The Vitis yeshanensis U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase VyPUB21 enhances resistance to powdery mildew by targeting degradation of NIM1-interacting (NIMIN) protein.

KEY MESSAGE: VyPUB21 plays a key role during the defense against powdery mildew in grapes. Ubiquitin-ligating enzyme (E3), a type of protein widely found in plants, plays a key role in their resistance to disease. Yet how E3 participates in the disease-resistant response of Chinese wild grapevine (Vitis yeshanensis) remains unclear. Here we isolated and identified a U-box type E3 ubiquitin ligase, VyPUB21, from V. yeshanensis. This gene's expression level rose rapidly after induction by exogenous salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ETH) and powdery mildew. In vitro ubiquitination assay results revealed VyPUB21 could produce ubiquitination bands after co-incubation with ubiquitin, ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2); further, mutation of the conserved amino acid site in the U-box can inhibit the ubiquitination. Transgenic VyPUB21 Arabidopsis had low susceptibility to powdery mildew, and significantly fewer conidiophores and spores on its leaves. Expression levels of disease resistance-related genes were also augmented in transgenic Arabidopsis, and its SA concentration also significantly increased. VyPUB21 interacts with VyNIMIN and targets VyNIMIN protein hydrolysis through the 26S proteasome system. Thus, the repressive effect of the NIMIN-NPR complex on the late systemic acquired resistance (SAR) gene was attenuated, resulting in enhanced resistance to powdery mildew. These results indicate that VyPUB21 encoding ubiquitin ligase U-box E3 activates the SA signaling pathway, and VyPUB21 promotes the expression of late SAR gene by degrading the important protein VyNIMIN of SA signaling pathway, thus enhancing grape resistance to powdery mildew.

Ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells promote osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by targeting sonic hedgehog signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Despite their high repair capability, bone defects still present a major challenge in orthopedic tissue engineering. Osteoblast differentiation is central to the treatment of bone defects. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used nasal mucosal-derived ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) to promote osteogenic differentiation by co-culturing MC3T3-E1 cells. Our results showed that MC3T3-E1/EMSCs co-culture upregulated bone-related proteins and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone nodule formation relative to controls. Furthermore, our results showed that EMSC-derived sonic hedgehog (Shh) accounted for the enhanced MC3T3-E1 differentiation because inhibiting Shh signaling substantially reduced osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these results suggest that EMSCs differentiated into osteoblast cells and supported MC3T3-E1 differentiation. Thus, EMSCs may be a promising cell source for treating bone-related diseases.

ITGB3BP is a potential biomarker associated with poor prognosis of glioma.

Despite the growing recognition of ITGB3BP as an essential feature of various cancers, the relationship between ITGB3BP and glioma remains unclear. The main aim of this study was to determine the prognostic and diagnostic value of ITGB3BP in glioma. RNA-Seq and microarray data from 2222 glioma patients were included, and we found that the expression level of ITGB3BP in glioma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal brain tissues. Moreover, ITGB3BP can be considered an independent risk factor for poor prognosis and has great predictive value for the prognosis of glioma. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that ITGB3BP contributes to the poor prognosis of glioma by activating tumour-related signalling pathways. Some small-molecule drugs were identified, such as hexestrol, which may specifically inhibit ITGB3BP and be useful in the treatment of glioma. The TIMER database analysis results revealed a correlation between the expression of ITGB3BP and the infiltration of various immune cells in glioma. Our findings provide the first evidence that the up-regulation of ITGB3BP correlates with poor prognosis in human glioma. Thus, ITGB3BP is a potential new biomarker that can be used for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of glioma.

Overexpressed XRCC2 as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in glioma patients.

BACKGROUND: XRCC2, a homologous recombination-related gene, has been reported to be associated with a variety of cancers. However, its role in glioma has not been reported. This study aimed to find out the role of XRCC2 in glioma and reveal in which glioma-specific biological processes is XRCC2 involved based on thousands of glioma samples, thereby, providing a new perspective in the treatment and prognostic evaluation of glioma. METHODS: The expression characteristics of XRCC2 in thousands of glioma samples from CGGA and TCGA databases were comprehensively analyzed. Wilcox or Kruskal test was used to analyze the expression pattern of XRCC2 in gliomas with different clinical and molecular features. The effect of XRCC2 on the prognosis of glioma patients was explored by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the possible cellular mechanisms involved in XRCC2 in glioma. Connectivity map (CMap) was used to screen small molecule drugs targeting XRCC2 and the expression levels of XRCC2 were verified in glioma cells and tissues by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: We found the overexpression of XRCC2 in glioma. Moreover, the overexpressed XRCC2 was associated with a variety of clinical features related to prognosis. Cox and meta-analyses showed that XRCC2 is an independent risk factor for the poor prognosis of glioma. Furthermore, the results of GSEA indicated that overexpressed XRCC2 could promote malignant progression through involved signaling pathways, such as in the cell cycle. Finally, doxazosin, quinostatin, canavanine, and chrysin were identified to exert anti-glioma effects by targeting XRCC2. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzed the expression pattern of XRCC2 in gliomas and its relationship with prognosis using multiple datasets. This is the first study to show that XRCC2, a novel oncogene, is significantly overexpressed in glioma and can lead to poor prognosis in glioma patients. XRCC2 could serve as a new biomarker for glioma diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation, thus bringing new insight into the management of glioma.

Identification of C3H2C3-type RING E3 ubiquitin ligase in grapevine and characterization of drought resistance function of VyRCHC114.

BACKGROUND: RING is one of the largest E3 ubiquitin ligase families and C3H2C3 type is the largest subfamily of RING, which plays an important role in plant growth and development, and growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. RESULTS: A total of 143 RING C3H2C3-type genes (RCHCs) were discovered from the grapevine genome and separated into groups (I-XI) according to their phylogenetic analysis, and these genes named according to their positions on chromosomes. Gene replication analysis showed that tandem duplications play a predominant role in the expansion of VvRCHCs family together. Structural analysis showed that most VvRCHCs (67.13 %) had no more than 2 introns, while genes clustered together based on phylogenetic trees had similar motifs and evolutionarily conserved structures. Cis-acting element analysis showed the diversity of VvRCHCs regulation. The expression profiles of eight DEGs in RNA-Seq after drought stress were like the results of qRT-PCR analysis. In vitro ubiquitin experiment showed that VyRCHC114 had E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, overexpression of VyRCHC114 in Arabidopsis improved drought tolerance. Moreover, the transgenic plant survival rate increased by 30 %, accompanied by electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll content and the activities of SOD, POD, APX and CAT were changed. The quantitative expression of AtCOR15a, AtRD29A, AtERD15 and AtP5CS1 showed that they participated in the response to drought stress may be regulated by the expression of VyRCHC114. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable new information for the evolution of grapevine RCHCs and its relevance for studying the functional characteristics of grapevine VyRCHC114 genes under drought stress.

Enhanced neural differentiation of neural stem cells by sustained release of Shh from TG2 gene-modified EMSC co-culture in vitro.

As a promising cell therapy, neural crest-derived ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) secrete high amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) and neurotrophic factors, promoting neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation into neuronal lineages and aiding tissue regeneration. Additionally, the forced overexpression of secreted proteins can increase the therapeutic efficacy of the secretome. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family of calcium-dependent crosslinking enzymes, which can stabilize the ECM, inducing smart or living biomaterial to stimulate differentiation and enhance the neurogenesis of NSCs. In this study, we examined the neuronal differentiation of NSCs induced by TG2 gene-modified EMSCs (TG2-EMSCs) in a co-culture model directly. Two weeks after initiating differentiation, levels of the neuronal markers, tubulin beta 3 class III and growth-associated protein 43, were higher in NSCs in the TG2-EMSC co-culture group and those of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein were lower, compared with the control group. These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence, and laminin, fibronectin and sonic hedgehog (Shh) contributed to this effect. The results of western blot analysis and the enzyme-linked immunoassay showed that after TG2-EMSCs were co-cultured for 2 weeks, they expressed much higher levels of Shh than the control group. Moreover, the sustained release of Shh was observed in the TG2-EMSC co-culture group. Overall, our findings indicate that EMSCs can induce the differentiation of NSCs, of which TG2-EMSCs can promote the differentiation of NSCs compared with EMSCs.

Evaluation of Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy via the AngioJet System Combined with Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for the Treatment of Symptomatic Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Current methods of treating lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT), such as catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) alone, or percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) alone, are accompanied by unacceptably high risks of complications. This preliminary retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of CDT combined with PMT (via the AngioJet system), relative to CDT alone, in treating LEDVT. METHODS: Forty-two patients (43 limbs) with symptomatic deep venous thrombosis received either CDT alone (n = 12) or PMT combined with CDT (PMT + CDT) from May 2012 to December 2016. The groups were compared for clinical outcomes and demographics, LEDVT risk factors, and dosages of urokinase. Thrombus removal, by venographic evidence, was classified as grades I (<50%), II (50 to 99%), or III (>99%). RESULTS: In the CDT (PMT + CDT) cohorts, grades I, II, and III thrombus removal was achieved by 8% (3%), 17% (10%), and 75% (87%) of patients, respectively. The urokinase dosage and hospitalization required by the CDT group (5.29 ± 0.45 million IU, 20.4 ± 4.6 days) were significantly greater than those required by the PMT + CDT group (4.08 ± 1.15 million IU, 16.0 ± 6.0 days; P = 0.001, 0.039). The clinical outcomes of the 2 groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Combined PMT and CDT was effective and safe for LEDVT clinical therapy, and hospital stay, urokinase dosage, and complications were less compared with patients who received CDT only.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) serotonin N-acetyltransferase (VvSNAT2) gene involved in plant defense.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule and exists across kingdoms. Studies on melatonin in plants have mainly focused on its physiological influence on growth and development, and on its biosynthesis. A number of studies have been conducted on the melatonin content and exogenous melatonin treatment of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). However, key genes or enzymes of the melatonin biosynthetic pathway remain unclear. RESULTS: In this study, we cloned and identified the gene encoding serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) in grapevine (VvSNAT2). The VvSNAT2 protein was identified from a collection of 30 members of the grapevine GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily. Phylogenetic and protein sublocalization analyses showed that the candidate gene VvGNAT16 is VvSNAT2. Characterization of VvSNAT2 showed that its enzymatic activity is highest at a pH of 8.8 and a temperature of 45 °C. Analysis of enzyme kinetics showed the values of Km and Vmax of VvSNAT2 using serotonin were 392.5 µM and 836 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The expression of VvSNAT2 was induced by melatonin treatment and pathogen inoculation. Overexpression of VvSNAT2 in Arabidopsis resulted in greater accumulation of melatonin and chlorophyll and enhanced resistance to powdery mildew in the transgenic plants compared with the wild type (WT). Additionally, our data showed that the marker genes in the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway were expressed to higher levels in the transgenic plants compared with the WT. CONCLUSIONS: The VvSNAT2 gene was cloned and identified in grapevine for the first time. Our results indicate that VvSNAT2 overexpression activates the SA and JA signaling pathways; however, the SA pathway plays a central role in VvSNAT2-mediated plant defense.

Functional Characterization of Resistance to Powdery Mildew of VvTIFY9 from Vitis vinifera.

Powdery mildew is a disease caused by fungal pathogens that harms grape leaves and fruits. The TIFY gene family is a plant-specific super-family involved in the process of plants' development and their biotic and abiotic stress responses. This study aimed to learn the function of the VvTIFY9 gene to investigate molecular mechanisms of grape resistance to powdery mildew. A VvTIFY9 protein encoding a conserved motif (TIF[F/Y]XG) was characterized in grape (Vitis vinifera). Sequence analysis confirmed that VvTIFY9 contained this conserved motif (TIF[F/Y]XG). Quantitative PCR analysis of VvTIFY9 in various grape tissues demonstrated that the expression of VvTIFY9 was higher in grape leaves. VvTIFY9 was induced by salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and it also quickly responded to infection with Erysiphe necator in grape. Analysis of the subcellular localization and transcriptional activation activity of VvTIFY9 showed that VvTIFY9 located to the nucleus and had transcriptional activity. Arabidopsis that overexpressed VvTIFY9 were more resistant to Golovinomyces cichoracearum, and quantitative PCR revealed that two defense-related genes, AtPR1 and AtPDF1.2, were up-regulated in the overexpressing lines. These results indicate that VvTIFY9 is intimately involved in SA-mediated resistance to grape powdery mildew. This study provides the basis for exploring the molecular mechanism of grape resistance to disease resistance and candidate genes for transgenic disease resistance breeding of grape plants.

T cell responses in senior patients with community-acquired pneumonia related to disease severity.

Senior individuals older than 65 years of age are at a disproportionally higher risk of developing pneumonia. Impaired capacity to defend against airway infections may be one of the reasons. It is generally believed that weaker regulatory T cell responses may be beneficial to host defense against pathogens. In senior patients with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, we investigated the frequencies and functions of regulatory T cells. Interestingly, we found that compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls, senior pneumonia patients presented lower frequencies of Foxp3-expressing and Helios-expressing CD4+ T cells. The quantity of Foxp3 and Helios being expressed, measured by their mRNA transcription levels, was also lower in CD4+ T cells from pneumonia patients. Furthermore, following TCR and TGF-ß stimulation, pneumonia patients presented impaired capacity to upregulate Foxp3 and Helios. Functional analyses revealed that CD4+ T cells from pneumonia patients secreted lower amounts of IL-10 and TGF-ß, two cytokines critical to regulatory T cell-mediated suppression. Also, the expression of granzyme B and perforin, which were cytolytic molecules potentially utilized by regulatory T cells to mediate the elimination of antigen-presenting cells and effector T cells, were reduced in CD4+CD25+ T cells from senior pneumonia patients. In addition, the CD4+CD25+ T cells from senior pneumonia patients presented reduced capacity to suppress effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation. Moreover, the value of pneumonia severity index was inversely correlated with several parameters of regulatory T cell function. Together, our results demonstrated that senior pneumonia patients presented a counterintuitive impairment in regulatory T cell responses that was associated with worse prognosis.

Morphological and molecular evidence for three new species of Coltricia (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) from southern China.

Three new species of Coltricia from southern China are described on the basis of morphological characters and molecular analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and partial 28S rDNA, and partial sequences of genes for RNA polymerase II subunits 1 and 2 confirmed the generic placement of the three new species. Coltricia lateralis is characterized by small, laterally stipitate basidiocarps, obtuse pileus margin, cinnamon-buff to honey yellow pore surface, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores that measure 7-8 × 5-6 µm. Coltricia rigida is characterized by large, woody-hard fan-shaped basidiocarps, small pores (7-8 per mm), presence of septate sclerified hyphae, and subglobose to globose basidiospores that measure 6-7 × 5-6.5 µm. Coltricia wenshanensis is characterized by centrally stipitate basidiocarps, a distinctly concentrically zonate and sulcate pileal surface, large pores (0.5-2 per mm), and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores that measure 7.5-8 × 6-7 µm.

Polymorphisms in cyclooxygenase-2 gene and risk of developing coal workers' pneumoconiosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is characterized by progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammation is crucial in the host response to silica and it contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in this process. The association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in cyclooxygenase-2 gene with pneumoconiosis risk was investigated. METHODS: An association study was conducted by analyzing two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2 (rs689466 and rs20417) in a case-control study involving 90 patients and 90 healthy individuals (controls). Genotyping was performed by the TaqMan method. RESULTS: The rs689466 AG and GG and rs689466 GC polymorphisms were significantly less frequent in patients than in controls. Cyclooxygenase-2 rs689466 and rs20417 variant genotypes exhibited 21% and 12% decreased CWP risk, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cyclooxygenase-2 rs689466 and rs20417 polymorphisms were associated with CWP risk.

Cloning, expression, and purification of a new antibacterial substance gene from larvae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), the housefly, exhibits unique immune defenses and can produce antibacterial substances upon stimulation with bacteria. On the basis of the cDNA library constructed using the suppression subtractive hybridization method, a 1188-bp antibacterial substance gene, which we named AS566, was amplified by rapid amplification of cDNA ends from M. domestica larva stimulated with Salmonella pullorum (Enterobacteriaceae: Salmonella). In this study, the full-length AS566 gene was cloned and inserted into a His-tagged Escherichia coli (Enterobacteriaceae: Escherichia) prokaryotic expression system to enable production of the recombinant protein. The recombinant AS566 protein was purified in denatured form from inclusion bodies and renatured to obtain functionally active AS566 protein. The bacteriostatic activity of the recombinant purified AS566 protein was assessed using the Oxford plate assay system and the results indicated that AS566 had antibacterial activity against six bacteria, including an E. coli clinical isolate, S. pullorum, Streptococcus bovis (Streptococcaceae: Streptococcus), Streptococcus suis, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcaceae: Staphylococcus) in vitro. The antibacterial activity of AS566 toward Gram- bacteria was two times greater than that against Gram+ bacteria. The sequencing results and BLAST analysis showed that the antibacterial substance gene AS566 was not homologous to any other antibacterial substance genes in GenBank. The antibacterial mechanisms of the newly discovered AS566 protein warrant further study.

Three new species of Favolaschia (Mycenaceae, Agaricales) from South China.

The genus Favolaschia within the family Mycenaceae is characterised by the gelatinous basidiomata with poroid hymenophore and most species inhabit monocotyledonous plants. In this study, many samples covering a wide geographic range in China were examined morphologically and phylogenetically using concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-nLSU sequence data. Three new species clustering in Favolaschiasect.Anechinus, namely Favolaschiaimbricata, F.miscanthi and F.sinarundinariae, are described. Favolaschiaimbricata is characterised by imbricate basidiomata with pale grey to greyish colour when fresh and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 7-9 × 5-6.8 µm; F.miscanthi is characterised by satin white basidiomata when fresh, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 7.5-10 × 5.5-7 µm and inhabit rotten Miscanthus; F.sinarundinariae is characterised by greyish-white basidiomata when fresh, dark grey near the base upon drying, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 7-9 × 5-7 µm and inhabit dead Sinarundinaria. The differences amongst the new species and their morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed. In addition, an updated key to 19 species of Favolaschia found in China is provided.

Effects of total bilirubin on the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women without potential liver disease.

It is still uncertain whether total bilirubin per se is a risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and no study has so far examined this important issue. This study was designed to assess the sheer effects of total bilirubin on the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women without potential liver disease. In the present study, postmenopausal female subjects without potential liver disease (n = 918) who underwent measurement of bone mineral density were enrolled. Correlation and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between total bilirubin and other variables. As a result, subjects with osteoporosis had a significantly lower total bilirubin level (P = 0.005). A 0.1 mg/dl increase in total bilirubin was associated with reduced odds ratio of the risk by 38 % for osteoporosis [OR 0.62 (95 % CI 0.52-0.88), P = 0.012] after adjustment for several variables. Total bilirubin was independently associated with BMD [coefficient = 0.41, 95 % CI (0.35-0.47), P < 0.001 for lumbar spine and coefficient = 0.44, 95 % CI (0.36-0.48), P < 0.001 for femur neck]. A positive correlation could be observed with significant difference between total bilirubin and z-score (r = 0.33, P < 0.001 for lumbar spine and r = 0.37, P < 0.001 for femur neck) and total bilirubin was positively correlated with serum calcium (r = 0.13, P < 0.001) as well. Therefore, this study demonstrates an independent inverse association between total bilirubin and the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women without potential liver disease. Total bilirubin would be useful as a provisional new risk factor of osteoporosis in such a population.

Serum total bilirubin is inversely associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in men with hypertension.

Serum total bilirubin has been suggested to have the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the vasculature. This study was designed to investigate the association of bilirubin with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a marker of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease. Hypertensive male subjects (n = 2,361) were classified into groups according to the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles of baPWV value. Correlation and regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between baPWV and other variables. Hypertensive subjects with baPWV above the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles had a significantly lower bilirubin level than those with baPWV under them (0.97 ± 0.40 vs. 1.00 ± 0.41 mg/dl, P < 0.001; 0.95 ± 0.39 vs. 0.99 ± 0.41 mg/dl, P = 0.001; 0.92 ± 0.36 vs. 0.99 ± 0.42 mg/dl, P = 0.048, respectively). Bilirubin is inversely related to baPWV (R (2) = 0.0032, P = 0.003) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (correlation coefficient = -0.13, P < 0.001). A 0.1 mg/dl increase in bilirubin was associated with a 19, 20, and 34 % reduced odds ratio for baPWV above the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles, respectively [odds ratio (OR) 0.77 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.95), P = 0.015; OR 0.80 (95 % CI 0.64-0.99), P = 0.044; OR 0.68 (95 % CI 0.45-1.00), P = 0.048, respectively] after adjustment for several variables. This study demonstrates an independent inverse association between bilirubin and baPWV in hypertensive men. Additionally, reduced CRP may be one of mediators on the mechanisms how bilirubin reduces baPWV.

[Effects of whole lung lavage on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whole lung lavage (WLL) on the pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with pneumoconiosis. METHODS: Forty-one patients with pneumoconiosis who quit dust-exposed work not more than 6 months before underwent WLL. Clinical symptom assessment, pulmonary function test, and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed before and one week after WLL, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The patients with pneumoconiosis showed no significant changes in clinical symptoms after WLL. At one week after WLL, the patients with pneumoconiosis showed nonsignificant increases in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), and percent predicted FEV1 (P > 0.05); peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) increased from 2140.6 ± 353.2 ml/min before WLL to 2374.6 ± 362.4 ml/min after WLL, percent predicted peak VO2 increased from 82.2 ± 13.7% before WLL to 91.0 ± 14.0% after WLL, peak VO2/kg increased from 30.6 ± 3.5 ml/min×kg before WLL to 34.2 ± 3.7 ml/min×kg after WLL, and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide decreased from 30.6 ± 3.1 before WLL to 26.1 ± 2.7 after WLL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: WLL can remarkably improve the oxygen uptake and ventilatory efficiency in patients with pneumoconiosis during exercise, so it can improve the exercise capacity of these patients.

Two new species of Scytinostroma (Russulales, Basidiomycota) in Southwest China.

Two new species of Scytinostroma viz. S. acystidiatum and S. macrospermum, are described from southwest China. Phylogeny based on ITS + nLSU dataset demonstrates that samples of the two species form two independent lineages and are different in morphology from the existing species of Scytinostroma. Scytinostroma acystidiatum is characterized by resupinate, coriaceous basidiomata with cream to pale yellow hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing simple septa, the absence of cystidia, and amyloid, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.7-7 × 3.5-4.7 µm. Scytinostroma macrospermum is characterized by resupinate, coriaceous basidiomata with cream to straw yellow hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing simple septa, numerous cystidia embedded or projecting from hymenium, and inamyloid, ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 9-11 × 4.5-5.5 µm. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed.

Two new species of Haploporus (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and Ecuador based on morphology and phylogeny.

At present, 25 species are accepted in Haploporus and are distributed in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. In this study, two new species, Haploporus ecuadorensis from Ecuador and H. monomitica from China, are described and illustrated based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses. H. ecuadorensis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with pinkish buff to honey yellow hymenophore when dry, round to angular pores of 2-4 per mm, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, hyphae at dissepiment edge usually with one or two simple septa, the presence of dendrohyphidia and cystidioles, and oblong to ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 14.9-17.9 × 6.9-8.8 µm. Haploporus monomitica differs from other Haploporus species in that it has a monomitic hyphal system and strongly dextrinoid basidiospores. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed. In addition, an updated key to 27 species of Haploporus is provided.

Species diversity of pathogenic wood-rotting fungi (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in China.

Wood-rotting basidiomycetes have been investigated in the Chinese forest ecosystem for the past 30 years. Two hundred and five pathogenic wood-decayers belonging to 9 orders, 30 families, and 74 genera have been found in Chinese native forests, plantations, and gardens. Seventy-two species (accounting for 35% of the total pathogenic species) are reported as pathogenic fungi in China for the first time. Among these pathogens, 184 species are polypores, nine are corticioid fungi, eight are agarics and five are hydnoid basidiomycetes. One hundred and seventy-seven species (accounting for 86%) cause white rot, while 28 species (accounting for 14%) result in brown rot; 157 species grow on angiosperm trees (accounting for 76.5%) and 44 species occur on gymnosperm trees (accounting for 21.5%), only four species inhabit both angiosperms and gymnosperms (accounting for 2%); 95 species are distributed in boreal to temperate forests and 110 in subtropical to tropical forests. In addition, 17 species, including Fomitopsis pinicola, Heterobasidion parviporum, and Phellinidium weirii etc. which were previously treated as pathogenic species in China, do not occur in China according to recent studies. In this paper, the host(s), type of forest, rot type, and distribution of each pathogenic species in China are given.