppressive effect on the response of spleen cells to ConA was observed in the 1.5 mg/kg dose. This agent in 1.5 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg doses significantly inhibited the anti-S-antigen antibody production by days 14 and 18 postimmunization. This study suggests that formosanin-C, an immunomodulator, may offer a new approach to modulate the development of EAU.

Formosanin-C, an immunomodulator with antitumor activity

Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae) grown in the mountain areas of Taiwan, has been used as a folk remedy for snake bite, and as an anti-inflammatory or anti-neoplastic agent. The effects of formosanin-C, a diosgenin saponin isolated from Paris formosana, on immune responses and transplantable murine tumor were studied. In culture systems, formosanin-C (0.03-0.16 microM) displayed significant enhancement of the blastogenic response of human peripheral blood cells to phytohemagglutinin. Formosanin-C also significantly increased the 3H-thymidine incorporation of ConA-stimulated lymphocytes at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.01 microM. The responsiveness of the granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming cells (GM-CFC) to mouse fibroblast cells L929 conditioned medium was altered in the presence of 0.01 and 0.001 microM of formosanin-C. In addition, formosanin-C given intraperitoneally activated natural killer cell activity at doses of 1-2.5 mg/kg. An intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg/kg of formosanin-C markedly induced interferon production, the peak blood level of which was observed 24 h after formosanin-C injection. Growth of subcutaneously transplanted MH134 mouse hepatoma was retarded by intraperitoneal treatment with 1-2.5 mg/kg of formosanin-C. The activity of 5-fluorouracil against MH-134 mouse hepatoma was potentiated by intraperitoneal treatment with formosanin-C. These results suggest that formosanin-C might display antitumor activity in association with modification of the immune system.

Serum antibody levels to retinal S-antigen determined by ELISA in experimental and human uveitis

Retinal S-antigen is thought to play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of uveitis. To investigate the role of S-antigen in human uveitis, an immunopotent bioactive S-antigen and a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were developed to determine the anti-S-antigen antibody contents in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and human uveitis. The bovine S-antigen was isolated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, Fractogel TSK HW-55 gel filtration and hydroxylapatite absorption chromatography. A test by SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis showed that it was a highly purified protein. The purified S-antigen evoked EAU in 60% of eyes of guinea pigs even at the dose of 1 microgram. ELISA was developed to determine the contents of serum immunoglobulin G antibody against S-antigen. In the serum of S-antigen immunized rabbit, the antibody was measurable up to 1:160,000 in dilution. The antibody content appeared on the 10th day following inoculation and rose gradually until the 22nd day when the maximal antibody content was observed. Regarding human uveitis, the anti-S-antigen antibody was higher in 31 patients with Behçet's disease and 8 with Harada's disease than in normal controls although statistical significance existed only in the former (p less than 0.02). In this study, the method to purify the bovine retinal S-antigen proved relatively rapid and efficient. The ELISA developed herein appeared sensitive and well reproducible in the detection of anti-S-antigen antibody. The results showed that retinal autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis in EAU and human uveitis.

Gallotannins inhibit growth, water-insoluble glucan synthesis, and aggregation of mutans streptococci

During screening for anti-plaque agents of plant origin, ethanolic extracts from Melaphis chinensis (Bell), the Chinese Nutgall, exhibited strong inhibition of glucosyltransferase (GTF), in vitro adherence and glucan-induced agglutination of Streptococcus mutans 3209 and S. sobrinus B13. More than 91% inhibition of water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by GTF was noted at a concentration as low as 7.8 micrograms/mL. Bactericidal effects on other mutans streptococci, S. salivarius, and Actinomyces viscosus were also evident. Through chemical fractionation and analyses, along with bioassays, the active components were identified as gallotannins.

Potentiation of cytotoxicity of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine for K562 human leukemic cells by cadeguomycin

The treatment of K562 human myeloblastic leukemia cells and YAC-1 murine lymphoma cells with cadeguomycin at concentrations over 0.6 microM significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C). The degree of potentiation depended upon the antibiotic concentration. The treatment with 75 microM cadeguomycin for 18 h increased cellular uptake of [3H]ara-C into K562 cells and formation of ara-C nucleotides, as well as incorporation into nucleic acids. The level of the diphosphate of ara-C plus the triphosphate of ara-C was approximately 10 times higher in the cadeguomycin-treated cells than in the untreated cells by 30 min of incubation with [3H]ara-C. The extracts of 15 microM cadeguomycin-treated K562 cells showed increased activity of formation of ara-C nucleotides, resulting in 4- to 5-fold higher formation of the di- and triphosphates of ara-C than the control cell extracts. Cadeguomycin did not significantly change the level of ribonucleotide and deoxyribonucleotide pool in K562 cells. The mechanism of potentiation of ara-C by cadeguomycin was discussed.

[Isolation and purification of bovine retina S-antigen]

Fresh bovine retinas were precipitated by ammonium sulfate, and further purified by the Sephadex G-200 column and the hydroxyapatite column. Through the SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis, a single band of protein with molecular weight of 50,000 daltons, isoelectric point at 5.4-5.7, was identified as S-antigen. The yield of S-antigen from crude retina extract was 0.18%, higher than ever been reported. Guinea pigs were injected at the hind footpad with 5-30 micrograms of purified S-antigen which had been emulsified with an equal amount of complete Freund's adjuvant. There are severe uveitis findings in both clinical and pathological examinations. An experimental autoimmune uveitis animal model was successfully established. These results showed that it is an effective and rapid method for purification of retinal S-antigen.

Enhancement of pyrimidine nucleoside uptake into K562 and YAC-1 cells by cadeguomycin

Cadeguomycin markedly stimulated the uptake of thymidine, deoxycytidine and uridine into the acid-insoluble fraction of K562 human leukemic cells, but did not significantly affect adenosine incorporation. The enhancement of pyrimidine nucleoside uptake was 6 approximately 17 fold over the control. Aspartate incorporation into nucleic acid was not significantly blocked by the antibiotic, suggesting that the stimulation of pyrimidine nucleoside incorporation is not due to the inhibition of de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Net DNA and RNA syntheses, observed by [32P]phosphate uptake, were not significantly affected by cadeguomycin. The enzymatic activity of thymidine, deoxycytidine and uridine kinases was higher in cadeguomycin-treated cells than in untreated cells, suggesting that the enhancement of pyrimidine nucleoside uptake occurs in the phosphorylation process. The stimulatory activity of cadeguomycin of thymidine uptake was reversed by guanosine and deoxyguanosine, but not by adenosine and deoxyadenosine, suggesting that intracellular metabolism and/or action of cadeguomycin is related to that of guanosine and deoxyguanosine. The stimulation of pyrimidine nucleoside incorporation by cadeguomycin was also found with YAC-1 cells, but not with the other cell lines. The enhancement effect of the antibiotic seems to be not directly related to its cytotoxicity.

Biological activity of cadeguomycin. Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, immunostimulation, and potentiation of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine

Cadeguomycin retarded growth of sc solid IMC carcinoma in CDF1 mice, and pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in C57BL/6 mice. The antibiotic enhanced phagocytic activity of murine peritoneal macrophages and IL-1 production by P388D1 cells. Delayed type hypersensitivity was stimulated and interferon was induced by the drug. The results suggest that cadeguomycin inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in association with modification of the immune system. The cytotoxicity of arabinosylcytosine to K562 and YAC-1 cells was markedly enhanced by cadeguomycin in culture. The combined administration of arabinosylcytosine and cadeguomycin displayed potentiation in the inhibition of growth of ip-implanted P388 leukemia and metastasis of sc-implanted P388 leukemia to the regional lymph nodes. Cadeguomycin showed low toxicity for mice.

Formation of mutagens by amino-carbonyl reactions

The formation of mutagens by amino-carbonyl reactions of 20 kinds of amino acid and sugars after heating at 100 degrees C for 10 h was examined by the Ames test. The browned solutions of Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Ser, Thr, Gln, Lys X HCl, Arg, Phe, Cys, Met and Pro with Glc caused mutation of Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and/or TA98 with or without S9 mix. The presence of S9 mix increased the mutagenic activity of the browned solutions of Cys and Phe with Glc on TA100 and of those of Gly, Ala, Val, Ile and Cys on TA98, but decreased the activity of other solutions. No revertants of Salmonella were induced by the browned solutions of Trp, Tyr, Asp, Asn, Glu and (Cys)2 with Glc. Among positive browned solutions, Cys, Lys, Arg and Phe had the stronger activity, but their activity was weak compared with that of pyrolysates or chemical mutagens such as Trp-P-1, Trp-P-2 and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide. The mutagenic activity of the browned solutions increased with prolongation of heating time and varied with the pH of the reaction mixture. Fru, Gal, Ara, Xyl, Man, Lac and Suc also had the ability to form mutagens in the browning reactions with amino acids.

Cadeguomycin, a novel nucleoside analog antibiotic. II. Improved purification, physicochemical properties and structure assessment

Cadeguomycin, a new nucleoside analog antibiotic, has been purified as colorless needle crystals by recycling preparative HPLC. The antibiotic, C12H14O7N4, mp 231 approximately 239 degrees C (dec.), FD-MS: m/z 326 (M+); is a weakly acidic substance, showing UV gamma H2Omax (epsilon) 232 (19677), 272 (6881) and 298 nm (7607), and IR nu KBrmax 1650 (C = O) and 3420 (NH or OH) cm-1. The UV spectrum is similar to other pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The structure of cadeguomycin, 2-amino-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5- carboxylic acid, has been elucidated by 1H NMR and 13C NMR in comparison with other pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines and their nucleosides.

Cadeguomycin, a noval nucleoside analog antibiotic. I. The producing organism, production and isolation of cadeguomycin

An actinomycete strain IM7912T was found to produce cadeguomycin, a new nucleoside analog antibiotic, together with tubercidin. Morphological, cultural and physiological studies showed that the organism belongs to the species Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Comparisons with S. hygroscopicus ISP 5578 revealed that both strains possess similar characteristics except for production of yellow or brownish yellow soluble pigment in some media. Cadeguomycin was isolated from the culture filtrate, separated from tubercidin, and purified.