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A study was conducted to identify target genes through differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) under low nitrogen (low-N) level (0.01 mM NH4NO3) for tolerant and sensitive rice samples, which may provide valuable information for breeding and improving production under nitrogen stress condition. MiRNA microarray data GSE38213 were downloaded from Gene Expression Ominibus database, including 2 low-N tolerant rice samples and 2 low-N sensitive rice samples. After the data were preprocessed and normalized, limma package in R was applied to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs. Then the target genes of the most significant up-regulated miRNAs were collected by using Plant miRNA Database. In addition, the high-reliable signal nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of target genes were screened out by Rice Genome Browser in TIFR (The Institute for Genomic Research). Functional analysis was performed to the genes with SNPs. As the results, total 22 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and the most significant ones were osa-miR530-3p, and osamiR319a. Additionally, high-reliable SNPs were only discovered in 4 target genes of osa-miR530-3p. Functional analysis revealed that the 4 target genes of osa-miR530-3p were associated with plant growth, development and respiration. In conclusion, differentially expressed osa-miR530-3p and its target genes that had high-reliable SNPs were identified in present study. Besides, miR167 and miR319 were found to be associated with fertility. These miRNAs identified in the present study are potential targets for developing high yield low-N tolerant rice. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to identify target genes through differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) under low nitrogen (low-N) level (0.01 mM NH4NO3) for tolerant and sensitive rice samples, which may provide valuable information for breeding and improving production under nitrogen stress condition. MiRNA microarray data GSE38213 were downloaded from Gene Expression Ominibus database, including 2 low-N tolerant rice samples and 2 low-N sensitive rice samples. After the data were preprocessed and normalized, limma package in R was applied to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs. Then the target genes of the most significant up-regulated miRNAs were collected by using Plant miRNA Database. In addition, the high-reliable signal nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of target genes were screened out by Rice Genome Browser in TIFR (The Institute for Genomic Research). Functional analysis was performed to the genes with SNPs. As the results, total 22 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and the most significant ones were osa-miR530-3p, and osa- miR319a. Additionally, high-reliable SNPs were only discovered in 4 target genes of osa-miR530-3p. Functional analysis revealed that the 4 target genes of osa-miR530-3p were associated with plant growth, development and respiration. In conclusion, differentially expressed osa-miR530-3p and its target genes that had high-reliable SNPs were identified in present study. Besides, miR167 and miR319 were found to be associated with fertility. These miRNAs identified in the present study are potential targets for developing high yield low-N tolerant rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rhenium(I)–tricarbonyl complex [Re(CO)3(L)Cl] (L=2-(3-thienyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline; TIMPhen–Re) was successfully synthesized. UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry were used to investigate the photophysical properties of the complex. The geometrical structures of the ground state and the absorption spectral properties of TIMPhen–Re were determined using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The lowest-lying singlet→singlet absorption band of TIMPhen–Re, corresponding to the prominent absorption peak at 415nm observed in the experiments, was assigned to the pure highest occupied molecular orbital→lowest unoccupied molecular orbital transition. The calculated ionization potential and electron affinity show that TIMPhen–Re possesses good hole-transfer abilities, and the balanced transport of electrons and holes is compared with that of its analog Phen–Re. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A rhenium(І) tricarbonyl complex, [Re(CO)3(IDIMPhen)Cl] (IDIMPhen-Re) [where IDIMPhen=2-(3-indolyl)-imidazo[4,5-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline], have been successfully synthesized and fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, GC–MS, elemental analysis, UV–Vis and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Meanwhile, the electronic structure and spectroscopic features of IDIMPhen-Re have been investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods. Based on the calculated results, the experiment data are explained in great detail. The calculated orbital energies of the HOMO and LUMO of IDIMPhen-Re are in reasonable agreement with those obtained from the electrochemical measurements. The lowest lying singlet→singlet absorption band of IDIMPhen-Re, corresponding to the prominent absorption peak at 447nm observed in experiments, should be assigned to the pure HOMO→LUMO transition. The calculated IP and EA show that IDIMPhen-Re possesses the good hole-transfer ability and the balanced transport of electrons and holes is more accessible compared with its analogue Phen-Re. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • COI barcodes suggested the existence of 41 OTUs from sampled 40 nominal taxa. • Expanded taxonomic and genetic sampling revealed paraphyletic Unioninae s.s. • Molecular dating analysis suggested freshwater mussels diversified at 346.1 Mya. • The diversification rate for Unionida was estimated to be 0.025 species/Myr. • A single well-supported rate shift in Unionida diversification was found. Abstract The Yangtze River Basin in China is one of the global hotspots of freshwater mussel (order Unionida) diversity with 68 nominal species. Few studies have tested the validity of these nominal species. Some taxa from the Yangtze unionid fauna have not been adequately examined using molecular data and well-positioned phylogenetically with respect to the global Unionida. We evaluated species boundaries of Chinese freshwater mussels, and disentangled their phylogenetic relationships within the context of the global freshwater mussels based on the multi-locus data and complete mitochondrial genomes. Moreover, we produced the time-calibrated phylogeny of Unionida and explored patterns of diversification. COI barcode data suggested the existence of 41 phylogenetic distinct species from our sampled 40 nominal taxa inhabiting the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses on three loci (COI, 16S, and 28S) and complete mitochondrial genomes showed that the subfamily Unioninae sensu stricto was paraphyletic, and the subfamily Anodontinae should be subsumed under Unioninae. In addition, we described two new tribes (Aculamprotulini tribe nov. and Lepidodesmini tribe nov.) in the subfamily Unioninae and one new genus (Parvasolenaia gen. nov.) in the subfamily Gonideinae. Molecular dating analysis suggested freshwater mussels diversified at 346.1 Mya (HPD = 286.6–409.9). The global diversification rate for Unionida was estimated to be 0.025 species/Myr. Our study found only a single well-supported rate shift in Unionida diversification, occurring at the base of the subfamily Ambleminae. The evolution of active host-attraction may have triggered the burst of speciation in Ambleminae, and the environment and geography of the Mississippi River Basin likely sustained this radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study that examined heart rate variability (HRV) thresholds in 34 female wrestlers. The study measured HRV in the wrestlers for functional overreaching (FOR) and nonfunctional overreaching (NFOR) during training. The study found that severe perturbations both above and below normal responses showed an athlete's transition to NFOR.

Abstract This review aims to systematically review and synthesize scientific evidence for the influence of air pollution exposure and outdoor exercise on health. We conducted a literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science for articles that evaluated the combination effect of air pollution exposure and exercise on health. Questionnaires regarding exposure history, or studies examining indoor air pollution were excluded. Each included study needs to have clear exercise intervention plan. The pooled estimates of the combination effect of air pollution exposure and outdoor exercise on health were calculated in the meta-analysis. The quality of each included study was assessed and the quality of evidence for each outcome assessed in the meta-analysis was also measured. Twenty-five studies were identified. Six studies addressed ozone exposure, four diesel exhaust exposure, six traffic-related air pollution, ten particulate matter (PM) exposure. Only peak expiratory flow (effect size [ES] = −0.238, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.389, −0.088) was found to be significantly decreased after exercise intervention in a polluted environment in the meta-analysis. Seven studies reported exposure to air pollutant during exercise was associated with an increased risk of airway inflammation and decrements in pulmonary function. Six studies discovered that exposure of traffic pollution or high PM during exercise may contribute to changes in blood pressure, systemic conduit artery function and micro-vascular function. The combination effect of air pollution and exercise was found to be associated with the increased risk of potential health problems of cardiopulmonary function, immune function, and exercise performance. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The identification of novel Topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitors is one of the most attractive directions in the field of bactericide research and development. In our ongoing efforts to pursue the class of inhibitors, six series of 70 novel coumarin-pyrazole carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. As a result of the evaluation against four destructive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus , Listeria monocytogenes , Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Compound 8III-k (MIC = 0.25 mg/L) showed considerable inhibitory activity than ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0.5 mg/L) against Escherichia coli and 8V-c (MIC = 0.05 mg/L) exhibited excellent antibacterial activity than ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0.25 mg/L) against Salmonella. The selected compounds (8III-k , 8V-c and 8V-k) exhibit potent inhibition against Topo II and Topo IV with IC 50 values (9.4–25 mg/L). Molecular docking model showed that the compounds 8V-c and 8V-k can bind well to the target by interacting with amino acid residues. It will provide some valuable information for the commercial Topo II inhibiting bactericides. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Structure-based design and synthesis of novel coumarin-pyrazole carboxamide derivatives are reported. • Molecular simulation was carried out to verify the rationality the reliability of the activity data of the compounds. • In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that some of the reported compounds possessed good antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hit, Lead & Candidate Discovery To discover succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors with a novel structure, we introduced cinnamic acid structure to optimize the lead structure 1 and synthesized four series of cinnamon–pyrazole carboxamide derivatives. The bioassay data showed that compounds (E)‐N‐(1‐[4‐chlorophenyl]‐4‐cyano‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)‐3‐(2‐fluorophenyl) acrylamide (5III‐d) and (E)‐3‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐(1‐[4‐chlorophenyl]‐4‐cyano‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl) acrylamide (5III‐f) showed the significant antifungal activity against three fungi. In addition, 5III‐d and 5III‐f exhibited the excellent inhibitory effect against succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymes with IC50 values ranging from 19.4 to 28.7 μM. The study demonstrates that the chlorine substituent group is present on both the phenyl and pyrazole rings that have a very good effect on the antifungal effect, and the compounds 5III‐d and 5III‐f can act as potential SDH inhibitors (SDHI) and throw a sprat for a new generation of SDHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of study was to assess the efficacy of a 16-week Baduanjin qigong training intervention in promoting physical fitness and health for adults. An experimental design was adopted, and subjects were assigned randomly into an experimental group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). In the intervention group comprised of adults, there were no significant variations in blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, heart rate variability, and vital capacity indices. The body weight and body mass index (BMI) dropped in the intervention group. Compared with the control group, the skinfold thicknesses decreased at lower corner of scapula, triceps brachii, and abdomen, with a statistical significance (P < 0.001; P = 0.005; P = 0.003). By comparing the physical fitness indices, it was found that the increase of the results of sit-and-reach test in the intervention group had statistical significance (P = 0.001). In conclusion, it was found by our trial that Baduanjin exercise could significantly improve the physical flexibility and subcutaneous adipose accumulation in the healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A prospective study was performed to determine serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) from Chinese children <5 years old meeting pneumonia criteria. A total of 3865 children were enrolled and 338 S. pneumoniae isolates were obtained. The most frequent serotypes were 19F (55.6%), 19A (13.9%), 23F (10.1%), 6B (4.7%), and 14 (3.6%). The 7-, 10- and 13-valent conjugate vaccines, respectively, covered 76.3%, 76.9%, and 92.3% of isolates. Out of the isolates, six (1.8%) were penicillin resistant. All except 1 of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin. Serotype 19A showed the highest drug resistance. The use of PCV7 has the potential to prevent a substantial number of pneumococcal infections. However, PCV13 is likely to prevent more episodes of pneumococcal disease in China because of the high rates of 19A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exposure of particulate matter of <2.5 μm (PM 2.5) has been associated with adverse respiratory and the risk of inflammation. While regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of many adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the protection of exercise on adverse pulmonary health induced by PM 2.5 exposures in rats. 80 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: Sedentary (S), Exercise (E), Sedentary+ Low concentration PM 2.5 exposures (S + LPM), Exercise+Low concentration PM2.5 exposures (E + LPM), Sedentary+Medium concentration PM 2.5 exposures (S + MPM), Exercise+ Medium concentration PM 2.5 exposures (E + MPM), Sedentary+High concentration PM 2.5 exposures (S + HPM), and Exercise+ High concentration PM 2.5 exposures (E + HPM). The rats in all E-related groups went through 8-week aerobic interval treadmill training (5 days/week, 1 h/day). The PM-related groups of rats were exposed to different concentration PM 2.5 exposure in Beijing. After one bout of PM exposure, the pulmonary function, structure of lung tissues and several pulmonary biomarkers were observed. 1) Compared with S group, following changes occurred in various S + PM 2.5 exposure groups: lung tissues were seriously damaged, local bleeding, pus exudation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as the decline of the SOD, CAT and GSH while the incline of Penh, Ti, Te, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β were observed. 2) Compared with the corresponding different concentration of S + PM 2.5 exposure groups, Penh, Ti, Te, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased and CAT and GSH were increased in related E + PM groups respectively. In summary, the results suggest that acute PM 2.5 with different concentrations can cause different degrees of adverse effects on lung, especially in medium and high concentrations. The aerobic interval training improved the pulmonary function and impeded the lesion progression, which is due to effective in impeding the oxidative stress and inflammation. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]