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Bilobalide has shown strong anti-inflammatory activity. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely associated with inflammation. However, no studies have reported on the use of bilobalide for treating CRC. This study aims to evaluate the effect of bilobalide on CRC prevention. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence showed that bilobalide significantly inhibits the M2 polarization of macrophages dependent on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Analysis of signaling pathways showed that the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was regulated. In particular, human CRC organoids were established. Western blotting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and analysis of cell viability and morphology further supported the hypothesis that the anti-CRC effects of bilobalide could be explained by its ability to suppress M2 macrophage polarization and promote M1 transformation. C57BL/6 mice treated with azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) were divided into three groups, i.e., control, AOM/DSS, low (2.5 mg/kg), and high (5 mg/kg). High-dose bilobalide markedly inhibited the progression of CRC, as evidenced by the increased body weight, decrease in disease activity index (DAI) death rate, and alleviation of colon length reduction and tumorigenesis. According to the in vivo results, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum included tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10. Bilobalide reduced oxidative stress indices, lipid peroxide (LPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki67, cellular Myc (c-Myc), and CD206 was downregulated in the drug-treated groups, as confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining. Collectively, these results indicated that bilobalide administration improve experimental CRC by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization and oxidative stress. Thus, bilobalide may prevent CRC and serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Practical Oncology Journal is the property of Journal of Practical Oncology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Abnormal foetal tissue chromosome karyotypes are one of the important pathogenic factors for spontaneous abortion (SA). To investigate the age and abnormal foetal karyotypes of 1903 couples who experienced SA. Methods: A retrospective multicentre study collected age and foetal tissue karyotypes CNV-seq data of 1903 SA couples from 6 hospitals in 5 regions from January 2017 to March 2022. The distribution and correlation of abnormal foetal tissue karyotypes were evaluated by using regions and age. Results: In our study, 1140 couples (60.5% of the total) had abnormal foetal tissue chromosome karyotypes in all regions. We found that there were differences in the number of abnormal foetal tissue chromosome karyotypes, of which the incidence of trisomy was higher. At the same time, the populations situated in the eastern region had a more triploid (15.5%) distribution, trisomy (58.1%) in the southern region, mosaicism (14.8%) and microduplication (31.7%) in the southwestern region, microdeletion (16.7%) in the northern region. There are variances across areas, and it is more common in the north. The incidence risk of prenatal chromosomal abnormalities varied according to age group. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the karyotypes of patients with abnormal foetal tissue chromosome abortion in different regions were different. Meanwhile, patients ≥ 35 years old had a higher risk of abnormal foetal tissue chromosome abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy is the property of Editorial Office of Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Meishan pigs are a well-known indigenous pig breed in China characterized by a high fertility. Notably, the number of endometrial grands is significantly higher in Meishan pigs than Duroc pigs. The characteristics of the endometrial tissue are related to litter size. Therefore, we used the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the mechanisms underlying the differences in fecundity between the breeds. We detected the key transcription factors, including Double homeobox (Dux), Ladybird-like homeobox gene 2 (LBX2), and LIM homeobox 8 (Lhx8), with potentially pivotal roles in the regulation of the genes related to endometrial development. We identified the differentially expressed genes between the breeds, including SOX17, ANXA4, DLX3, DMRT1, FLNB, IRF6, CBFA2T2, TFCP2L1, EFNA5, SLIT2, and CYFIP2, with roles in epithelial cell differentiation, fertility, and ovulation. Interestingly, ANXA4, CBFA2T2, and TFCP2L1, which were upregulated in the Meishan pigs in the RNA-seq analysis, were identified again by the integration of the ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data. Moreover, we identified genes in the cancer or immune pathways, FoxO signaling, Wnt signaling, and phospholipase D signaling pathways. These ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses revealed the accessible chromatin and potential mechanisms underlying the differences in the endometrial tissues between the two types of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass carp, one of the major freshwater aquaculture species in China, is susceptible to grass carp reovirus (GCRV). GCRV is a non-enveloped RNA virus and has a double-layered capsid, causing hemorrhagic disease and high mortalities in infected fish. However, the tropism of GCRV infection has not been investigated. In this study, monoclonal antibodies against recombinant VP35 protein were generated in mice and characterized. The antibodies exhibited specific binding to the N terminal region (1–155 aa) of the recombinant VP35 protein expressed in the HEK293 cells, and native VP35 protein in the GCRV-II infected CIK cells. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that viruses aggregated in the cytoplasm of infected cells. In vivo challenge experiments showed that high levels of GCRV-II viruses were present in the gills, intestine, spleen and liver, indicating that they are the major sites for virus infection. Our study showed that the VP35 antibodies generated in this study exhibited high specificity, and are valuable for the development of diagnostic tools for GCRV-II infection. • Monoclonal antibodies against GCRV-II VP35 were generated and characterized. • GCRV-II VP35 monoclonal antibodies could specifically detect GCRV-II in the CIK cells and tissues. • Gills, intestine, spleen and liver of GCRV-II infected grass carp showed high levels of viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torreya grandis is a medicinal and edible food plant from southern China that is high in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. Among these, Torreya grandis -enriched kayaflavone is a unique biflavone with potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and other health-promoting properties. However, the regulatory mechanisms directing kayaflavone biosynthesis in Torreya grandis remain unclear. Therefore, an integrated metabolite and transcript profiling of various Torreya grandis tissues was carried out. The results demonstrated a tissue-specific pattern in the kayaflavone content, with roots and kernels displaying the lowest levels and arils, leaves, and stems displaying the highest enriched content. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis of different tissues revealed that differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Asides, a key apigenin 4'- O -methyltransferase for kayaflavone biosynthesis, TgOMT1, was annotated and characterized using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), RT-qPCR and enzyme assays. Additionally, transcription factors involved in TgOMT1 regulation, including MADS, HD-ZIP and ERF, were screened by co-expression assays, suggesting their roles in kayaflavone biosynthesis. These results elucidated the mechanisms underlying kayaflavone discrepancy in different tissues, providing a better insight on kayaflavone production in Torreya grandis and aiding future biotechnological attempts for valued medicinal production. • Kayaflavone content in T. grandis showed distinct tissue specificity. • TgOMT1 plays an important role in kayaflavone biosynthesis. • MADSs, HD-ZIPs and ERFs are involved in the regulation of kayaflavone biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) respond differently to cytokine-induced killer cell (CIK) treatment. Therefore, potential prognostic markers to identify patients who would benefit from CIK treatment must be elucidated. The current research aimed at identifying predictive prognostic markers for efficient CIK treatment of patients with NSCLC. Methods: Patients histologically diagnosed with NSCLC were enrolled from the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) on the tumor tissues and paired adjacent benign tissues collected from 50 patients with NSCLC, and RNA-seq on tumor tissues of 17 patients with NSCLC before CIK immunotherapy treatment. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to analyze the association between clinical parameters and prognostic relevance. WES and RNA-seq data between lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (Aden) were analyzed and compared. Results: The pathology subtype of lung cancer was the most significantly relevant clinical parameter associated with DFS, as analyzed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression (P = 0.031). The patients with lung SCC showed better CIK treatment efficacy and extended DFS after CIK treatment. Relatively low expression of HLA class II genes and checkpoint molecules, and less immunosuppressive immune cell infiltration were identified in the patients with lung SCC. Conclusions: Coordinated suppression of the expression of HLA class II genes and checkpoint molecules, as well as less immune suppressive cell infiltration together contributed to the better CIK treatment efficacy in lung SCC than lung Aden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is an important marine farmed fish in China. It is affected by the bacterial pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus, which causes high mortality and substantial economic losses. We studied the transcriptional changes of the IgZ gene in E. coioides following V. alginolyticus stimulation and investigated the distribution of IgZ in different tissues. The highest expression level of IgZ occurred in the head kidney. When fish were stimulated with live and inactivated V. alginolyticus, the expression levels of IgZ in the head kidney, spleen, intestine, gills and blood cells were significantly upregulated. In an in situ hybridization study, IgZ mRNA‐positive cells were detected in the head kidney, spleen and gill, but positive signals were not detected in the liver and intestine. IgZ‐labelled cells increased in the head kidney, spleen and gills post‐infection with V. alginolyticus for 21 days. The present study provides additional evidence that IgZ is involved in mucosal immune responses and helps explain the role of IgZ in E. coioides defence against V. alginolyticus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies suggest Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) increased the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, fimA genotypes distribution of Pg, the origination of Pg in tissue, and its prognostic value are inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the frequency of fimA genotypes in OSCC patients, study the association between Pg and OSCC, and explore the prognostic value of Pg. Methods: The abundance of Pg in saliva from the OSCC group and the OSCC-free group was analysed by qPCR. The presence of Pg was explored in OSCC tissue and para-cancerous tissue by in situ hybridization. The frequency of fimA genotypes in saliva and OSCC tissue was determined by PCR, then PCR products were sequenced and compared. Clinical data were extracted, and patients followed up for a median period of 23 months. Clinicopathological variables were compared with the abundance of Pg using Pearson Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The disease-free survival (DFS) rate was calculated by Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank tests. Results: Comparing the OSCC-free group, 95 patients with OSCC showed a high abundance of Pg in saliva (P = 0.033), and OSCC tissue showed strong in situ expression of Pg compared with paired normal tissue. Patients with OSCC showed a dominant distribution of Pg with genotype I + Ib (21.1%), II (31.6%), and IV (21.1%). FimA genotypes detected in saliva were in accordance with those in OSCC tissue, there was, moreover, a significant similarity in amplified Pg fragments. Of the 94 responsive OSCC patients, the recurrence rate was 26.6% (25/94). Overabundance of Pg in saliva showed advanced pathologic staging (P = 0.008), longer disease-free time (P = 0.029) and lower recurrence rate (P = 0.033). The overabundance of Pg in saliva was associated with improved disease-free survival (P = 0.049). Conclusions: This study indicated that Pg might involve in the pathogenesis of OSCC, Pg carrying fimA I, Ib, II, and IV were prevalent genotypes in patients with OSCC, the provenance of Pg in OSCC tissue might be from the salivary microbial reservoir, and the abundance of Pg in saliva might consider as a favorable potential prognostic indicator in OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious pulmonary vascular disease. Excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) plays an important role in the course of this disease. Ligustrazine is an alkaloid monomer extracted from the rhizome of the herb Ligusticum chuanxiong. It is often used to treat cardiovascular diseases, but its effect on PAH has rarely been reported. This study aims to explore the protective effect and mechanism of ligustrazine on PAH. In the in vivo experiment, monocrotaline (MCT) was used to induce PAH in rats, and then ligustrazine (40, 80, 160 mg/kg/day) or sildenafil (25 mg/kg/day) was administered. Four weeks later, hemodynamic changes, right ventricular hypertrophy index, lung morphological characteristics, inflammatory factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and AKT expression were evaluated. In addition, primary rat PASMCs were extracted by the tissue adhesion method, a proliferation model was established with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and the cells were treated with ligustrazine to investigate its effects on cell proliferation, inflammation, and cell cycle distribution. The results indicate that ligustrazine can markedly alleviate right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and inflammation caused by MCT, and that it decreased PI3K and AKT phosphorylation expression. Moreover, ligustrazine can inhibit the proliferation and inflammation of PASMCs and arrest the progression of G0/G1 to S phase through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, we conclude that ligustrazine may inhibit the proliferation and inflammation of PASMCs by regulating the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby attenuating MCT-induced PAH in rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that ligustrazine may be a promising therapeutic for PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A genetic association study.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether rs1978060 of TBX1 gene was a susceptible locus of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the Chinese Han population and to better define the functional role of TBX1 in the development and progression of AIS.Summary Of Background Data: A recent genome-wide association study reported a novel susceptible locus in TBX1 gene, which was associated with the development of AIS in the Japanese population. However, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning the functional role of TBX1 in the Chinese AIS population.Methods: The SNP rs1978060 was genotyped in 1725 female AIS patients and 2600 healthy controls. Paraspinal muscle samples were collected from 30 AIS patients and 26 age-matched congenital scoliosis (CS) patients for the analysis of tissue expression. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between the patients and the controls were calculated using the χ test. The Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to investigate the relation between the expression of the PAX1 gene and the curve severity.Results: SNP rs1978060 was significantly associated with the susceptibility of AIS. Allele G of rs1978060 could significantly add to the risk of AIS with an odds ratio of 1.12. The tissue expression of TBX1 was obviously decreased in AIS patients. There was a remarkable correlation between the curve magnitude and the TBX1 expression (r = -0.519, P = 0.003).Conclusion: The association between TBX1 and the susceptibility of AIS was successfully replicated in the Chinese population. Moreover, rs1978060 may be a functional variant regulating the expression of TBX1. More studies were warranted to explore the functional role of TBX1 in the onset and progression of AIS.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Occurrence at a younger age has been demonstrated to be associated with a distinct biology in non-small cell lung cancer. However, genomics and clinical characteristics among younger patients with lung adenocarcinoma remain to be determined. Here we studied the potentially targetable genetic alterations by next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay in young Chinese patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Eighty-nine surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma tissue samples from patients aged less than 45 years were collected with informed consent from all patients. Targeted NGS assays were used to identify actionable genetic alterations in the cancer tissues. Additionally, the genomic and clinical pathologic characteristics of 95 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who received NGS testing over the same period were analyzed retrospectively. Results The frequencies of targetable genetic alterations in 184 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed by defined age categories, which unveiled a distinctive molecular profile in the younger group, aged less than 45 years. Notably, higher frequency of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genetic alterations were associated with young age. However, a reverse trend was observed for kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (K^AS), serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 mutations, which were more frequently identified in the older group, aged more than 45 years. Furthermore, concurrent EGFR/tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutations were much more prevalent in the younger patients (81.6% vs 44.9%), which might have a poor response to treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). Conclusion NGS assay revealed a distinctive genetic profile in younger patients with adenocarcinoma. High frequency of concurrent EGFR/TP53 mutations was found in the younger patients, which especially warranted personalized treatment in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering as an important branch of regenerative medicine has interdisciplinary characteristics and plays a role in repairing, maintaining or improving the function of damaged organs and tissues, which is highly valued in the biomedical field. The National Natural Science Foundation of China has supported basic research on tissue engineering for years, and the funded programs can reflect the discipline development to some extent. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the information of China tissue engineering funding programs and illustrate its development status and trend. METHODS: Internet-Based Science information System developed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China was used as a source to retrieve tissue engineering programs funded between 2013 and 2018. Excel and Bibexcel were used to analyze the project data including award year, program name, approval amount, funded organization, funding mechanism, and keywords. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the past 6 years, the basic research programs of tissue engineering funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China have reduced slightly. The funded programs are mainly from the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Health Sciences, and the main funding mechanisms are general program and young scientist funds. Most of the organizations funded are universities or colleges, and some of them with strong research ability and wide research ranges can be funded for their programs involving various fields. Bone and cartilage, blood vessels and heart, oral, nerve and skin tissue engineering are the main sub-fields; vascularization, microenvironment, mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogels, three-dimensional printing, directed differentiation are the hot nesearch topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of practical control measures for pharyngeal myxobolosis is becoming an important limiting factor for the sustainable development of the gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) culture industry in China. Myxobolus honghuensis has been identified as the causative agent of this pandemic disease, which exclusively infects the pharynx of gibel carp, a potential important mucosal lymphoid-associated tissue (MLAT). Myxozoa generally initiate invasion through the mucosal tissues of fish, where some of them also complete their sporogonial stages. However, the pharynx-associated immune responses of teleost against myxosporeans infection remain unknown. Here, a de novo transcriptome assembly of the pharynx of gibel carp naturally infected with M. honghuensis was performed for the first time, using RNA-seq. Comparative analysis of severely infected and mildly infected pharyngeal tissues (SI group and MI group) from the same fish individuals and control pharyngeal tissues (C group) from the uninfected fish was carried out to investigate the potential mucosal immune function of the fish pharynx, and characterize the panoramic picture of pharynx local mucosal immune responses of gibel carp against the M. honghuensis infection. A total of 242,341 unigenes were obtained and pairwise comparison resulted in 13,009 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in the SI/C group comparison, 6014 DEGs in the MI/C group comparison, and 9031 DEGs in the SI/MI group comparison. Comprehensive analysis showed that M. honghuensis infection elicited a significant parasite load-dependent alteration of the expression of numerous innate and adaptive immune-related genes in the local lesion tissue. Innate immune molecules, including mucins, toll-like receptors, C-type lectin, serum amyloid A, cathepsins and complement components were significantly up-regulated in the SI group compared with the C group. Up-regulation of genes involved in apoptosis signaling pathway and the IFN-mediated immune system were found in the SI group, suggesting these two pathways played a crucial role in innate immune response to M. honghuensis infection. Up-regulation of chemokines and chemokine receptors and the induction of the leukocyte trans-endothelial migration pathways in the severely and mildly infected pharynx suggested that many leucocytes were recruited to the local infected sites to mount a strong mucosal immune responses against the myxosporean infection. Up-regulation of CD3D, CD22, CD276, IL4/13A, GATA3, arginase 2, IgM, IgT and pIgR transcripts provided strong evidences for the presence of T/B cells and specific mucosal immune responses at local sites with M. honghuensis infection. Our results firstly demonstrated the mucosal function of the teleost pharynx and provided evidences of intensive local immune defense responses against this mucosa-infecting myxosporean in the gibel carp pharynx. Pharyngeal myxobolosis was shaped by a prevailing anti-inflammatory response pattern during the advanced infection stages. Further understanding of the functional roles of fish immune molecules involved in the initial invasion and/or final sporogony site may facilitate future development of control strategies for this myxobolosis. • This study firstly demonstrated the mucosal function of the teleost pharynx and provided evidences of intensive local immune defense responses against the mucosa-infecting myxosporean in the gibel carp pharynx. • Our results provided the first evidence that IgT production occurred in the pharynx of teleost fish. • Pharyngeal myxobolosis was shaped by a prevailing anti-inflammatory pattern during the advanced stage of M. honghuensis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Korean arborvitae (Thuja koraiensis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Korea and the extreme Changbai Mountain of China threatened by habitat loss. Due to the limited genomic sources of Korean arborvitae, it is important to explore transcriptome to understand this economically important plant. We used RNA-seq technology to characterize the transcriptome of root, stem and leaf in Korean arborvitae, respectively. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of assembled transcriptome data, transcriptional pathways and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. There were 152.26 million reads generated, and 446,568 unigenes with a mean size of 423.51 nt obtained via de novo assembly. Of these, 204,091 unigenes (45.70%) were further annotated by comparison to public protein databases. A total of 63,495 unigenes (14.22%) were associated into 130 pathways by searching against the KEGG database. DEGs analysis identified 11,890, 5,900 and 10,136 DEGs from the comparison of root vs. stem, root vs. leaf and stem vs. leaf, respectively. Besides, photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction and metabolism and biosynthesis of sugar and amino acids were changed in different tissues. We obtained 446,568 unigenes in Korean arborvitae and 11,890, 5,900 and 10,136 DEGs from the comparison of root vs. stem, root vs. leaf and stem vs. leaf, respectively. These results will aid in understanding and carrying out future studies on the molecular basis of Korean arborvitae and contribute to future artificial production and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer is one of the most common lethal malignancies in the world, especially in China. Due to the ineffective screening of early gastric cancer and drug resistance of the advanced, the prognosis of gastric cancer remains dismal. Based on bioinformatics and tissue microarray analyses, FBXO5 was selected for analysis in this study. Here, we report the function of FBXO5 in gastric cancer, showing for the first time that it contributes to tumor cell proliferation, clone formation, invasion and migration. In these preliminary findings, FBXO5 promoted the transition of the cell cycle from the G0/G1 to the G2/M phase, which likely resulted from FBXO5 interacting with CDK1 and NCAPG proteins. The relevant mechanism needs to be explored. In addition, FBXO5 participated in the tumor microenvironment and was negatively related to immune activation. FBXO5, an oncogene, plays a role in tumor initiation and progression, and is expected to be a potential target for gastric cancer treatment. • Based on bioinformatics and tissue microarray analyses, FBXO5 was selected for analysis in this study. • We showed for the first time that FBXO5 contributes to tumor cell proliferation, clone formation, invasion and migration. • FBXO5 promoted the transition of the cell cycle from the G0/G1 to the G2/M phase. • In addition, FBXO5 participated in the tumor microenvironment and was negatively related to immune activation. • FBXO5 is expected to be a potential target for gastric cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine kobuvirus (PKV) infection is very common in both healthy pigs and diarrhea pigs throughout the world. However, there is no proof that it causes diarrhea, and little is known about its role in diarrhea. There are only a few reports concerning porcine kobuvirus separation at present, which makes investigating its invasion and pathogenesis mechanisms difficult. This study sequenced the entire genome of a porcine kobuvirus strain termed "Wuhan2020" after it was isolated from intestinal tissue samples of healthy piglets. The analysis results revealed that it shared the most resemblance with the WUH1 strain (89.5%) and belonged to the same evolutionary branch as the Hungarian strain S-1-SUN. The PKV was located using the in situ hybridization (ISH) approach, which revealed that it was colonized in intestinal villus epithelial cells and lymphocytes in the Peyer's patch. In general, we analyzed the genetic evolution of PKV, discovered PKV susceptible cells and determined PKV localization in the intestine of infected pigs, providing a reference for future research. • For the first time, the tissue localization of porcine kobuvirus was performed. • The PKV genomic RNA was distributed in intestinal villus epithelial cells and lymphocytes of Peyer's Patch. • A stain of PKV was successfully isolated, which can produce CPE in PK-15 and IPI-2I cells. • Sequencing analysis showed that the isolated strain had the highest homology with WUH1 strain (89.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hong Kong oysters Crassostrea hongkongensis are widely farmed in the estuarine waters of Southern China, but they accumulate Cu and Zn to alarmingly high concentrations in the soft tissues. Health risks of seafood consumption are related to contaminants such as toxic metals which are bioaccessible to humans. In the present study, we investigated the oral bioaccessibility of five toxic metals (Ag, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) in contaminated oysters collected from different locations of a large estuary in southern China. In all oysters, total Zn concentration was the highest whereas total Pb concentration was the lowest. Among the five metals, Ag had the lowest oral bioaccessibility (38.9–60.8%), whereas Cu and Zn had the highest bioaccessibility (72.3–93.1%). Significant negative correlation was observed between metal bioaccessibility and metal concentration in the oysters for Ag, Cd, and Cu. We found that the oral bioaccessibility of the five metals was positively correlated with their trophically available metal fraction (TAM) in the oyster tissues, and negatively correlated with metal distribution in the cellular debris. Thus, metal partitioning in the TAM and cellular debris controlled the oral bioaccessibility to humans. Given the dependence of oral bioaccessibility on tissue metal contamination, bioaccessibility needs to be incorporated in the risk assessments of contaminated shellfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fifty nine samples of nine edible bivalve species (Argopecten irradians, Chlamys farreri, Crassostrea virginica, Lasaea nipponica, Meretrix meretrix, Mytilus edulis, Ruditapes philippinarum, Scapharca subcrenata and Sinonovacula constricta) were randomly collected from eight local seafood markets in six big cities (Dalian, Qingdao, Rizhao, Weifang, Weihai and Yantai) in the northern coastal areas of China for the investigation of trace element contamination. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were quantified. The risk of these trace elements to humans through bivalve consumption was then assessed. Results indicated that the concentrations of most of the studied trace element varied significantly with species: the average concentration of Cu in C. virginica was an order of magnitude higher than that in the remaining species; the average concentration of Zn was also highest in C. virginica ; the average concentration of As, Cd and Pb was highest in R. philippinarum , C. farreri and A. irradians , respectively. Spatial differences in the concentrations of elements were generally less than those of interspecies, yet some elements such as Cr and Hg in the samples from different cities showed a significant difference in concentrations for some bivalve species. Trace element concentrations in edible tissues followed the order of Zn>Cu>As>Cd>Cr>Pb>Hg generally. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) indicated that different species examined showed different bioaccumulation of trace elements. There were significant correlations between the concentrations of some elements. The calculated hazard quotients indicated in general that there was no obvious health risk from the intake of trace elements through bivalve consumption. But care must be taken considering the increasing amount of seafood consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were determined in the tissues (muscle, stomach, liver, gills, skin, and gonads) of five commercial fish species (mullet Liza haematocheilus, flathead Platycephalus indicus, mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius, silver pomfret Pampus argenteus, and sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus) from Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea. Metal bioaccumulation was highest in the metabolically active tissues of the gonads and liver. Bioconcentration factors for Zn were higher in all tissues (gonads 44.35, stomach 7.73, gills 7.72, liver 5.61, skin 4.88, and muscle 1.63) than the corresponding values for Cu (gonads 3.50, stomach 3.00, gills 1.60, liver 5.43, skin 1.50, and muscle 0.93). Mackerel tissues accumulated metal to higher concentrations than did other fish species, but bioaccumulation levels were not significantly correlated with the trophic levels of the fish. Zn and Cu concentrations in the tissues were generally negatively correlated with fish length, except for a few tissues of sea bass. Risk assessment based on national and international permissible limits and provisional tolerances for weekly intake of Zn and Cu revealed that the concentrations of these two metals in muscle were relatively low and would not pose hazards to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect and toxicity of organic selenium (Pro-Se) with inorganic selenium (IOSe) in preventing asthma in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice. After the mice were treated orally with Pro-Se and IOSe, respectively, the plasma Se levels, Se accumulation in liver and kidney, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), oxidative stress, and NF-κB activation in lung were examined. The results showed that the serumal Se levels in the mice fed the Pro-Se were significant (P < 0.01) elevations. It results in restoration of the level of endogenous antioxidant enzyme, lower levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and activatedNF-κB in the asthmatic mice. Our experiments have demonstrated profound differences between the activities of organic selenium and inorganic selenium in experimental conditions. These data provide an important proof of the concept that organic selenium might be a new potential therapy for the management of childhood asthma in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. has been traditionally used in China as antitussive and expectorant herbs, and newly used in the clinical treatment of leukemia in recent years. Aim: To investigate whether gender exerted a significant influence on the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of peimine and peiminine in Sprague-Dawley rats who were given a single oral administration of 4.25g/kg Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. extract. Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into two groups based on the gender and orally administered 4.25g/kg Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. extract for each individual pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion study. Results: Compared with female rats, peimine and peiminine were eliminated slowly from male rat plasma, and significant gender-related differences were observed in the pharmacokinetic parameters. Drug blood and tissue levels in male rats were significantly higher than the female counterparts except for several tissues, such as fat, muscle and skin. Gender also exerted a significant influence on the urine excretion but such effect was not observed in the feces excretion study. Conclusions: Gender exerted a significant influence on the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and urine excretion of peimine and peiminine. It is assumed that the sex-associated differences of peimine and peiminine in rats might be mainly result from sex-dependent expression and activity of drug metabolism enzymes and P-glycoprotein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Legacy halogenated compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and emerging organo-halogen pollutants such as Dechlorane Plus (DP), were detected in fish from an old industrial region in Northeast China. PCBs and PBDEs were detected in all of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 38.15 to 170.51 ng/g lipid weight, and 9.40–39.69 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. DP was detected in more than 90% of the samples with concentrations ranging from not detected (ND) to 470 pg g/g lipid weight. Compared with similar data in other areas of the world, PCBs, PBDEs and DP in fish from Liaohe River were at medium or low level. An unusually high percentage of PCB-209 was first reported in the fish samples collected from China. Other halogenated pollutions, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, octachlorostyrene, chlorinated anisole, chlorinated thioanisole, triclosan-methyl, and other pesticides, have also been identified in the fish samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the bioaccumulation patterns of microcystins (MCs) in organs of two gastropods, samples were collected in Lake Dianchi monthly from May to October, 2008, when cyanobacteria typically bloom. The average MCs concentrations for Radix swinhoei (pulmonate) and Margarya melanioides (prosobranch) tended to be similar for the different organs: the highest values in the hepatopancreas (9.33 by 3.74μg/g DW), followed by digestive tracts (1.66 by 3.03μg/g DW), gonads (0.45 by 1.34μg/g DW) and muscles (0.22 by 0.40μg/g DW). Pulmonate had higher value than prosobranch because of the stronger bioaccumulation ability in hepatopancreas. The levels in organs of R. swinhoei were correlated with environmentally dissolved MCs, but influenced by intracellular MCs for M. melanioides. The estimated MCs concentrations in edible parts of M. melanioides were beyond the WHO’s provisional tolerable daily intake (0.04μg/kg), suggesting the risk of consumption of M. melanioides from the lake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Information on tissue distribution of Dechlorane Plus (DP) and its dechlorinated analogs in wildlife is scarce. DP isomers and two dechlorinated compounds, anti-Cl11-DP and anti-Cl10-DP, were examined in the muscle, liver, and brain tissues of two bottom fish species collected from an electronic waste recycling site, South China. The median levels of syn-, anti-, and anti-Cl11-DP isomers in the tissues ranged 0.18–39.1, 0.22–52.9, and 0.01–5.63 ng/g wet wt, respectively. Anti-Cl10-DP was only detected in one muscle sample of mud carp (0.01 ng/g wet wt), although it was consistently detected in the sediments (0.42–0.83 ng/g dry wt). Preferential distribution in liver relative to muscle was observed for syn-DP and anti-Cl11-DP. However, a high persistent retention in the brain compared to the liver was observed for anti-DP, suggesting that this isomer can across the blood–brain barrier of fish, and may cause adverse effects to the nervous system in the exposed biota. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The distribution and bioaccumulation of steroidal and phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were studied in various tissues of wild fish species from Dianchi Lake, China. In muscle tissue, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-cumylphenol, 4-nonlyphenol and bisphenol A were detected in fish from each sampling site, with maximal concentrations of 4.6, 4.4, 18.9 and 83.5ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Steroids (estrone, 17β-estradiol 17α-ethynylestradiol and estriol) were found at lower levels (<11.3ng/g dw) and less frequently in muscle samples. The highest concentrations of steroids and phenols were found in liver, followed by those in gill and the lowest concentration was found in muscle. The field bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of phenols were calculated in fish species ranged from 18 to 97. Moreover, the measured tissue concentrations were utilized in order to estimate water concentration of steroids (4.4–18.0ng/L). These results showed that steroidal and phenolic EDCs were likely ubiquitous contaminants in wild fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The residual levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the liver, brain, gill and muscle tissues of four common edible freshwater fish species including crucian carp, snakehead fish, grass carp and silver carp collected from Lake Small Bai-Yang-Dian in northern China were measured by GC–MS. The distribution and composition pattern of PAHs in the fish tissues, and the effects of lipid contents in fish tissues and the octanol–water partition coefficient (Kow) of PAHs congeners on them were analyzed. The human health risk of PAHs though fish consumptions was estimated. The following results were obtained: (1) The average residual levels of total PAHs (PAH16) on wet weight base in the different tissues of each fish species ranged from 4.764 to 144.254ng/gww. The differences in the average residual levels on wet weight base for PAH16 within four fish species were not statistically significant (P >0.05); however, these within four fish tissues were statistically significant (P <0.01). (2) There were very similar distribution patterns of PAH congeners among both the fish tissues and the fish species, as indicated by statistically significant positive interrelationships (R =0.58–0.97, P <0.01 or P <0.05). Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs predominated the distribution in the fish tissues, accounting for 89.97% of total PAHs. Phe was the most dominant component, according for 37.79% of total PAHs, followed by Ant (18.59%), Flo (12.59%), Nap (10.79%), Fla (9.82%) and Pyr (6.43%). (3) The PAHs residues and distribution in the fish tissues are dependent on both the Kow of PAH congeners and the lipid contents in the fish tissues. There was a significant positive relationship (R =0.7116, P <0.0001) between lipid contents and PAHs residual levels. The statistically significant negative relationships (P <0.05) were found between LogKow and log-transformed PAHs contents on wet weight base for all fish tissues except for the muscle tissue of snakehead fish, the brain and liver tissues of crucian carp. (4) The risk levels of total PAHs were lower than 10−5 for the muscle tissues of four studied fish species and for the brain tissues of grass carp and snakehead fish; while these were higher than 10−5 for the brain tissues of crucian carp and silver carp. The risk levels of total PAHs in the liver tissues of four studied fish species except for snakehead fish exceeded 10−5 for 2–4.5 times. However, the potency equivalent concentration (PEC) of total PAHs in four studied fish tissues were still lower than the maximum permissible BaP limits for crops and baked meat and for plants in the national criterions. The distributions of PAH congeners in fish were well simulated by a level III fugacity model, especially for low molecule weight PAHs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and three diastereomers of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) were examined in the muscles of six bird species and their diet collected from an e-waste recycling region (Qingyuan) in South China. Stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) were analyzed to measure the diet source and trophic levels (TLs) of the birds. The median TBBPA and HBCD concentrations in the birds ranged from 28 to 173 and not detectable to 1995 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. The diastereoisomeric pattern shows the predominance of α-HBCD in birds feeding in an aquatic environment and that of γ-HBCD in birds feeding in a terrestrial environment, whereas no clear preference for α isomer or γ isomer was found in birds that inhabited freshwater wetland. A significant positive correlation between δ13C and percentage of α-HBCD was observed, indicating the importance of diet exposure pathways in the determination of HBCD diastereoisomer pattern. The enantiomer fractions (EFs) for α-HBCD differed substantially between aquatic and terrestrial bird species with a significant enrichment of (+) α-HBCD enantiomer for aquatic birds and a preferential enrichment of (-) α-HBCD enantiomer for terrestrial birds. The similarity in diastereoisomer profiles of HBCD and the EFs of α-HBCD between prey (fish) and predator (Chinese pond heron) also suggested that dietary exposure is an important contributor for the observed diastereoisomer- and enantiomer-specific distribution of HBCD in birds. Trophic magnification was observed for α-HBCD and TBBPA as concentrations increased with the TLs of the birds defined by δ15N, but only α-HBCD showed a strong positive relationship (p = 0.001). The biomagnification factors for α- and γ-HBCD and TBBPA were calculated based on individual predator/prey feeding relationships for two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The scandal of melamine-adulterated infant formula in China in September 2008 demanded the need to assess the extent of melamine contamination in the environment and food products and possible risks of consuming melamine-contaminated diets. In this work, our extensive work tested water, soil and crop samples from 21 provinces in China. Soils nearby and waste waters from melamine-manufacturing factories were examined, and the highest melamine concentrations in waste water and soil samples were 226.766 and 41.136mg/kg, respectively. Six of 94 irrigation water samples had melamine at a concentration of 21–198μg/L. Only 1 sample collected from 124 farmlands farther than 150km from melamine factories was detected for melamine at a content of 176μg/L. Only 3 out of 557 crop samples contaminated more than 1mg/kg melamine, with the highest level of 2.05mg/kg in a wheat sample. When basal diets contained 2mg/kg melamine were fed to various animals, deposition of melamine in animal tissues and products was all lower than 122μg/kg. The melamine deposition was much higher (e.g., 4483μg/kg in the kidney of chicken) when diets contained 100mg/kg melamine but was found to be completely depleted after 96h for all animals after switching to the basal diets. Our work may be valuable to regulate melamine production and monitor the safety of food and animal products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) has long been used for human consumption and medicinal purposes in China. It is recommended for some diseases in which radical species are produced as a result of oxidative stress. However, the systematic study on the antioxidant capacities of various tissues of jujube is still lacking. In order to address this, various tissues of three jujube varieties were characterized with respect to their antioxidant capacities and antioxidant compounds such as flavonoid, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and phenolic. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. The phenolic acids were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that the peel of all cultivars has the highest antioxidant capacities, reflecting the highest content of total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins found in this part. In addition, the predominant phenolic acid in jujube was found to be protocatechuic acid, followed by gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that Chinese jujube has a significant potential to use as a natural antioxidant agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two cultured marine fish, the Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) and red seabream (Pagrus major) were collected from eight fish cage sites along the coast of Fujian province in China. The concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in their muscle, stomach and liver tissue were quantified. The risk of these trace elements to humans through fish consumption was then assessed. The highest concentrations of As, Cd, Se and Zn in fish feed from fish cages were found in Dongshan Station. Moreover, the As levels in the muscles of both species at all sites were generally higher than China's national standard (>1.0 μg/g). Trace element concentrations in two marine fish followed the order of livers > stomachs > muscles. Although the As levels in two marine caged fish exceeded the permissible standards, the estimated daily intake of As did not exceed the reference dose guideline established by US EPA. For other trace elements examined in this study, their concentrations did not exceed the permissible concentrations of the international standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The soft tissue preserved in the holotype (IVPP V12705) of Jeholopterus ningchengensis from the Daohugou Bed (Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous) of China is described in detail. The plagiopatagium can be divided into the distal, comparatively more rigid actinopagatium and a proximal, more tensile tenopatagium. The actinopatagium extends from the wing finger to the articulation between the humerus and the forearm, and shows the presence of at least three layers containing actinofibrils. In each layer, the actinofibrils are parallel to subparallel, but this direction diverges from layer to layer. When distinct layers of actinofibrils are superimposed (owing to taphonomic compression), a reticular pattern is generated. The presence of layers with differently oriented actinofibrils is widespread in this pterosaur. A well-developed integumental covering formed by fibres (here named pycnofibres) that are thicker than the actinofibrils is present. Ungual sheaths that extend the length of the pedal and manual claws of this taxon are also observed. Although the understanding of the mechanical properties of the wing membrane is hampered by the lack of knowledge regarding the composition of the actinofibrils, the configuration observed in Jeholopterus might have allowed subtle changes in the membrane tension during flight, resulting in more control of flight movements and the organization of the wing membrane when the animal was at rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and three novel flame retardants, namely 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), and hexachlorocyclopentadienyldibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO), were determined in blubber samples of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides). The levels of HBCDs and PBDEs in cetacean samples ranged from 4.1 to 519 and 103 to 51,100 ng/g lw, respectively. A significant increasing trend of ΣHBCDs was observed in dolphin samples from 1997 to 2007 with an estimated annual rate of 5%, whereas no significant temporal trends of ΣPBDEs appeared over the sampling period. This pattern may be attributed to the increasing usage of HBCDs following the restriction/voluntary withdrawal of the production and use of PBDE commercial mixtures in several countries. HCDBCO was not found in the blubber samples. This is the first report of the presence of TBB and TBPH, two new flame retardants that have previously been identified in house dust from the U.S., in marine mammals; concentrations of these compounds in dolphins and porpoises ranged from the instrumental detection limit (IDL) (<0.04) to 70 and IDL (<0.04) to 3859 ng/g lw, respectively. Levels of TBPH were comparable to ΣHBCDs in porpoise samples. The presence of these novel flame retardants in top-trophic-level marine organisms raises concern about their release into the environment and indicates the need for further monitoring of these compounds in other environmental matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants grown in contaminated areas may accumulate trace metals to a toxic level via their roots and/or leaves. In the present study, we investigated the distribution and sources of Pb and Cd in maize plants (Zea mays L.) grown in a typical zinc smelting impacted area of southwestern China. Results showed that the smelting activities caused significantly elevated concentrations of Pb and Cd in the surrounding soils and maize plants. Pb isotope data revealed that the foliar uptake of atmospheric Pb was the dominant pathway for Pb to the leaf and grain tissues of maize, while Pb in the stalk and root tissues was mainly derived from root uptake. The ratio of Pb to Cd concentrations in the plants indicated that Cd had a different behavior from Pb, with most Cd in the maize plants coming from the soil via root uptake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentrations of three currently used non-polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) brominated flame retardants (BFRs), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-DBPE), were examined in environmental and biota samples collected from the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and an electronic waste (e-waste) area in southern China. We also examined deca-BDE (decabromodiphenyl ether) and nine tri- through hepta-BDE congeners for comparison. The results indicate that these non-PBDE BFRs occur widely in the environment of the two study areas. We found a noticeable increase in the levels of TBBPA-DBPE and DBDPE in recent sediments, the concentrations of which even exceed those of BDE209 (deca-BDE) in some samples from the PRD. The BFR profiles of the two study areas are distinct. Relatively high proportions of DBDPE and TBBPA-DBPE were found in the PRD environment, whereas the levels of discontinued BFRs (penta-BDEs and BDE183) and BTBPE were higher in the e-waste area. Our results suggest that the industrial activities in the PRD and the recycling of e-waste have introduced distinct types of BFR contamination to the ambient environment and deca-BDE product has been partly replaced by the TBBPA-DBPE and DBDPE in the PRD. Furthermore, BTBPE and DBDPE were detected in bird tissues and BTBPE in the fish tissues collected from the e-waste area. This is the first report of the occurrence of TBBPA-DBPE in environmental samples worldwide. More studies are needed for reaching a better understanding of the behavior, bioaccumulation, and toxicology of these increasingly used BFRs in the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Congener specific distributions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in sediment and mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from the coast of Bo Sea, China. The median values of BDE-209 and ΣPBDEs (including BDE-17, -28, -47, -66, -71, -85, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and -190) were 2.29 and 0.16ngg−1 dry weight in sediment, and 2.43 and 0.68ngg−1 dry weight in mussel, respectively. BDE-209 was the predominant congener (61–99% in mussel and 75–99% in sediment except for one sample with 17%). Different congener patterns (excluding BDE-209) were observed between sediment and mussel, which were attributed to individual congener’s bioaccumulation potential and/or the ability to metabolize. The four most abundant congeners were BDE-47 (40.3%), -99 (22.5%), -71 (8.9%) and -28 (5.8%) in sediment, and -47 (36.4%), -28 (14.5%), -154 (8.6%) and -71 (8.6%) in mussel, respectively. The ratios of BDE-47/BDE-99 and BDE-100/BDE-99 in sediment were lower than those in mussel, indicating higher transformation and uptake rate of BDE-99 in mussel. The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) of individual PBDE congeners declined with the increase of their logarithm of octanol–water partition coefficients (log K OW) except for BDE-154, indicating congeners with higher log K OW were more likely to retain in sediment. These can be explained with a high affinity of these compounds for carbonaceous geosorbents, and molecular steric hindrance that limits large, very hydrophobic organic compounds from penetrating the cellular membranes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the status of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) contamination in poultry and sequentially human exposure through consumption of poultry in an e-waste recycling site in South China, two kinds of free-range domestic birds, chicken and duck, were collected and their muscle and liver tissues were analyzed for 16 PBDE congeners. Chicken shows higher PBDE concentrations (summation of 16 PBDE congeners) in both muscle and liver tissues, ranged from 5.7 to 4381 and from 1.5 to 7897 ng/g (lipid weight, the same hereinafter), respectively, compared to duck, ranged from 2.4 to 51 and from 1.9 to 134 ng/g. Different living habitat and feeding habits between the two species might be responsible for this observation. No sex-related differences in PBDE concentrations were found for the two species, while the PBDE concentrations in muscle were higher than those in liver for chicken. The PBDE concentrations in muscle of chicken in the present study were higher than the levels of PBDEs in chicken from other studies reported by far. BDE209 and nona-BDEs were the major congeners in poultry. Comparison of PBDE profiles between birds and environmental matrix implied that the biodebromination of BDE209 might occur in poultry. The intake of PBDEs through consumption of poultry ranges from 7.8 ng/day to 3582 ng/day with a medial 68 ng/day, which is comparable to the calculated values through consumption of all foodstuffs in other studies. The present study suggested that the total dietary PBDEs intake for local residents might be considerably enhanced due to the e-waste recycling activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liver myxobolosis, caused by Myxobolus wulii severely prevents the sustainable development of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) aquaculture in China. More insights into the host-parasite interaction will undoubtedly help to develop potential solutions to control this myxobolosis. Liver is an important organ to perform immunological and metabolic functions, changes of gene expression profile involved in fish liver against the local myxosporean infection, however, remain unknown. Here, a comparative transcriptomic analysis of severely infected and mildly infected liver from the same fish individuals, liquefying liver from the just died fish and control liver from the uninfected fish was conducted to investigate the possible involved molecular responses in the liver against the M. wulii infection. Upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly involved in adaptive immune responses, including the anti-inflammatory responses resulted from the synergism of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells, and antibody responses mediated by B cells. Downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in metabolic processes. Furthermore, 10 representative DEGs possibly involving in the immune-metabolic interactions were downregulated in the affected liver, demonstrating that the possible synergic mechanism of the suppression of metabolic activities and the facilitation of anti-inflammatory responses occurred in the infected liver. Combining the significant downregulation of cytoskeleton-related genes and upregulation of cell size-related genes, the histopathological, transmission and scanning electron microscopic analysis, it can be suspected that M. wulii is of intracellular infection. This is the first study to elucidate the molecular mechanism of immune-metabolic interactions underlying the fish liver myxobolosis, which will deepen the knowledge of the fish-myxospoean dialogue. • Myxobolus wulii is of intracellular myxosporean. • This is the first study to elucidate the molecular mechanism of immune-metabolic interactions underlying the fish liver myxobolosis. • We identified differentially expressed genes related to the trade-offs between immune and metabolic function, including apolipoprotein, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein in the infected liver of gibel carp with M. wulii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shandong is a porcine circovirus 2b (PCV2b) strain that was isolated and purified from tissue samples from pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in the Shandong Province of China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain Shandong, which may aid in understanding the molecular characteristics of this strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]