Lead contamination alters enzyme activities and microbial composition in the rhizosphere soil of the hyperaccumulator Pogonatherum crinitum.

Pogonatherum crinitum is a promising lead (Pb) hyperaccumulator; however, the effects of Pb contamination on P. crinitum rhizosphere soil enzymatic activities and microbial composition remain largely unexplored. Thus, an indoor experiment was conducted by cultivating P. crinitum seedlings and exposing them to four Pb concentrations (0, 1,000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg Pb). Protease, urease, acid phosphatase and invertase activities were determined using standard methods while soil bacterial composition was determined by 16 S rDNA sequencing. The results showed that rhizosphere soil acid phosphatase activity significantly increased with increasing Pb concentration, while urease activity was significantly greater in rhizosphere soil contaminated with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg than in the control. There was a clear shift in bacterial composition during phytoremediation by P. crinitum. Compared to the control, Bacteroidetes was more abundant in all Pb-contaminated soils, Actinobacteria was more abundant in 1000 mg/kg Pb-treated soil, and Firmicutes was more abundant in 3000 mg/kg Pb-treated soil. Positive correlations were observed between dominant bacterial phyla and soil enzyme activities. Metabolic pathways, such as ABC transporter, quinine reductase, and ATP-binding protein were significantly increased in rhizosphere soil bacteria with Pb contamination. In conclusion, Pb contamination differentially influenced the activities of rhizosphere soil enzymes, specifically increasing acid phosphatase and urease activities, and alters the dominance of soil bacteria through up-regulation of genes related to some metabolic pathways. The strong correlations between dominant bacterial phyla and enzymatic activities suggest synergetic effects on the growth of P. crinitum during Pb contamination.

Association of IL-18 promoter gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.

Interleukin-18(IL-18) plays a potential pathological role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The conclusions of the published reports on the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms -607C/A (rs1946518) and -137G/C (rs187238) located in the IL-18 gene promoter and RA risk remain controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between IL-18 gene promoter (-607A/C and -137C/G) polymorphisms and RA using (1) allele, (2) codominant, (3) dominant, and (4) recessive models. Literature search was conducted up to January, 2013, in PubMed, EMBASE, Spring-link, Web of Science, Wanfang (Chinese) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). A total of 10 studies from eight articles involving 2,662 cases and 2,168 controls for -607A/C polymorphism and 9 studies from six articles involving 1,331 cases and 1,468 controls for -137C/G polymorphism were considered in the meta-analysis. For the relationship of IL-18 -607A/C polymorphism with RA risk, significant association was observed in allele model (OR = 0.778, 95 % CI = 0.633-0.955) and dominant model (OR = 0.618, 95 % CI = 0.466-0.819). However, no significant association could be observed between -137C/G polymorphism and RA risk under all genetic models (allele model: OR = 0.940, 95 % CI = 0.777-1.138; codominant model: OR = 1.079, 95 % CI = 0.574-2.029; dominant model: OR = 0.913, 95 % CI = 0.779-1.069; recessive model: OR = 1.133, 95 % CI = 0.586-2.190). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant result was also found in Asian populations but not found in Caucasian populations for the relationship of IL-18 -607A/C polymorphism with RA risk; while no obvious association was found between IL-18 -137C/G polymorphism and RA risk. This meta-analysis indicates that IL-18 -607A/C polymorphism in promoter region may be associated with RA risk.

Single-cell profiling of the pig cecum at various developmental stages.

The gastrointestinal tract is essential for food digestion, nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and microbial defense. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the intestinal tract has greatly enriched our understanding of cellular diversity, functional heterogeneity, and their importance in intestinal tract development and disease. Although such profiling has been extensively conducted in humans and mice, the single-cell gene expression landscape of the pig cecum remains unexplored. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on 45 572 cells obtained from seven cecal samples in pigs at four different developmental stages (days (D) 30, 42, 150, and 730). Analysis revealed 12 major cell types and 38 subtypes, as well as their distinctive genes, transcription factors, and regulons, many of which were conserved in humans. An increase in the relative proportions of CD8 + T and Granzyme A (low expression) natural killer T cells (GZMA low NKT) cells and a decrease in the relative proportions of epithelial stem cells, Tregs, RHEX + T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were noted across the developmental stages. Moreover, the post-weaning period exhibited an up-regulation in mitochondrial genes, COX2 and ND2, as well as genes involved in immune activation in multiple cell types. Cell-cell crosstalk analysis indicated that IBP6 + fibroblasts were the main signal senders at D30, whereas IBP6 - fibroblasts assumed this role at the other stages. NKT cells established interactions with epithelial cells and IBP6 + fibroblasts in the D730 cecum through mediation of GZMA-F2RL1/F2RL2 pairs. This study provides valuable insights into cellular heterogeneity and function in the pig cecum at different development stages.

Simulation of highly efficient GeSe-based solar cells with SCAPS-1D.

Recently GeSe has developed as a promising light harvesting material by enjoying to its optical and electrical features as well as earth-abundant and low-toxic constituent elements. Nevertheless, the power conversion efficiency of GeSe-based solar cells yet lags far behind the Shockley-Queisser limit. In this work, we systematically designed, simulated and analyzed the highly efficient GeSe thin-film solar cells by SCAPS-1D. The influence of thickness and defect density of light harvest material, GeSe/CdS interface defect density, electron transport layer (ETL), electrode work function and hole transport layer (HTL) on the device output are carefully analyzed. By optimizing the parameters (thickness, defect, concentration, work function, ETL and HTL), an impressive PCE of 17.98% is delivered along with Jsc of 37.11 mA/cm2, FF of 75.53%, Voc of 0.61 V. This work offers theoretical guidance for the design of highly efficient GeSe thin film solar cells.

Sputtering of Molybdenum as a Promising Back Electrode Candidate for Superstrate Structured Sb2 S3 Solar Cells.

Sb2 S3 is rapidly developed as light absorber material for solar cells due to its excellent photoelectric properties. However, the use of the organic hole transport layer of Spiro-OMeTAD and gold (Au) in Sb2 S3 solar cells imposes serious problems in stability and cost. In this work, low-cost molybdenum (Mo) prepared by magnetron sputtering is demonstrated to serve as a back electrode in superstrate structured Sb2 S3 solar cells for the first time. And a multifunctional layer of Se is inserted between Sb2 S3 /Mo interface by evaporation, which plays vital roles as: i) soft loading of high-energy Mo particles with the help of cottonlike-Se layer; ii) formation of surficial Sb2 Se3 on Sb2 S3 layer, and then reducing hole transportation barrier. To further alleviate the roll-over effect, a pre-selenide Mo target and consequentially form a MoSe2 is skillfully sputtered, which is expected to manipulate the band alignment and render an enhanced holes extraction. Impressively, the device with an optimized Mo electrode achieves an efficiency of 5.1%, which is one of the highest values among non-noble metal electrode based Sb2 S3 solar cells. This work sheds light on the potential development of low-cost metal electrodes for superstrate Sb2 S3 devices by carefully designing the back contact interface.

Protection of CHO cells by transfer of survivin driven by ovarian-specific promoter OSP-2.

Chemotherapy is the major therapy for cancer in clinic. However, chemotherapeutic agents can harm the other tissues/organs besides cancer. Thus, there are great interests in protecting the innocents by the transfer of protective genes. There are two problems to be solved, one is the selection of protective genes and the other is the orientation of the exotic genes. Recent researches demonstrated that the principal mechanism of chemotherapeutics was through apoptosis. Hereby, introduction of anti-apoptosis genes might interrupt the processes of apoptosis to avoid side effect from chemotherapeutics. On the other hand, tissue-specific promoters, which control gene expression in a tissue-specific manner, might be an alternative tool to guarantee the location of target genes. In this research, we applied gene therapy to chemoprotection using anti-apoptosis gene survivin and ovarian-specific promoter OSP-2. The results showed that OSP-2 could specifically drive the expression of survivin in ovarian cells and survivin could protect cells via inhibiting apoptosis. This might put a light on the future of chemoprotective gene therapy.

A One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Antibacterial Silver Nanoparticle-Cellulose Film.

Using N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as a reducing agent in the presence of PVP-K30, the stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) solution was prepared by a convenient method for the in situ reduction of silver nitrate. The cellulose-Ag-NPs composite film (CANF) was cast in the same container using lithium chloride (LiCl) giving the Ag-NPs-PVP/DMAc solution cellulose solubility as well as γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) to couple Ag-NPs and cellulose. The results showed that the Ag-NPs were uniformly dispersed in solution, and the solution had strong antibacterial activities. It was found that the one-pot synthesis allowed the growth of and cross-linking with cellulose processes of Ag-NPs conducted simultaneously. Approximately 61% of Ag-NPs was successfully loaded in CANF, and Ag-NPs were uniformly dispersed in the surface and internal of the composite film. The composite film exhibited good tensile properties (tensile strength could reach up to 86.4 MPa), transparency (light transmittance exceeds 70%), thermal stability, and remarkable antibacterial activities. The sterilization effect of CANF0.04 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli exceed 99.9%. Due to low residual LiCl/DMAc and low diffusion of Ag-NPs, the composite film may have potential for applications in food packaging and bacterial barrier.

In vitro study on reversal of ovarian cancer cell resistance to cisplatin by naringin via the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action by which naringin reverses the resistance of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting assays were used to detect the effects of different concentrations of naringin on the expressions of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the SKOV3/CDDP cell line. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting NF-κB was designed and synthesized to silence NF-κB, and recombinant plasmid vectors overexpressing NF-κB were constructed to transfect cells. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were subsequently performed to detect the effects of NF-κB on the expression of P-gp at the mRNA and protein levels. Naringin was added to the NF-κB-overexpressing SKOV3/CDDP cells and cultured for 48 h, followed by the detection of the expression of P-gp. RT-PCR and western blotting results demonstrated that the gene and protein expressions of NF-κB and P-gp were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by naringin treatment (P<0.05). In cells overexpressing NF-κB, P-gp expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), and the expression of P-gp was significantly decreased when NF-κB was silenced (P<0.05). Treatment with naringin was able to significantly ameliorate the NF-κB-induced overexpression of P-gp (P<0.05). These results indicate that naringin is able to inhibit the expression of NF-κB and P-gp in SKOV3/CDDP cells. Such an inhibitory effect may increase gradually with concentration, and is associated with blockade of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This pathway may represent one of the mechanisms of action by which Naringin reverses resistance to platinum-based agents in ovarian cancer cells.

Adding nickel formate in alkali lignin to increase contents of alkylphenols and aromatics during fast pyrolysis.

The composition of pyrolysis vapors obtained from alkali lignin pyrolysis with the additive of nickel formate was examined using the pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Characterization of bio-chars was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the nickel formate significantly increased liquid yield, simplified the types of alkali lignin pyrolysis products and increased individual component contents. The additive of nickel formate increased contents of alkylphenols and aromatics from alkali lignin pyrolysis. With an increase in temperature, a greater amount of the relative contents can be achieved. The nickel formate was thermally decomposed to form hydrogen, resulting in hydrodeoxygenation of alkali lignin during pyrolysis. It was also found that Ni is in favor of producing alkylphenols. The analysis based on the experimental result provided evidences used to propose reaction mechanism for pyrolysis of nickel formate-assisted alkali lignin.

A MOUSE MODEL OF MAMMARY HYPERPLASIA INDUCED BY ORAL HORMONE ADMINISTRATION.

BACKGROUND: Mammary hyperplasia is one of the most common benign breast disorders. Although traditional Chinese medicine has a vast experience in the treatment of mammary hyperplasia, it is not accepted widely due to its unclear mechanism. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To address the mechanism, we developed a mouse model of mammary hyperplasia. We gave mice estradiol valerate tablets and progesterone capsules sequentially for one month by intragastric administration. RESULTS: Mice treated by this method had a series of pathological changes which are similar to those detected in women with mammary hyperplasia, including ectopic level of estradiol and progesterone in serum, hyperplasia of mammary glands and increased expression of ERα and PR. CONCLUSION: This model will facilitate the mechanical study of traditional medicine on mammary hyperplasia.

Changes in subcellular distribution and antioxidant compounds involved in Pb accumulation and detoxification in Neyraudia reynaudiana.

The effects of increasing concentrations of lead (Pb) on Pb accumulation, subcellular distribution, ultrastructure, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidative enzyme activity, malondialdehyde content, and phytochelatin contents were investigated in Neyraudia reynaudiana seedlings after a 21-day exposure. A Pb analysis at the subcellular level showed that the majority of Pb in the roots was associated with the cell wall fraction, followed by the soluble fraction. In contrast, the majority of the Pb in the leaves was located in the soluble fraction based on transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses. Furthermore, high Pb concentrations adversely affected N. reynaudiana cellular structure. The changes in enzyme activity suggested that the antioxidant system plays an important role in eliminating or alleviating Pb toxicity, both in the roots and leaves of N. reynaudiana. Additionally, the phytochelatin contents in the roots and leaves differed significantly between Pb-spiked treatments and control plants. Our results provide strong evidence that cell walls restrict Pb uptake into the protoplasm and establish an important protective barrier. Subsequent vacuolar compartmentalization in leaves could isolate Pb from other substances in the cell and minimize Pb toxicity in other organelles over time. These results also demonstrated that the levels of antioxidant enzymes and phytochelatin in leaves and roots are correlated with Pb toxicity. These detoxification mechanisms promote Pb tolerance in N. reynaudiana.

Effect of cilostazol pretreatment on the PARP/AIF-mediated apoptotic pathway in rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models.

The aim of this study was to observe the expression of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and to explore whether cilostazol pretreatment exerts a protective effect on the brain through the PARP/AIF-mediated pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham-surgery, ischemia-reperfusion and cilostazol (n=45 rats/group). Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were prepared using a thread occlusion method. Rats in the cilostazol group were administered 30 mg/kg intragastric cilostazol 6 and 2 h before brain ischemia, respectively. Following reperfusion, samples were collected at different time-points (6, 24 and 72 h) and each group was further subdivided into three subgroups (n=15 rats/subgroup). Apoptosis was measured using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method. The protein expression levels of AIF and PARP were detected using western blot analysis and the expression levels of AIF mRNA were determined using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. AIF nuclear translocation occurred following local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Apoptosis, levels of AIF and PARP protein expression and levels of AIF mRNA expression were significantly increased in the ischemia-reperfusion group compared with the sham-surgery group (P<0.05). However, apoptosis and the expression levels of AIF protein, PARP protein and AIF mRNA at different time-points were significantly decreased in the cilostazol group compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (P<0.05). In conclusion, cilostazol has a protective effect on rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and acts by inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis by preventing the excessive activation of PARP and AIF nuclear translocation.

Quality improvement of pyrolysis oil from waste rubber by adding sawdust.

This work was aimed at improving the pyrolysis oil quality of waste rubber by adding larch sawdust. Using a 1 kg/h stainless pyrolysis reactor, the contents of sawdust in rubber were gradually increased from 0%, 50%, 100% and 200% (wt%) during the pyrolysis process. Using a thermo-gravimetric (TG) analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of evolving products (TG-FTIR), the weight loss characteristics of the heat under different mixtures of sawdust/rubber were observed. Using the pyrolysis-gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), the vapors from the pyrolysis processes were collected and the compositions of the vapors were examined. During the pyrolysis process, the recovery of the pyrolysis gas and its composition were measured in-situ at a reaction temperature of 450 °C and a retaining time of 1.2s. The results indicated that the efficiency of pyrolysis was increased and the residual carbon was reduced as the percentage of sawdust increased. The adding of sawdust significantly improved the pyrolysis oil quality by reducing the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen and sulfur compounds contents, resulting in an improvement in the combustion efficiency of the pyrolysis oil.

Management of intrauterine adhesions: a novel intrauterine device.

Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are a rare but significant cause of menstrual disturbance and infertility. Most cases are caused by uterine instrumentation. Several methods have been used to prevent IUAs in the past, which can be divided into two groups: pharmacological treatment and physical barrier. However, even with the liberal use of ancillary treatments to minimize reformation of adhesions, IUAs have a high rate of recurrence. Furthermore, medical literature of the last decades has only dedicated great attention to the restoration of normal anatomy in the uterine cavity, but not on the function of the endometrium. When the lesion of the endometrium is severe, especially intrauterine fibrosis, few basal layer is left which contains plenty stem cells to regenerate functional endometrium. Loss of endometrial stem cells directly causes the proliferation of fibrous tissue and subsequent synechiae. None of current treatments can compensate the defect of loss of stem cells. On the basis of existing researches, a novel intrauterine device (IUD) is recommended in this article. The new IUD consists of a light frame which contains two isolated drug-releasing system, one for estrogen and the other for cytokines to promote regeneration of endometrium such as growth factors, and a membrane in the middle of the frame which is also the carrier of endometrium stem cell. This device not only helps to preserve the original anatomy of the uterine cavity, but also to recover the function of endometrium. Experimental and clinical studies are now needed to testify the efficiency of the novel IUD in the prevention of IUAs. If there is a marked reduction in the IUAs and/or improvement of pregnancy success in the case group compared with the control group, our hypothesis will be confirmed.

Dammarane-type saponins from Panax quinquefolium and their inhibition activity on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

A new compound, named quinquefoloside-L(c) (1), together with nine known compounds, was isolated from leaves of Panax quinquefolium, and its structure was elucidated as 3beta,12beta, 20S-trihydroxy-25-methoxydammar-23-ene 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20-O-beta-D-xylopyanosyl (1-->6) beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), on the basis of MS, 1D-and 2D-NMR experiments as well as by chemical degradation. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line was also tested by MTT method.