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Objective: To explore the correlations between five-pattern personality scores and autonomic nervous response indicators in Chinese female college students, to provide a foundation for further exploration of the modern physiological basis of these personality types. Methods: Subjects were asked to fill in “The Five-Pattern Personality Inventory” (revised edition 2008). Taiyang, Shaoyang, yin-yang balance, Taiyin, and Shaoyin personalities were scored. The galvanic skin response and heart rate, and the low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio of heart rate variability were collected using a 16-channel physiological recorder (BIOPAC MP150). Relationship between the five-pattern personality scores and autonomic nervous response indicators was analyzed using bivariate correlation. Results: The five-pattern personality scores of the subjects were compared with national averages. The Taiyang and Shaoyang personality scores of the subjects were significantly lower than the overall national average, the national female average, and the national female average in the 18–29-year-old age group (all P

Identification of alternative open reading frame-encoded peptides (AEPs) for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer at the proteome level is largely unexplored because of a lack of comprehensive proteomics data. Here, we performed a comprehensive integrative analysis of mass spectral data published by Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium and characterized 93 high-confident AEPs encoded within 75 genes. There are four cancer-related genes appeared to have AEPs identified frequently in >20 out of 95 colorectal cancer samples, including ABCF2, AR, RBM10 and NRG1. Further network analysis of the identified AEPs found the enrichment of novel AEPs within hormone androgen receptor and a highly-modularised network with 42 genes associated with patient survival. Our results not only suggested a mechanistic view of how AEPs work in cancer progression, but also shed light on somatic amino acid mutations in AEPs, which might be overlooked previously because of their low frequencies. In particular, potential high-frequency mutations in 77 samples associated with EDARADD may contribute to the discovery of new biomarkers and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Aim There has been limited research on CNVs in oncogenes and we conducted a systematic pan-cancer analysis of CNVs and their gene expression changes. The aim of the present study was to provide an insight into the relationships between gene expression and oncogenesis. Main methods We collected all the oncogenes from ONGene database and overlapped with CNVs TCGA tumour samples from Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer database. We further conducted an integrative analysis of CNV with gene expression using the data from the matched TCGA tumour samples. Key findings From our analysis, we found 637 oncogenes associated with CNVs in 5900 tumour samples. There were 204 oncogenes with frequent copy number of gain (CNG). These 204 oncogenes were enriched in cancer-related pathways including the MAPK cascade and Ras GTPases signalling pathways. By using corresponding tumour samples data to perform integrative analyses of CNVs and gene expression changes, we identified 95 oncogenes with consistent CNG occurrence and up-regulation in the tumour samples, which may represent the recurrent driving force for oncogenesis. Surprisingly, eight oncogenes shown concordant CNG and gene up-regulation in at least 250 tumour samples: INTS8 (355), ECT2 (326), LSM1 (310), DDHD2 (298), COPS5 (286), EIF3E (281), TPD52 (258) and ERBB2 (254). Significance As the first report about abundant CNGs on oncogene and concordant change of gene expression, our results may be valuable for the design of CNV-based cancer diagnostic strategy.

Objective: Research on the biological mechanisms by which the liver controls dispersion and regulates emotion usually focuses on psychological stress. This study investigated the biological mechanisms underlying the liver's regulation of emotion using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Differences in subjective stress, subjective emotion, and physiological responses were examined between healthy women (Group A) and depressed women with liver qi stagnation syndrome (Group B). Method: Subjects were 72 women who met the inclusion criteria after physical examination. The EPQ-RSC, BAI, and BDI-21 were used to assess personality and emotion. Subjects completed a 5-point scale to measure subjective stress. Heart rate and heart rate variability were measured. To measure changes in activity of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC-NE)/autonomic nervous system and the HPA axis, saliva samples were collected at the end of the rest and preparation periods, and 5 time pionts after the TSST task. The PAD Emotion Scale was completed at 4 time points before and after the TSST task. Saliva cortisol was tested. These indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 33 subjects in Group A and 39 subjects in Group B. Subjects in Group B had lower levels of stress, pleasure, and dominance, but higher arousal (after the task: P

We have previously shown in Holothuria leucospilota the maturation-inducing role of the neurohormone relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP). Here, we report the induction of oocyte maturation and spawning in another holothuroid, the white teatfish, H. fuscogilva, with a species-specific recombinant RGP produced in the yeast expression system. The recombinant H. fuscogilva RGP (rwt_RGP) was bioactive in vitro, as demonstrated in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) assays, and in vivo, stimulating spawning in H. fuscogilva at three doses tested (50, 100 and 150 μg/kg). The spawned gametes were viable, and here we report their development until the early juvenile stage. The rwt_RGP was also bioactive in H. scabra and in H. leucospilota. We also investigated the bioactivity of two forms of synthetic RGP, whose sequences were synthesised according to that of the H. fuscogilva. The peptides have linked B- and A-chains with one form having an amidation at the carboxy terminal of the B-chain. We observed bioactivity of both synthetic peptides, as evidenced by induction of GVBD in in vitro assays and by induction of spawning in fully grown H. leucospilota. Altogether, our results provide further evidence of the gonad-stimulating role of RGP in echinoderms. We have shown that our recombinant and synthetic RGPs are applicable among the Holothuria species, providing a reliable breeding method for the highly valuable cultured species of this class. Our findings have significance both for the survival of threatened sea cucumbers and for their sustainable aquaculture.

“Harmony between the heart and kidney” refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine, while “disharmony between the heart and kidney” (also called disharmony between fire and water) refers to the pathological state. The pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney is widely observed in patients with insomnia, anxiety disorder and menopausal syndrome, etc.. In order to gain a full and systematical understanding of this pattern, from the perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy and zang-fu theory in Chinese medicine, we systematically reviewed and discussed the functions and physiological characteristics of the heart and kidney, the origin and development of theories relating to heart–kidney relationship, the pathogenesis and identification of the pattern, as well as the commonly used classical formulas for its treatment, including Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction (Huanglian Ējiāo Tāng) and Grand Communication Pill (Jiāotai Wan). Two examples of clinical modifications of these formulas in the treatment of insomnia and menopausal syndrome are provided in this article. It should be noted that in clinical practice, these formulas should be used flexibly, and modified in accordance to the condition of the patient.

Outbreaks of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS; Acanthaster planci ) are a major cause of destruction of coral communities on the Australian Great Barrier Reef. While factors relating to population explosions and the social interactions of COTS have been well studied, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying COTS physiology and behaviour. One of the major classes of chemical messengers that regulate physiological and behavioural processes in animals is the neuropeptides. Here, we have analysed COTS genome and transcriptome sequence data to identify neuropeptide precursor proteins in this species. A total of 48 neuropeptide precursors were identified, including homologs of neuropeptides that are evolutionarily conserved throughout the Bilateria, and others that are novel. Proteomic mass spectrometry was employed to confirm the presence of neuropeptides in extracts of radial nerve cords. These transcriptomic and proteomic resources provide a foundation for functional studies that will enable a better understanding of COTS physiology and behaviour, and may facilitate development of novel population biocontrol methods. Significance The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) is one of the primary factors leading to coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Our combined gene and proteomic findings of this study reveal the COTS neuropeptidome, including both echinoderm-like neuropeptides and novel putative neuropeptides. This represents the most comprehensive neuropeptidome for an echinoderm, contributing to the evolving knowledge of the COTS molecular neurobiology that may assist towards the development of biocontrol methods.

Some animals can undergo a remarkable transition from active normal life to a dormant state called aestivation; entry into this hypometabolic state ensures that life continues even during long periods of environmental hardship. In this study, we aimed to identify those central nervous system (CNS) peptides that may regulate metabolic suppression leading to aestivation in land snails. Mass spectral-based neuropeptidome analysis of the CNS comparing active and aestivating states, revealed 19 differentially produced peptides; 2 were upregulated in active animals and 17 were upregulated in aestivated animals. Of those, the buccalin neuropeptide was further investigated since there is existing evidence in molluscs that buccalin modulates physiology by muscle contraction. The Theba pisana CNS contains two buccalin transcripts that encode precursor proteins that are capable of releasing numerous buccalin peptides. Of these, Tpi-buccalin-2 is most highly expressed within our CNS transcriptome derived from multiple metabolic states. No significant difference was observed at the level of gene expression levels for Tpi-buccalin-2 between active and aestivated animals, suggesting that regulation may reside at the level of post-translational control of peptide abundance. Spatial gene and peptide expression analysis of aestivated snail CNS demonstrated that buccalin-2 has widespread distribution within regions that control several physiological roles. In conclusion, we provide the first detailed molecular analysis of the peptides and associated genes that are related to hypometabolism in a gastropod snail known to undergo extended periods of aestivation.

Madin-Darby canine kidney II (MDCKII) cells are used widely to study epithelial morphogenesis. To better understand this process, we performed time-course RNA-seq analysis of MDCKII 3D cystogenesis, along with polarized 2D cells for comparison. Our study reveals a biphasic change in the transcriptome after the 1st cell cycle. This change appears to be linked to translocation of β-catenin, supported by analyses with AVL9- or DENND5A-knockdown clones, and HNF1B mitotic bookmarking, supported by ATAC-seq study. Specifically, β-catenin is depleted from the nucleus and enriched at the cell-cell junctions following the 1st cell cycle, downregulating the MYC network and decreasing cell proliferation. Meanwhile, HNF1B is retained in the nucleus, upregulating its targets and contributing to the cell polarity establishment. Our study supports a qualitative change model for transcriptome remodeling during epithelial morphogenesis and that this qualitative change results from transcription factor redistribution during the first cell cycle.

Animal sexual reproduction relies on primordial germ cells (PGCs), the predecessors of the germ cell lineage, giving rise to either spermatogonia or oogonia after the completion of gonadal differentiation. There is limited information on the mechanism of PGC migration leading to the formation of the primordial gonad in Perciform fish. Oreochromis mossambicus, a tilapiine species, was investigated that is a commercially important aquaculture species in many parts of the world while in other areas it has become an invasive pest. Key components involved in PGC migration were identified, including the stromal-cell derived factor 1 (Om-sdf1a, Om-sdf1b) and the CXC receptor 4 (Om-cxcr4): both share conservation with existing model species. The spatial gene expression profiles were determined through transcript and protein analysis and displayed distinct localisation within the region of the developing gonad in larvae and within the adult gonads of certain cell populations. A recombinant Om-sdf1a was produced in Escherichia coli that activates Om-cxcr4 using a BRET-based yeast in vitro assay system, suggesting that it is structurally similar to the native Om-sdf1a and is appropriate for further structural studies. This study has improved understanding of the molecular basis of tilapia reproduction through investigation of gonad development, which may be important in the progression towards reproductive suppression methods to control tilapia populations in the wild. In addition, this research will facilitate developments in germ cell transplantation, an innovative technique that harnesses germ cell migration and allows the uptake of foreign germ cells, which differentiate to produce sperm or ova.

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 1 Reproductive neuropeptides that stimulate spawning in the Sydney Rock Oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) Vu Van Ina,b, Nikoleta Ntalamagkaa, Wayne O'Connora,c, Tianfang Wanga, Daniel Powella, Scott F. Cumminsa and Abigail Elizura,d a Centre of Genetics, Ecology and Physiology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia b Northern National Broodstock Center for Mariculture, RIA1, Catba Islands, Haiphong, Vietnam c Industry and Investment NSW, Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, 2316, Australia d Corresponding author at: Centre of Genetics, Ecology and Physiology, Faculty of Science Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore Dc, QLD 4558, Australia. Tel.: +61 7 54594813. Email address: AElizur@usc.edu.au Abstract The Sydney Rock Oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, is a socioeconomically important species in Australia, yet little is known about the molecular mechanism that regulates its reproduction. To address this gap, we have performed a combination of high throughput transcriptomic and peptidomic analysis, to identify genes and neuropeptides that are expressed in the key regulatory tissues of S. glomerata; the visceral ganglia and gonads. Neuropeptides are known to encompass a diverse class of peptide messengers that play functional roles in many aspects of an animal's life, including reproduction. Approximately 28 neuropeptide genes were identified, primarily within the visceral ganglia transcriptome, that encode precursor proteins containing numerous neuropeptides; some were confirmed through mass spectral peptidomics analysis of the visceral ganglia. Of those, 28 bioactive neuropeptides were synthesized, and then tested for their capacity to induce gonad development and spawning in S. glomerata. Egg laying hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, APGWamide, buccalin, CCAP and LFRFamide were neuropeptides found to trigger spawning in ripe animals. Additional testing of APGWa and buccalin demonstrated their capacity to advance conditioning and gonadal maturation. In summary, our analysis of S. glomerata has identified neuropeptides that can influence the reproductive cycle of this species, specifically by accelerating gonadal maturation and triggering spawning. Other molluscan neuropeptides identified in this study will enable further research into understanding the neuroendocrinology of oysters, which may benefit their cultivation.

Increased understanding of the molecular components involved in mollusc reproduction may assist in understanding the evolutionary adaptations used by animals, including hermaphrodites, to produce offspring. The neuropeptide conopressin, a member of the vasopressin/oxytocin-like peptide family, can modulate various reproductive activities in invertebrates. In this study, we used the hermaphroditic land snail, Theba pisana, to investigate the presence and tissue-specific distribution of a conopressin gene. Our transcriptomic analysis of T. pisana CNS sheath tissue has revealed two conopressin gene transcripts (Tpi-conopressin-1 and Tpi-conopressin-2), each encoding for precursors containing an identical conopressin nonapeptide and a variable neurophysin. T. pisana conopressins share high identity with other land snails and slugs, as well as other mollusc and vertebrate vasopressin/oxytocin, supported by phylogenetic analysis. Conserved residues in the T. pisana neurophysin are important for peptide binding, and we present molecular dynamic models demonstrating the most likely stable structure of the Tpi-conopressin-1 peptide when associated with neurophysin. RT-PCR shows that Tpi-conopressin-1 is additionally expressed in reproductive tissues, including the dart sac, where abundant spatial expression throughout the sac region is found; this implies a role in 'love' dart synthesis or dart injection during mating. The presence of a conopressin receptor in the CNS sheath indicates CNS neural excitation. In summary, this study represents a detailed molecular analysis of conopressin in a land snail.

Animals have evolved many ways to enhance their own reproductive success. One bizarre sexual ritual is the "love" dart shooting of helicid snails, which has courted many theories regarding its precise function. Acting as a hypodermic needle, the dart transfers an allohormone that increases paternity success. Its precise physiological mechanism of action within the recipient snail is to close off the entrance to the sperm digestion organ via a contraction of the copulatory canal, thereby delaying the digestion of most donated sperm. In this study, we used the common garden snail Cornu aspersum to identify the allohormone that is responsible for this physiological change in the female system of this simultaneous hermaphrodite. The love dart allohormone (LDA) was isolated from extracts derived from mucous glands that coat the dart before it is stabbed through the partner's body wall. We isolated LDA from extracts using bioassay-guided contractility measurement of the copulatory canal. LDA is encoded within a 235-amino acid precursor protein containing multiple cleavage sites that, when cleaved, releases multiple bioactive peptides. Synthetic LDA also stimulated copulatory canal contractility. Combined with our finding that the protein amino acid sequence resembles previously described molluscan buccalin precursors, this indicates that LDA is partially conserved in helicid snails and less in other molluscan species. In summary, our study provides the full identification of an allohormone that is hypodermically injected via a love dart. More importantly, our findings have important consequences for understanding reproductive biology and the evolution of alternative reproductive strategies.

Summary Madin-Darby canine kidney II (MDCKII) cells are widely used to study epithelial morphogenesis. To better understand this process, we performed time course RNA-seq analysis of MDCKII 3D cystogenesis, along with polarized 2D cells for comparison. Our study reveals a biphasic change in the transcriptome that occurs after the first cell cycle and coincides with lumen establishment. This change appears to be linked to translocation of β-catenin, supported by analyses with AVL9- and DENND5A-knockdown clones, and regulation by HNF1B, supported by ATAC-seq study. These findings indicate a qualitative change model for transcriptome remodeling during epithelial morphogenesis, leading to cell proliferation decrease and cell polarity establishment. Furthermore, our study reveals that active mitochondria are retained and chromatin accessibility decreases in 3D cysts but not in 2D polarized cells. This indicates that 3D culture is a better model than 2D culture for studying epithelial morphogenesis., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • The transcriptome switches after the first cell cycle and during MDCKII lumenogenesis • The transcriptome switch is linked to β-catenin translocation and HNF1B activation • Chromatin accessibility decreases during MDCKII cystogenesis • Active mitochondria are maintained in 3D, but not 2D, epithelial morphogenesis, Developmental Biology; Embryology; Transcriptomics

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are progenitors of the germ cell lineage, giving rise to either spermatogonia or oogonia after the completion of gonadal differentiation. Currently, there is little information on the mechanism of PGCs migration leading to the formation of the primordial gonad in perciform fish. Yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) (YTK) (order Perciforms) inhabit tropical and temperate waters in the southern hemisphere. Fundamental details into the molecular basis of larval development in this species can be easily studied in Australia, as they are commercially cultured and readily available. In this study, histological analysis of YTK larvae revealed critical time points for the migration of PGCs to the genital ridge, resulting in the subsequent development of the primordial gonad. In YTK larvae at 3, 5, 7 and 10 days post hatch (DPH), PGCs were not yet enclosed by somatic cells, indicating the primordial gonad had not yet started to form. While at 15, 18 and 20 DPH PGCs had already settled at the genital ridge and started to become enclosed by somatic cells indicating the primordial gonad had started to develop. A higher number of PGCs were observed in the larvae at 15 and 18 DPH indicating PGCs proliferation, which corresponds with them becoming enclosed by the somatic cells. Directional migration of PGCs toward the genital ridge is a critical event in the subsequent development of a gonad. In zebrafish, mouse and chicken, stromal-cell derived factor (SDF1) signalling is one of the key molecules for PGC migration. We subsequently isolated from YTK the SDF1 (Slal-SDF1) gene, which encodes for a 98-residue precursor protein with a signal peptide at the N-terminus. There is spatial conservation between fish species of four cysteine residues at positions C9, C11, C34 and C49, expected to form disulphide bonds and stabilize the SDF structure. In YTK, Slal-SDF1 gene expression analyses shows that this gene is expressed in larvae from 1 to 22 DPH and demonstrates distinct spatial localisation in the larvae at 7 DPH. These results provide a platform for further studies into the molecular machinery of PGC migration in yellowtail kingfish, as well as other perciform fish species.

This is an extension study of the thermal decomposition of 2H-heptafluoropropane (HFP), mainly aiming at investigating the relationship between pyrolysis characteristics and reaction time, and evaluating the production of hydrogen fluoride (HF). The results indicate that reaction temperatures have obvious effects on the decomposition of HFP. Pure HFP does not decompose at 400, 500 and 600 °C. It starts to decompose at about 640 °C, markedly breaks down at 700 °C and exhibits intense decompositions at 800 °C; meanwhile, coke formation was observed on the inner surface of the reactor. Moreover, it can also be found that the reaction time has obvious effect on the thermal decomposition processes of HFP. From 700 to 800 °C the decomposition becomes increasingly drastic, and the concentration of HF produced highly depends on reaction temperature and time. This hints that when the total amount of HFP remains constant during practical application, the promotion of the spraying current capacity and the reduction of spraying time can reduce the production amount of HF, which can further lessen the harm to the personnel and the environment.

In this work, the flash pyrolysis of polyacrylamide (PAM) solution in furnace-type pyrolyzer with an initial normal pressure in argon was investigated at 300, 450 and 600 °C, respectively, combined with off-line analysis. Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to detect the volatile products. Some important common peaks in the mass spectra of the PAM pyrolysis products were discovered, and about 20 pyrolysis products were identified. Among all these chemicals, some active compounds were confirmed to exist for the first time, which should be of importance in improving the ignition of Al/H2O/PAM based fuels. Moreover, the flash pyrolysis residues were analyzed by FTIR. The results indicate that O radical can accelerate the pyrolysis of PAM and result in the formation of some special chemicals. The internal interaction mechanism of PAM solution is discussed from the aspect of reaction pathways.

The flash pyrolysis of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) granules in nitrogen and 2H-heptafluoropropane (HFP) atmosphere were carried out in a tube-type pyrolyzer at 700 °C, respectively. The liquid and tar products were transported by the continuous flowing environmental gases, and collected by Cambridge pad. The products were detected and identified by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results indicate that the liquid and tar products mainly consist of some aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the distributions of pyrolysis products in HFP atmosphere are rather different from that in nitrogen atmosphere. The presence of HFP results in an obvious concentration decrease of most oxygenated aromatic compounds, as well as an increase of almost all the aromatic hydrocarbons. The mechanisms of the changes are discussed from the aspect of reaction pathways.

Pure PEG (p-PEG) and PEG/nano-Co 3 O 4 (PEG/n-Co 3 O 4 ) were pyrolyzed in helium atmosphere from 30 °C to 350 °C with heating rate of 20 °C/min, and the online volatile pyrolysis products were detected by a coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Seven series of products and four linear end groups (ethyl ether, vinyl ether, hydroxyl and methyl ether) from p-PEG pyrolysis were identified. Eight series of products from PEG/n-Co 3 O 4 pyrolysis were identified, including four series with cycloether end group which was not detected from p-PEG pyrolysis. The end groups of the detected pyrolysis products, both linear and cycloether end groups, could be explained via free radical degradation decomposition pathway. The detected cycloether end group was considered to be derived from dehydrogenation and cyclization of a free radical resulted from C O cleavage, with the existence of nano-Co 3 O 4 . The statistical results of the contents of the end groups showed that nano-Co 3 O 4 reduced the probability of C C cleavage comparing with C O cleavage, and induced the hydrogenation of vinyl ether end group on its surface. The statistical results also confirmed the presumed approach of the cycloether end group forming.