Search

Abstract Aim Myocardial injury is a significant cause of death. This study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of interferon‐regulatory factor‐1 (IRF1) in bevacizumab (BVZ)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Methods and results HL‐1 cells and C57BL/6 mice receiving BVZ treatment were used to establish in vitro and in vivo models of myocardial injury. The relationship between VEGFA and 14‐3‐3γ was verified through co‐immunoprecipitation and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) pull‐down assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were analysed by MTT, propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponins T (cTnT), and creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB) was measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of knocking down IRF1 on BVZ‐induced mice were analysed in vivo. IRF1 levels were increased in BVZ‐treated HL‐1 cells. BVZ treatment induced apoptosis, inhibited cell viability, and promoted the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK‐MB. IRF1 silencing suppressed BVZ‐induced myocardial injury, whereas IRF1 overexpression had the opposite effect. IRF1 regulated VEGFA expression by binding to its promoter, with the depletion of VEGFA or 14‐3‐3γ reversing the effects of IRF1 knockdown on the cell viability and apoptosis of BVZ‐treated HL‐1 cells. 14‐3‐3γ overexpression promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK‐MB, thereby alleviating BVZ‐induced HL‐1 cell damage. In vivo, IRF1 silencing alleviated BVZ‐induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the VEGFA/14‐3‐3γ axis. Conclusion The IRF1‐mediated VEGFA/14‐3‐3γ signalling pathway promotes BVZ‐induced myocardial injury. Our study provides evidence for potentially new target genes for the treatment of myocardial injury.

Abstract The oncogenic role of circRNA in cancers including esophageal cancer (EC) has been well studied. However, whether and how circRNAs are involved in cancer cell metabolic processes remains largely unknown. Here, we reported that circRNA, circHIPK3, is highly expressed in ESCC cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of circHIPK3 significantly restrained cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circHIPK3 was found to act as a ceRNA by sponging miR-637 to regulate FASN expression and fatty acid metabolism in ESCC cells. Anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting circHIPK3 substantially inhibited ESCC both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, these results uncover a modulatory axis constituting of circHIPK3/miR-637/FASN may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC in the clinic.

Abstract Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol compound found in various plants that has been shown to have potential benefits for preventing aging and supporting cardiovascular health. However, the specific signal pathway by which RSV protects the aging heart is not yet well understood. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of RSV against age‐related heart injury and investigate the underlying mechanisms using a D‐galactose‐induced aging model. The results of the study indicated that RSV provided protection against age‐related heart impairment in mice. This was evidenced by the reduction of cardiac histopathological changes as well as the attenuation of apoptosis. RSV‐induced cardioprotection was linked to a significant increase in antioxidant activity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, as well as a reduction in oxidative damage. Additionally, RSV inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Furthermore, the expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa‐B p65 (NF‐κB p65), and notch 1 protein were inhibited by RSV, indicating that inhibiting the Notch/NF‐κB pathway played a critical role in RSV‐triggered heart protection in aging mice. Moreover, further data on intestinal function demonstrated that RSV significantly increased short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestinal contents and reduced the pH value in the feces of aging mice. RSV alleviated aging‐induced cardiac dysfunction through the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation via the Notch/NF‐κB pathway in heart tissue. Furthermore, this therapeutic effect was found to be associated with its protective roles in the intestine.

Mitochondrial fusion protein 2 (Mfn2), a molecular tether for forming Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), were dynamic platforms implicated in mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum crosstalk. Here, 41 compounds were identified in Chimonanthus salicifolius essential oil (CSEO) by GC–MS, and its antioxidant capacities were demonstrated by free radical scavenging assays. Subsequently, cell viability results showed that treatment of intestinal epithelium-derived cell line (IEC-6 cells) with CSEO plus H2O2, considerably reduced oxidative damage, enhanced cell viability and antioxidant enzyme activities, when compared with those of treatment with H2O2 alone. Meanwhile, CSEO was demonstrated to reduce H2O2-caused apoptosis in parallel with enhancement of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, reduction of reactive oxygen species and calcium accumulation. Moreover, H2O2 significantly suppressed Mfn2 expression suggesting that intestinal impairment was involved in MAMs dysfunction. However, combination of H2O2 and CSEO significantly up-regulated Mfn2 protein. Together, CSEO exerted beneficial effects against intestinal injury by maintaining mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum crosstalk through regulation of Mfn2.

This study aimed to investigate the feeding effect of wheat silage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbiota composition in feedlot lambs. Sixty-four male crossbred Chinese Han lambs (BW = 27.8 ± 0.67 kg, 3 months of age) were randomly assigned to four ration groups with wheat silage replacing 0% (WS0), 36% (WS36), 64% (WS64), and 100% (WS100) of oaten hay on forage dry matter basis. The concentrate-to-forage ratio was 80:20 and the feeding trial lasted 52 d. Increasing wheat silage inclusion linearly decreased dry matter intake by 4% to 27% (P

The study aimed to explore the effects of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG) on diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetic rats. Results suggested that PSG significantly attenuated diabetic cardiomyopathy, as evidenced by alleviating heart histopathological changes and LDH release, mitigating weight loss, and improving fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels. PSG could also reduce ROS generation and malondialdehyde contents, while significantly enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and Nrf2 expression. Furthermore, PSG reduced inflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1, TLR4, NF-κB p65 expression, IL-1β and IL-6 secretion. Moreover, PSG treatment significantly manipulated intestinal microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, plasma lipopolysaccharide, and trimethylamine N-oxide. These metabolites might mediate gut-heart communication through interaction with NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, PSG attenuated diabetic cardiomyopathy by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, controlling inflammation via NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling, and using gut microbial metabolites as alternative biomarkers for predicting the mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy and assessing PSG interventions.

Summary: PRMT1 plays a vital role in breast tumorigenesis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Herein, we show that PRMT1 plays a critical role in RNA alternative splicing, with a preference for exon inclusion. PRMT1 methylome profiling identifies that PRMT1 methylates the splicing factor SRSF1, which is critical for SRSF1 phosphorylation, SRSF1 binding with RNA, and exon inclusion. In breast tumors, PRMT1 overexpression is associated with increased SRSF1 arginine methylation and aberrant exon inclusion, which are critical for breast cancer cell growth. In addition, we identify a selective PRMT1 inhibitor, iPRMT1, which potently inhibits PRMT1-mediated SRSF1 methylation, exon inclusion, and breast cancer cell growth. Combination treatment with iPRMT1 and inhibitors targeting SRSF1 phosphorylation exhibits an additive effect of suppressing breast cancer cell growth. In conclusion, our study dissects a mechanism underlying PRMT1-mediated RNA alternative splicing. Thus, PRMT1 has great potential as a therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between BMI combined with neck circumference and the risk of hypertension.MethodsWe selected participants from the Kailuan study in 2014 who were normotensive as our research subjects. We compared the risk of hypertension among individuals in group 1 (non-obese with low neck circumference), group 2 (non-obese with high neck circumference), group 3 (obese with low neck circumference), and group 4 (obese with high neck circumference).ResultsAfter a median observation period of 3.86 years, hypertension occurred in 13,383 participants. Subjects in Group 2, 3, and 4 had significantly higher risks of hypertension compared to Group 1, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.066 (95% CI: 1.025, 1.110), 1.322 (95% CI: 1.235, 1.415), and 1.422 (95% CI: 1.337, 1.512), respectively. Additionally, adding BMI to a conventional model had a greater incremental effect on predicting hypertension compared to adding neck circumference alone. However, considering both BMI and neck circumference together further improved the prediction of hypertension.ConclusionIndividuals with both high BMI and high neck circumference face a higher risk of hypertension. Moreover, BMI is a superior predictor of hypertension risk compared to neck circumference, but using both of these measures can further enhance the accuracy of hypertension risk prediction.

Photographs and details of structures of two Potamanthus species, P. huoshanensis Wu, 1987 and P. luteus (Linnaeus, 1767), are presented for the first time. Here, based upon Chinese specimens of those species, all external structures are illustrated digitally and compared. The results and photos clearly show that the adults of the two species are different in wing color and genitalia shape, and that their nymphs have different mandibular tusks and forelegs. Specifically, P. luteus has a more colorful body and wings, longer penes and nymphal mandibular tusks but shorter foretarsi than those of P. huoshanensis. This comparison not only confirms the differences between these two similar species, but also supports the updated generic delineations of Potamanthus and Potamanthodes.

Polysaccharides, a class of naturally occurring carbohydrates, were widely presented in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Recently, health benefits of polysaccharides have attracted much attention due to their unique characteristics in reactive oxygen species (ROS) management. ROS, by-products of aerobic metabolism linked to food consumption, exhibited a dual role in protecting cells and fostering pathogenesis collectively termed double-edged sword. Some interesting studies reported that polysaccharides could behave as prooxidants under certain conditions, besides antioxidant capacities. Potentiation of the bright side of ROS could contribute to the host defense that was vitally important for the polysaccharides acting as biological response modifiers. Correspondingly, disease prevention of polysaccharides linked to the management of ROS production was systematically described and discussed in this review. Furthermore, major challenges and future prospects were presented, aiming to provide new insight into applying polysaccharides as functional food ingredients and medicine.

The modern rise in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its correlation to commensal microbiota have elicited global concern about the patterns of microbial action in the host. With the exception of that linked to gut, microbiota were also colonized in pancreas, oral, and lung, contributing to the physiopathology of T2DM. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective effects of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG) and White Hyacinth Bean polysaccharide (WHBP) on the intestine, pancreas, oral, and lung microbiota in T2DM rats. Here we showed that, despite capacities of polysaccharides that exerted similar protective effects on hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and dysbacteriosis in T2DM rats, PSG and WHBP were able to be characterized by their own ''target'' bacteria, which could be proposed for activity-fingerprinting of polysaccharide species. Furthermore, we found a mutual bacteria spectrum in the pancreas and lung, and most bacteria could be tracked to oral or gut samples. Notably, the overlapping areas of the microbiota profile between organs (pancreas, lung) and saliva were more than in the gut, suggesting that a saliva sample was also of interest to serve as a ''telltale sign'' for judging pancreatic injury. Together, these microbiota interactions provided a new potential to harvest alternative samples for disease surveillance. Meanwhile, polysaccharides had anti-T2DM abilities, which could be distinguished by their own characteristic bacteria.

BackgroundThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) susceptibility gene is the main genetic risk factor for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The prognosis of patients with PBC is linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, whether the HLA alleles are associated with the gut microbiota distribution and disease severity remains unknown.MethodsA cohort of 964 Chinese patients with PBC was enrolled at Beijing YouAn Hospital, Beijing, China. High-resolution genotyping of the HLA class I and class II loci from 151 of these patients was performed using sequence-based PCR. Stool samples were collected from 43 of the 151 fully HLA-typed patients to analyze their microbiota compositions via 16S RNA gene sequencing.ResultsOf the 964 patients, the male:female ratio was 114:850, and 342 of these patients (35.5%) had already developed liver cirrhosis (LC) before enrollment. Patients with PBC showed a significantly higher frequency of HLA DRB1*08:03 than did the controls (21.2% vs. 9.0%, P=0.0001). HLA-DRB1*03:01, DRB1*07:01, DRB1*14:05, and DRB1*14:54 frequencies were also increased but did not reach significance after Bonferroni’s correction. Conversely, the DQB1*03:01 frequency was significantly lower in patients with PBC than in the controls (24.5% vs. 39.2%, P=0.0010). The patients’ gut microbiota were analyzed from four perspectives. The microbial community abundances were significantly lower in FHRAC-positive patients (patients with a combination of five HLA DRB1 high-risk alleles) than in FHRAC-negative patients (P

Guanidine acetic acid (GAA) is increasingly considered as a nutritional growth promoter in monogastric animals. Whether or not such response would exist in rapid-growing lambs is unclear yet. The objective of this study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with uncoated GAA (UGAA) and coated GAA (CGAA) could alter growth performance, nutrient digestion, serum metabolites, and antioxidant capacity in lambs. Seventy-two small-tailed Han lambs initially weighed 12 ± 1.6 kg were randomly allocated into six groups in a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design including two forage-type rations [Oaten hay (OH) vs. its combination with wheat silage (OHWS)] and three GAA treatment per ration: no GAA, 1 g UGAA, and 1 g CGAA per kg dry matter. The whole experiment was completed in two consecutive growing stages (stage 1, 13–30 kg; stage 2, 30–50 kg). Under high-concentrate feeding pattern (Stage 1, 25: 75; Stage 2, 20: 80), UGAA or CGAA supplementation in young lambs presented greater dry matter intake (DMI) in stage 1 and average daily gain (ADG) in the whole experimental period; lambs in OH group had higher ADG and DMI than that in OHWS group in stage 1 and whole experimental period, but this phenomenon was not observed in stage 2. Both UCGA and CGAA addition increased dietary DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestion in both stages. In blood metabolism, UCGA and CGAA addition resulted in a greater total protein (TP) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) levels, as well as antioxidant capacity; at the same time, UCGA and CGAA addition increased GAA metabolism-creatine kinase and decreased guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) and L-Arginine glycine amidine transferase catalyzes (AGAT) activity. In a brief, the results obtained in the present study suggested that GAA (UGAA and CGAA; 1 g/kg DM) could be applied to improve growth performance in younger (13–30 kg) instead of older (30–50 kg) lambs in high-concentrate feedlotting practice.

The present study explored activities of orally administrated Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) on vascular chronic inflammation which was established by a tail-vein injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) once weekly for 6 weeks in rats. Results showed that administration of HCP significantly alleviated chronic inflammation by reducing white blood cell and monocyte counts, together with repairing histological impairment of vascular tissue. Furthermore, vascular protections of HCP were in association with decrease of MDA content, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and enhancement of the activities of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities. Moreover, HCP exhibited anti-inflammatory responses evidenced by reducing the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-kB P65. Meanwhile, the combination of HCP and LPS reduced calcium concentration and CaSR mRNA expression in the vascular tissue. Collectively, these results indicated that HCP suppressed LPS-induced chronic vascular inflammation via calcium-sensing receptor and TLR4/NF-kB pathways in rats.

This study explores whether guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) addition can regulate nutrient degradability, rumen fermentation characteristics, and gas composition in two sheep-fattening diets. A 2 × 8 factorial in vitro culture was examined to determine the effects of GAA addition at the following levels of 0%, 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.07%, 0.09%, 0.11%, 0.13%, and 0.15% of two total mixed rations (T1 diet: early fattening stage diet; T2 diet: late fattening stage diet). After 72 h in vitro incubation of two diets with mixed rumen liquid obtained from six rumen-cannulated lambs, the T2 diet exhibited higher dry matter (DM) digestibility, higher cumulative gas production at 72 h (GP72), higher asymptotic gas production(A), and longer the time at which half of A is reached (C). However, it exhibited a lower acetic acid and a lower ratio of acetate to propionate than the diet of T1. A quadratic increase occurred in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility, with a maximum point occurring at the 0.09% GAA group. The gas production kinetic result indicated that increasing the level of GAA addition resulted mainly in an increase of GP72 and A, with the maximum point occurring at 0.09% for the T1 diet and 0.07–0.09% for the T2 diet. Moreover, the levels of GAA addition did not affect pH, the proportion of any of the volatile acid, or gas composition, but when the levels of GAA addition were increased, the microbial crude protein (MCP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) content exhibited a quadratic relationship. The highest MCP contents were seen in the 0.07%, 0.09%, and 0.11% groups, while NH3-N and TVFA were in the 0.07% group. In summary, the appropriate level of GAA addition in early and late fattening stage diets ranged from 0.07% to 0.11%.

Abstract Regarding whole cottonseed (WCS), cottonseed meal (CSM), and cottonseed hull (CSH), in situ rumen incubation was applied to determine their nutrient and gossypol degradation characteristics and bacterial colonization profile in lactating Holstein cows. Nylon bags containing the cotton by-products were incubated for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h in the rumen, respectively. The relationship between nutrient degradability and free gossypol (FG) content were examined, and the differences in the composition and inferred gene function of the colonized microbiota were studied. As a result, CSM presented highest effective degradability of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, but the highest effective degradability of crude protein was found in WCS. Free gossypol disappearance rate increased significantly in the first 6 h, and it reached approximately 94% at 72 h of incubation among all samples. The level of FG did not affect nutrient degradability of cotton by-products. Significant differences were noted in attached bacterial community structure among cotton by-products after 24 h rumen incubation. Among the most abundant taxa at genus level, a greater abundance of Cercis gigantea and Succiniclasticum was observed in WCS samples, whereas the CSH and CSM samples contained a greater proportion of Prevotella 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. The redundancy analysis revealed that the level of neutral detergent fibre, ether extract, and FG in cotton by-products were significantly positive related with the composition of the attached bacteria. Collectively, our results revealed the dynamics of degradation characteristics, and the difference in the composition of bacterial colonization. These findings are of importance for the targeted improvement of cotton by-products nutrient use efficiency in ruminants and further understanding of the gossypol degradation mechanism in the rumen.

Arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological conditions. Using proteomics, the authors here profile the methylation substrates of PRMTs 4, 5 and 7 and characterize the roles of these enzymes in cancer-associated splicing regulation.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether guanidine acetic acid (GAA) yields a response in rapid-growing lambs depending on forage type. In this study, seventy-two small-tailed Han lambs (initial body weights = 12 ± 1.6 kg) were used in a 120-d feeding experiment after a 7-d adaptation period. A 2 × 3 factorial experimental feeding design was applied to the lambs, which were fed a total mixed ration with two forage types (OH: oaten hay; OHWS: oaten hay plus wheat silage) and three forms of additional GAA (GAA: 0 g/kg; UGAA: Uncoated GAA, 1 g/kg; CGAA: Coated GAA, 1 g/kg). The OH diet had a greater dry matter intake, average daily gain, and hot carcass weight than the OHWS diet. The GAA supplementation increased the final body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and ribeye area in the longissimus lumborum. Meanwhile, it decreased backfat thickness and serum triglycerides. Dietary GAA decreased the acidity of the meat and elevated the water-holding capacity in mutton. In addition, the crude protein content in mutton increased with GAA addition. Dietary GAA (UGAA or CGAA) might be an effective additive in lamb fed by different forage types, as it has potential to improve growth performance and meat quality.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), known as the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, can permeate ruminal epithelia by passive diffusion and enrich in the rumen environment. To explore whether the addition of GABA can regulate rumen fermentation characteristics as well as methane production, a 2 × 6 factorial in vitro rumen batch culture was conducted to determine the supplemental effect of GABA at inclusion levels of 0 (Control), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg in culture fluids on rumen fermentation of two total mixed rations (HF—a high-fiber ration consisted of 70% corn silage and 30% concentrate; and LF—a low-fiber ration consisted of 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate). After 72 h in vitro incubation of two rations with mixed rumen microoganisms obtained from five rumen-cannulated lactating Holstein dairy cows, increasing GABA addition linearly increased cumulative gas production in the LF group, though in vitro dry matter digestibility was not affected in either the LF or HF group. Kinetic gas production analysis noted that increasing GABA addition mostly decreased the gas production rate (i.e., RmaxG), as well as the ration digestion rate (RmaxS) to reach maximum fermentation. The GABA addition did not affect pH or microbial growth (i.e., MCP). However, total volatile fatty acid production in both LF and HF groups all linearly increased with the increase in GABA addition. Along with the increase in GABA addition in both LF and HF groups, the ratio of non-glucogenic to glucogenic volatile fatty acids both increased, while the molar proportions of propionate and valerate were significantly decreased, and the acetate and butyrate proportions were increased after 72 h in vitro rumen fermentation. The time-course change of fermentation end-products generally showed that carbon dioxide declined from approximately 89% to 74%, and methane increased from approximately 11% to 26%. After 72 h in vitro fermentation, molar methane proportion was greater in the LF than in the HF group, and increasing GABA addition quadratically increased methane production in the LF group while a slight increase occurred in the HF group.

The current study aimed to investigate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol-soluble acidic component from Ganoderma atrum (ESAC) and possible mechanisms involved. Our results showed that ESAC had significant abilities to relieve pain caused by thermal stimulation in mice. In the writhing response, ESAC could reduce the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid in mice. Moreover, naloxone antagonized analgesic effects of ESAC and morphine, indicating that their analgesic effects might be achieved through opioid receptors. Subsequently, ESAC were found to control aberrant inflammation by reducing phagocytosis, nitric oxide (NO) and IL-1β in Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Meanwhile, ESAC up-regulated anti-inflammatory parameters IL-10 and mannose receptor (MR). Furthermore, a combination of MR inhibitor and ESAC significantly blocked these anti-inflammatory activities compare with ESAC alone. Collectively, ESAC was demonstrated to perform antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capacities, indicating that MR played a key role in ESAC-mediated anti-inflammatory activities.

In plant cell wall, ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (pCA) are commonly linked with arabinoxylans and lignin through ester and ether bonds. These linkages were deemed to hinder the access of rumen microbes to cell wall polysaccharides. The attachment of rumen microbes to plant cell wall was believed to have profound effects on the rate and the extent of forage digestion in rumen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bound phenolic acid content and their composition in corn silages on the nutrient degradability, and the composition of the attached bacteria. Following an in situ rumen degradation method, eight representative corn silages with different FA and pCA contents were placed into nylon bags and incubated in the rumens of three matured lactating Holstein cows for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Corn silage digestibility was assessed by in situ degradation methods. As a result, the effective degradability of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre were negatively related to the ether-linked FA and pCA, and their ratio in corn silages, suggesting that not only the content and but also the composition of phenolic acids significantly affected the degradation characteristics of corn silages. After 24 h rumen fermentation, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota were observed as the dominant phyla in the bacterial communities attached to the corn silages. After 72 h rumen fermentation, the rumen degradation of ester-linked FA was much greater than that of ester-linked pCA. The correlation analysis noted that Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-002, Olsenella, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Acetitomaculum, and Bifidobacterium were negatively related to the initial ether-linked FA content while Prevotella was positively related to the ether-linked FA content and the ratio of pCA to FA. In summary, the present results suggested that the content of ether-linked phenolic acids in plant cell walls exhibited a more profound effect on the pattern of microbial colonization than the fibre content.

The genus Afronurus has several very common mayfly species in China and they are widely distributed in this country. Some of them are quite similar to each other in both imaginal and nymphal stages. However, these species have not been systematically compared and reviewed so far. In this study, six species are recognized. All nymphs of them share the following characters: gills V–VI with additional arrow-like accessory lobes, branched dentisetae, two rows of bristles and setae on hindtibiae and spotted abdominal terga. The males have divergent penes and clearly expressed titillators. The nymphs of the new species A. drepanophyllus sp. nov. have sickle-like gills I, spotted and striped body color, and males have unique genitalia. The nymphal stages of A. furcatus and A. hunanensis, which are associated and described for the first time, have similar body color to A. drepanophyllus sp. nov., but their pale dots on the head capsules and the shape of the hypopharynx are different. Keys to males and nymphs of the six species are provided.

Abstract Emerging evidence suggested that epigenetic regulators can exhibit both activator and repressor activities in gene transcriptional regulation and disease development, such as cancer. However, how these dual activities are regulated and coordinated in specific cellular contexts remains elusive. Here, it is reported that KDM5C, a repressive histone demethylase, unexpectedly activates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)‐target genes, and meanwhile suppresses type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) to promote ERα‐positive breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. KDM5C‐interacting protein, ZMYND8, is found to be involved in both processes. Mechanistically, KDM5C binds to active enhancers and recruits the P‐TEFb complex to activate ERα‐target genes, while inhibits TBK1 phosphorylation in the cytosol to repress type I IFNs and ISGs. Pharmacological inhibition of both ERα and KDM5C is effective in inhibiting cell growth and tumorigenesis. Taken together, it is revealed that the dual activator and repressor nature of an epigenetic regulator together contributes to cancer development.

Corn silage is an important source of forage, but whether or not bacterial inoculants should be applied is somewhat controversial in ruminant feeding practice. In the present study, chopped whole corn plants treated with a single inoculant of Lactobacillus buchneri (LB), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) served as either homofermentation (e.g., lactate only) or heterofermentation (e.g., lactate and acetate) controls and compared with those treated with either a mixture of the lactic acid bacteria (QA: 60% LP, 10%PP, 30% LB) or a mixture of the lactic acid bacteria (QB: 60% LP, 15% PP, 25% LB), to investigate their effects on the fermentation quality, ester-linked phenolic acids, and in vitro digestibility. After 60 day ensiling, the addition of QA exhibited the lowest pH (3.51) with greater lactic acid (LA) production. The ester-linked ferulic acid (FAest) and p-coumaric acid (pCAest) concentrations were significantly decreased during 60 days ensiling. And among all these groups, the LB and QA treated group showed a lower concentration of FAest and pCAest than other groups. After 60 days ensiling, Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in all LAB treated groups. Meanwhile, negative correlations of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Roseburia with FAest content after 60 days ensiling occurred in the present study. Komagataeibacter was mainly found in LB and PP addition silages, and presented a significant negative effect with the level of acid detergent fiber (ADF). To explore whether the addition of LABs can improve digestibility of whole corn silage, an in vitro rumen fermentation was conducted using the 60 day ensiled whole corn silages as substrates. The QA addition group exhibited a greater 48 h and 96 h in vitro dry matter and ADF disappearance, greater 48 h gas production and less methane emissions. Even though there were the same neutral NDF levels in corn silages treated with LB and QA after 60 days ensiling, the QA treated silages with lower FAest and pCAest presented higher IVDMD after 96 h and 48 h in vitro fermentation. In brief, the addition of mixed inoculants of 60% LB,10% PP, 30% LB compared with the addition of whichever single HoLAB or HeLAB inoculants, facilitated the release of ester-linked phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic and p-coumaric acids) and remarkably, improved silage quality in terms of sharp pH decline and greater lactate production. Taken together with the improvement in rumen microbial fermentation, the results obtained in the present study provided concrete evidence for the role of mixed LAB application in corn silage preparation for ruminant feeding practices.

Cysteamine (CS) is an essential nutritional regulator that improves the productive performance of animals by regulating somatotropic hormone secretion. To investigate the fattening potential and effects of CS on rumen microbial fermentation, 48 feedlot lambs were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets supplemented with different CS concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg BW). An increase in dietary CS concentrations linearly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (p < 0.05) but decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). For the serum hormone, increasing the dietary CS concentration linearly decreased somatostatin and leptin concentration (p < 0.01) but linearly increased the concentration of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (p < 0.01). Regarding rumen fermentation, ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and butyrate content did not differ among the four treatments, although dietary CS supplementation linearly increased microbial protein and propionate and decreased the amount of acetate (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an increase in dietary CS concentrations quadratically decreased the estimated methane production and methane production per kg ADG (p < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed that increased dietary CS concentrations quadratically increased Prevotella (p < 0.05), and Prevotella and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 were positively correlated with growth performance and rumen fermentation in a Spearman correlation analysis (r > 0.55, p < 0.05). Overall, a CS concentration higher than 20 mg/kg BW produced growth-promoting effects by inhibiting somatostatin concentrations and shifting the rumen toward glucogenic propionate fermentation by enriching Prevotella. In addition, Prevotella and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 were positively correlated with growth performance in lambs.

AIM:To observe the effect of different concentrations Buddleja offcinalis eye drops(BOED)to inflammatory factors of lacrimal gland cells of castrated male rabbit with dry eye.METHODS:Forty-two healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups, 6 rabbits each group. Group A: blank group; Group B: model group; Group C: low concentrations BOED group; Group D: medium concentrations BOED; Group E: high concentrations BOED; Group F: the placebo group; Group G: testosterone groups. All rabbits of groups B to G were cut off bilateral testis and epididymis except group A. The rabbits of groups C, D, E and F were dropped relevant eye drops except groups A and B. All rabbits were tested for Schimer I test(SIT)and break-up time(BUT)before operation and 4wk after operation. Expressions of inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1β from lacrimal gland cells were checked in immunohistochemical staining method.RESULTS:1)Comparison of SIT and BUT: Compared with the groups D, E and G, group C had statistical significance(PP>0.05); 2)Comparison of inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1β after operation: Compared with value of the average optical density of TNF-α and IL-1β of group C, those of groups D, E and G were obviously different after operation(PP>0.05).CONCLUSION: 1)Compared with androgen, BOED has the similar effect of depressing the expression of inflammatory factors. But its effect is slightly weaker than the androgen; 2)The depressing effect of medium and high concentration BOED are better than low concentration. Compared with medium and high concentration of BOED, there was no significant difference between two groups.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays important roles in regulation of multiple physiological processes including energy homeostasis, reproduction, sexual function, and other functions in mammals. Recent studies suggested that teleost MC4Rs have different physiological functions and pharmacological characteristics when compared to mammalian MC4Rs. In this study, we investigated spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) MC4R (LmMC4R) physiology and pharmacology. Spotted sea bass mc4r consisted of a 984 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 327 amino acids. LmMC4R was homologous to those of several teleost MC4Rs and human MC4R (hMC4R). qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization revealed that mc4r transcripts were highly expressed in the brain, followed by pituitary and liver. Brain mc4r transcripts were down-regulated in long-term and short-term fasting challenges. LmMC4R was a functional receptor with lower maximal binding and higher basal activity than hMC4R. THIQ was not able to displace 125I-NDP-MSH but could affect intracellular cAMP accumulation, suggesting that it was an allosteric ligand for LmMC4R. In vitro studies with spotted sea bass brain cells indicated that mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y and Agouti-related peptide were down-regulated by α-MSH. In summary, we cloned spotted sea bass MC4R, and showed that it had different pharmacological properties compared to hMC4R, and potentially different functions.

ABSTRACT: Objective To observe the effect of different concentration Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密 蒙 花) granules on apoptosis factors of lacrimal gland cells of castrated male rabbits, and study the treatment effects of Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密蒙花) granules in the dry eye model of castrated male rabbits.Methods Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密 蒙 花) raw material was made into granules. Thirty healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, six rabbits in each group. Group A: blank group, Group B: model group, Group C: Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密蒙花) granule group, Group D: placebo group, Group E: testosterone group. Except for group A, all rabbits underwent removal of bilateral testis and epididymis. Rabbits in group C were administered Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密 蒙 花) granules (100 mg/kg), three times per day; rabbits in group D were administered normal saline, three times per day. Rabbits in group E were injected with testosterone propionate (0.5 mL/kg) in the thigh muscle, every 3 days. All rabbits were tested by Schirmer I test (SIT) and tear film break-up time (BUT) before operation and 4 weeks after operation. After 4 weeks, all rabbits were sacrificed by air embolism and clipping of the lacrimal gland. Apoptosis factors, including Bax, Bcl-2, Fas and FasL of lacrimal gland cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry, and resulting data were statistically analyzed.Results (1) Comparison of SIT and BUT before and after operation: There were statistically significant differences between groups B and D (P0.05). (2) Comparison of apoptosis factors Bax, Bcl-2 Fas and FasL: In a comparison of groups B and D, there was no statistically significant difference after operation (P>0.05). In a comparison of the other groups, there were statistically significant differences (P0.05).Conclusion Compared with androgen, Flos Buddlejae (Mi Meng Hua, 密蒙花) granules caused similar but slightly weaker depression of Bax, Fas and FasL, and increased expression of Bcl-2. Keywords: Flos Buddlejae Granules, Dry eye, Castrated male rabbits, Lacrimal gland cell, Apoptosis factors

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is an important protein feed source for dairy cows. Its inclusion in ruminant diets is limited due to the presence of the highly toxic gossypol though rumen microorganisms are believed to be capable of gossypol degrading and transforming. The objective of the present study was to isolate the gossypol-degrading bacteria from the rumen contents and to assess its potential for gossypol degradation in vitro. A strain named Lactobacillus agilis WWK129 was anaerobically isolated from dairy cows after mixed rumen microorganisms were grown on a substrate with gossypol as the sole carbon source. Furthermore, the strain was applied at 5% inoculum concentration in vitro to continuously ferment CSM at 39 °C for five days, and it presented gossypol degradability as high as 83%. Meanwhile, the CSM contents of crude protein, essential amino acids increased significantly along with the increase of lactic acid yield (p < 0.01). Compared with the original CSM, the fermented CSM contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was remarkably decreased after the anaerobic fermentation (p < 0.01). In brief, the Lactobacillus strain isolated from the rumen is not only of great importance for gossypol biodegradation of CSM, but it could also be used to further explore the role of rumen microorganisms in gossypol degradation by the ruminants.

Gossypol is a key anti-nutritional factor which limits the feeding application of cottonseed by-products in animal production. A 2 × 4 factorial in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the effect of gossypol addition levels of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/g on ruminal fermentation of a high-forage feed (HF, Chinese wildrye hay/corn meal = 3:2) in comparison with a low-forage feed (LF, Chinese wildrye hay/corn meal = 2:3). After 48 h of incubation, in vitro dry matter disappearance was greater in the LF than the HF group, while the cumulative gas production and asymptotic gas production were greater in the HF than the LF group (p < 0.05). Regardless of whatever ration type was incubated, the increasing gossypol addition did not alter in vitro dry matter disappearance. The asymptotic gas production, cumulative gas production, molar percentage of CO2 and H2 in fermentation gases, and microbial protein in cultural fluids decreased with the increase in the gossypol addition. Conversely, the gossypol addition increased the molar percentage of CH4, ammonia N, and total volatile fatty acid production. More than 95% of the gossypol addition disappeared after 48 h of in vitro incubation. Regardless of whatever ration type was incubated, the real-time PCR analysis showed that the gossypol addition decreased the populations of Fibrobactersuccinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, and fungi but increased Ruminococcus flavefaciens, protozoa, and total bacteria in culture fluids in comparison with the control (p < 0.01). Additionally, the tendency of a smaller population was observed for R. albus, B. fibrisolvens, and fungi with greater inclusion of gossypol, but a greater population was observed for F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens, S. ruminantium, protozoa, and total bacteria. In summary, the present results suggest that rumen microorganisms indeed presented a high ability to degrade gossypol, but there was an obvious detrimental effect of the gossypol addition on rumen fermentation by decreasing microbial activity when the gossypol inclusion exceeded 0.5 mg/g, and such inhibitory effect was more pronounced in the low-forage than the high-forage group.

Background/Aims: Cardiac myocytes constitute the first differentiated cell type during mammalian heart formation with the ability to beat spontaneously and rhythmically. Hyperglycemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease in pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). However, the impact that hyperglycemia has on cardiac progenitors or on precursors differentiation remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether hyperglycemia affects cardiomyogenesis of embryocarcinoma cells. Methods: P19CL6 cells differentiation induced by 1% DMSO was evaluated under either normal glucose (5.6 mmol/L) or high level of glucose concentrations (20 mmol/L or 40 mmol/L). To investigate the effect of long-term high level of glucose on cardiomyocytes differentiation, sarcomeric α-actinin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1 (PGC-1α), transcription factor GATA4 and Nkx2.5 were assessed by qRT-PCR analysis, western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: We observed that long-term high level of glucose markedly reduced P19CL6 cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes. The change in PGC-1α expression was consistent with changes in cardiac muscle myosin expression after exposure to 20 mmol/L or 40 mmol/L of glucose. On the other hand, the high level of glucose concentration profoundly decreased both GATA4 and Nkx2-5 expressions from day 6 to day 12 after differentiation, which was induced by 1% DMSO. Conclusion: Our results elucidate that the effect resulting from the long-term exposure of cardiac progenitors to high level of glucose is associated with decreased expression of GATA4 and Nkx2.5, providing a novel mechanism by which high glucose is able to affect cell differentiation.

The molecular mechanism underlying the chemoprotective effects of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice was investigated. In Cy-treated mice, PSG-1 treatment significantly promoted the phagocytosis, and stimulated the production of NO and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, PSG-1 elevated the phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt, as well as expression of NF-κB in peritoneal macrophages. In addition, PSG-1 enhanced the recovery of T and B cell proliferation responses in Cy-treated mice. Furthermore, Ca2+ concentration and PKC activity of spleen lymphocytes in PSG-1 groups dramatically increased as compared with that of the model group. Finally, PSG-1 administration was found to dose-dependently improve the decline of cAMP level and PKA activity caused by Cy. These findings indicated that the chemoprotective effects of PSG-1 may be attributed to its capacity to activate peritoneal macrophages and spleen lymphocytes in Cy-treated mice.

AIM: To observe the effects of Shuangdanmingmu capsule on VEGF expression and retinal vascular morphology in rats with diabetic retinopathy(DR). METHODS: DR rats were fed with Shuangdanmingmu capsule. By comparing with the normal group, the model control group, and positive control group, the effect of Shuangdanmingmu capsule on retinal tissue of DR rats was observed under electron microscopy. After HE staining, retinal structure was observed under the light microscope. Immunohitochemical staining was used to detect the VEGF expression in retina.RESULTS:Two months after treatment, the layers tissue of retina presented mild edema, capillary pericytes performed edema, mitochondria showed mild swelling and less clear structure, some endothelial cells showed slight proliferation in Shuangdanmingmu group. Compared with the normal group, the expression level of VEGF in retina increased in the other groups, especially in model control group. A significant differential in expression of VEGF was found between Shuangdanmingmu group, positive control group and model control group(PCONCLUSION: Shuangdanmingmu capsule can effectively improve the retinal microvascular, reduce edema and necrosis of each layer of retina, improve the ultrastructure of retina's tissue and inhibit VEGF expression in DR rats.

An organocatalytic protocol for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate has been developed. Under the catalysis of 5 mol% N-heterocyclic carbenes, ethylene carbonate undergoes transesterification reaction with methanol under very mild reaction conditions, producing dimethyl carbonate with high efficiency. Furthermore, this N-heterocyclic carbene promoted transesterification can be scaled-up easily without lose of the conversion of dimethyl carbonate.

In the title compound {systematic name: 4,4′-[1,1′-(hydrazinediylidene)bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene)]bis(benzene-1,3-diol)}, C16H16N2O4·2C3H7NO, the (E,E)-2′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone azine molecule is centrosymmetric, the mid-point of the N—N bond being located on an inversion centre. All the non-H atoms of the azine molecule are approximately coplanar, the maximum deviation being 0.017 (2) Å. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond occurs between the azine N atom and the hydroxy group. In the crystal, azine and dimethylformamide solvent molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds.

AIM:To compare the efficacy of the coaxial micro incision 2.2mm and 2.8mm in the phacoemulsification.METHODS:The selected 362 patients(362 eyes)with age-related cataract were randomly divided into 2.2mm group(211 cases with 211 eyes)and 2.8mm group(151 cases with 151 eyes)in our hospital from July 2014 to March 2015.The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), refractive state and corneal endothelium counting were recorded preoperatively. The ultrasonic energy and ultrasonic emulsification time during operations were also recorded. The UCVA, BCVA, refractive state were recorded postoperatively at 1d, 1wk, 1mo and corneal endothelium counting was also recorded at 1wk and 1mo after operations.RESULTS:The UCVA and BCVA were significantly improved compared with those preoperative in both groups. At 1wk postoperatively, the UCVA of 2.2mm group was significantly better compared with that of 2.8mm group(PPP>0.05). There were no statistical difference between the two groups on the ultrasonic energy and the ultrasonic emulsification time either(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:With less injury, quicker recovery, better postoperative UCVA, small incision, coaxial 2.2mm micro incision phacoemulsification is a operation worth promotion.

In the study, an improved approach was proposed to identify the contribution shares of three group factors that are climate, technology and input, social economic factors by which the grain production is shaped. In order to calibrate the method, Jiangxi Province, one of the main paddy rice producers in China was taken as an example. Based on 50 years (1961–2010) meteorological and statistic data, using GIS and statistical analysis tools, the three group factors that in certain extent impact China's paddy rice production have been analyzed quantitatively. The individual and interactive contribution shares of each factor group have been identified via eta square (η2). In the paper, two group ordinary leasr square (OLS) models, paddy models and climate models, have been constructed for further analysis. Each model group consists of seven models, one full model and six partial models. The results of paddy models show that climate factors individually and interactively contribute 11.42–15.25% explanatory power to the variation of paddy rice production in the studied province. Technology and input factors contribute 16.17% individually and another 8.46% interactively together with climate factors, totally contributing about 25%. Social economic factors contribute about 7% of which 4.65% is individual contribution and 2.49% is interactive contribution together with climate factors. The three factor groups individually contribute about 23% and interactively contribute additional 41% to paddy rice production. In addition every two of the three factor groups also function interactively and contribute about 22%. Among the three factor groups, technology and input are the most important factors to paddy rice production. The results of climate models support the results of paddy models, and display that solar radiation (indicated by sunshine hour variable) is the dominate climate factor for paddy rice production.

AIM:To observe buddleja officinalis total flavonoids' effect on the basal tear secretion amount, tear film stability, lacrimal gland histomorphology and serum testosterone level of castrated male rat model with xeroma, to study the mechanism of rat xeroma caused by buddleja officinalis total flavones' anti-sex hormones disorders.MEATHODS: A total of 150 Wistar male rats of 1 month old, weighted about 200g, were randomly divided into 5 groups with 30 rats in each group with A representing normal group; B representing sham operation group; C representing surgery control group; D representing group treated with androgen; E representing group treated with buddleja officinalis total flavonoids. For the groups C, D, E, the bilateral testicle and epididymis were excised; For group B, scrota were incised without removal of the testicles, as the sham operation group; For group A, nothing was done. One week after modeling when the wound was to be healed, drug was given to each group. Respectively at the 1st month, 3rd, and 5th months after treatment, 10 rats were randomly selected in each group, to receive Schirmer I test, tear breakup time measurement. Blood serum testosterone levels were tested in the fifth month. RESUITS: For groups D and E, the Schirmer I test measurements were significantly higher than that of group C(PPPCONCLUSION: Decreased androgen levels can lead to xeroma, and removal of bilateral testes and epididymis can successfully establish the animal models of xeroma in rats caused by decreased androgen levels. Buddleja officinalis total flavonoids have androgenic effect, which produces the similar treatment effect of xeroma with testosterone propionate. Buddleja officinalis total flavonoids may become a new treatment for xeroma.

AIM: To observe pathological changes of blood glucose, the retina and pancreatic tissue after establishing rats diabetic retinopathy(DR)model, and preliminary evaluate of Shuangdanmingmu capsule on the improvement of retina and pancreas tissue structure. METHODS: DR rats were fed with Shuangdanmingmu capsule. Then the blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin were determined. Immunohitochemical staining was used to observe the expression of structure of retino and pancreas.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the blood glucose and glycates hemoglobin in Shuangdanmingmu group were decreased after 2mo of treatment(PCONCLUSION: Shuangdanmingmu capsule can decrease blood glucose and glycates hemoglobin in DR rats effectively and improve the ultrastructure of retina and pancreas tissue.

Crop models can be useful tools for optimizing fertilizer management for a targeted crop yield while minimizing nutrient losses. In this paper, the parameters of the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT)-CERES-Maize were optimized using a new method to provide a better simulation of maize (Zea mays L.) growth and N uptake in response to different nitrogen application rates. Field data were collected from a 5 yr field experiment (2006-2010) on a Black soil (Typic hapludoll) in Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, Northeast China. After cultivar calibration, the CERES-Maize model was able to simulate aboveground biomass and crop yield of in the evaluation data set (n-RMSE=5.0-14.6%), but the model still over-estimated aboveground N uptake (i.e., with E values from −4.4 to −21.3 kg N ha−1). By analyzing DSSAT equation, N stress coefficient for changes in concentration with growth stage (CTCNP2) is related to N uptake. Further sensitivity analysis of the CTCNP2 showed that the DSSAT model simulated maize nitrogen uptake more precisely after the CTCNP2 coefficient was adjusted to the field site condition. The results indicated that in addition to calibrating 6 coefficients of maize cultivars, radiation use efficiency (RUE), growing degree days for emergence (GDDE), N stress coefficient, CTCNP2, and soil fertility factor (SLPF) also need to be calibrated in order to simulate aboveground biomass, yield and N uptake correctly. Independent validation was conducted using 2008-2010 experiments and the good agreement between the simulated and the measured results indicates that the DSSAT CERES-Maize model could be a useful tool for predicting maize production in Northeast China.

AIM:To assess the neuroprotective effects of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of glaucoma. METHODS:The electronic bibliographic databases were searched,including Medline(1966-01/2011-03), EMbase(1996-2010), Cochrane library, Wanfang database,VIP(1999-2011), CNKI, the radomized controlled trials of TCM treatment compares with Western medicine treatment of the glaucoma were assembled Data were extracted and evaluated by two reciewers independently with a designed extraction formation by Meta-analysis based on the Cochrane net suggestion. RESULTS:A total of 8 theses written in Chinese were retrieved,including 719 patients.The results of Meta-analysis showed the combination therapy of TCM and western therapy significant improves the effect of neuroprotection(P

AIM: To explore the effect of Qingguangan on the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in filtering bleb scarring area after trabeculectomy in rabbit model.METHODS: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomized into four groups: control group, experimental group, MMC group (ocular trabeculectomy in combination with MMC), and Qingguangan group. Trabeculectomy was performed on both eyes in each group except control group. Qingguangan group was mouth-fed with Qingguangan (solution). On postoperative day 14, the appearances of MMP-2 and MMP-9 on filtrating blebs were observed by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Statistical differences of the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were noted among groups on day 14 following surgery. Histology immunohistochemistry showed significant differences on the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 between each group (P

Background. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) is one of the major concerns in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The systemic chronic inflammation has been postulated to bridge the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and T2D. We formulated that increased peripheral proinflammatory T helper subsets contributed to the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Methods. The frequencies of peripheral total CD4+ T helper cells, proinflammatory Th1, Th17, and Th22 subsets were determined by flow cytometry in diabetic patients with or without CHD (n=42 and 67, resp.). Results. Both peripheral frequencies and total numbers of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells were further increased in diabetic patients with CHD. Logistic regression and categorical cross-table analysis further confirmed that increased proinflammatory Th subsets, especially Th22, were independent risk factors of cardiovascular complication in diabetes. Elevated Th subsets also correlated with increased CRP levels and the atherogenic index of plasma. Moreover, Th1 frequency and Th22 numbers demonstrated remarkable potential in predicting CHD in diabetes. Conclusions. Increased peripheral proinflammatory T helper subsets act in concert and contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetic cardiovasculopathy. The recently identified Th22 cells might play an independent role in CHD and represent a novel proxy for cardiovascular risks in diabetes.

The lipoxins are the first proresolution mediators to be recognized and described as the endogenous “braking signals” for inflammation. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory and proresolution bioactions of lipoxin A4 in our lipopolysaccharide (LPS-)induced lung injury model. We demonstrated that lipoxin A4 significantly improved histology of rat lungs and inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-induced lung injury. In addition, lipoxin A4 increased alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and the effect of lipoxin A4 on AFC was abolished by CFTRinh-172 (a specific inhibitor of CFTR). Moreover, lipoxin A4 could increase cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein expression in vitro and in vivo. In rat primary alveolar type II (ATII) cells, LPS decreased CFTR protein expression via activation of PI3K/Akt, and lipoxin A4 suppressed LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. These results showed that lipoxin A4 enhanced CFTR protein expression and increased AFC via PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, lipoxin A4 may provide a potential therapeutic approach for acute lung injury.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C9H9N3O, adjacent molecules are linked through N—H...N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

In the title compound, [Fe(C5H5)2(C13H11N2O2)], the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the cyclopentadiene ring bonded to the carbonyl group is 26.1 (2)°. In the crystal, bifurcated O—H...(O,N) and N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.

In the title molecule, C30H52O4, the three six-membered rings are in chair conformations, the cyclopentane ring is in an envelope form and the tetrahydrofuran ring has a conformation intermediate between half-chair and sofa. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds into helical chains along [100]. Two intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds are also present. One C atom of the tetrahydrofuran ring and its attached H atoms are equally disordered over two sets of sites.

In the title compound, C30H52O5, the three six-membered rings are in chair conformations, the five-membered ring is in an envelope form and the tetrahydrofuran ring has a conformation intermediate between half-chair and sofa. Intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds may influence the conformation of the molecule. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

In the structure of the title complex, [Cu(C7H5O2)(OH)(C12H12N2)(C7H6O2)]·H2O, the CuII ion is pentacoordinated in a tetragonal-pyramidal geometry with one O atom of a hydroxide group, one O atom of a benzoate anion and two N atoms of a 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand occupying the basal plane, and one O atom of a benzoic acid molecule located at the apical site. The title complex was refined with a metal-coordinated OH group and a `free' benzoic acid molecule, although it can be assumed that the proton is delocalized between the OH and the COOH group. The uncoordinated water molecule is equally disordered over two positions. The structure displays O—H...O hydrogen bonding.