Pepsinogen II and a no-pickled food diet are risk factors for female patients with anxiety: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

No studies have evaluated the relationship between lifestyle and Pepsinogen (PG)I, PGII and Gastrin (G)17 in patients with anxiety. Using data from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University study, we aimed to identify factors associated with anxiety.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional observational study involving 779 Chinese healthy checkup participants (301 males; mean age, 47.60±16.17 years) who underwent stomach-related health examinations.

RESULTS

Anxiety was defined as a Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) Scale score ≥14. The odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated using binary logistic analysis to assess the risk of anxiety and healthy checkup participants while adjusting for several covariates. In the HAM-A≥14 group (anxiety group), sex, PGII and pickled dishes were independent influencing factors. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant difference in anxiety risk between the high PGII group and the low PGII group for females (P=0.005). There was also a significant difference in anxiety risk between the groups consuming pickled and non-pickled food for females (P=0.010). Logistic regression analysis indicated a higher risk of anxiety in females aged ≤50 years who belonged to the high PGII + no pickled foods group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that in females aged ≤50 years, high levels of PGII and no pickled foods were associated with a higher risk of anxiety.

Basal evaluation and rates of progression based on visual fields in six different glaucoma types of a large population

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyze the distribution of visual field (VF) mean defect (MD) in six subgroups of glaucoma patients at baseline and follow-up.

METHODS

We assessed glaucoma patients treated in a Spanish tertiary care setting with a follow-up of at least 10 months. We have included 1036 visual fields and the following glaucoma subtypes: open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG); Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG); Congenital Glaucoma (CG); Ocular hypertension (OHT); Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma (PSXG); Pigmentary Glaucoma (PG). We have calculated the baseline MD and the progression MD. We have stratified the MD progression in slow (MD rate > -0.5 dB/year); moderate (MD rate between -0.5 and -1 dB/year) fast (MD rate between -1 and -2 dB/year) and catastrophic (<-2 dB/year) progression and their glaucoma subtype.

RESULTS

The glaucoma types with the worse baseline MD were CG and PG. We found significant differences after comparing the baseline MD of CG and OAG, ACG, OHT and between PG and OHT. Concerning the MD progression rate: OAG 73.54% showed slow MD progression rate; 9.85% fast; 7.3% moderate and 9.3% catastrophic. ACG 82.22% slow; 8.89% moderate; 2.22% fast and 6.67% catastrophic. CG 68.83% slow; 9.09% fast; 7.79% moderate and 14.29% catastrophic. OHT 88.6% slow; 6.14% moderate; 4.39% fast and 0.88% catastrophic. PSXG 63.24% slow, 13.24% moderate; 8.8% fast and 14.7% catastrophic. PG 89.29% slow; 3.57% moderate and 7.1% fast.

CONCLUSIONS

The CG requires special attention because of its aggressive presentation and progression.

The Role of Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound in Pyoderma Gangrenosum: New Insights in Pathophysiology and Diagnosis

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatological disease, whose pathogenesis is still poorly clarified. Because of the lack of validated criteria for diagnosis and response, PG treatment is still challenging and should be differentiated in the inflammatory and non-inflammatory phases. Our study aimed to provide a new semi-quantitative approach for PG diagnosis and monitoring, identifying ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) early biomarkers associated with the transition between the two phases. We enrolled 13 patients affected by painful PG lesions evaluated during the inflammatory phase (T0) and during the non-inflammatory phase (T1): pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); clinical features were recorded through digital photography; epidermis and dermis ultrasound (US) characteristics were evaluated by UHFUS examination with a 70 MHz probe (Vevo MD® FUJIFILM VisualSonics). In T1 UHFUS examination, the presence of hyperechoic oval structures was lower compared to T0 (p value < 0.05). An hyperechogenic structure within the oval structure, suggestive of a hair tract, was evident in T0 and absent in T1 (p value < 0.05). In T0, blood vessels appear as U-shaped and V-shaped anechoic structures with a predominance of U-shaped vessels (p value < 0.05) compared to the more regular distribution found in T1. Finding early biomarkers of the transition from the inflammatory to the non-inflammatory phase could provide new insight in terms of therapeutic decision making and response monitoring. The differences found by this study suggest a potential use of UHFUS for the development of an objective standardized staging method. Further investigations will be necessary to confirm our preliminary results, thus providing a turning point in PG early detection, differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Propylene glycol, skin sensitisation and allergic contact dermatitis: A scientific and regulatory conundrum

Propylene glycol (PG) has widespread use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products. PG is not classified as hazardous under the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) but poses an intriguing scientific and regulatory conundrum with respect to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), the uncertainty being whether and to what extent PG has the potential to induce skin sensitisation. In this article we review the results of predictive tests for skin sensitisation with PG, and clinical evidence for ACD. Patch testing in humans points to PG having the potential to be a weak allergen under certain conditions, and an uncommon cause of ACD in subjects without underlying/pre-disposing skin conditions. In clear contrast PG is negative in predictive toxicology tests for skin sensitisation, including guinea pig and mouse models (e.g. local lymph node assay), validated in vitro test methods that measure various key events in the pathway leading to skin sensitisation, and predictive methods in humans (Human Repeat Insult Patch and Human Maximisation Tests). We here explore the possible scientific basis for this intriguing inconsistency, recognising there are arguably no known contact allergens that are universally negative in, in vitro, animal and human predictive tests methods.

Physiological responses induced by phospholipase C isoform 5 upon heat stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plant's perception of heat stress involves several pathways and signaling molecules, such as phosphoinositide, which is derived from structural membrane lipids phosphatidylinositol. Phospholipase C (PLC) is a well-known signaling enzyme containing many isoforms in different organisms. In the present study, Phospholipase C Isoform 5 (PLC5) was investigated for its role in thermotolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Two over-expressing lines and one knock-down mutant of PLC5 were first treated at a moderate temperature (37 °C) and left for recovery. Then again exposed to a high temperature (45 °C) to check the seedling viability and chlorophyll contents. Root behavior and changes in ³²P_i labeled phospholipids were investigated after their exposure to high temperatures. Over-expression of PLC5 (PLC5 OE) exhibited quick and better phenotypic recovery with bigger and greener leaves followed by chlorophyll contents as compared to wild-type (Col-0) and PLC5 knock-down mutant in which seedling recovery was compromised. PLC5 knock-down mutant illustrated well-developed root architecture under controlled conditions but stunted secondary roots under heat stress as compared to over-expressing PLC5 lines. Around 2.3-fold increase in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate level was observed in PLC5 OE lines upon heat stress compared to wild-type and PLC5 knock-down mutant lines. A significant increase in phosphatidylglycerol was also observed in PLC5 OE lines as compared to Col-0 and PLC5 knock-down mutant lines. The results of the present study demonstrated that PLC5 over-expression contributes to heat stress tolerance while maintaining its photosynthetic activity and is also observed to be associated with primary and secondary root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Diagnostic work-up and treatment in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum: retrospective analysis of US insurance claims-based data

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, and often challenging to diagnose, inflammatory disorder with relatively high rates of morbidity and mortality. Central to the diagnosis of PG is histologic evaluation and exclusion of other entities. Large-scale studies investigating the proportion of patients receiving a thorough diagnostic work-up, as well as prevalence studies regarding comorbidities and systemic treatment in PG using claims-based data, are sparse. Our objective was to identify patients diagnosed with PG and describe the diagnostic work-up and prevalence of common comorbidities and therapies in this population using claims-based data in a retrospective cohort study. In order to better understand practices of diagnostic work-up, we captured rates of skin biopsy, tissue culture, and/or surgical debridement prior to initial diagnosis. We also identified the prevalence of PG-associated comorbidities and initial immunosuppressive therapy given for PG. Of the 565 patients diagnosed with PG, 9.4% underwent skin biopsy, 8% tissue culture, and 1.4% both skin biopsy AND tissue culture prior to diagnosis. Inflammatory bowel disease was the most prevalent comorbidity (16.3%). The most common treatment administered was systemic corticosteroids (17%). Although practice guidelines explicitly delineate histology and exclusion of infection as important diagnostic criteria, only a minority of patients in this study underwent skin biopsy and/or tissue culture prior to receiving a diagnosis of PG, suggesting that patients may receive a diagnosis of PG without having tissue evaluation. Such discordance between practice guidelines and "real-world" practice inevitably increases the risk for misdiagnosis of PG and misdirected treatment with immunosuppressants for presumptive PG in cases of PG mimickers. Moreover, comorbidities associated with PG may occur, or be identified in, a lower proportion of patients as compared with what is reported in the existing literature. Study limitations include a population restricted to < 65 years with commercial insurance and the reliance upon ICD diagnostic coding to capture the population.

Value of serum pepsinogen, gastrin, and cadherin-17 detection combined with narrowband imaging magnifying endoscopy in distinguishing early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions

BACKGROUND

The early screening of cancer has always been the focus of cancer research. As a common cancer in the world, gastric cancer has had a high incidence rate and mortality for many years, and canceration is difficult to detect. Current detection methods are not ideal for early detection of gastric cancer and precancerous lesions.

AIM

To assess the value of detection of serum pepsinogen (PG), gastrin (G-17), and hepato-intestinal cadherin-17 (CDH-17) combined with narrowband imaging magnifying endoscopy in the identification of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with early gastric cancer (106 cases) and precancerous lesions (134 cases) at our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy and detection of serum PG (including PGⅠ and PGⅡ), G-17, and CDH-17 levels. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PG, G-17, CDH-17, and narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy, alone and in combination, in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions were calculated.

RESULTS

In the early gastric cancer group, the incidence of lesions with border limits, mucosal microvascular irregularities, irregular surface ducts, and increased glandular spacing as detected by narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy was higher than that in the precancerous lesion group (P < 0.05). The diagnostic coincidence rates of magnifying endoscopy for early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions were 83.02% and 85.07%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Serum PGⅠ level in the early gastric cancer group was lower than that of the precancerous lesion group, but there was no significant difference in serum PGⅡ between the two groups (P > 0.05); serum G-17 and CDH-17 levels were higher than those of the precancerous lesion group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic coincidence rates of serum PGI, G-17, and CDH-17 alone (P > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of serum PGⅠ, G-17, and CDH-17 combined with narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions were higher than those of any serum index alone (PGⅠ/G-17/CDH-17) or narrowband imaging magnifying endoscopy alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The detection of serum PG, G-17, and CDH-17 combined with narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the differential diagnosis of early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions.

Prodigiosin from Serratia Marcescens in Cockroach Inhibits the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignant tumor, and the targeted therapy for HCC is very limited. Our previous study demonstrated that prodigiosin(PG), a secondary metabolite from Serratia marcescens found in the intestinal flora of cockroaches, inhibits the proliferation of HCC and increases the expression of CHOP, a marker protein for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated apoptosis, in a dose-dependent manner. However, the mechanisms underlying the activity of PG in vivo and in vitro are unclear. This study explored the molecular mechanisms of PG-induced ERS against liver cancer in vitro and in vivo. The apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells induced by PG through endoplasmic reticulum stress was observed by flow cytometry, colony formation assay, cell viability assay, immunoblot analysis, and TUNEL assay. The localization of PG in cells was observed using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to detect the intracellular Ca2+ concentration after PG treatment. We found that PG could promote apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of HCC. It was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum of HepG2 cells, where it induces the release of Ca2+. PG also upregulated the expression of key unfolded response proteins, including PERK, IRE1α, Bip, and CHOP, and related apoptotic proteins, including caspase3, caspase9, and Bax, but down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in liver cancer. Alleviating ERS reversed the above phenomenon. PG had no obvious negative effects on the functioning of the liver, kidney, and other main organs in nude mice, but the growth of liver cancer cells was inhibited by inducing ERS in vivo. The findings of this study showed that PG promotes apoptosis of HCC by inducing ERS.

Characteristic pollutant purification analysis of modified phosphogypsum comprehensive utilization

The waste product phosphogypsum (PG) is produced in phosphoric acid production processes. Its storage requires large amounts of land resources and poses serious environmental risks. In this work, detailed experimental research was carried out to investigate the potential reuse of PG after calcination modification as a novel building material for cast-in-place concrete products. The calcination modification mechanism was studied, and the environmental risk assessment of modified PG was presented. The results showed that the calcination modification includes crystal phase transformation, removal of impurities, and modifying the pH value. The calcination was carried out at 280 °C for 5 h, where the resulting product was a pH value of 7.1, and the soluble fluorine and phosphorus removal rates reached up to 69.2% and 71.2%, respectively. These removal rates met the requirements of the China national standard Phosphogypsum (GB/T 23456-2018). To ensure the environmental safety, ecological risk assessment methods for determining the leaching toxicity of the modified PG were employed. The toxicity of Ba and P elements in the modified PG products was assessed, as well as the leaching toxicity concentrations of all particular heavy metals, which were found well below the limits set by the national standards. All the results presented strongly suggest that the 280 °C modified PG presented here has excellent application potential as a raw component in building materials.

Formulation Development, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Chitosan NPs for Topical Delivery of Voriconazole In Vitro and Ex Vivo

This study aims to develop chitosan-based voriconazole nanoparticles (NPs) using spray-drying technique. The effect of surfactants and polymers on the physicochemical properties, in vitro release, and permeation of NPs was investigated. The prepared NPs containing various surfactants and polymers (e.g., Tween 20 (T20), Tween 80 (T80), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), propylene glycol (PG), and Polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG-4000)) were physiochemically evaluated for size, zeta potential, drug content, percent entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and permeation across rats' skin. A Franz diffusion cell was used for evaluating the in vitro release and permeation profile. The voriconazole-loaded NPs were investigated for antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). The prepared NPs were in the nano range (i.e., 160-500 nm) and positively charged. Images taken by a scanning electron microscope showed that all prepared NPs were spherical and smooth. The drug content of NPs ranged from 75% to 90%. Nanoparticle formulations exhibited a good in vitro release profile and transport voriconazole across the rat's skin in a slow control release manner. The NPs containing SLS, T80, and PG exhibited the best penetration and skin retention profile. In addition, the formulation exhibited a potential antifungal effect against C. albicans. It was concluded that the development of chitosan NPs has a great potential for the topical delivery of voriconazole against fungal infection.

Phenyl-Glutarimides: Alternative Cereblon Binders for the Design of PROTACs

Targeting cereblon (CRBN) is currently one of the most frequently reported proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) approaches, owing to favorable drug-like properties of CRBN ligands, immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs). However, IMiDs are known to be inherently unstable, readily undergoing hydrolysis in body fluids. Here we show that IMiDs and IMiD-based PROTACs rapidly hydrolyze in commonly utilized cell media, which significantly affects their cell efficacy. We designed novel CRBN binders, phenyl glutarimide (PG) analogues, and showed that they retained affinity for CRBN with high ligand efficiency (LE >0.48) and displayed improved chemical stability. Our efforts led to the discovery of PG PROTAC 4 c (SJ995973), a uniquely potent degrader of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins that inhibited the viability of human acute myeloid leukemia MV4-11 cells at low picomolar concentrations (IC50 =3 pM; BRD4 DC50 =0.87 nM). These findings strongly support the utility of PG derivatives in the design of CRBN-directed PROTACs.

Low light acclimation strategy of the brown macroalga Undaria pinnatifida: Significance of lipid and fatty acid remodeling for photosynthetic competence

Brown macroalgae, being important components of benthic communities in temperate regions, are frequently subjected to light limitation. To extend our understanding of their low light acclimation strategies to the regulation of membrane lipid environment, photosynthetic characteristics, lipid class, fatty acid profiles and chloroplast ultrastructure were compared in Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae, Ochrophyta) after long-term exposure to low and moderate light intensities (LL, 100 and ML, 280 µmol photons · m-2 · s-1 ). We show that light limitation significantly increased PSII quantum efficiency and photosynthetic electron transport rate, enhanced pigment contents and concentration of thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts but decreased the distance between the thylakoid stacks. These physiological alterations at LL were accompanied by a selective remodeling of thylakoid membrane lipids driven by increases in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) contents. Light limitation also induced active production of PG specific trans-Δ3 -hexadecenoic acid and accumulation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) mostly in PG and MGDG at the expense of the rise in 18:3n-3 and 20:5n-3, 18:4n-3, respectively. These changes in lipid and FA profiles are apparently responsible for supporting thylakoid biogenesis and efficient photosynthesis at light limitation, thus contributing to photoacclimation strategies in brown algae. The content of triacylglycerols (TAG) and the level of their PUFA were decreased at LL, suggesting the consumption of TAG as a source of PUFA and energy reserves. Thus, U. pinnatifida is able to successfully overcome periods of low irradiance through the effective light harvesting and utilization that are provided by high flexibility of lipid biosynthesis.

Panax ginseng and its ginsenosides: potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects

Chemotherapy-induced side effects affect the quality of life and efficacy of treatment of cancer patients. Current approaches for treating the side effects of chemotherapy are poorly effective and may cause numerous harmful side effects. Therefore, developing new and effective drugs derived from natural non-toxic compounds for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects is necessary. Experiments in vivo and in vitro indicate that Panax ginseng (PG) and its ginsenosides are undoubtedly non-toxic and effective options for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and hematopoietic inhibition. The mechanism focus on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis, as well as the modulation of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), P62/keap1/Nrf2, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/P53/caspase 3, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4)/JNK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT. Since a systemic review of the effect and mechanism of PG and its ginsenosides on chemotherapy-induced side effects has not yet been published, we provide a comprehensive summarization with this aim and shed light on the future research of PG.

Golgi stress response: A regulatory mechanism of Golgi function

The organelle of eukaryotes is a finely regulated system. Once disturbed, it activates the specific autoregulatory systems, namely, organelle autoregulation. Among which, the Golgi stress response accounts for one. When the abundance and capacity of the Golgi apparatus are insufficient compared with cellular demand, the Golgi stress response is activated to enhance the function of the Golgi apparatus. Although the molecular mechanism of the Golgi stress response has not been well characterized yet, it seems to be an important part of the mammalian stress response. In this review, we discuss the current status of research on the six pathways of the mammalian Golgi stress response (the TFE3, heat shock protein 47, CREB3, E26 transformation specific, proteoglycan, and mucin pathways), which regulate the general function of the Golgi apparatus, anti-apoptosis, pro-apoptosis, proteoglycan glycosylation, and mucin glycosylation, respectively.

Differential responses to e-cig generated aerosols from humectants and different forms of nicotine in epithelial cells from nonsmokers and smokers

In the United States, millions of adults use electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), and a majority of these users are former or current cigarette smokers. It is unclear, whether prior smoking status affects biological responses induced by e-cigs. In this study, differentiated human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) from nonsmokers and smokers at air-liquid interface were acutely exposed to the e-cig generated aerosols of humectants, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerol (GLY). Mucin levels were examined in the apical washes, and cytokine levels were assessed in the basolateral supernatants 24 h postexposure. The aerosol from the GLY exposure increased mucin 5, subtype AC (MUC5AC) levels in the apical wash of hNECs from nonsmokers, but not smokers. However, the aerosol from GLY induced pro-inflammatory responses in hNECs from smokers. We also exposed hNECs from nonsmokers and smokers to e-cig generated aerosol from PG:GLY with freebase nicotine or nicotine salt. The PG:GLY with freebase nicotine exposure increased MUC5AC and mucin 5, subtype B (MUC5B) levels in hNECs from nonsmokers, but the nicotine salt exposure did not. The PG:GLY with nicotine salt exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in hNECs from smokers, which was not seen with the freebase nicotine exposure. Taken together, these data indicate that the e-cig generated aerosols from the humectants, mostly GLY, and the type of nicotine used cause differential effects in airway epithelial cells from nonsmokers and smokers. As e-cig use is increasing, it is important to understand that the biological effects of e-cig use are likely dependent on prior cigarette smoke exposure.

The TOC159 null mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana is impaired in the accumulation of plastid lipids and phosphatidylcholine

We used electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to profile glycerolipids in the TOC159 null mutant of Arabidopsis, which is referred to as plastid protein import 2, or ppi2. The goal was to evaluate the impact of a defective atToc159 receptor in the accumulation of plastid lipids. The ppi2 mutant is severely impaired in the accumulation of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), which are major components of the thylakoid membranes. Major molecular species of MGDG and DGDG are drastically decreased, which is consistent with our previous findings of decreased levels of hexadecatrienoic and linolenic acids. Under normal growth conditions, the ppi2 mutant accumulated significantly lower levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). In the cold-acclimated mutant, the amounts of PE and PI were similar to the wildtype level, which indicates that the ER pathway of lipid synthesis was functional in the mutant. The cold-acclimated ppi2 mutant accumulated increased amounts of phosphatidic acid (PA), which was mirrored by an increase in phospholipase Dα (PLDα) transcript levels. These data suggest that PLDα activity contributed to the accumulation of cold-induced PA in the ppi2 mutant. The accumulation of major molecular species in PA indicates that cold-induced PA originated from the degradation of both plastidial and extraplastidial lipids. Compared with the wildtype, the ppi2 mutant had a low double bond index and high acyl chain length, which is indicative of decreased membrane fluidity. Taken together, these data indicate that a defective atToc159 receptor severely impaired the plastid pathway of lipid synthesis, which negatively affected the synthesis and/or accumulation of PC.

Hematologic, prostaglandin F2α -metabolite, serum amyloid A, and serum iron changes in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia

BACKGROUND

Endotoxemia is a common and severe disease of horses. Most previous studies have monitored changes caused by a bolus dose of endotoxin over short time periods.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe inflammatory responses to endotoxin with inflammatory and hematologic markers monitored over a longer time than has been performed in the past using more prolonged endotoxin exposures.

METHODS

Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin was administered as a 6-hour continuous intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to eight horses. Blood cell counts, and prostaglandin F_2α -metabolite (PGM), serum amyloid A (SAA), and serum total iron concentrations were monitored for up to 3 or 6 days.

RESULTS

An immediate and severe decrease in neutrophils and monocytes occurred in all horses, which subsequently changed to a moderate to strong neutrophilia and monocytosis that persisted for more than 78 hours postinfusion (PI) of LPS. Lymphocyte and eosinophil numbers decreased gradually and then normalized after 66- and 78-hours PI, respectively. Mild to moderate, biphasic thrombocytopenia occurred. A pronounced, transient increase in PGM occurred between 1 and 7 hours, peaking at 2 hours. Serum amyloid A began to increase after 6 hours PI and remained elevated after 72 hours PI. Serum iron was decreased between 6 and 48 hours. The clinical signs were most prominent during the first 24 hours PI and subsided within 48 hours PI.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophilia, monocytoses, and high SAA concentrations were present in horses even after the clinical signs had subsided. Serum iron normalized before SAA. Knowledge of these findings is imperative when interpreting laboratory results in horses with possible endotoxin exposure.

Is the remnant pancreas still working over a year after surgery in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction by pancreaticogastrostomy?

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) has been widely used as an alternative to pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but its long-term exocrine function remains unclear. The present study aimed to measure the secretion of pancreatic α-amylase (p-AMY) into the gastric cavity in patients who underwent PG reconstruction after PD over 1 year after surgery and to evaluate the relationship between gastric p-AMY level and clinically available indirect tests.

METHODS

Clinical records of 39 patients who underwent PG reconstruction after PD were reviewed. Pancreatic exocrine function was evaluated over 1 year after surgery using the following methods: 1) Measurement of p-AMY level in gastric fluids (gastric p-AMY level) during routine gastrointestinal endoscopy, 2) Qualitative faecal fat determination by Sudan III staining on faeces and 3) Pancreatic function diagnostic (PFD) test using oral administration of N-benzoyl-l-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid.

RESULTS

Gastric p-AMY level was detectable in 31 of 39 patients (79%), and 12 patients (30.8%) had steatorrhea over a year after surgery. Patients with steatorrhea had significantly lower gastric p-AMY level, larger diameter of remnant main pancreatic duct (MPD) and larger pancreatic duct to parenchymal thickness ratio than those without steatorrhea (84 IU/L vs 7979 IU/L, respectively; P < 0.001, 5.3 mm vs 3.2 mm, respectively; P = 0.001, and 0.38 vs 0.23, respectively; P = 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the cut-off value of the diameter of the remnant MPD to predict steatorrhea was 3.5 mm (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 70.4%). PFD test was not associated with any clinical data.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic enzyme was detected in 79% of patients having PG reconstruction. Diameter of remnant MPD >3.5 mm and pancreatic parenchymal atrophy may be surrogate markers of postoperative exocrine insufficiency following PD.

Postharvest biochemical characteristics and ultrastructure of Coprinus comatus

BACKGROUND

Coprinus comatus is a novel cultivated edible fungus, hailed as a new preeminent breed of mushroom. However, C. comatus is difficult to keep fresh at room temperature after harvest due to high respiration, browning, self-dissolve and lack of physical protection.

METHODS

In order to extend the shelf life of C. comatus and reduce its loss in storage, changes in quality, biochemical content, cell wall metabolism and ultrastructure of C. comatus (C.c77) under 4 °C and 90% RH storage regimes were investigated in this study.

RESULTS

The results showed that: (1) After 10 days of storage, mushrooms appeared acutely browning, cap opening and flowing black juice, rendering the mushrooms commercially unacceptable. (2) The activity of SOD, CAT, POD gradually increased, peaked at the day 10, up to 31.62 U g-1 FW, 16.51 U g-1 FW, 0.33 U g-1 FW, respectively. High SOD, CAT, POD activity could be beneficial in protecting cells from ROS-induced injuries, alleviating lipid peroxidation and stabilizing membrane integrity. (3) The activities of chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase were significantly increased. Higher degrees of cell wall degradation observed during storage might be due to those enzymes' high activities. (4) The fresh C. comatus had dense tissue and every single cell had the number of intracellular organelles which structure can be observed clearly. After 10 d storage, the number of intracellular organelles was declined and the structure was fuzzy, the nucleus disappeared. After 20 d storage, C. comatus's organization was completely lost, many cells were stacked together and the cell wall was badly damaged.

Unusual case of extracutaneous pyoderma gangrenosum with myelodysplastic syndrome

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, noninfectious, inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophilic infiltration and destruction of tissue. Extracutaneous involvement in PG is unusual. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is the most frequent hematologic disease associated with PG. We present a case diagnosed with MDS-EB-I. He had a large ulcer in his buttocks. Tissue culture and microscopy showed no evidence of fungi, bacteria, or mycobacteria. Histology showed granulation tissue, inflammatory infiltrate, abscess formation, and focal necrotizing vasculitis. Dermatology opinion confirmed PG. The skin lesions responded well to corticosteroid treatment at first, but it relapsed quickly with involvement of skin and lungs. In the meantime, MDS progressed to acute myeloid leukemia. The patient received chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy at the same time. After achievement of complete remission (CR), he had allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, the patient is still in CR status with no sign of PG relapse.

Changes in Metabolisms of Antioxidant and Cell Wall in Three Pummelo Cultivars during Postharvest Storage

The juice sacs of pummelo fruit is susceptible to softening during storage at 25 °C, which causes quality deterioration and flavor loss during postharvest pummelo storage. This study investigated the changes in metabolisms of antioxidant and cell wall in juice sacs of three pummelo cultivars—Hongroumiyou (HR), Bairoumiyou (BR) and Huangroumiyou (HuR)—during postharvest storage. The results revealed that, with the extension of storage, the juice sacs of three pummelo cultivars exhibited a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity; a decline in total phenols (TP) content and an increase firstly then a decrease in total ascorbic acid (TAA) content; and a decrease in lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and a rise initially, but a decline in activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Additionally, increased water-soluble pectin (WSP), but declined propectin, ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) and chelator-soluble pectin (CSP); as well as an increase from 0 d to 60 d then followed by a decline in activities of pectinesterase (PE), polygalacturonase (PG) and pectate lyase (PL) were observed. These results suggested that the metabolisms of antioxidant and cell wall could result in softening and senescence of pummelo fruit.

Ovulation is associated with the LH-dependent induction of pla2g4aa in zebrafish

The effects of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge on the ovulatory process are mediated by prostaglandins (PGs), the synthesis of which involves prostaglandin synthetase and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). In our previous study, we systematically investigated the function of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (ptgs) genes on ovulation in zebrafish. However, the role of cPLA2 in ovulation was not determined in zebrafish. In this study, we investigated the function of cpla2α in PGs production and ovulation in periovulatory follicles. Our data showed that the expression of pla2g4aa increased during zebrafish folliculogenesis and the follicular layer was the primary region with expression of pla2g4aa. In addition, the expression of pla2g4aa was regulated by LH in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, injection of AACOCF3, a specific inhibitor of cPLA2, significantly reduced ovarian PGs level and blocked hCG-induced ovulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that pla2g4aa is related to the ovulation process in zebrafish.

Thylakoid membrane lipid sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerol (SQDG) is required for full functioning of photosystem II in Thermosynechococcus elongatus

Sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerol (SQDG) is one of the four lipids present in the thylakoid membranes. Depletion of SQDG causes different degrees of effects on photosynthetic growth and activities in different organisms. Four SQDG molecules bind to each monomer of photosystem II (PSII), but their role in PSII function has not been characterized in detail, and no PSII structure without SQDG has been reported. We analyzed the activities of PSII from an SQDG-deficient mutant of the cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus by various spectroscopic methods, which showed that depletion of SQDG partially impaired the PSII activity by impairing secondary quinone (Q_B) exchange at the acceptor site. We further solved the crystal structure of the PSII dimer from the SQDG deletion mutant at 2.1 Å resolution and found that all of the four SQDG-binding sites were occupied by other lipids, most likely PG molecules. Replacement of SQDG at a site near the head of Q_B provides a possible explanation for the Q_B impairment. The replacement of two SQDGs located at the monomer-monomer interface by other lipids decreased the stability of the PSII dimer, resulting in an increase in the amount of PSII monomer in the mutant. The present results thus suggest that although SQDG binding in all of the PSII-binding sites is necessary to fully maintain the activity and stability of PSII, replacement of SQDG by other lipids can partially compensate for their functions.

ADHD Symptoms in Pathological and Problem Gamblers in Singapore

Background: There is relatively little research examining the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and gambling addiction. This study seeks to explore for ADHD symptoms in adult gambling addiction patients and to evaluate their gambling-related cognitions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, in Singapore. Patients presenting for gambling treatment were screened for ADHD symptoms and assessed for severity of gambling-related cognitions. The primary objective was to observe the rate of patients screening positive for ADHD. Results: 20% of the sample screened positive for ADHD. These individuals also had lower levels of gambling-related cognitions. No significant correlation was noted between ADHD symptoms and gambling-related cognition scores. Conclusions: Positive screening results for ADHD occurred frequently in our sample of Pathological Gambling (PG) and Problem Gambling patients and these affected individuals also exhibited lower levels of gambling-related cognitions. This finding may suggest that the gambling behavior in patients with ADHD-PG comorbidity is driven by impulsivity rather than gambling-related cognitions, which has implication on treatment considerations. Further research with a larger sample size is indicated.

Analysis of Peptidoglycan Fragment Release

Most bacteria break down a significant portion of their cell wall peptidoglycan during each round of growth and cell division. This process generates peptidoglycan fragments of various sizes that can either be imported back into the cytoplasm for recycling or released from the cell. Released fragments have been shown to act as microbe-associated molecular patterns for the initiation of immune responses, as triggers for the initiation of mutualistic host-microbe relationships, and as signals for cell-cell communication in bacteria. Characterizing these released peptidoglycan fragments can, therefore, be considered an important step in understanding how microbes communicate with other organisms in their environments. In this chapter, we describe methods for labeling cell wall peptidoglycan, calculating the rate at which peptidoglycan is turned over, and collecting released peptidoglycan to determine the abundance and species of released fragments. Methods are described for both the separation of peptidoglycan fragments by size-exclusion chromatography and further detailed analysis by HPLC.

Mining online e-liquid reviews for opinion polarities about e-liquid features

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the emerging electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) marketplace has developed prosperously all over the world. By analyzing online e-liquid reviews, we seek to identify the features attracting users.

METHODS

We collected e-liquid reviews from one of the largest online e-liquid review websites and extracted the e-liquid features by keywords. Then we used sentiment analysis to classify the features into two polarities: positive and negative. The positive sentiment ratio of a feature reflects the e-cigarette users' preference on this feature.

RESULTS

The popularity and preference of e-liquid features are not correlated. Nuts and cream are the favorite flavor categories, while fruit and cream are the most popular categories. The top mixed flavors are preferable to single flavors. Fruit and cream categories are most frequently mixed with other flavors. E-cigarette users are satisfied with cloud production, but not satisfied with the ingredients and throat hit.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the flavors that e-cigarette users were satisfied with, and we found the users liked e-cigarette cloud production. Therefore, flavors and cloud production are potential factors attracting new users.

Stringency of bacterial prolipoprotein signal peptidase (LspA) in recognition of signal peptides - Structure-function correlation

Bacterial lipid modification of proteins is an essential post-translational event committed by Phosphatidylglycerol: prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (Lgt) by catalysing diacyglyceryl transfer from Phosphatidylglycerol to cysteine present in the characteristic 'lipobox' ([LVI] ^(-3) [ASTVI] ^(-2) [GAS] ^(-1) C ⁽⁺¹⁾) of prolipoprotein signal peptides. This is then followed by the cleavage of the signal peptide by lipoprotein-specific signal peptidase (LspA). It had been known for long that threonine at the -1 position allows diacylglyceryl modification by Lgt, but not signal peptide cleavage by LspA. We have addressed this unexplained stringency by computational analysis of the recently published 3D structure of LspA with its competitive inhibitor as well as transition state analogue, globomycin using PyMoL viewing tool and VADAR (Volume, Area, Dihedral Angle Reporter) web server. The propensity to form hydrogen bond (2.9a) between the hydroxyl group of threonine (not possible with serine) and the NH of the lipid-modified cysteine, possible only in the transition state, will prevent the protonation of NH of the leaving peptide and therefore its cleavage. This knowledge could be useful for designing inhibitors of this essential pathway in bacteria or for engineering LspA.

LH signaling induced ptgs2a expression is required for ovulation in zebrafish

It is well known that ovulation is induced by luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. However, the down-stream factors that mediating LH surge induced ovulation are less clear. The cyclooxygenases (also known as PTGS) as key enzymes for prostaglandins synthesis appear to be important for ovulation in mammals, but their functional roles and molecular mechanism in regulation of fish ovulation are largely unexplored. In this study, we have systematically investigated the expression, regulation and functional roles of cox genes during zebrafish ovulation. Three types of cox genes including ptgs1, ptgs2a and ptgs2b have been identified in zebrafish. The ptgs2a was dominantly expressed in the ovary with a maximal level at the maturation stage of the follicles. In addition, the ptgs2a expression is up-regulated by LH signaling in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, co-injection of a selective Ptgs2 inhibitor and non-selective Ptgs inhibitor with hCG could significantly block the stimulatory effect of hCG induced ovulation in vivo. Collectively, our findings indicate that LH signaling induced ptgs2a expression is required for ovulation in zebrafish.

Cell Cycle Machinery in Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is the best described member of the Gram positive bacteria. It is a typical rod shaped bacterium and grows by elongation in its long axis, before dividing at mid cell to generate two similar daughter cells. B. subtilis is a particularly interesting model for cell cycle studies because it also carries out a modified, asymmetrical division during endospore formation, which can be simply induced by starvation. Cell growth occurs strictly by elongation of the rod, which maintains a constant diameter at all growth rates. This process involves expansion of the cell wall, requiring intercalation of new peptidoglycan and teichoic acid material, as well as controlled hydrolysis of existing wall material. Actin-like MreB proteins are the key spatial regulators that orchestrate the plethora of enzymes needed for cell elongation, many of which are thought to assemble into functional complexes called elongasomes. Cell division requires a switch in the orientation of cell wall synthesis and is organised by a tubulin-like protein FtsZ. FtsZ forms a ring-like structure at the site of impending division, which is specified by a range of mainly negative regulators. There it recruits a set of dedicated division proteins to form a structure called the divisome, which brings about the process of division. During sporulation, both the positioning and fine structure of the division septum are altered, and again, several dedicated proteins that contribute specifically to this process have been identified. This chapter summarises our current understanding of elongation and division in B. subtilis, with particular emphasis on the cytoskeletal proteins MreB and FtsZ, and highlights where the major gaps in our understanding remain.

Crystal Structure of Murein-Tripeptide Amidase MpaA from Escherichia coli O157 at 2.6 Å Resolution

Peptidoglycan (PG) is an essential component of the cell wall, and undergoes reconstruction by various PG hydrolases during cell growth, development and division. The murein- tripeptide (Mtp) amidase MpaA belongs to PG hydrolase family and is responsible for cleaving the γ-D-Glumeso- Dap amide bond in the Mtp released during PG turnover. The current paper reports the crystal structure of MpaA from Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 at 2.6 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit consists of two protein molecules and each monomer represents the common α/β fold of metallocarboxypeptidases (MCP). The Tyr133-Asp143 loop appears to mediate the entrance and binding of the substrate into the active groove. A structural comparison of MpaA with its homologue from Vibrio harveyi showed that MpaA has narrower active pocket entrance with a smaller surface opening, which is determined by the Val204-Thr211 loop. The reported structure provides a starting point for the molecular mechanism of MpaA in a significant human pathogen.

Digestion of Peptidoglycan and Analysis of Soluble Fragments

Peptidoglycan (murein) is a vital component of the cell wall of nearly all bacteria, composed of sugars linked by short peptides. This protocol describes the purification of macromolecular peptidoglycan from cultured bacteria and the analysis of enzyme-digested peptidoglycan fragments using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Digested peptidoglycan fragments can be identified by mass spectrometry, or predicted by comparing retention times with other published chromatograms. The quantitative nature of this method allows for the measurement of changes to peptidoglycan composition between different species of bacteria, growth conditions, or mutations. This method can determine the overall architecture of peptidoglycan, such as peptide stem length, the extent of cross-linking, and modifications. Muropeptide analysis has been used to study the function of peptidoglycan-associated proteins and the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance.

Overexpression of Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase from Suaeda salsa Improves Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase is the first acyl esterifying enzyme in phosphatidylglycerol (PG) synthesis process. In this study, we isolated and characterized the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) gene from Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) and obtained the full length of the GPAT gene from S. salsa (SsGPAT) by 5' and 3' RACE. The clone contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1167 bp nucleotides that comprised of 388 amino acid residues. Real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA accumulation of GPAT in S. salsa was induced by salt stress. The highest expression levels were observed when S. salsa leaves were exposed to 300 mM NaCl treatment. At the germination stage, the germination rate and root length of overexpressed Arabidopsis strains were significantly higher than WT under different concentrations of NaCl treatments, while the inhibitory effect was significantly severe in T-DNA insertion mutant strains. In the seedling stage, chlorophyll content, the photochemical efficiency of PSII, PSI oxidoreductive activity (ΔI/Io), and the unsaturated fatty acid content of PG decreased less in overexpressed strains and more in mutant strains than that in WT under salt stress. These results suggest that the overexpression of SsGPAT in Arabidopsis enhances salt tolerance and alleviates the photoinhibition of PSII and PSI under salt stress by improving the unsaturated fatty acid content of PG.

Overexpression of Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase from Suaeda salsa Improves Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase is the first acyl esterifying enzyme in phosphatidylglycerol (PG) synthesis process. In this study, we isolated and characterized the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) gene from Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) and obtained the full length of the GPAT gene from S. salsa (SsGPAT) by 5' and 3' RACE. The clone contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1167 bp nucleotides that comprised of 388 amino acid residues. Real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA accumulation of GPAT in S. salsa was induced by salt stress. The highest expression levels were observed when S. salsa leaves were exposed to 300 mM NaCl treatment. At the germination stage, the germination rate and root length of overexpressed Arabidopsis strains were significantly higher than WT under different concentrations of NaCl treatments, while the inhibitory effect was significantly severe in T-DNA insertion mutant strains. In the seedling stage, chlorophyll content, the photochemical efficiency of PSII, PSI oxidoreductive activity (ΔI/Io), and the unsaturated fatty acid content of PG decreased less in overexpressed strains and more in mutant strains than that in WT under salt stress. These results suggest that the overexpression of SsGPAT in Arabidopsis enhances salt tolerance and alleviates the photoinhibition of PSII and PSI under salt stress by improving the unsaturated fatty acid content of PG.

Analysis of symptoms and their potential associations with e-liquids' components: a social media study

Background

The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) market has grown rapidly in recent years. However, causes of e-cigarette related symptoms among users and their impact on health remain uncertain. This research aims to mine the potential relationships between symptoms and e-liquid components, such as propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavor extracts, and nicotine, using user-generated data collected from Reddit.

Methods

A total of 3605 e-liquid related posts from January 1st, 2011 to June 30th, 2015 were collected from Reddit. Then the patterns of VG/PG distribution among different flavors were analyzed. Next, the relationship between throat hit, which was a typical symptom of e-cigarette use, and e-liquid components was studied. Finally, other symptoms were examined based on e-liquid components and user sentiment.

Results

We discovered 3 main sets of findings: 1) We identified three groups of flavors in terms of VG/PG ratios. Fruits, cream, and nuts flavors were similar. Sweet, menthol, and seasonings flavors were classified into one group. Tobacco and beverages flavors were the third group. 2) Throat hit was analyzed and we found that menthol and tobacco flavors, as well as high ratios of PG and nicotine level, could produce more throat hit. 3) A total of 9 systems of 25 symptoms were identified and analyzed. Components including VG/PG ratio, flavor, and nicotine could be possible reasons for these symptoms.

Conclusions

E-liquid components shown to be associated with e-cigarette use symptomology were VG/PG ratios, flavors, and nicotine levels. Future analysis could be conducted based on the structure of e-liquid components categories built in this study. Information revealed in this study could be utilized by e-cigarette users to understand the relationship between e-liquid type and symptoms experienced, by vendors to choose appropriate recipes of e-liquid, and by policy makers to develop new regulations.

Flaxseed reduces the pro-carcinogenic micro-environment in the ovaries of normal hens by altering the PG and oestrogen pathways in a dose-dependent manner

The objective of the present study was to find the optimum dose of flaxseed that would decrease PG and alter oestrogen pathway endpoints implicated in ovarian cancer. In the study, four groups of fifty 1.5-year-old chickens were fed different amounts of flaxseed (0, 5, 10 or 15% of their total diet) for 4 months and were then killed to collect blood and tissues. Levels of flaxseed lignan metabolites, Enterolactone (EL) and Enterodiol (ED) were measured in the serum, liver and ovaries by liquid chromatography-MS/MS, and n-3 and n-6 fatty acid (FA) levels were measured by GC. The effects of the varied flaxseed doses were assessed by measuring levels of PGE2 and oestrogen metabolites (16-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1)) as well as by analysing the expression of the oestradiol metabolising enzymes CYP3A4 (cytochrome p450, family 3, subfamily A, polypeptide 4), CYP1B1 (cytochrome p450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1) and CYP1A1 (cytochrome p450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) and that of oestrogen receptor α (ERα) in the ovaries. The ratio of n-3:n-FA increased with an increase in flaxseed supplementation and corresponded to a dose-dependent decrease in cyclo-oxygenase-2 protein and PGE2 levels. EL and ED increased in the serum, liver and ovaries with increased concentrations of flaxseed. Flaxseed decreased the expression of ERα in the ovaries. The ratio of 2-OHE1:16-OHE1 in the serum increased significantly in the 15% flaxseed diet, and there was a corresponding increase in CYP1A1 in the liver and decrease in CYP3A4 in the ovaries. CYP1B1 mRNA also decreased with flaxseed diet in the ovaries. The 15% flaxseed-supplemented diet significantly decreased inflammatory PGE2, ERα, CYP3A4, CYP1B1 and 16-OHE1, but it increased CYP1A1 and 2-OHE1, which thus reduced the inflammatory and pro-carcinogenic micro-environment of the ovaries.

Syk and Src are major pharmacological targets of a Cerbera manghas methanol extract with kaempferol-based anti-inflammatory activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cerbera manghas L. (Apocynaceae), a semi-mangrove medicinal plant distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries, is traditionally known to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, cardiotonic, and hypotensive activity. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of the leaves of Cerbera manghas and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated to validate the ethnopharmacological use of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of Cerbera manghas methanol extract (Cm-ME) on the production of inflammatory mediators and the induction of HCl/EtOH-treated gastritis was explored using macrophages, HEK293 cells, and ICR mice. The molecular targets of this extract and potential active components in Cm-ME were also investigated.

RESULTS

Cm-ME inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. This extract also suppressed the expression of NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. NF-κB-mediated enhancement of luciferase activity, nuclear translocation of p50 and p65, and phosphorylation of IκBα were markedly reduced by Cm-ME treatment. Direct enzyme assays, reporter gene assays, and immunoprecipitation analysis of kinases revealed Syk and Src as immunopharmacological targets of Cm-ME. Moreover, this extract strongly ameliorated the gastric symptoms induced by HCl/EtOH treatment of mice. Finally, HPLC analysis and pharmacological tests identified kaempferol as an active component of the extract with Src/Syk inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of Syk/Src and the NF-κB pathway by kaempferol could play a key role in the anti-inflammatory pharmacological action of Cerbera manghas.

Screening of gastric cancer: who, when, and how

Gastric cancer (GC) remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Conceivably, early diagnosis may be achievable through screening of the high-risk population. Therefore, it is important to identify individuals harboring premalignant lesions that include atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and mucosal dysplasia. The age threshold for GC screening depends on the regional incidence and the individual risk. In high-incidence countries such as Japan and Korea, the age to screen GC may be as early as 40 years. The mass screening by endoscopy in these countries would be able to detect a substantial portion of patients with early GCs as well as precancerous lesions. For the purpose of eliminating GC, however, these screening programs should be conducted in conjunction with Helicobacter pylori eradication. In low-incidence countries, it seems feasible to adopt a stepwise approach to identify high-risk individuals at first. The initial screening should focus on epidemiologic factors, genetic or hereditary risks, and the status of H pylori infection. Measurement of serum pepsinogen I and II and gastrin may detect atrophic gastritis in a noninvasive manner. Patients with these premalignant lesions should then receive endoscopic examination and enter surveillance. To date, there is no cost-effective strategy for an average-risk individual from a population with low incidence of GC, and therefore screening is unwarranted and cannot be recommended for them.

Relationships between problematic internet use and problem-gambling severity: findings from a high-school survey

With the popularity of Internet use among adolescents, there is concern that some youth may display problematic or addictive patterns of Internet use. Although excessive patterns of Internet use was considered for inclusion in the DSM-5 with pathological gambling and substance-use disorders in a category of addictive disorders, it was determined that more research was needed on Internet-use behaviors before such actions be further considered and possibly undertaken. The present study is the first to investigate whether at-risk/problematic Internet use (ARPIU) may moderate the strength of association between problem-gambling severity and gambling-related characteristics and health and well-being measures in adolescents. Survey data from 1884 Connecticut high-school student stratified by Internet use (ARPIU vs. non-ARPIU) were examined in bivariate analyses and logistic regression models. Gambling-related characteristics and health and well-being measures were mostly positively associated with problem-gambling severity in both Internet use groups. Interaction odds ratio revealed that the strength of the associations between problem-gambling severity and marijuana, alcohol and caffeine use were stronger amongst the non-ARPIU compared to the ARPIU group, suggesting that the relationships between these substance use behaviors and problem gambling may be partially accounted for by ARPIU. Future studies should examine the extent to which preventative interventions targeting both problematic Internet use and problem gambling may synergistically benefit measures of health and reduce risk-taking behaviors in adolescence.

Obesity accelerates ovarian follicle development and follicle loss in rats

OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown that excess body fat negatively affects reproductive functions in females. However, whether obesity affects the ovarian follicle development and ovarian lifespan and the underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between obesity and ovarian follicle development.

METHODS

Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 36) were randomly divided into three groups: the normal control (NC) group, the caloric restriction (CR) group (fed 70% food of the NC group) and the high-fat diet (HF) group. They were maintained on these regimens for 18 weeks.

RESULTS

The body weight, ovary weight and visceral fat in the HF group were significantly higher than those in the NC group and the CR group at the end of treatment. Histological analysis showed that the HF rats had significantly less number and percentage of primordial follicles, but greater number and percentage of developing and atretic follicles than the NC rats and CR rats. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the level of mTORC1 and p-S6K1 proteins significantly increased in the ovaries of HF rats, whereas that of SIRT1, SIRT6, FOXO3a and NRF-1 decreased compared to the NC rats. In contrast, the expression of mTORC1 and p-S6K1 dramatically declined, while that of SIRT1, SIRT6, FOXO3a and NRF1 increased in the ovaries of CR rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the HF diet induced obesity may accelerate the ovarian follicle development and rate of follicle loss through activating mTOR and suppressing SIRT1 signaling, thus leading to POF, and that CR may inhibit the activation of primordial follicles, follicular development and loss, thus extending the ovarian lifespan through suppressing mTOR and activating SIRT1 signaling.

Altered colonic mucosal availability of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in ulcerative colitis and the relationship to disease activity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) arachidonic acid (AA, n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n-3) are precursors of eicosanoids and other lipid mediators which have critical roles in inflammation. The mediators formed from the different PUFA have different potencies. We hypothesised that metabolic changes associated with colonic mucosal inflammation would modify the bioavailability of the eicosanoid precursors AA and EPA.

METHODS

Colonic mucosa biopsies were obtained from patients with ulcerative colitis and from matched controls. Inflammation was graded endoscopically and histologically. Esterified and non-esterified fatty acids were determined within the biopsies using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Biopsy samples were collected from 69 UC patients (54 providing both inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa) and 69 controls. Inflamed mucosa had higher AA (p<0.001) and lower EPA (p<0.010) contents and a higher AA:EPA ratio (p<0.001). Inflamed mucosa also had higher docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and lower linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (α-LNA) contents (all p<0.001), compared to non-inflamed and controls. There were significant correlations between severity of inflammation and contents of AA, DPA and DHA (positive correlations) and of LA, α-LNA and EPA (negative correlations).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher AA, AA:EPA ratio, DPA and DHA and lower LA, α-LNA and EPA are seen in inflamed mucosa in UC and correlate with severity of inflammation. This suggests an alteration in fatty acid metabolism in the inflamed gut mucosa, which may offer novel targets for intervention and should be considered if nutritional strategies are used.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal Rhizophagus irregularis activates storage lipid biosynthesis to cope with the benzo[a]pyrene oxidative stress

The phytoremediation assisted by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could constitute an ecological and economic method to restore polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) polluted soils. Unfortunately, little is known about the PAH impact on the beneficial symbiotic AMF. Using radiolabelling experiments, our work aims to understand how benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a representative of high molecular weight PAH, acts on the AMF lipid metabolism. Our results showed decreases in the sterol precursors as well as in total phospholipid quantities, in link with the [1-(14)C]acetate incorporation decreases in these lipids. Interestingly, a concomitant increase of [1-(14)C]acetate incorporation by 29.5% into phosphatidylcholine with its content decrease in Rhizophagus irregularis extraradical mycelium was observed, suggesting a membrane regeneration. A second concomitant increase (estimated to 69%) of [1-(14)C]acetate incorporation into triacylglycerols (TAG) with the content decrease was also observed. This suggests a fungal TAG biosynthesis activation probably to offset the decrease in storage lipid content when the fungus was grown under B[a]P pollution. In addition, our findings showed that lipase activity was induced by more than 3 fold in the presence of B[a]P in comparison to the control indicating that the drop in TAG content could be a consequence of their active degradation. Taken together, our data suggest the involvement of the fungal TAG metabolism to cope B[a]P toxicity through two means: (i) by providing carbon skeletons and energy necessary for membrane regeneration and/or for B[a]P translocation and degradation as well as (ii) by activating the phosphatidic acid and hexose metabolisms which may be involved in cellular stress defence.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of polygalacturonase genes in Cucumis sativus and Citrullus lanatus

Polygalacturonase (PG, EC3.2.1.15), one of the hydrolytic enzymes associated with the modification of pectin network in plant cell wall, has an important role in various cell-separation processes that are essential for plant development. PGs are encoded by a large gene family in plants. However, information on this gene family in plant development remains limited. In the present study, 53 and 62 putative members of the PG gene family in cucumber and watermelon genomes, respectively, were identified by genome-wide search to explore the composition, structure, and evolution of the PG family in Cucurbitaceae crops. The results showed that tandem duplication could be an important factor that contributes to the expansion of the PG genes in the two crops. The phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses suggested that PGs could be classified into seven clades, and that the exon/intron structures and intron phases were conserved within but divergent between clades. At least 24 ancestral PGs were detected in the common ancestor of Arabidopsis and Cucumis sativus. Expression profile analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that most CsPGs exhibit specific or high expression pattern in one of the organs/tissues. The 16 CsPGs associated with fruit development could be divided into three subsets based on their specific expression patterns and the cis-elements of fruit-specific, endosperm/seed-specific, and ethylene-responsive exhibited in their promoter regions. Our comparative analysis provided some basic information on the PG gene family, which would be valuable for further functional analysis of the PG genes during plant development.

Drosophila as a model for intestinal dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory diseases

The association between deregulated intestinal microbial consortia and host diseases has been recognized since the birth of microbiology over a century ago. Intestinal dysbiosis refers to a state where living metazoans harbor harmful intestinal microflora. However, there is still an issue of whether causality arises from the host or the microbe because it is unclear whether deregulation of the gut microbiota community is the consequence or cause of the host disease. Recent studies using Drosophila and its simple microbiota have provided a valuable model system for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of intestinal dysbiosis. In this review, we examine recent exciting observations in Drosophila gut-microbiota interactions, particularly the links among the host immune genotype, the microbial community structure, and the host inflammatory phenotype. Future genetic analyses using Drosophila model system will provide a valuable outcome for understanding the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that underlie intestinal dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Mechanical loading stimulates chondrogenesis via the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and PP2A pathways in chicken micromass cultures

Biomechanical stimuli play important roles in the formation of articular cartilage during early foetal life, and optimal mechanical load is a crucial regulatory factor of adult chondrocyte metabolism and function. In this study, we undertook to analyse mechanotransduction pathways during in vitro chondrogenesis. Chondroprogenitor cells isolated from limb buds of 4-day-old chicken embryos were cultivated as high density cell cultures for 6 days. Mechanical stimulation was carried out by a self-designed bioreactor that exerted uniaxial intermittent cyclic load transmitted by the culture medium as hydrostatic pressure and fluid shear to differentiating cells. The loading scheme (0.05 Hz, 600 Pa; for 30 min) was applied on culturing days 2 and 3, when final commitment and differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells occurred in this model. The applied mechanical load significantly augmented cartilage matrix production and elevated mRNA expression of several cartilage matrix constituents, including collagen type II and aggrecan core protein, as well as matrix-producing hyaluronan synthases through enhanced expression, phosphorylation and nuclear signals of the main chondrogenic transcription factor Sox9. Along with increased cAMP levels, a significantly enhanced protein kinase A (PKA) activity was also detected and CREB, the archetypal downstream transcription factor of PKA signalling, exhibited elevated phosphorylation levels and stronger nuclear signals in response to mechanical stimuli. All the above effects were diminished by the PKA-inhibitor H89. Inhibition of the PKA-independent cAMP-mediators Epac1 and Epac2 with HJC0197 resulted in enhanced cartilage formation, which was additive to that of the mechanical stimulation, implying that the chondrogenesis-promoting effect of mechanical load was independent of Epac. At the same time, PP2A activity was reduced following mechanical load and treatments with the PP2A-inhibitor okadaic acid were able to mimic the effects of the intervention. Our results indicate that proper mechanical stimuli augment in vitro cartilage formation via promoting both differentiation and matrix production of chondrogenic cells, and the opposing regulation of the PKA/CREB-Sox9 and the PP2A signalling pathways is crucial in this phenomenon.

Regional brain activity change predicts responsiveness to treatment for stuttering in adults

Developmental stuttering is known to be associated with aberrant brain activity, but there is no evidence that this knowledge has benefited stuttering treatment. This study investigated whether brain activity could predict progress during stuttering treatment for 21 dextral adults who stutter (AWS). They received one of two treatment programs that included periodic H2(15)O PET scanning (during oral reading, monologue, and eyes-closed rest conditions). All participants successfully completed an initial treatment phase and then entered a phase designed to transfer treatment gains; 9/21 failed to complete this latter phase. The 12 pass and 9 fail participants were similar on speech and neural system variables before treatment, and similar in speech performance after the initial phase of their treatment. At the end of the initial treatment phase, however, decreased activation within a single region, L. putamen, in all 3 scanning conditions was highly predictive of successful treatment progress.

Differential changes in galactolipid and phospholipid species in soybean leaves and roots under nitrogen deficiency and after nodulation

The availability of nitrogen (N) to plants has a profound impact on carbohydrate and protein metabolism, but little is known about its effect on membrane lipid species. This study examines the changes in galactolipid and phospholipid species in soybean as affected by the availability of N, either supplied to soil or obtained through Bradyrhizobium japonicum nodulation. When N was limited in soil, the content of galactolipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacyglycerol (DGDG), decreased drastically in leaves, while a smaller decrease of DGDG was observed in roots. In both leaves and roots, the overall content of different phospholipid classes was largely unchanged by N limitation, although some individual phospholipid molecular species did display significant changes. Nodulation with Bradyrhizobium of soybean grown in N-deficient soil resulted in a large increase in levels of plastidic lipid classes, MGDG, DGDG, and phosphatidylglycerol, along with smaller increases in non-plastidic phospholipids in leaves. Nodulation also led to higher levels of phospholipids in roots without changes in root levels of MGDG and DGDG. Overall, N availability alters lipid content more in leaves than roots and more in galactolipids than phospholipids. Increased N availability leads to increased galactolipid accumulation in leaves, regardless of whether N is supplied from the soil or symbiotic fixation.

Claviceps purpurea expressing polygalacturonases escaping PGIP inhibition fully infects PvPGIP2 wheat transgenic plants but its infection is delayed in wheat transgenic plants with increased level of pectin methyl esterification

Claviceps purpurea is a biotrophic fungal pathogen of grasses causing the ergot disease. The infection process of C. purpurea on rye flowers is accompanied by pectin degradation and polygalacturonase (PG) activity represents a pathogenicity factor. Wheat is also infected by C. purpurea and we tested whether the presence of polygalacturonase inhibiting protein (PGIP) can affect pathogen infection and ergot disease development. Wheat transgenic plants expressing the bean PvPGIP2 did not show a clear reduction of disease symptoms when infected with C. purpurea. To ascertain the possible cause underlying this lack of improved resistance of PvPGIP2 plants, we expressed both polygalacturonases present in the C. purpurea genome, cppg1 and cppg2 in Pichia pastoris. In vitro assays using the heterologous expressed PGs and PvPGIP2 showed that neither PG is inhibited by this inhibitor. To further investigate the role of PG in the C. purpurea/wheat system, we demonstrated that the activity of both PGs of C. purpurea is reduced on highly methyl esterified pectin. Finally, we showed that this reduction in PG activity is relevant in planta, by inoculating with C. purpurea transgenic wheat plants overexpressing a pectin methyl esterase inhibitor (PMEI) and showing a high degree of pectin methyl esterification. We observed reduced disease symptoms in the transgenic line compared with null controls. Together, these results highlight the importance of pectin degradation for ergot disease development in wheat and sustain the notion that inhibition of pectin degradation may represent a possible route to control of ergot in cereals.

Advances in nanomedicines for malaria treatment

Malaria is an infectious disease that mainly affects children and pregnant women from tropical countries. The mortality rate of people infected with malaria per year is enormous and became a public health concern. The main factor that has contributed to the success of malaria proliferation is the increased number of drug resistant parasites. To counteract this trend, research has been done in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, for the development of new biocompatible systems capable of incorporating drugs, lowering the resistance progress, contributing for diagnosis, control and treatment of malaria by target delivery. In this review, we discussed the main problems associated with the spread of malaria and the most recent developments in nanomedicine for anti-malarial drug delivery.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells reduce colitis in mice by activating NOD2 signaling to COX2

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Decreased levels or function of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) are associated with Crohn's disease. NOD2 regulates intestinal inflammation, and also is expressed by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs), to regulate their differentiation. We investigated whether NOD2 is required for the anti-inflammatory activities of MSCs in mice with colitis.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in mice by administration of dextran sulfate sodium or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Mice then were given intraperitoneal injections of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs; colon tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected for histologic analyses. A bromodeoxyuridine assay was used to determine the ability of hUCB-MSCs to inhibit proliferation of human mononuclear cells in culture.

RESULTS

Administration of hUCB-MSCs reduced the severity of colitis in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of hUCB-MSCs were greatly increased by activation of NOD2 by its ligand, muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Administration of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs increased anti-inflammatory responses in colons of mice, such as production of interleukin (IL)-10 and infiltration by T regulatory cells, and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines. Proliferation of mononuclear cells was inhibited significantly by co-culture with hUCB-MSCs that had been stimulated with MDP. MDP induced prolonged production of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in hUCB-MSCs via the NOD2-RIP2 pathway, which suppressed proliferation of mononuclear cells derived from hUCB. PGE2 produced by hUCB-MSCs in response to MDP increased production of IL-10 and T regulatory cells. In mice, production of PGE2 by MSCs and subsequent production of IL-10 were required to reduce the severity of colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of NOD2 is required for the ability of hUCB-MSCs to reduce the severity of colitis in mice. NOD2 signaling increases the ability of these cells to suppress mononuclear cell proliferation by inducing production of PGE2.