Search

In order to investigate the differences in flavor quality between white tea made from Oolong tea cultivars and traditional white tea, white teas made from eight Oolong tea cultivars such as Zimeigui and Fuding Dahao white tea as a control were analyzed by sensory evaluation, biochemical assays and multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that the appearance and infusion color of Oolong white tea were darker, while the taste and aroma were better than those of traditional white tea. The biochemical analysis revealed that the differences in conductivity, pH, and the contents of soluble sugars, free amino acids, gallocatechin gallate (GCG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were important factors causing the differences in taste between traditional white tea and white tea made from Oolong tea cultivars. Volatile composition analysis showed that trans-2-nonenal, cis-3-nonen-1-ol, methyl palmitate, linalool, methyl linoleate, cedrol, geranyl formate, phenethyl alcohol, nerolidol, methyl salicylate, dibutyl phthalate and phytone were the key differential aroma components contributing to the difference in aroma between Oolong and traditional white tea. Findings from this study will provide a theoretical reference for flavor diversification of white tea.

Flavonoids (especially anthocyanins and catechins) and amino acids represent a high abundance of health-promoting metabolites. Although we observed abscisic acid accumulation in purple leaves and low levels in albino tea leaves, the specific mechanism behind its impact on flavor compounds remains unclear. In this study, we treated tea leaves with exogenous abscisic acid and abscisic acid biosynthesis inhibitors (Flu), measured physiological indicators and conducted comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying color change. Our results demonstrate that abscisic acid treatment induces purple coloration, while Flu treatment causes discoloration in tea leaves. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher levels of four anthocyanins and six catechins in the group treated with abscisic acid in comparison with the control group. Additionally, there was a notable increase in 15 amino acids in the Flu-treated group. Notably, the levels of flavonoids and amino acids showed an inverse relationship between the two treatments. Transcriptomic comparison between the treatments and the control group revealed upregulation of differentially expressed genes encoding dihydroflavonol reductase and uridine diphosphate-glycose flavonoid glycosyltransferase in the abscisic acid-treated group, leading to the accumulation of identified anthocyanins and catechins. In contrast, differentially expressed genes encoding nitrate reductase and nitrate transporter exhibited elevated expression in the group treated with Flu, consequently facilitating the accumulation of amino acids, specifically L-theanine and L-glutamine. Furthermore, our co-expression network analysis suggests that MYB and bHLH transcription factors may play crucial roles in regulating the expression of differentially expressed genes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids and amino acids. This study provides insights for targeted genetic engineering to enhance the nutritional and market value of tea, together with the potential application of purple and albino tea leaves as functional beverages. It also offers guidance for future breeding programs and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kepingtage fold-and-thrust belt in the southwestern Tian Shan in western China hosted the 2020 Mw 6.0 Jiashi earthquake with no apparent surface ruptures. The thrust nappe structure in this region is characterized by moderate-magnitude (Mw5.5-6.5) seismicity, but the seismogenic mechanisms and controlling factors remain under investigation. In this study, we utilized Sentinel-1A synthetic aperture radar satellite data to reconstruct the InSAR coseismic deformation field of the 2020 Jiashi earthquake. To address the limitation imposed by residual orbital phases during the interferometric measurement, we proposed a novel automatic method that combines ascending and descending track data with terrain features for orbit refinement. Eight comparative tests were conducted to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. Subsequently, we inverted the jointly constrained deformation field after orbit correction to obtain the fault geometric parameters and slip distribution. Our results show that the 2020 Jiashi earthquake is characterized by right-lateral transpressive motion. The smooth interference fringes demonstrate spatially continuous surface uplift and subsidence without detectable coseismic surface ruptures, with a maximum uplift of ~0.08 m and a maximum subsidence of ~0.03 m, caused by the subsurface folding due to deep seismic rupture. This event is best fitted by a north-dipping fault plane with a depth of 4.2 km, a dip angle of 11.6°, and a strike of 276° beneath the Keping thrust fault. In terms of various geometric parameters of the fault, the inversion results of this study are generally similar to the focal mechanism solution provided by USGS (MWb), but are different from the focal mechanism solutions of other institutions and previous research results. Combined with the published geological investigations and seismic reflection surveys, we suggest that the seismogenic structure of the 2020 Jiashi earthquake is the lower ramp of the Keping thrust fault and the abrupt fault bend between the lower and upper ramp may limit the propagation of the coseismic rupture to the surface. The limited rupture of this event is dominated by the irregularities in fault geometry along strike and dip, as well as the lower rock strength of the cover above the detachment, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the seismic behavior in fold-and-thrust belts and the moderate-magnitude seismicity in the southwestern Tian Shan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NNW‐trending Jiayuguan Fault (JYGF) is an actively developing thrust fault that delimits the SW margin of Jiayuguan, a major industrial city in the northwestern Hexi Corridor, China. In this study, we document the geometry, kinematics, and slip rates of the JYGF based on analysis of satellite imagery, low‐altitude photogrammetry, field observations, paleo‐seismic trenching, and Quaternary dating. The JYGF hanging‐wall contains a NE‐vergent asymmetric anticline of Cretaceous redbeds unconformably overlain by faulted, tilted and folded alluvial fan and fluvial terrace surfaces. Subsidiary fault scarps are associated with anticlinal flexure and contractional strain. The vertical uplift and crustal shortening rates are both ∼0.1 mm/a since ∼420 ka and geomorphic markers and dated landforms indicate southeastward fault propagation and hanging‐wall uplift from the Heishan toward the modern Beida River channel. The NW end of the fault appears to connect with the Altyn‐Tagh‐Heishan‐Jinta'Nanshan sinistral strike‐slip fault array suggesting that the JYGF is one of several parallel, splay faults that transfer strike‐slip motion to active folding and thrusting in the region. We relocate the 1992 Ms 5.4 earthquake epicenter using the NonLinLoc method and suggest that the JYGF may link southeastward with Quaternary‐active faults and folds in the Wenshushan. A seismic rupture along the total fault length of 25–40 km for the JYGF‐Wenshushan deforming belt corresponds to a potential earthquake magnitude in the 6.6–7.0 range. Compartmentalized faulting and folding in the NW–most Hexi Corridor defines a triangular block of active deformation where NE‐directed contractional deformation of the Qilian Shan foreland interacts with E‐W left‐lateral displacement along the Altyn‐Tagh‐Heishan‐Jinta'Nanshan sinistral strike‐slip system. Key Points: The Jiayuguan Fault (JYGF) is an actively developing thrust with a dextral strike‐slip component that borders Jiayuguan cityThe JYGF slips at a rate of ∼0.1 mm/a since ∼420 ka and has laterally propagated SENNW‐trending oblique‐slip thrust faults compartmentalize the NW Hexi Corridor and link to the Altyn Tagh‐Heishan‐Jinta'Nanshan strike‐slip corridor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is a global economic crop. In the traditional sales model, the quality of tea is difficult to judge via external clues, and it basically relies on consumers to taste and experience it firsthand. However, currently, most e-commerce platforms can only provide consumers with product information and cannot provide experiential services, which strengthens consumers' purchasing concerns and makes it difficult for them to take practical actions even if they have the desire to purchase tea online. Therefore, this article is based on a questionnaire survey of consumers in China, the world's largest tea producing and selling country, using unordered multi classification logistic analysis data and calculating the marginal effect proportion of consistency occurrence. Through data analysis, it is shown that there is a serious inconsistency between consumers' willingness and behavior in choosing online tea purchases. However, under the influence of some internal and external factors, there will also be positive changes; for example, the level of education, online shopping age, familiarity with tea, convenience, product diversification, online evaluation, and other variables will increase the motivation for consumers to convert their purchase intention into actual behavior. In addition, increasing the level of variables such as age, cultural association, cultural experience, convenience, information reliability, award-winning status, familiarity with tea, product diversity, online evaluation, and service attitude in online shopping can enhance consumers' willingness to shop online and reduce extreme situations where there is neither intention nor behavior. This study provides evidence from a consumer perspective to enhance the efficiency of tea e-commerce marketing and proposes countermeasures and suggestions based on the research results, which could also provide ideas for marketing strategies for tea or other similar agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanum can affect the growth and development of the tea plant. Tieguanyin (TGY) and Shuixian (SX) cultivars of Camellia sinensis were selected to explore the mechanism underlying the accumulation of lanthanum (tea plants' most accumulated rare earth element) through proteomics. Roots and fresh leaves of TGY and SX with low- and high-accumulation potential for lanthanum, respectively, were studied; 845 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Gene ontology analysis showed that DEPs were involved in redox processes and related to molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes metabolic pathway analysis showed that DEPs were associated with glutathione (GSH) and α-linolenic acid metabolism, plant pathogen interaction, and oxidative phosphorylation. Thirty-seven proteins in the GSH metabolism pathway showed significant differences, wherein 18 GSH S-transferases showed differential expression patterns in the root system. Compared with the control, expression ratios of GST (TEA004130.1) and GST (TEA032216.1) in TGY leaves were 6.84 and 4.06, respectively, after lanthanum treatment; these were significantly higher than those in SX leaves. The LOX2.1 (TEA011765.1) and LOX2.1 (TEA011776.1) expression ratios in the α-linolenic acid metabolic pathway were 2.44 and 6.43, respectively, in TGY roots, which were significantly higher than those in SX roots. The synthesis of specific substances induces lanthanum-associated defense responses in TGY, which is of great significance for plant yield stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing interest in the production and consumption of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) processed from purple–leaved cultivar due to their high anthocyanin content and health benefits. However, how and why seasonal changes affect anthocyanin accumulation in young tea leaves still remains obscured. In this study, anthocyanin and abscisic acid (ABA) contents in young leaves of Zifuxing 1 (ZFX1), a cultivar with new shoots turning to purple in Wuyi Mountain, a key tea production region in China, were monitored over four seasons. Young leaves produced in September were highly purplish, which was accompanied with higher anthocyanin and ABA contents. Among the environmental factors, the light intensity in particular was closely correlated with anthocyanin and ABA contents. A shade experiment also indicated that anthocyanin content significantly decreased after 168 h growth under 75% shade, but ABA treatment under the shade conditions sustained anthocyanin content. To confirm the involvement of ABA in the modulation of anthocyanin accumulation, anthocyanin, carotenoids, chlorophyll, ABA, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the young leaves of four cultivars, including ZFX1, Zijuan (ZJ), wherein leaves are completely purple, Rougui (RG) and Fudingdabaicha (FDDB) wherein leaves are green, were analyzed, and antioxidant activities of the leaf extracts were tested. Results showed that ABA, not other tested hormones, was significantly correlated with anthocyanin accumulation in the purple–leaved cultivars. Cultivars with higher anthocyanin contents exhibited higher antioxidant activities. Subsequently, ZFX1 plants were grown under full sun and treated with ABA and fluridone (Flu), an ABA inhibitor. ABA treatment elevated anthocyanin level but decreased chlorophyll contents. The reverse was true to those treated with Flu. To pursue a better understanding of ABA involvement in anthocyanin accumulation, RNA–Seq was used to analyze transcript differences among ABA– or Flu–treated and untreated ZFX1 plants. Results indicated that the differentially expressed genes in ABA or Flu treatment were mainly ABA signal sensing and metabolism–related genes, anthocyanin accumulation-related genes, light–responsive genes, and key regulatory MYB transcription factors. Taking all the results into account, a model for anthocyanin accumulation in ZFX1 cultivar was proposed: high light intensity caused reactive oxygen stress, which triggered the biosynthesis of ABA; ABA interactions with transcription factors, such as MYB-enhanced anthocyanin biosynthesis limited chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation; and transport of anthocyanin to vacuoles resulting in the young leaves of ZFX1 with purplish coloration. Further research is warranted to test this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raffinose synthetase (RS) is a key enzyme in the process of raffinose (Raf) synthesis and is involved in plant development and stress responses through regulating Raf content. As a sweetener, Raf makes an important contribution to the sweet taste of white tea. However, studies on the identification, analysis and transcriptional regulation of CsRSs (Camellia sinensis RS genes) are still lacking. In this study, nine CsRSs were identified from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) genome database. The CsRSs were classified into five groups in the phylogenetic tree. Expression level analysis showed that the CsRSs varied in different parts of the tea plant. Transcriptome data showed that CsRSs could respond to persistent drought and cold acclimation. Except for CsRS5 and CsRS9, the expression pattern of all CsRSs increased at 12 h and decreased at 30 h during the withering process of white tea, consistent with the change trend of the Raf content. Furthermore, combining yeast one-hybrid assays with expression analysis, we found that CsDBB could potentially regulate the expression of CsRS8. Our results provide a new perspective for further research into the characterization of CsRS genes and the formation of the white tea flavour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the striking diversity of the angiosperms is a paramount issue in biology and of interest to biologists. The Millettiod legumes is one of the most hyper-diverse groups of the legume family, containing many economically important medicine, furniture and craft species. In the present study, we explore how the interplay of past climate change, ecological opportunities and functional traits' evolution may have triggered diversification of the Millettiod legumes. Using a comprehensive species-level phylogeny from three plastid markers, we estimate divergence times, infer habit shifts, test the phylogenetic and temporal diversification heterogeneity, and reconstruct ancestral biogeographical ranges. We found that three dramatic accumulations of the Millettiod legumes occurred during the Miocene. The rapid diversification of the Millettiod legumes in the Miocene was driven by ecological opportunities created by the emergence of new niches and range expansion. Additionally, habit shifts and the switch between biomes might have facilitated the rapid diversification of the Millettiod legumes. The Millettiod legumes provide an excellent case for supporting the idea that the interplay of functional traits, biomes, and climatic and geographic factors drives evolutionary success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panyong Congou black tea (PCT) is one of the most representative and historically famous Congou black teas in China and has been gaining more and more attention for its beneficial health properties. Currently, four grades of PCT are available, based on the raw leaf materials and consumer palatability. The chemical profiles distinguishing different grades of PCT are yet to be defined, nor has the relationship with grade been evaluated. In the present study, chemometric analysis showed that epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin (C), polyphenols, gallic acid (GA), and free amino acids are grade related bio-markers of PCT. These compounds are associated with the sweet and mellow aftertaste of PCT. A total of 34 volatile components were identified, of which the three component types with the highest relative percentages were alcohols (51.34–52.51%), ketones (27.31–30.28%), and aldehydes (12.70–13.18%). Additionally, our results revealed that sweet floral and fruity aromas were positively correlated with six volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 1-pentanol, propyl hexanoate, linalool, cyclohexanone, hexanal, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. Clear discrimination was achieved using orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The findings provide vital information on the characteristic flavor of each grade of PCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nyainrong microcontinent carries key information about the ongoing evolution of the central Tibetan Plateau. The 2021 Mw 5.7 Nagqu earthquake is the largest instrumentally recorded event inside this microcontinent, which provides an ideal opportunity to elucidate the influence of this ancient microcontinent on the seismogenic mechanisms, stress heterogeneity and strain partitioning across the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we constrain the seismogenic fault geometry and distributed fault slip using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations. By using the regional focal mechanism solutions, we invert the stress regimes surrounding the Nyainrong microcontinent. Our analysis demonstrates that the mainshock was caused by a normal fault with a comparable sinistral strike-slip component on a North-West dipping fault plane. The Nyainrong microcontinent is surrounded by a dominant normal faulting stress regime to the northeast and a dominant strike-slip stress regime to the southwest. Moreover, the clockwise rotation of the maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) from the southwest to the northeast is ~20°. This indicates that the Nyainrong microcontinent is involved in the mainshock occurrence as well as regional stress heterogeneity, and strain partitioning. Our results highlight the significance of the ancient microcontinent in the tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavor differences in Oolong tea from different producing areas are caused by its complex differential compounds. In this study, representative samples of Oolong tea from four countries were collected, and their differential nonvolatile compounds were analyzed by a combination of widely targeted metabolomics, chemometrics, and quantitative taste evaluation. A total of 801 nonvolatile compounds were detected, which could be divided into 16 categories. We found that the difference in these compounds' content among Oolong teas from three producing areas in China was the largest. There were 370 differential compounds related to the producing areas of Oolong tea, which were mainly distributed in 67 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways. In total, 81 differential nonvolatile compounds made important contributions to the taste differences in Oolong tea from different producing areas, among which the number of flavonoids was the largest. Finally, the characteristic compounds of Oolong tea in six producing areas were screened. This study comprehensively identifies the nonvolatile compounds of Oolong tea in different producing areas for the first time, which provides a basis for the analysis of flavor characteristics, quality directional control, and the identification and protection of geographical landmark agricultural products of Oolong tea from different producing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regionality is a term used in the tea industry to describe the particular style of tea produced by a growing region. Determining the characteristics of the tea of specific regions can help growers predict tea plant quality before harvesting and eventually production. As such, in this study, we collected representative Oolong tea samples from 15 regions in 8 countries. Quantitative description analysis (QDA) and a flavor wheel were used to analyze their sensory characteristics. Chemometrics was used to screen the phytochemical components that significantly contribute to the taste of Oolong tea. We preliminarily obtained 35 sensory characteristic descriptors and constructed a flavor wheel for Oolong tea. We found that Oolong tea in each region has unique sensory quality characteristics. The content of thirteen phytochemical components of Oolong tea in different regions widely varied, and the average coefficient of variation was 45.56%. Among of them, we found the largest difference in free amino acids. We identified the relationship between taste sub-attributes, and the thirteen phytochemical components was found through correlation analysis. Finally, we selected phytochemical components with significant effects on five taste sub-attributes that were selected from the thirteen detected phytochemical components. The construction of the Oolong tea flavor wheel can help realize the qualitative and quantitative sensory evaluation of Oolong tea from different origins and contribute to the quality identification and directional improvement of Oolong tea products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three purple tea cultivar, Zifuxing 1, Zijuan, Hongye 1, and two green leaf cultivar Rougui and Fuding Dabaicha, as well as the albino tea cultivar, Baijiguan, were used as test materials to reveal the relationship between the accumulation of color-presenting substances and endogenous hormones in tea plants. The contents of major color-presenting substances, anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids and phytohormones (ABA, JA and SA) were determined in different tea cultivars. The results show that purple teas generally contained higher anthocyanin and ABA contents, which showed a highly significantly positive correlation. While ABA had a significantly negative correlation with chlorophyll and carotenoids. The correlation between ABA and anthocyanin changing patterns among different leaf positions of purple tea and the expression patterns of relative genes were also analyzed, which indicates that ABA might play a positive effect on anthocyanin synthesis in tea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intercalated disk (ID), a highly organized adhesion structure connecting neighboring cardiomyocytes, fulfills mechanical and electrical signaling communication to ensure normal heart function. Lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) is a co‐receptor inducing canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. It was recently reported that LRP6 deficiency in cardiomyocytes predisposes to arrhythmia independent of Wnt signaling. However, whether LRP6 directly regulates the structure of IDs requires further investigation. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of LRP6 in IDs and the potential underlying mechanisms by inducible cardiac‐specific LRP6 knockout mice. The results revealed that LRP6 was predominately expressed in the cell membrane, including the IDs of cardiomyocytes. Tamoxifen‐inducible cardiac‐specific LRP6 knockout mice displayed overt cardiac dysfunction and disruption of ID structure. Further analysis revealed that cardiac LRP6 deficiency induced the imbalance of ID component proteins, characterized by the sharply decreased expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the significantly increased expression of N‐cadherin, desmoplakin and γ‐catenin in tissue lysates or membrane fraction from the left ventricle. STRING database analysis indicated that β‐catenin, but no other ID‐associated proteins, interacted with LRP6. Our immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that LRP6 strongly interacted with Cx43, N‐cadherin and γ‐catenin, and weakly interacted with β‐catenin, whereas there was no association with desmoplakin. In response to LRP6 deficiency, the recruitment of β‐ or γ‐catenin to N‐cadherin was increased, but they displayed little interaction with Cx43. In conclusion, LRP6 is required to maintain the integrity of ID structure and the balance of ID proteins, and the interaction between LRP6 and Cx43, N‐cadherin and γ‐catenin may be involved in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer risk is 3‐4 times higher in men than women, but the reason is poorly understood. In mice, male bladder is also more susceptible than female bladder to 4‐aminobiphenyl (ABP), a major human bladder carcinogen; however, female liver is more susceptible than male liver to ABP. We investigated the role of sulfotransferase (Sult) in gender‐related bladder and liver susceptibility to ABP. Sulfation reactions of aromatic amine bladder carcinogens catalyzed by Sult may generate highly unstable and toxic metabolites. Therefore, liver Sult may decrease bladder exposure to carcinogens by promoting their toxic reactions in the liver. Notably, the expression of several liver Sults is suppressed by androgen in male mice. Here, we show that two Sults are critical for gender‐related bladder susceptibility to ABP in mice. We measured tissue level of N‐(deoxyguanosin‐8‐yl)‐4‐aminobiphenyl (dG‐C8‐ABP), a principal ABP‐DNA adduct, as readout of tissue susceptibility to ABP. We identified Sutl1a1 and to a lesser extent Sult1d1 as Sults that promote dG‐C8‐ABP formation in hepatic cells. In mice, gender gap in bladder susceptibility to ABP was narrowed by knocking out Sult1a1 and was almost totally eliminated by knocking out both Sutl1a1 and Sult1d1. This was accompanied by dramatic decrease in ABP genotoxicity in the liver (>97%). These results show the strong impact of the Sults on bladder and liver susceptibility to a human carcinogen. Because liver expression of both Sult1a1 and Sutl1d1 is suppressed by androgen in male mice, our results suggest that androgen renders bladder more exposed to ABP in male mice by suppressing Sult‐mediated ABP metabolism in liver, which increases bladder delivery of carcinogenic metabolites. Liver sulfotransferases may decrease bladder exposure to carcinogens by generating unstable metabolites that cause toxicity locally. This study shows that sulfotransferases 1a1 and 1d1, whose expression in male mouse liver is suppressed by androgen, promotes 4‐aminobiphenyl (ABP) genotoxicity in hepatic cells, whereas eliminating them in mice greatly protects liver against 4‐aminobiphenyl and decreases excess male bladder susceptibility to 4‐aminobiphenyl. Our results reveal the strong impact of sulfotransferases on bladder and liver susceptibility to a human carcinogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylcarnitine has been identified as one of several urinary biomarkers indicative of radiation exposure in adult rhesus macaque monkeys (non-human primates, NHPs). Previous work has demonstrated an up-regulated dose-response profile in a balanced male/female NHP cohort. As a contribution toward the development of metabolomics-based radiation biodosimetry in human populations and other applications of acetylcarnitine screening, we have developed a quantitative, high-throughput method for the analysis of acetylcarnitine. We employed the Sciex SelexIon DMS-MS/MS QTRAP 5500 platform coupled to flow injection analysis (FIA), thereby allowing for fast analysis times of less than 0.5 minutes per injection with no chromatographic separation. Ethyl acetate is used as a DMS modifier to reduce matrix chemical background. We have measured NHP urinary acetylcarnitine from the male cohorts that were exposed to the following radiation levels: control, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10 Gy. Biological variability, along with calibration accuracy of the FIA-DMS-MS/MS method, indicates LOQ of 20 µM, with observed biological levels on the order of 600 µM and control levels near 10 µM. There is an apparent onset of intensified response in the transition from 6 to 10 Gy. The results demonstrate that FIA-DMS-MS/MS is a rapid, quantitative technique that can be utilized for the analysis of urinary biomarker levels for radiation biodosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of miR-155 in colonic cancer tissue and to assess the potential predictive value of miR-155 in colonic cancer patients.Materials and Methods: From March to September of 2011, we included 57 patients with primary colonic cancer who underwent curative surgical resection. Total RNAs were extracted from colonic cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Then the expression of miR-155 in colonic cancer and paracancerous tissues was investigated using real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. And the relationship between miR-155 expression level and the clinical, pathological parameters of colonic cancer was analyzed.Results: The relative expression level of miR-155 in colonic cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues and related to tumor-node-metastasis staging, tumor invasion, metastasis, and differentiation.Conclusion: The expression of miR-155 is up-regulated in colonic cancer tissues. MiR-155 may acts as proto-oncogenes involved in carcinogenesis, development, and invasion of colon cancer making it a potential target for gene therapy of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea products made from purple leaves are highly preferred by consumers due to the health benefits. This study developed a proteome reference map related to color changes during leaf growth in tea (Camellia sinensis) plant with purple young shoots using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Forty-six differentially expressed proteins were detected in the gel and successfully identified by using MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. The pronounced changes in the proteomic profile between tender purple leaves (TPL) and mature green leaves (MGL) included: 1) the lower activity of proteins associated with CO2 assimilation, energy metabolism and photo flux efficiency and higher content of anthocyanins in TPL than those in MGL may protect tender leaves against photo-damage; 2) the higher abundance of chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI) and flavonol synthase (FLS) likely contributes to the synthesis of anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols in TPL tissues; 3) higher abundance of stress response proteins, such as glutathione S-transferases (GST) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx), could enhance the tolerance of TPL tissues to adverse condition in; and 4) the increased abundance of proteins related to protein synthesis, nucleic acids and cell wall proteins should be beneficial for the proliferation and expansion of leaf cell in TPL tissues. qPCR analysis showed that the expression of differentially abundant proteins was regulated at the transcriptional level. Therefore, the results indicated that higher abundance of CHI and CHS may account for the production of the purple-shoot phenotype in Wuyiqizhong 18 and thereby, enhancing the anthocyanin biosynthesis. The higher abundance of glutamine synthetase (GS) proteins related to the theanine biosynthesis may improve the flavor of tea products from TPL materials. Thus, this work should help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the changes in leaf color alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: To investigate whether nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (Nap1l1) regulates the proliferation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and the potential mechanisms. Methods: Nap1l1-knockdown-iPSC and Nap1l1-overexpression-iPSC were constructed by transfection of lentiviral particles. The proliferation of iPSC was detected by MTT analysis, and cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Nap1l1 overexpression promoted iPSC proliferation and induced G2/M transition compared to their control iPSC while Nap1l1-knockdown-iPSC dramatically displayed the reduced proliferation and accumulated G2/M phase cells. Further analysis showed that Nap1l1 overexpression in iPSC increased the expression of cyclin B1, downregulated the expression of p21 and p27, while knockdown of Nap1l1 showed the opposite effects. In addition, overexpression of Nap1l1 promoted the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK in iPSC, while knockdown of Nap1l1 inhibited the effects. However, these effects displayed in Nap1l1-overexpression-iPSC were greatly suppressed by the inhibition of AKT or ERK signaling. Conclusions: The results indicate that Nap1l1 promotes the proliferation of iPSC attributable to G2/M transition caused by downregulation of p27 and p21, and upregulation of cyclin B1, the activation of AKT or ERK is involved in the process. The present study has revealed a novel molecular mechanism involved in the proliferation of iPSC. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) could be activated by mechanical stress without the involvement of AngII during the development of cardiac hypertrophy. We aimed to identify sensing sites of AT1R for activation by mechanical stretch. Methods: We constructed several site-directed mutations of AT1R (AT1RK199Q, AT1RL212F, AT1RQ257A and AT1RC289A), transfected them respectively into COS7 cells or angiotensinogen knockout cardiomyocytes (ATG−/−-CMs), and observed cellular events after mechanical stretch. Results: AngII-induced phosphorylation of ERKs and Jak2, and redistribution of Gαq11 in AT1RWT- COS7 or -ATG−/−-CMs were dramatically decreased in AT1RK199Q- or AT1RQ257A- COS7 cells or -ATG−/−-CMs, while those effects induced by mechanical stretch were greatly suppressed in COS7 cells or ATG−/−-CMs expressing AT1RL212F, AT1RQ257A or AT1RC289A compared with these cells expressing AT1RWT. AngII-induced hypertrophic responses (the increase in hypertrophic genes expression and cross-sectional area) in AT1RWT- ATG−/−-CMs were partly abolished in AT1RK199Q-ATG−/−-CMs or AT1RQ257A-ATG−/−-CMs, while these responses induced by mechanical stretch were greatly inhibited in ATG−/−-CMs overexpressing AT1RL212F, AT1RQ257A or AT1RC289A. Conclusion: These results indicated that Leu212, Gln257 and Cys289 in AT1R are not only sensing sites for mechanical stretch but also functional amino residues for activation of the receptor and cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by mechanical stretch. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hinders the clinical application of iPSC technology for cardiac repair strategy. Recently, we screened out nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (Nap1l1), which was downregulated during the differentiation of P19CL6 cells into cardiomyocytes. Here, we attempted to study the role of Nap1l1 in cardiomyogenesis of iPSC. Nap1l1 was downregulated during the differentiation of iPSC. Knockdown of Nap1l1 dramatically enhanced the differentiation of iPSC into functional cardiomyocytes while overexpression of Nap1l1 sharply lowered the differentiation. Moreover, although Nap1l1-knockdown had little effect on endoderm differentiation, the Nap1l1 modulation significantly accelerated mesoderm development. Re-expressing Nap1l1 in Nap1l1-knockdown-iPSC rescued the effects of Nap1l1. Inducibly overexpressing Nap1l1 at early stage of differentiation greatly inhibited mesoderm induction and cardiogenesis of iPSC. However, mesoderm stem cells (Flk-1-positive cells) originated from Nap1l1-knockdown- or -overexpression-iPSC showed no difference in further cardiomyocyte differentiation compared with that of control-iPSC. Further study revealed that Nap1l1-overexpression increased γ-secretase activity and the expression of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and downstream genes during the differentiation of iPSC. γ-Secretase inhibitor DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycinet-butyl ester) greatly suppressed the production of NICD and abolished the inhibitory effects of Nap1l1-overexpression on mesoderm induction and cardiogenesis. These findings demonstrate that downregulation of Nap1l1 significantly enhances mesodermal induction and subsequent cardiogenesis of murine iPSC via inhibition of γ-secretase-regulated Notch signaling, which would facilitate the application of iPSC in heart diseases. S tem C ells 2014;32:1759-1773 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The literature, expert consultation, logical analysis of the “Health business” not only increase the level of social stability and harmony of both factors, but also help to improve society''s human capital, accelerate the process of constructing a harmonious society. Sports can promote “Health business” the main way to development, thus the context of a harmonious society proposed the appropriate recommendations for “Health business” [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to be cardio-protective against ischemia through activating Jak2/Stat3 pathway, however, the mechanism is unclear. Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), a definite endogenous protective protein in cardiomyocytes, may interact with Stat family under stress conditions. We hypothesized that G-CSF could induce cardio-protection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) through association of HSF1 with Stat3. To test the hypothesis, we built cardiac I/R injury model with HSF1 knockout (KO) mice and wild type (WT) mice by occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30min and subsequent release of the occlusion for 24h. These mice were administered with G-CSF (100μg/kg/day) or vehicle subcutaneously for 3days before surgery. As expected, G-CSF induced significant cardio-protections against I/R injury, characterized by higher ejection fraction (EF%), lower left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), increased dp/dt value and decreased infarct area as compared with the vehicle treatment in WT mice. In HSF1-KO mice, however, these cardio-protections induced by G-CSF were greatly attenuated. Inhibition of oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by G-CSF also disappeared due to the deficiency of HSF1 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, G-CSF increased the phosphorylation and the association of Stat3 with HSF1, which enhanced transcriptional activity of HSF1. Inhibition of either Stat3 or HSF1 by pharmacological agents suppressed G-CSF-induced association of the two proteins and anti-apoptotic effect on cardiomyocytes. Our data suggest that G-CSF stimulates phosphorylation and association of Stat3 with HSF1 and therefore enhances transcriptional activity of HSF1, leading to the cardio-protection against I/R injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Elevation of left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) and hypertrophic response in mice varies after transverse aorta constriction (TAC). Micromanometric catheterization, conventionally used to select mice with successful TAC, is invasive and nonreusable. We aimed to establish noninvasive imaging protocols for early estimation of successful TAC by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Out of 55 C57BL/6J mice, we randomly selected 45 as TAC group and 10 as controls. UMB was performed before TAC and, at day 3 and day 14, after TAC. In all mice, LVESP was measured with a Millar conductance catheter at day 14. With LVESP ≥ 150 mm Hg set as indicator of successful TAC (TAC+) and LVESP < 150 mm Hg as unsuccessful (TAC−), receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that postoperative inner diameter at aortic banding site (IDb), peak flow velocity at aortic banding site (PVb) and peak flow velocity of right/left common carotid artery (PVr/l) at day 3 served as most effective predictors for LVESP at day 14 (area under curve = 0.9016, 0.9143, 0.8254, respectively. p < 0.01 for all). Among all UBM parameters at day 3, IDb, PVb, right common carotid artery peak flow velocity (PVr) and PVr/l correlated best with LVESP at day 14 (R2 = 0.5740, 0.6549, 0.5208, 0.2274, respectively. p < 0.01 for all). Furthermore, IDb, PVb, and PVr/l at day 3 most effectively predict long-term cardiac hypertrophy, using the cut-off values of 0.45 mm, 2698.00 mm/s, 3.08, respectively. UBM can be a noninvasive and effective option for early prediction of successful TAC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The NKTSF acts as a dextral strike-slip fault with a component of reverse motion. • The vertical and horizontal slip rates are 0.015∼0.093 mm/a and 0.25∼0.71 mm/a. • Active faults in the region are driven by the NW-trend push of the Tibetan Plateau. The eastern end of the Altyn Tagh fault connects the western Qilian Shan thrust belt and its foreland basin, the Hexi Corridor, which contains numerous active faults with various strikes and kinematics. Although understanding of the geometry and kinematics of these active faults is increasing, the deformation pattern since the late Quaternary in the western end of the Hexi Corridor remains controversial. Studying the geometry and kinematics of these faults provides great benefit for understanding regional deformation patterns. The North Kuantan Shan fault (NKTSF) is located at the eastern end of the Altyn Tagh fault and the western end of the Hexi Corridor. Remote sensing images and field investigations suggest that the NKTSF strikes NW and acts as a right-lateral strike-slip fault with a reverse component. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) data combined with vertical offsets of the fault scarp imply a range of vertical slip rates of 0.015–0.093 mm/a, and cosmogenic 10Be ages and displacements of river terrace risers suggest a range of horizontal slip rates of 0.25–0.71 mm/a. The geometry and kinematics of the NKTSF enable us to estimate the deformation pattern in the western Hexi Corridor, which indicates that this area is undergoing northeastward compression related to the northern Tibetan Plateau (Qilian Shan). Active faults in the region are driven by the northeastward push of the Tibetan Plateau rather than the eastward extension of the Altyn Tagh fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]