Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of bHLH Family Genes in Iris domestica under Drought and Cu Stress.

The role of bHLH transcription factors in plant response to abiotic stress and regulation of flavonoid metabolism is well documented. However, to date, the bHLH transcription factor family in Iris domestica remains unreported, impeding further research on flavonoid metabolism in this plant. To address this knowledge gap, we employed bioinformatics to identify 39 IdbHLH genes and characterised their phylogenetic relationships and gene expression patterns under both drought and copper stress conditions. Our evolutionary tree analysis classified the 39 IdbHLHs into 17 subfamilies. Expression pattern analysis revealed that different IdbHLH transcription factors had distinct expression trends in various organs, suggesting that they might be involved in diverse biological processes. We found that IdbHLH36 was highly expressed in all organs (Transcripts Per Million (TPM) > 10), while only 12 IdbHLH genes in the rhizome and four in the root were significantly upregulated under drought stress. Of these, four genes (IdbHLH05, -37, -38, -39) were co-upregulated in both the rhizome and root, indicating their potential role in drought resistance. With regards to copper stress, we found that only 12 genes were upregulated. Further co-expression analysis revealed that most bHLH genes were significantly correlated with key enzyme genes involved in isoflavone biosynthesis. Thereinto, IdbHLH06 showed a significant positive correlation with IdC4H1 and Id4CL1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a transient expression assay confirmed that the IdbHLH06 protein was localised in the nucleus. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of bHLH transcription factors in isoflavone biosynthesis in I. domestica.

Diabetic retinopathy predicts cardiovascular mortality in diabetes: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remained unclear. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to assess whether DR predicted CVD mortality in diabetic patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for cohort studies reporting the association of DR and CVD mortality. Then we pooled the data for analysis. RESULTS: After screening the literature, 10 eligible studies with 11,239 diabetic subjects were finally included in quantitative synthesis. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of DR, mild DR, and severe DR for CVD mortality was 1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42, 2.36; p < 0.001), 1.13 (95% CI 0.81, 1.59; p = 0.46), and 2.26 (1.31, 3.91; p = 0.003), respectively, compared to those without DR. In type 2 DM, the patients with DR had a significantly higher CVD mortality (RR: 1.69; 95% CI 1.27, 2.24; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also showed a significantly higher CVD mortality in DR according to various regions, study design, data source, and follow-up period (all RR > 1; all P values < 0.05). Data from 2 studies showed no significant correlation of DR and CVD mortality in diabetic patients receiving cardiovascular surgery (RR: 2.40; 95% CI 0.63, 9.18; P = 0.200). CONCLUSIONS: DR is a risk marker of cardiovascular death, and severe DR predicts a doubled mortality of CVD in diabetes. These findings indicate the importance of early identification and management of diabetic patients with DR to reduce the risk of death.

Tuning electronic and optical properties of arsenene/C3N van der Waals heterostructure by vertical strain and external electric field.

Searching for new van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure with novel electronic and optical properties is of great interest and importance for the next generation of devices. By using first-principles calculations, we show that the electronic and optical properties of the arsenene/C3N vdW heterostructure can be effectively modulated by applying vertical strain and external electric field. Our results suggest that this heterostructure has an intrinsic type-II band alignment with an indirect bandgap of 0.16 eV, facilitating the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The bandgap in the heterostructure can be tuned from 0-0.35 eV via the strain, experiencing an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition. Moreover, the bandgap of the heterostructure varies linearly with respect to a moderate external electric field, and the semiconductor-to-metal transition can be realized in the presence of a strong electric field. The calculated band alignment and the optical absorption reveal that the arsenene/C3N heterostructure could present excellent light-harvesting performance. Our designed vdW heterostructure is expected to have great potential applications in nanoelectronic devices and photovoltaics.

Polymorphisms in IRG1 gene associated with immune responses to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population and function to restrain the HBV life cycle.

Vaccination against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is extensively used as an effective method to prevent HBV infection. However, nearly 10% of healthy adults fail to produce a protective level of antibodies against the hepatitis B vaccine, and multiple genetic variants are known to affect the immune response to the hepatitis B vaccine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in immunoresponsive gene 1 (IRG1) gene and the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the IRG1 gene were genotyped in 1230 high-responders and 451 non-responders to hepatitis B vaccination. The SNPs rs17470171 and rs17385627 were associated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination (P = 0.014 and 0.029, respectively). In addition, the haplotypes G-A-A-A (rs614171-rs17470171-rs9530614-rs17385627, P = 0.0042, OR = 0.68) and A-A (rs17470171-rs17385627, P = 0.0065, OR = 0.72) exerted a protective role in the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination. Allele 'A' of rs17470171 and allele 'A' of rs17385627 show higher levels of expression for the IRG1 gene compared with allele 'C' of rs17470171 and allele 'T' of rs17385627 as demonstrated by luciferase reporter and overexpression assays. In addition, we observed that IRG1 inhibited the HBV life cycle and that IRG1 rs17385627 allele 'A' was more effective than rs17385627 allele 'T' at eliminating HBV in HepG2.2.15 cells. These findings suggest that polymorphisms in the IRG1 gene are associated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination. The antiviral effect of IRG1 was confirmed using HBV infection cell models.

Identification and control of a poliomyelitis outbreak in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: The last case of infection with wild-type poliovirus indigenous to China was reported in 1994, and China was certified as a poliomyelitis-free region in 2000. In 2011, an outbreak of infection with imported wild-type poliovirus occurred in the province of Xinjiang. METHODS: We conducted an investigation to guide the response to the outbreak, performed sequence analysis of the poliovirus type 1 capsid protein VP1 to determine the source, and carried out serologic and coverage surveys to assess the risk of viral propagation. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis was intensified to enhance case ascertainment. RESULTS: Between July 3 and October 9, 2011, investigators identified 21 cases of infection with wild-type poliovirus and 23 clinically compatible cases in southern Xinjiang. Wild-type poliovirus type 1 was isolated from 14 of 673 contacts of patients with acute flaccid paralysis (2.1%) and from 13 of 491 healthy persons who were not in contact with affected persons (2.6%). Sequence analysis implicated an imported wild-type poliovirus that originated in Pakistan as the cause of the outbreak. A public health emergency was declared in Xinjiang after the outbreak was confirmed. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis was enhanced, with daily reporting from all public and private hospitals. Five rounds of vaccination with live, attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) were conducted among children and adults, and 43 million doses of OPV were administered. Trivalent OPV was used in three rounds, and monovalent OPV type 1 was used in two rounds. The outbreak was stopped 1.5 months after laboratory confirmation of the index case. CONCLUSIONS: The 2011 outbreak in China showed that poliomyelitis-free countries remain at risk for outbreaks while the poliovirus circulates anywhere in the world. Global eradication of poliomyelitis will benefit all countries, even those that are currently free of poliomyelitis.

Inaccuracy of Self-reported Low Sodium Diet among Chinese: Findings from Baseline Survey for Shandong & Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) Project.

This study was aimed to evaluate the agreement between the self-reported sodium intake level and 24-h urine sodium excretion level in Chinese. The 24-h urine collection was conducted among 2112 adults aged 18-69 years randomly selected in Shandong Province, China. The subjects were asked whether their sodium intake was low, moderate, or high. The weighted kappa statistics was calculated to assess the agreement between 24-h urine sodium excretion level and self-reported sodium intake level. One third of the subjects reported low sodium intake level. About 70% of the subjects had mean 24-h sodium excretion>9 g/d, but reported low or moderate sodium intake. The agreement between self-reported sodium intake level and 24-h urine sodium excretion level was low in both normotensive subjects and hypertensive subjects. These findings suggested that many subjects who reported low sodium intake had actual urine sodium excretion>9 g/d. Sodium intake is often underestimated in both hypertensive and normotensive participants in China.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associations with blood pressure among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and high blood pressure (BP) are public health problems all over the world. Some studies have reported a positive association between them in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associations with BP among school children and adolescents in Shandong, an important province in eastern China. METHODS: In 2011, we conducted a cross-sectional population-representative survey in Shandong, China. A total of 4 898 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were randomly selected from 140 counties/districts using a multistage random cluster sampling. Weight, height and BP were measured by a trained physician or pediatrician, and information about age, gender and place of residence was obtained using questionnaires. Obesity and high BP were defined according to age- and gender-specific Chinese reference data for children. RESULTS: A total of 4 898 (100%) children and adolescents provided complete information. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and overweight plus obesity were 10.9%, 8.7% and 19.6%, respectively. Boys were more likely to be overweight or obese than girls (P < 0.05 for overweight; P < 0.001 for obesity). The prevalence of overweight plus obesity was highest among children aged 6-11 years (22.3%). BP and the prevalence of high BP increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). With age and sex adjusted, odds ratios (ORs) for high BP were [OR 2.2;95% CI 1.7-2.8) in overweight and [OR 3.6;95% CI 2.6-4.9] in obese children. CONCLUSION: The representative survey confirms high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong. Childhood obesity is a strong risk factor for high BP. Intervention programs should be implemented to combat the growing obesity epidemic.

Dietary sodium intake and its impact factors in adults of Shandong province.

Dietary sodium intake and its impact factors in 2 140 adults aged 18-69 years were analyzed. The mean daily sodium intake was 5745.0 (5427.6-6062.5) mg per day, which was higher in males than in females (P<0.01). After having been adjusted for gender, age and urban/city areas, the mean daily sodium intake was significantly higher in participants with a lower education level, drinkers and smokers than in those with a higher education level, nondrinkers and nonsmokers (P<0.01). The dietary sodium intake in adults of Shandong Province is higher than the recommended standards.

[Preliminary analysis on the prevalence and causes of breakthrough hepatitis B virus infection among children in Shandong province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence and probable causes of breakthrough hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among children born after the introduction of universal infant hepatitis B vaccination in Shandong province, China. METHODS: The subjects of this study were selected from the provincial hepatitis B serosurvey conducted in 2006, who were born between 1992 and 2005 (aged 1-15 years) and were confirmed to have completed three or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Finally 3527 subjects were involved in this study and were investigated using a unified question are. Blood samples were collected from them to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against HBsAg (Anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc). The parents of children positive for HBsAg were followed up. Blood samples were collected from their parents to detect for HBsAg. The rate and correlative factors of breakthrough HBV infection were gotten by single-factor and multiple-factor analysis. RESULTS: For the 3527 subjects, the overall prevalence rates of breakthrough HBV infection were 3.15% (111/3527), which decreased while birth year grew (χ(2)(Trend) = 44.83, P < 0.01) , the rate of subjects born in 1992 was the highest (9.9%, 16/161) , subjects born in 2000 was the least (0.8%, 2/258) , the rate of the self-report positive HBsAg status of mother, father and the other family members (15.22%, 7/46;34.09%, 15/44;17.65%, 6/34) were higher than the negative (2.99%, 104/3481, 2.76%, 96/3483, 3.01%, 105/3493) (χ(2) values were 22.28, 13.97, 23.68, respectively, all P values were < 0.01) , timely first dose of hepatitis B vaccine (5.37%, 41/763) was higher than the subjects that not in time (2.53%, 70/2764) (χ(2) = 15.596, P < 0.01) . The overall prevalence rates of breakthrough chronic HBV infection was 1.08% (38/3527), which decreased while birth year grew (χ(2)(Trend) = 9.96, P < 0.05) , the rate of subjects born in 1992 was the most (3.1%, 5/161) , subjects born in 1997 was the least (0.4%, 1/261) , the rate of the self-report positive HBsAg status of mother, father and the other family members (13.04%, 6/46;29.55%, 13/44;17.65%, 6/34) were higher than the negative (0.92%, 32/3481;0.72%, 25/3483;0.92%, 32/3493) (χ(2) values were 62.62, 338.80, 88.44, respectively, all P values were < 0.05) , timely first dose of hepatitis B vaccine (1.83%, 14/763) was lower than the subjects that not in time (0.87%, 24/2764) (χ(2) = 5.16, P = 0.02) . Multiple factors analysis showed that compared to the negative, the self-report positive HBsAg status of father, mother increased the risk of breakthrough HBV infection,OR (95%CI) values were 3.73 (1.09-12.75) and 26.76 (11.86-60.37) , respectively (all P values were < 0.05) , compared with eastern cities, the risk of western cities were the highest (OR (95%CI) = 6.00 (2.50-14.40) , P < 0.05) the risk of children born in 1992-2001 was higher than those born in 2002 ( (OR (95%CI) = 1.91 (1.10-3.32) , P < 0.05) . Compared to the negative, the self-report positive HBsAg status of father, mother and the other family members increased the risk of breakthrough chronic HBV infection,OR (95%CI) values were 7.51 (1.44-39.17) , 99.99 (34.29-291.62) , 8.94 (1.81-44.10) , respectively (all P values were < 0.05) , compared with eastern cities, the risk of western rural areas were the highest (OR (95%CI) = 12.51 (2.78-56.25) , P < 0.05) , sharing tooth brush with the others increased the risk (OR (95%CI) = 8.67 (1.14-66.14) , P < 0.05) . Among HBsAg-positive children, those with HBsAg positive mother and father accounted for 12/23 and 6/19, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of breakthrough HBV infection and breakthrough chronic HBV infection among children was low in Shandong province. Mother to infant transmission might be the main reason for the infection while the role of the horizontal transmission within the family shouldn't be ignored.

[Comparative analysis of main agronomic traits and interrelationships in cultivation provenances of Pesudostellaria heterophylla from Guizhou province].

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance for selection and breeding of Pesudostellaria heterophylla, agronomic traits of 3 mainly cultivated form of P. heterophylla were observed and compared in Guizhou shibing. METHOD: Thirteen agronomic traits of P. heterophylla from 3 cultivation form were measured and the traits were analyzed using multiple comparison, correlation analysis, multiple stepwise regression analysis and path analysis. RESULT: The results showed that agronomic traits were different in 3 cultivation form, significant(P <0.05)or very significant correlated (P <0.01)among multiple agronomic traits, the width and the number of root, the first branch number, cleistogamous flowers, length and width of leaves, and the aboveground biomass were the main factors that affected the underground biomass, and the number of root, the aboveground biomass had a directly positive effect on the underground biomass. Meanwhile, whole length, length and width of leaves, cleistogamous flowers etc. had direct or indirect effect on the underground biomass. CONCLUSION: Aboveground biomass would be as the best indirect selection traits on breeding high yield of P. heterophylla, the first branch number, width of leaves and cleistogamous flowers world be as a better auxiliary index on breeding high variety of P. heterophylla.

Optimal energy management strategy for dual-power coupling tractor based on the adaptive control technology.

Hybrid tractors (HT) are regarded as the efficient agricultural machine due to their energy conservation performance and faster torque response to deal with load fluctuations. However, the strategy to allocate the battery and fuel energy for demand power should be discussed. In this paper, an on-line management strategy of the HT is proposed to optimize the energy consumption of engine and motor and to reduce torque ripple for power units. A new architecture for replacing power shift and continuously variable transmission technology is proposed. Then, the modified equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is used to optimize the torque distribution in which the equivalent factor is further calculated for the real-time process. Besides, the modification of ECMS in variable working conditions can effectively analyse the torque distribution between the motor and engine. The numerical test is implemented that the effectiveness of the proposed energy strategy is validated in plowing conditions. The consequences indicated that the proposed power distribution strategy can adaptively allocate the torque demand according to the fluctuation load. Comparing with the traditional rule-based strategy, the proposed strategy can reduce 6.2% of the energy, and decrease torque ripple with the proposed tractor architecture.

[Magnetic liposome mediated shRNA specifically suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inhibition of shRNA mediated by magnetic liposome in the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) under the interference of magnetic field in vitro and in vivo and explore the effects of magnetic field on the efficiency of magnetofection. METHODS: The plasmid of pGFPshIGF-1R was constructed for expressing GFP and shRNA against IGF-1R. CombiMAG as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and Lipofectamine2000 as cationic liposome comprised the magnetic liposome. pGFPshIGF-1R was transferred into A549 cells by magnetofection under a series of interaction durations and intensity of external magnetic fields. pGFPshIGF-1R was delivered into A549 cells in vitro and injected intravenously into the tumor-bearing mice every 48 h for four doses in vivo by way of lipofection or magnetofection. The magnetofection efficiency was analyzed by cytometry and the potency of IGF-1R knockdown by Western blot. At Week 3 after the 4th injection, the mice were sacrificed and the tumors removed and weighed. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated. RESULTS: The interaction durations and intensity of magnetic field could influence the magnetofection efficiency. In vitro, IGF-1R specific-shRNA transfected by lipofection inhibited IGF-1R protein by 56.1% ± 6.0% and by liposomal magnetofection by 85.1% ± 3.0%. In vivo, pGFPshIGF-1R delivered by both lipofection and magnetofection significantly inhibited the tumor growth by 41.3% (P < 0.01) and 65.2% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on magnetic liposome as gene vectors, magnetofection may become a promising targeted therapy for lung cancer. And the transfection efficiency is influenced by magnetic field.

[Study on antibody response to revaccination of hepatitis B vaccine among firstly low-response adults].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the antibody to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (anti-HBs) response and the influent factors of revaccination of 4 kinds of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among firstly low-response adults. METHODS: A total of 11 590 adults who were 18 - 49 years old, never received HepB vaccination, without HBV infection history, HBs-Ag negative, and had been living at 3 towns of Zhangqiu county in Shandong province Ji'nan city for more than half a year, were selected in the study in July, 2009. Self-designed questionnaire was used to select the basic information of the subjects. The subjects were divided into 4 groups by cluster sampling, and were vaccinated according to the "0-1-6" immune procedure with 10 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 10 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Hansenula Polymorpha (HepB-HP), 20 µg HepB-SC and 20 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 3 doses respectively. The adults who were low-response to the primary hepatitis B vaccination (10 mU/ml ≤ anti-HBs < 100 mU/ml) were divided into four groups by cluster sampling. These groups were revaccinated with one-dose of above-mentioned four kinds of HepB respectively. Blood samples were drawn from each person one month after the revaccination. Anti-HBs was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay and compared by the vaccine type. The influence factors about antibody response were also analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 11 590 subjects, 8592 adults had accepted the primary vaccination of hepatitis B and been collected the blood samples; among whom, 1306 subjects showed low-response, at the rate of 15.20%. A total of 1034 low-response subjects accepted secondary strengthened vaccination and were collected blood samples; 55.13% of them showed anti-HBs seroconversion (anti-HBs ≥ 100 mU/ml); while the seroconversion rate in each group was 44.54% (106/238) in 10 µg HepB-SC group, 57.14% (156/273) in 10 µg HepB-HP group, 56.08% (143/255) in 20 µg HepB-SC group and 61.57% (165/268) in 20 µg HepB-CHO group, respectively. There was significant difference among the groups (χ² = 17.14, P < 0.01). The rates of anti-HBs seroconversion were significantly higher in 10 µg HepB-HP and 20 µg HepB-CHO groups than it in 10 µg HepB-SC group (χ² were 8.09 and 14.70 respectively, P < 0.01). The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs was 178.24 mU/ml among the low-responders after one dose of revaccination. The GMC was 109.77, 243.50, 144.98 and 242.83 mU/ml in 10 µg HepB-SC group, 10 µg HepB-HP group, 20 µg HepB-SC group and 20 µg HepB-CHO group, respectively. There was significant difference among groups (F = 9.52, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Anti-HBs response could be strengthened effectively after one-dose of HepB revaccination among the low-response adults. Many factors like the vaccine types could effect the immune effects to HepB. A better response could be achieved if the 20 µg HepB-CHO or 10 µg HepB-HP was used for revaccination.

[One-stop hybrid cardiac surgery for adults with complex heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and security of one-stop hybrid cardiac surgery for the treatment of adult patients with complex heart disease. METHODS: From November 2011 to March 2012, a total of 5 patients [4 male, mean age: (58.8 ± 14.7) years] underwent one-stop hybrid approach in the hybrid operating room. Two patients suffered from multi-coronary lesions, 2 patients were diagnosed with both valvular heart disease and coronary disease, and another 1 patient had valve disease and congenital heart disease (patent ductus arteriosus). Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting for the left anterior descending or valvular surgery) and percutaneous intervention were performed in an enhanced operative unit. The efficacy and security of one-stop hybrid cardiac surgery were evaluated after the procedure. RESULTS: The one-stop hybrid procedure was successful in all patients. Left internal mammary artery grafts were unobstructed. A total of 6 non-left anterior descending coronary lesions were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention and 6 drug-eluting stents were implanted. There was no death, perioperative myocardial infarction, heart failure, prosthetic valve dysfunction, respiratory failure, stroke or repeat surgery during the procedure period. All patients remained free from angina, prosthetic valve dysfunction and patent ductus arteriosus recanalisation during the 3.2 months (rang 1 to 5 months) follow-up period. CONCLUSION: One-stop hybrid cardiac surgery provides a reasonable, feasible and safe alternative for treating adult patients with complex heart disease.

[Seed dormancy mechanisms of Pseudostellaria heterophylla and its germination characteristics].

OBJECTIVE: Seed dormancy mechanisms, breaking dormancy and the optimal germinating conditions were studied to improve reproductive efficiency and quality standard of Pseudostellaria heterophylla. METHOD: The P. heterophylla seeds were stratified into wettish sand for 65 days under the temperature of -2-3 degrees C, embryo length and germination dynamic change of seeds were measured in prophase every other 10 days and in middle every other 5 days. The influences on seed germination and seedling growth under different temperatures, germination beds were investigated. RESULT: The P. heterophylla seeds embryo morphology was unchanged in stratification. The seeds could not germinate at stratification within the first 35 days. The germination rate and germination energy of seeds increased with the stratification time after 35 days. Germination rate, germination energy, plant height and fresh weight under the 10 degrees C were significantly higher than those under other temperatures. Germination rate, germination energy, plant height, fresh weight and dry weight of plant in sand bed were higher than those of plant in other beds, and seed mildew rate and abnormal seedling proportion of plant in sand bed were less than those of plant in other beds. CONCLUSION: The dormancy of P. heterophylla seeds is mainly the physiological post-maturation. The optimal germination conditions of seeds is 10 degrees C the culture of sand. The dormancy was broke under -2-3 degrees C of wettish sand for 45-50 days in practice.

[Variation of icariin and total flavonoid of Epimedium acuminatum in different parts and habitats].

OBJECTIVE: Through comparative study on contents of icariin and total flavonoid of Epimedium acuminatum in different habitats and parts, the distribution and correlation of the two components were observed. METHOD: Twenty-four sample spots in four habitats were set up, and the whole plant of these samples was divided as following: leaf, root, stem and rhizome. Total flavonoid and icariin of samples were determined by using the UV method and the HPLC, respectively. The data was analyzed by SPSS 17.0. RESULT: The distribution of icariin in different parts had the pattern: leaf > root > stem > rhizome, the total flavonoid content was higher in leaf, but it showed no difference in other parts. Habitat had certain effect on icariin accumulation in E. acuminatum. The significant differences of total flavonoid content in E. acuminatum from different parts were not observed. CONCLUSION: The distribution of icariin from different parts and habitats has high selectivity. Metabolism and accumulation of flavonoid content in each part have no difference. Flavonoid content is less affected by environment. Considering the distribution of icariin and flavonoid content in every part and the growth strategy in different habitats comprehensively, it is reasonable to harvest the aerial part for the sustainable utilization of E. acuminatum.

Evolutionary phylogeography reveals novel genotypes of coxsackievirus A24 variant and updates the spatiotemporal dynamics in the population with acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVES: The coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v) has raised a remarkable concern because of its main etiological role in acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to summarize CVA24v isolated from acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks and acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Shandong province, China during 1988-2020. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods based on the VP1 coding region were used to determine the CVA24v origin, spatiotemporal dynamics, and evolution. Also, the positive selection sites in the VP1 gene were identified and exhibited in the tertiary structure. RESULTS: The global CVA24vs were classified into eight genotypes (GⅠ-GⅧ). Here, 12 CVA24v isolates were detected, of which five strains were typed as two novel genotypes (GⅦ and GⅧ) and reported first in the world. The time to the most recent common ancestor of the global CVA24v was estimated around March 1965 and evolved with 5.573 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year. Four residues under positive selection were detected, and residue 146T might be adapted in the CVA24v pandemic. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that China was the main source sink for CVA24v dispersion in a long-lasting global pattern. CONCLUSION: Our study updated the epidemiological characteristics of CVA24v and enabled a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying different genotypes. The results provided new insights into the CVA24v origin, spatiotemporal dynamics, and possibly, the determinants of viral tropism and pathogenicity.

The complete chloroplast genome of Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. mandshuricum (Maxim.) Kitag. (Aristolochiaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine herb.

The complete chloroplast genome of A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum reported herein was a circular DNA molecule of 160,262 bp in length. The typical quadripartite structure of the genome consisted of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 27,262 bp separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,927 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 16,811 bp. The overall GC content of the genome is 38.45%, with 36.7%, 33.1%, and 43.0% in LSC, SSC, IR regions, respectively. The cp genome encoded 125 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. 138 SSRs were identified in the genome. Phylogenetic anlysis showed the position of A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum is closely related to A. heterotropoides.

Bioactivity and Control Efficacy of the Novel Antibiotic Tetramycin against Various Kiwifruit Diseases.

Tetramycin, a novel polyene agriculture antibiotic, has excellent antimicrobial activity against many plant pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of tetramycin and conventional antibiotics on eight common pathogens and their field control efficacies against four serious diseases in kiwifruit were investigated. The results show that 0.3% tetramycin aqueous solutions (AS) exhibited the superior antibacterial and antifungal activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, Pseudomonas fulva, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Botryosphaeriadothidea, Phomopsis sp., Alternaria tenuissima, Armillariella mellea and Phytophthora cactorum of kiwifruit pathogens with EC50 values of 1.21, 1.24, 0.72, 0.14, 0.09, 0.16, 0.06 and 0.17 mg kg-1, respectively. These EC50 values of tetramycin were much higher than those of conventional kasugamycin, zhongshengmycin or polyoxin. Meanwhile, 0.3% tetramycin AS possessed the good field control efficacies for canker, soft rot, blossom blight and brown spot disease of kiwifruit with 74.45, 83.55, 84.74 and 89.62%. Moreover, 0.3% tetramycin AS application notably increased fruit resistance substances contents, activated fruit superoxide dismutase and polyphenoloxidase activities, as well as remarkably enhanced fruit growth, improved fruit quality and storability. This study highlights that tetramycin can be used as a preferred alternative to conventional antibiotics in kiwifruit production.

Parachute mitral valve associated with reticular chordae tendineae in an adult: case report.

BACKGROUND: Parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae is an extremely rare anomaly. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of parachute mitral valve associated with distinctive reticular chordae tendineae in an adult. It was diagnosed from the echocardiogram. The patient was referred for surgery. Valve analysis showed thickened mitral valve leaflets and commissures. The chordae tendinae were lengthy and thick. All the chordae tendinae merged into a solitary papillary muscle. A distinctive reticular fibrous tissue was found on mitral valve apparatus as the chordae tendinae intermixed each other. The only functional communication between the left atrium and the left ventricle was through the reticular spaces. This anomaly was considered to be unrepairable and was replaced with a mechanical valve. CONCLUSIONS: An extremely rare and unique case of parachute mitral valve associated with reticular chordae tendineae was reported. Mitral valve replacement is a reasonable choice in patients with parachute mitral valve with reticular chordae tendineae.