Serological characteristics and clinical implications of IgG subclasses in visceral leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVES: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents the most severe form of Leishmaniasis infection, often resulting in fatality without timely treatment. Previous studies have found that immunosuppression increases the risk of VL disease progression and mortality, and the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in peripheral blood vary before and after treatment. However, the distinct levels and roles of IgG subclasses in VL have not been documented yet. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and clinical significance of IgG subclasses in VL. METHODS: A total of 43 cases newly-diagnosed with VL were enrolled in the cohort. We measured the levels of IgG subclasses before and after standard treatment and conducted assessments of bone marrow features. In addition, we analysed other haematological indices and examined the variations in IgG subclasses, as well as their correlation with clinical and laboratory factors. RESULTS: The levels of total IgG, IgG1, and the ratios of both IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 decreased significantly after treatment, whereas the ratios of IgG2/ IgG showed an obvious increase. The VL patients without hyperglobulinemia displayed significant lower IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but higher IgG2/IgG ratios compared with those with hyperglobulinemia. In addition, VL patients with positive bone marrow amastigotes had significant higher IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but lower IgG2/IgG ratios. IgG subclasses were correlated with abnormal blood test results, particularly immunological elements including IgM and Complement 4 (C4). CONCLUSIONS: IgG1 and IgG2 exhibited contrasting changes after treatment in VL patients. The features of bone marrow and laboratory tests indicated that IgG1 and IgG2 serve different roles in the progression of VL. The ratios of IgG subclasses may be more precise indicators to evaluate immune reaction in VL than traditional total IgG.

Molecular Regulatory Network of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Black Radish Skin as Revealed by Transcriptome and Metabonome Analysis.

To understand the coloring mechanism in black radish, the integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses of root skin from a black recombinant inbred line (RIL 1901) and a white RIL (RIL 1911) were carried out. A total of 172 flavonoids were detected, and the analysis results revealed that there were 12 flavonoid metabolites in radish root skin, including flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins. The relative concentrations of most flavonoids in RIL 1901 were higher than those in RIL 1911. Meanwhile, the radish root skin also contained 16 types of anthocyanins, 12 of which were cyanidin and its derivatives, and the concentration of cyanidin 3-o-glucoside was very high at different development stages of black radish. Therefore, the accumulation of cyanidin and its derivatives resulted in the black root skin of radish. In addition, a module positively related to anthocyanin accumulation and candidate genes that regulate anthocyanin synthesis was identified by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Among them, structural genes (RsCHS, RsCHI, RsDFR, and RsUGT75C1) and transcription factors (TFs) (RsTT8, RsWRKY44L, RsMYB114, and RsMYB308L) may be crucial for the anthocyanin synthesis in the root skin of black radish. The anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in the root skin of black radish was constructed based on the expression of genes related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways (Ko00941 and Ko00942) and the relative expressions of metabolites. In conclusion, this study not only casts new light on the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in the root skin of black radish but also provides a molecular basis for accelerating the cultivation of new black radish varieties.

The effectiveness of combining e-learning, peer teaching, and flipped classroom for delivering a physiology laboratory course to nursing students.

The Internet and 5G era makes e-learning a vital part of modern education, and extensive evidence has shown that peer teaching and flipped classroom contribute to increased success in medical teaching. However, the applicability of these pedagogies in laboratory courses remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the academic performance, proficiency in procedural skills, and perception of nursing students in physiology laboratory classes delivered with nontraditional classroom (NTC) pedagogies comprising the combination of e-learning, peer teaching, and flipped classroom. Each class was subdivided into two equal halves by successive student identification (ID) number and randomly assigned to the control or NTC group. Compared to the control class, NTC teaching significantly enhanced mean score of six preclass tests (67.77 ± 9.83 vs. 62.94 ± 9.70), with "B" graders increased obviously, suggesting that preclass e-learning was more effective than textbook-based preview, especially for general grasp of the topic. Similarly, average scores on postclass quizzes in the NTC group were improved (79.40 ± 9.12 vs. 74.43 ± 8.88). Lesser time cost and higher success rates were observed in trachea, artery, and heart catheterizations in the NTC group, although no disparities were found in ureteral intubation. The majority (∼74%) of students supported the reform and shared positive experiences with NTC methodology. They reported that virtual experiments and self-paced procedural skill videos affected pre- and in-class learning outcomes most, respectively. These findings indicated that NTC pedagogy was workable to improve students' subject scores and proficiency in complicated and direct-viewing procedural skills and was favorable to students.

Effects of Different Component Contents of Colistin Methanesulfonate on the Pharmacokinetics of Prodrug and Formed Colistin in Human.

PURPOSES: To evaluate the effects of component contents in different colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) formulas on their clinical pharmacokinetics of the prodrug CMS and the formed colistin. METHODS: Two CMS formulas (CTTQ and Parkedale) were investigated in a single dose, randomized, open-label, crossover study conducted in 18 healthy Chinese subjects. Both CMS formulas met the requirements of European Pharmacopoeia 9.2 with 12.1% difference in the two major active components (CMS A and CMS B). The PK parameters after a single intravenous infusion of CMS at 2.5 mg/kg were calculated and the steady-state plasma colistin concentrations (Css,avg) following multiple dosing, once every 12 h for 7 days, were simulated with the non-compartment model. RESULTS: The systemic exposure (AUC0-inf) of CMS were 59.49 ± 5.90 h·µg/mL and 51.09 ± 4.70 h·µg/mL, and the AUC0-inf of colistin were 15.39 ± 2.63 h·µg/mL and 12.36 ± 2.10 h·µg/mL for CTTQ and Parkedale, respectively. The ratios (90% CI) of geometric mean of AUC0-inf of CTTQ to Parkedale were 116.38% (112.95%, 119.91%) and 124.49% (120.76%, 128.35%) for CMS and colistin, respectively. The predicted Css,avg (95% CI) were 0.92 (0.85, 0.99) µg/mL and 0.74 (0.69, 0.79) µg/mL for CTTQ and Parkedale, respectively. CONCLUSION: The difference in component content in the two CMS formulas had a significant (P < 0.001) impact on the systemic exposure of colistin in human, thus, warranted essential considerations in clinical applications.

Predict esophageal varices via routine trans-abdominal ultrasound: A design of classification analysis model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of esophageal varices. Trans-abdominal ultrasound, as a noninvasive routine examination for the follow-up of cirrhosis patient, is safe, cheap, easy to perform, and plays an important role. In this study, we attempt to design a practical classification analysis model to predict esophageal varices via ultrasound. METHODS: Compared with endoscopy, the ultrasound qualitative signs (lower esophageal Doppler signals, left gastric vein hepatofugal flow, and paraumbilical vein recanalization) and quantitative parameters (spleen diameter, spleen vein diameter, portal vein diameter, and portal vein velocity) have been evaluated in 286 cirrhosis patients. RESULTS: The classification analysis model is designed as that: the patients are defined with esophageal varices high risk, who with any ultrasound qualitative signs or who with spleen diameter greater than 162 mm without qualitative parameters. The sensitivity for detecting esophageal varices is 97.5% and the specificity is 82.6%, while the positive predictive value is 96.7%, negative predictive value is 83.4%, and the omission diagnostic rate is 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This classification analysis model design includes ultrasound qualitative signs and spleen diameter, which can be detected easily via routine ultrasound without other auxiliary. The classification analysis model is useful in detecting esophageal varices, which may be a supplement for predicting of esophageal varices, and reducing the frequency of endoscopy in the follow-up of cirrhosis patients.

Efficacy of the combination of voriconazole and caspofungin in experimental pulmonary aspergillosis by different Aspergillus species.

OBJECTIVES: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, or Aspergillus niger is associated with high mortality. We evaluated the efficacy and compared the therapeutic effect differences of voriconazole (VRC) in combination with caspofungin (CAS) in transiently neutropenic rats infected by A. fumigatus, A. flavus, or A. niger. METHODS: Treatment groups consisted of VRC (10 mg/kg q12 h) monotherapy, CAS (1 mg/kg/day) monotherapy, combination of VRC (10 mg/kg q12 h) + CAS (1 mg/kg/day), and no drug for 10 consecutive days. The efficacy and the difference in the treatments were evaluated through prolongation of survival, reduction in serum galactomannan levels and residual fungal burden, and histological studies. RESULTS: For all the strains, the combination of VRC and CAS led to significant prolongation in survival (P < 0.05) and reduction in residual fungal burden (P < 0.05) compared with CAS alone, and decrease in serum galactomannan levels (P < 0.05) compared with either agent alone. The survival in the combined therapy groups was significantly improved compared to VRC monotherapy for the strains of A. flavus and A. niger (P < 0.05), but no significant difference for the strains of A. fumigatus (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of VRC and CAS was synergistic in IPA by A. flavus and A. niger, but small efficacy benefits in IPA by A. fumigatus.

Population pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine active metabolite in Chinese paediatric patients with epilepsy: Model-based dose optimization.

The pharmacological activity of oxcarbazepine (OXC) is primarily exerted through its active 10-monohydroxy metabolite (MHD). Nonetheless, there is limited pharmacokinetic information available regarding paediatric patients with epilepsy treated with OXC, especially in infants and toddlers. Concurrently, this drug exhibits substantial variability in pharmacokinetics and therapeutic response across different individuals. We aimed to develop a model to quantitatively investigate factors that affect MHD pharmacokinetics to formulate a dosage guideline for OXC in Chinese paediatric patients. A total of 297 MHD trough concentrations were obtained from 287 epileptic children. Six body weight (BW)-based allometric models were used for population pharmacokinetic modelling, while investigating the impact of other covariates on the apparent clearance. The one-compartment model and age cut-off model for the apparent clearance (CL/F) were established to describe the pharmacokinetics of MHD. The probability to obtain target trough concentration ranges (TTCRs) of MHD between 3 and 35 mg/L was determined by Monte Carlo simulations for doses ranging from 8 to 90 mg/kg/day. A new dose optimization strategy combining the dosage guidelines and Bayesian method provides a tailored approach for Chinese paediatric epileptic patients based on their individual BW and desired TTCRs of MHD, and also supports current dose recommendations, with the exception of children weighing ≤5 kg.

Dectin-2 is predominately macrophage restricted and exhibits conspicuous expression during Aspergillus fumigatus invasion in human lung.

We investigated the features of Dectin-2 expression both at transcriptional and translational levels during Aspergillus fumigatus infection in human lung. Simultaneously, the expression of CD206 was assayed as an activated marker of alveolar macrophages. The characteristic of Dectin-2 expression were then confirmed in Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) after A. fumigatus stimulation by Flow Cytometry. We found that the expression of Dectin-2 was low in normal lung, while it revealed a markedly up-regulation during A. fumigatus invasion. Dectin-2 expression was predominantly restricted to CD206 positive cells. There was salient positive correlation between Dectin-2 expression and CD206. We conclude that Dectin-2 expression is largely restricted to alveolar macrophages in human lung. The conspicuous expression of Dectin-2 during A. fumigatus invasion suggests its notable contribution to antifungal defenses in pulmonary aspergillosis.

A vacuolar processing enzyme RsVPE1 gene of radish is involved in floral bud abortion under heat stress.

Radish floral bud abortion (FBA) is an adverse biological phenomenon that occurs during reproduction. Although FBA is a frequent occurrence, its molecular mechanism remains unknown. A transcript-derived fragment (TDF72), which was obtained by cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP), was up-regulated in the aborted buds and exhibited 89% sequence homology with the AtγVPE gene. In this study, TDF72 was used to clarify the role of VPE in FBA by isolation of the VPE gene RsVPE1 from radish flower buds. The full-length genomic DNA was 2346 bp including nine exons and eight introns. The full-length cDNA was 1825 bp, containing a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 1470 bp, which encoded a predicted protein containing 489 amino acid residues, with a calculated molecular mass of 53.735 kDa. Expression analysis demonstrated that RsVPE1 was expressed in all tested organs of radish at different levels. Highest expression was detected in aborted flower buds, suggesting that RsVPE1 has a role in FBA. In order to analyze the role of RsVPE1 in FBA, RsVPE1 was overexpressed in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Aborted flower buds appeared in transgenic plants subjected to heat stress. In addition, RsVPE1 expression in the transgenic plants reached a maximum when subjected to heat stress for 24 h and increased by 2.1-fold to 2.8-fold in three homozygous transgenic lines. These results indicated that RsVPE1 led to FBA when its expression levels exceeded a particular threshold, and provided evidence for the involvement of RsVPE1 in promoting FBA under heat stress.

[The changes of Dectin-1 and TLR2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by Aspergillus fumigatus].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of TLR-2, Dectin-1 expression on endothelial cells, and to explore their role in the immune response after contact with Aspergillus fumigatus. METHODS: Aspergillus fumigatus and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were co-incubated. Cells were collected respectively after incubation for 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h. TLR2 and Dectin-1 receptor expressions were detected by flow cytometry, and their protein was measured by Western blot. The distribution of the receptors in the cells were observed by immunofluorescence. RESULT: TLR2 and Dectin-1 were expressed on the endothelial cell surface in quiescent condition. The mean fluorescence intensity of TLR2 on endothelial cells decreased from 45 to 13 stimulation by Aspergillus fumigatus, but the mean fluorescence intensity of Dectin-1 increased from 13 to 35 in the first 2 hours and then decreased. By Western blot, the electrophoresis strip of Dectin-1 was most bright in 2 hours after contact with the fungus, and then decreased 4 and 6 hours. TLR2 did not change significantly. Dectin-1 with fluorescent labeling was seen in spores and hyphae as well as in the cell membrane under confocal microscope. TLR2 was detected only on cell surface. CONCLUSION: TLR2 and Dectin-1 were expressed by endothelial cells, and may be useful in the identification of Aspergillus fumigatus.

[An improved method for isolation and culture of primary cardiomyocytes from SD neonatal rats].

Objective: To establish a stable, rapid and improved method for isolation and culture of primary cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats. Methods: Ventricular tissues from neonatal SD rats were digested with 0.12% collagenase Ⅱ, and then subjected to Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The original cardiomyocytes were cultured in modified DMEM/F12 containing 5% horse serum and 5-bromodeoxyuracil(5-BrdU) in vitro for further purification, and medium was changed to normal high glucose DMEM with 10% FBS the next day. The difference between the improved method and traditional differential attachment one used for isolation and culture of primary cardiomyocytes was compared. Results: Cardiacmyocytes obtained through the improved method grew well. 24 hours after plating, most cells adhered to the dishes, with shapes looked triangular, fusiform or irregular, and some of them showed spontaneously contract at a frequency varying from 10～30 times/min. After 48 h culture, the cardiomyocytes became longer and stretched out pseudopodia. Some cells showed synchronous beats with the frequency close to 50～80 times/min. 72 hours later, cardiomyocytes were interwoven into a network in chrysanthemum patterns, and spontaneous beats tended to be more synchronous, with a frequency of 80-100 times/min. After 96 h, cells gathered into clusters as islands, with synchronous beat at a frequency of around 100～120 times/min. All cardiomyocytes were in good condition within one week. Yields((1.17±0.15)×106 vs (1.21±0.22)×106,P＞0.05)and survival rate of primary cardiomyocytes obtained by the improved method was comparable to that gained using traditional differential attachment way (93.3%±1.4% vs 92.2%±0.7%, P＞0.05), but the purity of primary cardiomyocytes obtained through the improved method was much higher (94.7%±2.1% vs 89.5%±1.3%, P＜0.05), while with less time consuming ((3.1±0.4)h vs (4.3±0.3)h, P＜0.01). Conclusion: This improved method is an ideal and simple method for the isolation and culture of primary cardiomyocytes with shorter time-consuming, high purity, intact structure and function, and with great repeatability and stability.

[A systematic review of the accuracy of diagnostic test of serum galactomannan antigen detection for invasive aspergillosis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of galactomannan (GM) double-direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). METHODS: A search in MEDLINE, EMbase, OVID, CBMdisc and CHKD from Jan. 1991 to Dec. 2008 was conducted to collect all articles about diagnostic tests of serum GM detection. Then the methodological quality was assessed by QUADAS-items, sources of heterogeneity investigated, pooled effect quantities evaluated, and meta-analysis studies, SROC curves, and subgroup analysis performed. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles with a population of 4959 patients were included. The average prevalence of IA was 10%(532/4959). Our meta-analysis reported a median heterogeneity (I(2) = 48.6%, P < 0.05), with a pooled DOR value of 19.10 (95%CI 12.67 - 28.79), a pooled sensitivity of 0.66 (95%CI 0.61 - 0.70), a pooled specificity of 0.90 (95%CI 0.89 - 0.90), a pooled positive likelihood ratio of 5.48 (95%CI 4.27 - 7.02), a pooled negative likelihood ratio of 0.38 (95%CI 0.29 - 0.50), and an area under curve of SROC 0.88. The rate of underdiagnosis of serum GM detection was 34% (168/490) and the rate of misdiagnosis was 10% (466/4469). With a rise in the cut-off value the sensitivity of GM test decreased and specificity increased. Two consecutive positive tests decreased the sensitivity but increased the specificity. Age had no significant effect on the diagnosis by GM test. Both antifungal prophylaxis and antifungal therapy had no significant effect on sensitivity and specificity of GM test for IA diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Serum GM detection is an effective diagnostic tool for invasive aspergillosis in high-risk populations.

[N-cadherin as a receptor for adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus by human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the receptor for adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODS: Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae were incubated with the total protein of HUVEC for investigating the binding of N-cadherin and the fungus. After the model of adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus by HUVEC was established, the capacity of adhesion and endocytosis was evaluated with the presence of the antibody to N-cadherin. RESULTS: N-cadherin sticked to the surface of Aspergillus fumigatus. Adhesion and endocytosis were inhibited with the presence of the antibody to N-cadherin. CONCLUSION: N-cadherin is a receptor for adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus by HUVEC.

Nitrogen-doped MoS2 quantum dots: Facile synthesis and application for the assay of hematin in human blood.

Nitrogen-doped MoS2 quantum dots (N-MoS2 QDs) were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach, and exhibited high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 14.9%), excellent photostability, biocompatibility and water solubility. A novel method with good selectivity and sensitivity was established to assay hematin using N-MoS2 QDs as a fluorescent probe based on inner filter effect (IFE). Fluorescent quenching of N-MoS2 QDs has a fine linear dependence with the concentration of hematin in the range of 0.5-15 µmol/L and a limit of detection of 0.32 µmol/L (S/N = 3). By the detection method, average concentration of hematin in real health human erythrocytes was measured as 22.5 ± 3.9 µmol/L. And, recoveries range varied from 94 to 108% through standard recovery experiment. The N-MoS2 QDs probe shows excellent photostability, low cytotoxicity and anti-interference ability for hematin assay, which may become a promising method for the test of hematin in human blood.

Deep sequencing profiles MicroRNAs related to Aspergillus fumigatus infection in lung tissues of mice.

BACKGROUND: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe opportunistic infection with high mortality in patients with compromised immunity. The full repertoire of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of IPA infection remains to be established. METHODS: We established a mouse IPA model and analyzed small RNA transcriptomes in lung tissues of immunodeficient IPA mice (IPA group) and matched immunodeficient control mice (control group) through next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 3759 known miRNAs were detected, in which 23 miRNAs were identified to be related to IPA. IPA-associated miRNAs include upregulated mmu-let-7b-3p, mmu-miR124-3p, mmu-miR21a-3p, mmu-miR29c-5p, mmu-miR3473b and mmu-miR3473e, and downregulated mmu-miR-150-3p and mmu-miR-503-5p. The expression levels of eight identified miRNAs were quantified in a validation cohort (n = 40) by qRT-PCR, and results revealed the same change patterns. MiRNA target prediction revealed that all IPA-related miRNAs possibly engage a cooperative regulation of key elements in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: We conclude that deep-sequencing small RNAs can uncover miRNA pool-regulating IPA. Our results may lead to further understanding IPA pathogenesis and gain insight into the complexity and diversity of small RNA molecules that regulate immunodeficient IPA.

Rapid development of metastatic pulmonary calcifications in primary hyperparathyroidism: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) is rarely reported in primary hyperparathyroidism, especially MPC develops quickly. We report such a case here with a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old woman presented with cough and dyspnea. Data from clinical, radiological, pathological, technetium (99mTc)-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintillation imaging, and 99mTc-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) thyroid imaging were studied. 99mTc-MIBI thyroid imaging indicated hyperparathyroidism. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed rapidly progressive bilateral pulmonary multiple high-density shadows with mass consolidation and exudation in only five days. 99mTc-MDP bone scintillation imaging indicated bilateral pulmonary calcifications. CT-guided lung biopsy showed multifocal irregularities of calcium deposition and calcified bodies in the pulmonary interstitium. The patient showed gradually clinical and radiological improvement after surgical removal of the parathyroid adenoma. CONCLUSION: Rapidly progressive MPC tends to be misdiagnosed as many primary pulmonary diseases. 99mTc-MDP bone scintillation imaging and pulmonary biopsy could be performed to differentiate metastatic pulmonary calcification from other diseases. Surgical resection of the parathyroid gland is helpful for treatment of MPC in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and is regularly recommended.

Toll-like receptor 2 and dectin-1 function as promising biomarker for Aspergillus fumigatus infection.

In recent years, along with the wide application of organ transplantation and immunosuppressive agents, as well as the abuse of broad spectrum antibiotics, the incidence of invasive fungal infections has been increasing gradually. The present study aimed to identify novel biomarkers in cells infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and then harvested at different time-points (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h). The expression Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and dectin-1 expression were examined using flow cytometry and western blotting, and fluorescence-based microscopy was used to evaluate their distribution. The results indicated that TLR2 and dectin-1 protein levels were localized on the surface of HUVECs, and that dectin-1 was distributed on HUVEC membranes as observed under confocal microscope. Immunofluorescence assay result revealed that the optical intensity of dectin-1 in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group was significantly increased at 0, 1 and 2 h compared with the control group (P<0.05). However, the optical intensity of TLR2 in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group was markedly decreased between 0 and 6 h, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Western blot analysis indicated that dectin-1 expression was significantly increased and TLR2 expression was significantly decreased at 0, 1 and 2 h post infection in the Aspergillus fumigatus-infected group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the expression of TLR2 was also negatively correlated with the concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus. In conclusion, upon infection of cells with Aspergillus fumigatus, TLR2 and dectin-1 expression levels were significantly altered. Therefore, TLR2 and dectin-1 levels may function as promising biomarkers for the treatment or diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus infection.

A Novel NAC Transcription Factor, PbeNAC1, of Pyrus betulifolia Confers Cold and Drought Tolerance via Interacting with PbeDREBs and Activating the Expression of Stress-Responsive Genes.

NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) transcription factors are important regulator in abiotic stress and plant development. However, knowledge concerning the functions of plant NAC TFs functioning in stress tolerance and the underlying molecular basis are still limited. In this study, we report functional characterization of the NAC TF, PbeNAC1, isolated from Pyrus betulifolia. PbeNAC1 were greatly induced by cold and drought, while salt stress had little effect on expression. PbeNAC1 was localized in the nuclei showed transactivation activity. Overexpression of PbeNAC1 conferred enhanced tolerance to multiple stresses, including cold and drought, as supported by lower levels of reactive oxygen species, higher survival rate, higher activities of enzymes, relative to wild-type (WT). In addition, steady-state mRNA levels of 15 stress-responsive genes coding for either functional or regulatory proteins were higher levels in the transgenic plants relative to the WT with drought or cold treatment. yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that PbeNAC1 protein can physically interact with PbeDREB1 and PbeDREB2A. Taken together, these results demonstrate that pear PbeNAC1 plays an important role in improving stress tolerance, possibly by interacting with PbeDREB1 and PbeDREB2A to enhance the mRNA levels of some stress-associated genes.

Lethal, sublethal and transgenerational effects of the novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide cycloxaprid on demographic and behavioral traits of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest in cotton crops, notably owing to its increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides. Such resistance prompts for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs that include novel pesticides being effective against the aphid. In the present study, we assessed lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid, a novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide developed in China, on A. gossypii. The lethal concentration at 50% (LC50 ) value of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii was estimated, using the dipping method, at 7.73 mg/L. The impact of a sublethal concentration (LC10 ) and a lethal concentration (LC40 ) of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii population growth and feeding behavior (using electrical penetration graph technique [EPG]), and its transgenerational effect were further assessed. Adult longevity and fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to LC40 or LC10 of cycloxaprid. Cycloxaprid with sublethal concentrations (especially LC40 ) had negative effects on phloem ingestion by A. gossypii. Additionally, the offspring of the adults exposed to LC40 of cycloxaprid had shorter nymphal development duration and adult longevity than the control, and those from LC10 and LC40 treatments had lower adult fecundity and net productive rate. We demonstrated that cycloxaprid is a pesticide showing both lethal and sublethal activities, and transgenerational effects on A. gossypii; it may be useful for implementation in IPM programs against this aphid pest.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Dehydration Resistance in a Highly Drought-Tolerant Pear, Pyrus betulaefolia, as through RNA-Seq.

Drought is a major abiotic stress that affects plant growth, development and productivity. Pear is one of the most important deciduous fruit trees in the world, but the mechanisms of drought tolerance in this plant are still unclear. To better understand the molecular basis regarding drought stress response, RNA-seq was performed on samples collected before and after dehydration in Pyrus betulaefolia. In total, 19,532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. These genes were annotated into 144 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 18 clusters of orthologous groups (COG) involved in 129 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) defined pathways. These DEGs comprised 49 (26 up-regulated, 23 down-regulated), 248 (166 up-regulated, 82 down-regulated), 3483 (1295 up-regulated, 2188 down-regulated), 1455 (1065 up-regulated, 390 down-regulated) genes from the 1 h, 3 h and 6 h dehydration-treated samples and a 24 h recovery samples, respectively. RNA-seq was validated by analyzing the expresson patterns of randomly selected 16 DEGs by quantitative real-time PCR. Photosynthesis, signal transduction, innate immune response, protein phosphorylation, response to water, response to biotic stimulus, and plant hormone signal transduction were the most significantly enriched GO categories amongst the DEGs. A total of 637 transcription factors were shown to be dehydration responsive. In addition, a number of genes involved in the metabolism and signaling of hormones were significantly affected by the dehydration stress. This dataset provides valuable information regarding the Pyrus betulaefolia transcriptome changes in response to dehydration and may promote identification and functional analysis of potential genes that could be used for improving drought tolerance via genetic engineering of non-model, but economically-important, perennial species.