Search

A novel double-stranded RNA virus was isolated and identified from Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin, derived from the muscardine cadaver of an Ostrinia furnacalis larva in China. The virus contains six dsRNAs, and each viral dsRNA contains only one open reading frame (ORF). As in other polymycoviruses, dsRNA1 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), dsRNA3 encodes a methyltransferase (MTR), and dsRNA4 encodes a proline-alanine-serine-rich protein. A BLASTp search revealed that the viral RdRp domain showed 79.43%, 79.04%, and 59.05% sequence identity to Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus 2 and 3 (BbPmV-2, BbPmV-3) and Magnaporthe oryzae polymycovirus 1 (MoPmV-1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp sequences showed that the phylogenetically closest relatives of this virus are BbPmV-2, BbPmV-3, and MoPmV-1. This virus, along with previously ill-defined polymycoviruses (BbPmV-2 and BbPmV-3), appears to belong to an as-yet-unestablished species. The findings further suggest that the virus is a new member of the genus Polymycovirus within the family Polymycoviridae, and we have named it "Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus 4" (BbPmV-4). However, the sixth dsRNA is a defective RNA with the same sequence as that of dsRNA4 except for a deletion of 312 bp from nt 185 to nt 496, but it still contains a complete ORF. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the existence of a defective RNA in a polymycovirus.

Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus, is used for arthropod pest control worldwide. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, Beauveria bassiana chrysovirus 2 (BbCV-2), isolated from a Chinese B. bassiana strain. The genome sequence of the virus was determined by metagenomic sequencing, RT-PCR, and RACE cloning and was found to consist of four dsRNA segments that are 3441 bp, 2779 bp, 2925 bp, and 2688 bp long, respectively. Each dsRNA segment contains a single ORF. The ORF of dsRNA1 encodes a 1114-amino-acid (aa) protein (123.4 kDa) with a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) motif, the sequence of which showed the highest identity of only 16.13% to that of Beauveria bassiana chrysovirus-1 (BbCV-1). The ORF of dsRNA2 encodes an 805-aa coat protein (CP) (84.7 kDa). The ORFs of dsRNAs 3 and 4 encodes proteins of undetermined function. The virus is a new member of the family Chrysoviridae from B. bassiana.

Developing green finance and promoting it to support energy conservation and emission reduction is an important means to achieve the “carbon peak” and then achieve the “carbon neutral” goal in China. The panel data from 2009-2020 from various provinces in China were selected to discuss the effect and path mechanism of green finance on energy conservation and emission reduction. The results show that green finance can significantly reduce energy consumption and restrain carbon emissions, which helps to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction. Secondly, industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation transmit the influence of green finance to energy consumption through intermediary effect, producing energy saving effect. Finally, industrial structure upgrading also has an intermediary effect in the impact of green finance on carbon emissions. Based on the goal of “carbon neutral”, it is suggested to improve the green financial system to improve the development level of green finance, vigorously promote the upgrading, transformation of industrial structure, and encourage the technological innovation of enterprises.

Various mechanisms are involved in plant disease resistance mediated by entomopathogenic fungi; however, the role of plant endophytic microbes in disease resistance is unknown. In the present study, we showed that the disease incidence of northern corn leaf blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Et) on maize was reduced significantly by soil inoculation with Beauveria bassiana (Bb). Meanwhile, B. bassiana colonization and E. turcicum infection increased the diversity and abundance and diversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi, respectively, while the abundance of endophytic bacterial of the Bb + Et treatment decreased significantly compared with that of Et treatment alone. However, Bb + Et treatment increased the relative abundance of plant beneficial bacteria significantly, for example, Burkholderia and Pseudomonas. Network analyses showed that the microbiome complexity increased after soil inoculation with B. bassiana. Taken together, these results revealed the potential mechanism by which entomopathogenic fungi exert biological control of maize leaf spot disease.

The stochastic resonance (SR) theory provides a new idea for the detection of weak signal submerged in the strong noise. Combined with the optimization theory, this paper puts forward a stochastic resonance system based on genetic algorithm and applied it in a low concentrations gas detection. Firstly we preprocessed the input signal to satisfy the requirements of SR system, then developed the genetic algorithm to seek the maximum output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which was used to evaluate the performance of the system. In the end the relationship between the maximum SNR and concentration of gas was analyzed. The results of the experiments indicated the proposed method could improve the detection ability and enhance the detection limit of low gas concentrations.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in various human cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the critical role of lncRNA HOXA11-AS in uveal melanoma (UM) progression. Briefly, we found that HOXA11-AS is overexpressed in UM tissues and cells; HOXA11-AS could regulate UM cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation demonstrated that HOXA11-AS could simultaneously interact with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to suppress its target p21 protein expression. In addition, we demonstrated that HOXA11-AS functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-124, and overexpression of miR-124 attenuated the proliferation and invasion-promoting effect of HOXA11-AS. Collectively, our findings reveal an oncogenic role for HOXA11-AS in UM tumorigenesis.

Background: On-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ON-PCABG) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OF-PCABG) greatly affect myocardial metabolism (MCMB). However, no study has systematically explored and compared the impacts of ON-PCABG and OF-PCABG on MCMB. This study will aim to explore and to compare the effects of ON-PCABG and OF-PCABG on MCMB systematically. Methods: We will conduct the comprehensive literature search from the following electronic databases from inception to the present: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDILINE, CINAHL, AMED and 4 Chinese databases without language restrictions. This systematic review will only concern randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-control studies of ON-PCABG and OF-PCABG on MCMB. The methodological quality of each entered study will be assessed by using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Primary outcomes include myocardial cellular markers, myocardial lactate, oxygen utilization, pyruvate, and intramyocardial concentrations of glucose, urea and lactate. Secondary outcome comprises of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, and oxidative stress and any other complications post surgery. Conclusion: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis and will assess and compare the effects of ON-PCABG and OF-PCABG on MCMB based on the current relevant literature evidence. Dissemination and ethics: The results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication. This study does not require ethic approval, because it only analyzes the data from published literature. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019125381.

Background This systematic review will assess the effectiveness of advanced nursing care (ANC) on depression in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Methods We will identify any relevant randomized controlled trial from Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Springer, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inceptions to March 5, 2019. The primary outcome includes depression. The secondary outcomes consist of anxiety, quality of life, and adverse events. Data that meets all the eligibility criteria will be extracted, pooled, and analyzed by using RevMan 5.3 software. Methodological quality for each eligible study will be assessed by using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results This study will analyze depression, anxiety, quality of life, and adverse events of ANC on depression in patients with OC. Conclusion The findings of this study will provide the latest evidence for the effectiveness and adverse events of ANC on depression in patients with OC. Ethics and dissemination No ethic approval is required for this study, because all the data will be extracted from previous published studies. The results of this study will be presented at conference or will be published at a peer-reviewed journal. Prospero registration number PROSPERO CRD42019126374.

Heavy metal ions have great hazard to human beings. The development of low-cost, mass-produced electrochemical sensors based on screen-printing technology has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this paper we fabricated the Screen-printed carbon electrodes(SPCE) and realized the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions(Cu,Pb,Zn) complied with the use of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammeter(DPASV) and optimized the detection conditions. The electrodes had satisfying sensitivity and precision, the detectable concentration reached ppb level

Purpose: To investigate the association of interleukin (IL)-6 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a Chinese population. Methods: Two subtypes of the IL-6 promoter (-174 and -572 G/C) were genotyped in 215 T2D patients with PDR and 207 T2D patients with a normal retinal function (controls) using the PCR-RFLP method. The mRNA and protein expression of IL-6 was examined by real-time PCR. Results: T2D patients with PDR had a significantly higher frequency of IL-6 -174 GC (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.34-0.99; p = 0.011) and IL-6 -572 GG (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.24-1.14; p = 0.016) than T2D controls. The mRNA expressions of the rs1800795 GC and rs1800796 GG genotype were significantly increased compared to other cases (Fsig = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively), followed by a relative increase in IL-6 in protein. Conclusions: IL-6 genotypes of rs1800795 GC and rs1800796 GG might point to a relatively high risk for T2D patients suffering from PDR in a Chinese population and they were associated with elevation of IL-6 expression in both mRNA and protein.

2-Hydroxyethylammonium acetate ionic liquid was found to be an excellent catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives via Hantzsch reaction of ethyl acetoacetate or acetoacetanilide, ammonium acetate, and various aromatic aldehydes. The combinatorial syntheses were achieved for the first time using 2-hydroxyethylammonium acetate ionic liquid as a homogeneous catalyst. The catalyst was active for the Hantzsch reaction in alcohol at reflux. The products were isolated in good yields (78–93 %). The resulting substituted dihydropyridines were characterized and confirmed by1H NMR spectral data. The catalyst offers simple means for recovery and the isolated catalyst was reused for three rounds for the synthesis without significant loss of catalytic activity. For all the other reactions carried out with the recycled catalyst, results were similar to that with the fresh catalyst.

A novel method of cell affinity screening (CAS), cell affinity capture coupled with LC-MS analysis, was developed for screening the bioactive compounds related to cardiovascular diseases from the natural product libraries. One of the major characteristics lies in its function in affinity-capturing and separating the bioactive components from the natural product libraries in vitro. Another characteristic is its use in analyzing and identifying the target compounds, by employing high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. CAS was used for screening the bioactive components from the alkaloid extract derived from Aconitum szechenyianum Gay. Of the five components found to be bound to the oxidative-damaged endothelial cells, the two compounds identified, mesaconitine and aconitine, were recognized in the literature as being related to cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

It has been demonstrated that the number and differentiating potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease with age. Therefore, the search for alternative sources of MSCs is of significant value. In the present study, MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. Cultured cells were treated with ascorbate acid-2-phosphate, dexamethasone, β-glycerophosphate dexamethasone, insulin, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxamthine, indomethacin, β-mercaptoethanol, butylated hydroxyanisole, FGF-4 and HGF. Differentiating characterization of UCB-derived MSCs were detected by cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, radioimmunoassay, RT-PCR and urea assay. The results showed UCB-derived MSCs could differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes and neuron-like cells. When MSCs were cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, approximately 63.6% of cells became small, round and epithelioid on day 28 by morphology. Compared with the control, levels of AFP in the supernatant liquid increased significantly from day 12 and were higher on day 28 (P < 0.01). Albumin increased significantly from day 16 (P < 0.01). Urea was first detected on day 20 (P < 0.01), and continued to increase on day 28 (P < 0.01). Cells first expressed CK-18 on day 16 through immunocytochemistry analysis. RT-PCR analysis showed that differentiated cells could express a number of hepatocyte-specific genes in a time-dependent manner. Glycogen storage was first seen on day 24. Our results suggest that UCB-derived MSCs can differentiate not only into osteoblasts, adipocytes and neuron-like cells, but also into hepatocytes. Human UCB-derived MSCs are a new source of cell types for cell transplantation and therapy.

Silica-supported sulfonic acid–functional ionic liquid (Si-[SbSipim][PF6]) was found to be an effective catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-ones via a one-pot, three-component Biginelli reaction. The catalyst could be easily separated and reused six times without noticeable reduction inactivity. The process was simple and proceeded in excellent yields. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® to view the free supplemental file.

To simultaneously determine three components of aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine in six species of Aconitum genus, an extraction condition for the total alkaloids was specifically optimized and a simple analytical method of reversed-phased highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed. The extraction rate of total alkaloids in A. szechenyianum Gay was 98.3% for repeated extracting three times with an acidic alcohol solution (alcohol: pH 3.0 HAc = 85:15, v/v). The chromatography was carried out on a Phenomenex Luna C 18 column by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.03 mol/mL ammonium bicarbonate (pH = 9.50) ‐acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method for all three alkaloids had good linear relationships (r > 0.999) in the concentration range of 1.0‐200.0 µg/mL. The average recoveries were 96.6‐103.1%, and the LOQ and LOD were in the range of 25‐37 ng/mL and 9‐12 ng/mL, respectively. The quantitative results indicated that contents of the three alkaloids varied significantly among crude aconite roots, so quality control of traditional Chinese medicines containing aconite roots should be taken into account.

The methodology of using a silica gel-supported functionalized ionic liquid as a scavenger in the purification of parallel synthesis products was demonstrated. Silica-supported sulfonic acid-functional ionic liquid was synthesized by etherification, aminate, and quaternary aminate from activated silica gel and 3-chloropropyl trimethoxysilane, imidazole, and 1,4-butanesultone, which was followed by acidification using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and anion exchange with potassium hexafluorophosphate. A conventional ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was then used to coat the surface of the silica gel. The silica-supported functionalized ionic liquid was used as a scavenger in the removal of excess amine in the parallel synthesis of amides. Desired products were obtained in excellent yields and purity with a sequestration time of less than 100 min at room temperature. After scavenging, the scavenger was easily filtered out and regenerated.

To investigate the differentiation of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes by induction of fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and to find a new source of cell types for therapies of hepatic diseases.MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. When HUCB-derived MSCs reached 70% confluence, they were cultured in Iscove modified Dulbecco medium (IMDM) supplemented with 10 mL/L FBS, 20 ng/mL HGF and 10 ng/mL FGF-4. The medium was changed every 4 d and stored for albumin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and urea assay. Expression of CK-18 was detected by immunocytochemistry. Glycogen storage in hepatocytes was determined by PAS staining.By combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence, we could isolate MSCs from 25.6% of human umbilical cord blood. When MSCs were cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, approximately 63.6% of cells became small, round and epithelioid on d 28 by morphology. Compared with the control, the level of AFP increased significantly from d 12 to 18.20+/-1.16 microg/L (t = 2.884, P0.05) in MSCs cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, and was higher (54.28+/-3.11 microg/L) on d 28 (t = 13.493, P0.01). Albumin increased significantly on d 16 (t = 6.68, P0.01) to 1.02+/-0.15 microg/mL, and to 3.63+/-0.30 microg/mL on d 28 (t = 11.748, P0.01). Urea (4.72+/-1.03 micromol/L) was detected on d 20 (t = 4.272, P0.01), and continued to increase to 10.28+/-1.06 micromol/L on d 28 (t = 9.276, P0.01). Cells expressed CK-18 on d 16. Glycogen storage was observed on d 24.HUCB-derived MSCs can differentiate into hepatocytes by induction of FGF-4 and HGF. HUCB-derived MSCs are a new source of cell types for cell transplantation therapy of hepatic diseases.

AIM: To investigate the mechanism and regulation of differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes and to find a new source of cell types for therapies of hepatic diseases. METHODS: MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. The cells were cultured in osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation medium and determined by histochemical staining. MSCs were plated in plastic culture flasks that were not coated with components of extracellular matrix (ECM). When MSCs reached 70% confluence, they were cultured in low glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10 mL/L fetal bovine serum, 20 ng/mL hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and 10 ng/mL fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4). The medium was changed every 3 d and stored for albumin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and urea assay. Glycogen store of hepatocytes was determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining. RESULTS: By combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence, we isolated a homogeneous population of cells from rat bone marrow and differentiated them into osteocytes and adipocytes. When MSCs were cultured with FGF-4 and HGF, approximately 56.6% of cells became small round and epithelioid on d 24 by morphology. Compared with the control, levels of AFP increased significantly from d 12 to 15.5±1.4 µg/L (t = 2.31, P