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Psoriasis is a genetically determined, environmentally triggered, immune system-mediated autoimmune disease. Different animal models are needed to investigate the complex pathological mechanisms underlying this disease. Therefore, we established mannan-induced psoriasis model and compared with the most commonly used imiquimod-induced psoriasis in terms of disease, induction of innate immune cells, expression of cytokines, and the effect of dexamethasone treatment. Mannan significantly induced more severe psoriasis with better disease relapsing feature than imiquimod (IMQ). As determined by immunohistochemistry, IMQ induced significantly more infiltration of CD11c+ and F4/80+ cells than mannan in the skin. However, cytometric analysis showed a significant increase in the percentage of Gr-1+ neutrophils in the spleen and lymph nodes as well as F4/80+ macrophages in the spleen after mannan exposure. Variation in the percentage of significantly increased Vγ4 T cells was also found to be dependent on the lymphoid organs tested. However, there is a clear difference between these models in terms of expression of certain cytokine genes: IL-22, IL-23, IL-17E, and IL-17F were expressed more predominantly in mannan-induced inflammation, while IL-6 and IL-17A expressions were significantly higher in IMQ model. Interestingly, dexamethasone treatment strongly reduced epidermal thickness and histological scores induced by mannan than IMQ. Despite inducing psoriasis-like inflammation, certain differences and similarities were observed in the immune responses induced by mannan and IMQ. However, mannan-induced psoriasis model is relatively more simple, economical and less harmful to mice with an increased possibility to develop a chronic psoriasis model by exposing mice to mannan.

Witherite originates from the biochemical sedimentation of barium in sea water. Due to the complexity of the metallogenic environment, witherite appears in many morphologies. However, the relationship between its diverse morphologies and its mineralisation environment is not well understood. In this paper, Ca2+, a common substitute for Ba2+, and mixed protein (egg white) were used to simulate the inorganic and organic environments of witherite mineralisation, respectively. Comparison of samples prepared under different conditions showed that Ca2+ and egg white have relatively independent regulatory effects on the mineralisation of witherite particles. Egg white primarily limits the growth of the nanocrystals, while Ca2+ directs their non-isodiametric growth. Results shows that Ca2+ is distributed along a gradient in nanocrystalline witherite particles, with the Ca2+ content being proportional to the diameter of the nanocrystals. The results of this study shed light on the different roles of organic matter and inorganic ions in the formation of witherite and offer insight into the genesis of its various morphologies.

Egg white (EW) has long been a high-quality source of protein for human beings and has also been widely used in food processing and biomedical engineering. Surprisingly, however, given that EW is a sustainable, environment-friendly, low-cost, versatile, readily available, and highly effective functional additive, it has seen relatively little use in the preparation of inorganic functional materials (IFMs). Fortunately, since 2000, and especially since 2010, this situation has been rapidly changing. This perspective article begins by briefly describing EW's protein composition and its functions as a foaming, gelling, reduction, binding and doping agent. It continues with a comprehensive discussion of the strategies for synthesis, mechanisms of formation, and applications for seven IFMs prepared with EW in the last twenty years, including metallic oxides, ferrites, ceramic foams, carbon materials and their composites, metal nanoclusters and metal nanoparticles, biomimetic mineralization of CaCO3, and miscellaneous other IFMs. The article concludes with a summary of the advantages of EW-assisted preparation of IFMs and the bottlenecks that may stand in the way of its rapid development. This case study will provide a reference and guidance for the future use and development of EW in the preparation of IFMs.

In all the waters where mollusks can grow, a variety of metal ions abounds. Attention has focused, however, on the effects of K+, Na+ and Mg2+ on the biomineralization of nacre, and those of other metal ions have been relatively neglected. This paper investigated the effects of representative copper (II) on the biomineralization of CaCO3 using egg white as the organic matrix. The effects of copper ion concentration, aging time and the combined actions of a high concentration of both egg white and Cu2+ on the morphology and crystal type of CaCO3 were studied, and the action mechanism was analyzed. The results show that copper (II) can induce the formation of vaterite, promote the spheroidization of mineralized particles, distort and deform the lamellar structure, and affect the surface roughness. Mechanism analysis shows that the bending and twisting of the protein molecule chain caused by the biuret reaction of Cu2+ with egg-white protein is the primary reason for the effects of copper (II) on the morphology and crystal type of CaCO3. On this basis, a micron pearl-like CaCO3 with a spherical structure consisting of uniform lamellae about 350 nm thick was obtained by exploiting the combined actions of high concentrations of egg white and Cu2+.

In this paper, in a simple alternating immersion method, bacterial cellulose hydrogel (BCH) is used as a template to produce hydroxyapatite (HA) by oriented crystallization and a multilevel structure ranging from nano-scale needles to submicron-scale pompons and micron-scale hollow coaxial tubules of HA crystals. The presence of egg white protein significantly improves the crystallinity of the HA. Analysis of the mineralization mechanism shows that the weak coordination of the hydroxyl groups on the BC molecule with Ca2+ and the steric hindrance in the BCH are the major factors in the assembly of the HA. This study may help people understand the mechanism of bone mineralization and provide guidance for its biomimetic preparation.

Reproductive phenology is sensitive to climatic changes and is associated with species functional types, distribution ranges, and their corresponding climatic niches. Phylogenetic niche conservatism in reproductive phenology also constrains its diversity and the distribution of species. Therefore, we assessed the effects of photosynthetic pathway, life history, phylogeny, and climatic niche on reproductive phenology. For 190 Poaceae species in subtropical China, we compiled data on flowering onset and reproductive period, functional type (photosynthetic pathway and life history), and 18 climatic variables across the species’ global distributions and used phylogenetic models to determine associations. We found strong phylogenetic signals in flowering onset but not in reproductive period. Photosynthetic pathway and life history have significant interactive effects on both flowering onset and reproductive period, such that C3 annual grasses flowered the earliest and had the longest reproductive period. We found that species with wider climatic niches would flower earlier and have longer reproductive periods. Specifically, species that experience wider ranges of mean annual precipitation and coldest-month temperatures would flower earlier, and species with higher mean annual temperature and wider ranges of wettest-quarter precipitation have a longer reproductive period. This study finds that the diversity of reproductive phenology among subtropical grasses is constrained by evolution and climatic niche and that photosynthetic pathway and life history have an interactive effect on the timing and the duration of reproduction.

Myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP8/14) participates in various inflammatory responses, however, its effect on macrophage efferocytosis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that MRP8/14 significantly inhibits the efferocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes by mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), which later proves to be associated with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) or for reducing the expression of growth arrest-specific protein 6 and milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8, independent of RAGE. Furthermore, MRP8/14 promotes polarization of BMDMs from the M2 - to M1 -like phenotype by upregulating expression of M1 -related surface receptor proteins and signature M1 -marker genes and by downregulating signature M2 -marker gene expression, which depends on Toll-like receptor 4 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor κB pathways. Thus, we report a significant inhibitory effect of MRP8/14 on macrophage efferocytosis and MRP8/14-mediated phenotypic polarization, which may be helpful in developing novel therapeutic strategies leading to inflammation resolution.

Present study was performed to identify the species of ascarids from macaw parrot, Ara chloroptera, in China. Total 6 ascarids (3 males and 3 females) were collected in the feces of 3 macaws at Guangzhou Zoo in Guangdong Province, China. Their morphological characteristics with dimensions were observed under a light microscope, and their genetic characters were analyzed with the partial 18S rDNA, ITS rDNA and nad4 gene sequences, respectively. Results showed that all worms have no interlabia but male worms have two alate spicules, well-developed precloacal sucker and a tail with ventrolateral caudal alae and 11 pairs of papillae. The partial 18S rDNA, ITS rDNA and nad4 sequences were 831bp, 1015bp and 394bp in length, respectively. They showed the highest similarity of 99.8% (18S rDNA) with Ascaridia nymphii, 93.8% identities (ITS rDNA) with A. columbae and 98.5% to 99.5% identities (nad4) with Ascaridia sp. from infected parrot. All Ascaridia nematodes from the macaws were clustered into one clade and formed monophyletic group of Ascaridia with A. columbae and A. galli in two phylogenetic trees. It is observed that the combining morphological and sequencing data from three loci, the present Ascaridia species was identified as Ascaridia nymphii, which is the first record of A. nymphii from macaw parrot in China.

Toxascaris leonina is a common parasitic nematode of wild mammals and has significant impacts on the protection of rare wild animals. To analyze population genetic characteristics of T. leonina from South China tiger, its mitochondrial (mt) genome was sequenced. Its complete circular mt genome was 14,277 bp in length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 non-coding regions. The nucleotide composition was biased toward A and T. The most common start codon and stop codon were TTG and TAG, and 4 genes ended with an incomplete stop codon. There were 13 intergenic regions ranging 1 to 10 bp in size. Phylogenetically, T. leonina from a South China tiger was close to canine T. leonina. This study reports for the first time a complete mt genome sequence of T. leonina from the South China tiger, and provides a scientific basis for studying the genetic diversity of nematodes between different hosts.

In recent years, the discovery of novel energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) with high energy performance and low sensitivity is very desirable but highly challenging. Nitroazole-based ECCs have attracted a lot of attention in this area owing to their prominent advantages including excellent energy performance and good thermostability. Herein, three new ECCs based on 3,5-dinitro-4-oxylpyrazolate (DNOP) ligand were synthesized, characterized and evaluated as potential high-energy materials. Their structures and coordination mode were confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal stability, sensitivities and energy performance were measured and studied in detail. The results suggest that as-prepared new ECCs are classified as “less sensitive” energetic materials exhibiting relative low sensitivity (IS = 14–18 J, FS = 240–324 N). Additionally, these new ECCs exhibit excellent thermal stability with high decomposition temperature beyond 290 °C. Inheriting the significant energy performance of 3,5-dinitro-4-oxylpyrazolate ligand, they could also possess attractive energy property.

To study prokaryotic expression and subcellular localization of α-13 giardin in Giardia lamblia trophozoites, α-13 giardin gene was amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a(+). The positive recombinant plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) for expression by using IPTG and autoinduction expression system (ZYM-5052). The target protein was validated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and purified by Ni-NTA Resin. Rabbits were immunized with purified fusion proteins for preparation of polyclonal antibody; then the intracellular location of α-13 giardin was determined by fluorescence immunoassay. The results showed that the length of α-13 giardin gene was 1038 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 345 amino acids. The expressed product was a fusion protein with about 40 kDa largely present in soluble form. The target protein accounted for 21.0% of total proteins after being induced with IPTG, while it accounted for 28.8% with ZYM-5052. The anti-α13-giardin polyclonal antibody possessed good antigenic specificity as well as excellent binding activity with recombinant α-13 giardin. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that α-13 giardin was localized in the cytoplasm of G. lamblia trophozoite, suggesting that it is a cytoplasm-associated protein. The present study may lay a foundation for further functional research on α-13 giardin of G. lamblia.

Toxascaris leonina is a common parasitic nematode of wild mammals and has significant impacts on the protection of rare wild animals. To analyze population genetic characteristics of T. leonina from South China tiger, its mitochondrial (mt) genome was sequenced. Its complete circular mt genome was 14,277 bp in length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 non-coding regions. The nucleotide composition was biased toward A and T. The most common start codon and stop codon were TTG and TAG, and 4 genes ended with an incomplete stop codon. There were 13 intergenic regions ranging 1 to 10 bp in size. Phylogenetically, T. leonina from a South China tiger was close to canine T. leonina. This study reports for the first time a complete mt genome sequence of T. leonina from the South China tiger, and provides a scientific basis for studying the genetic diversity of nematodes between different hosts.

To study subcellular localization of α18- and α12-giardin in Giardia lamblia trophozoites, the α18- and α12-giardin genes were amplified from G. lamblia assemblage A, respectively. The PCR products were cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a(+), and the positive recombinant plasmids were transformed into E. coli Rosetta (DE3) strain for the expression, and expressed α18- and α12-giardin fusion protein were purified by Ni-Agarose resin, respectively. Mice were immunized with purified fusion proteins for preparation of polyclonal antibody, and then the subcellular localization of α18- and α12-giardin was determined by fluorescence immunoassay. Results showed that the concentrations of purified α18- and α12-giardin fusion proteins were 1.20 and 0.86 mg/ml, respectively. The titers of anti-α18- and anti-α12-giardin polyclonal antibody were both as high as 1:25600 dilutions. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that α18- and α12-giardin proteins were mainly localized at four pairs of flagella and the cytoplasm of G. lamblia trophozoites, suggesting that α18- and α12-giardin are the flagella and cytoplasm-associated proteins, respectively. The above information would lay the foundation for research about the crystal structure and biological function of α18- and α12-giardin.

Gastric ulcers (GUs) are a common type of peptic ulcer. Alcohol overdose is one of the main causes of GU, which is difficult to prevent. Although the protective effect of butyrate on inflammation-related diseases is well understood, its effect on GUs has not been reported. We investigated the protective effects of butyrate against ethanol-induced lesions to the gastric mucosa in mice and the underlying mechanisms. BALB/c mice were orally pretreated with butyrate for 30min prior to the establishment of the GU model by challenge with absolute ethanol. Ethanol administration produced apparent mucosal injuries with morphological and histological damage, whereas butyrate pretreatment reduced the gastric mucosal injuries in a dose-dependent manner. Butyrate pretreatment also significantly ameliorated contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl proteins, and decreased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. The Western blot results consistently demonstrated that butyrate pretreatment attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK and ERKs in the gastric tissues. Additionally, gastric wall mucus (GWM), a parameter reflecting mucosal defense, was clearly increased by butyrate pretreatment. Butyrate pretreatment protects the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced lesions by strengthening the mucosal defense and anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. As a necessary substance for the body, butyrate may be applied to the prevention and treatment of GUs.