Application of Targeted Coronary Angiography in the Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death.

OBJECTIVES: To diagnose coronary artery stenosis by using the postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA), and to explore the diagnostic value of PMCTA in sudden cardiac death. METHODS: Six death cases were selected, and the contrast medium iohexol was injected under high pressure through femoral artery approach with 5F pigtail catheter to obtain coronary image data and then the data was analyzed. The results of targeted coronary imaging and coronary artery calcium score (CaS) were compared with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. RESULTS: The autopsy and histopathological examination of cases with coronary artery stenosis obtained similar results in targeted coronary angiography, with a diagnostic concordance rate of 83.3%. Targeted coronary angiography could effectively show coronary artery diseases, and the CaS was consistent with the results of conventional autopsy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted coronary angiography can be used as an effective auxiliary method for conventional autopsy in cases of sudden cardiac death.

Numerical study on the influence of the linewidth of a QCW pulsed sodium laser on the brightness of a guide star.

In this paper, we investigated the impact of the linewidth of a QCW pulsed sodium laser on the brightness performance of a generating sodium laser guide star by using the numerical simulation tool PRS. We compared the field test results with the simulation results for two TIPC's 30W class sodium guide star lasers and found the results are in good agreement which proves the tool can be used for prediction. Then, we used the tool to study the influence of D2b repumping and different linewidths from 10MHz to 1GHz on the coupling efficiency and the photon return flux. For the TIPC's QCW pulsed solid-state laser, when the on-sky power density is 1 W/m2, the coupling efficiency is 79.6 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)) without D2b repumping, however, the value is up to 213.3 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)) with 15% D2b enabled and is increased by 168% than the value without D2b; when the power density reaches 10 W/m2, the coupling efficiencies without D2b and with 15% D2b are 66.6 and 233.6 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)), respectively. The results show that for the QCW pulsed laser, D2b repumping is necessary. With D2b enabled, if the spectral linewidth is too wide or too narrow, the photon return flux will be adversely affected. The return flux of 60MHz is 52.5% higher than that of 1GHz, while the return flux of 300MHz is 37.8% higher than that of 10 MHz when the laser power is 100W.

Posttranscriptional regulation of MMP-9 by HuR contributes to IL-1ß-induced pterygium fibroblast migration and invasion.

Inflammation is considered to be critical in the pterygium progression and recurrence. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well understood. Herein, we investigated the potential role of RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR) responsible for the impact of inflammation on pterygium development. The expression of HuR and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) in pterygium and normal conjunctiva was detected with immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The influence of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) on HuR expression and cellular distribution was determined with western blot and immunofluorescence. The pterygium fibroblast (PTF) migration was determined with scratch wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. MMP-9 production was determined with qRT-PCR and gelatin zymography. The interaction between HuR and MMP-9 was investigated with RNP immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by RT-PCR and messenger RNA (mRNA) stability analysis. HuR and MMP-9 expression are elevated in pterygium, especially progressive pterygium compared with normal conjunctiva. IL-1ß could increase the expression and nucleus-cytoplasm shuttle of HuR in cultured PTFs. HuR mediated the stimulatory effect of IL-1ß on PTF migration and MMP-9 production. HuR bound to MMP-9 mRNA and in turn increased it stability. Our results suggest that posttranscriptional regulation of MMP-9 via stabilizing mRNA by HuR might contribute to the stimulatory effect of inflammatory factor IL-1ß on pterygium progression. These findings shed light on the pathogenesis of pterygium and provide a promising target for adjuvant treatment of pterygium.

[Analysis of quality difference based on Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus in genuine region].

This work is to establish the fingerprint of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus by HPLC-ELSD method, and to analyze the simulated wildness degree of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in the genuine region of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Gansu. Compared with wild A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, the quality differences of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in the genuine region were analyzed by identification of chromatographic peaks and similarity evaluation, cluster analysis(CA), principal components analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). HPLC fingerprints of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in different genuine regions are established. The qualitative analysis of mass spectrometry identified 18 components. The similarity evaluation shows that the similarity of 32 batches of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus samples was 0.688-0.993. Among them, the similarity of samples in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia is 0.688-0.993, 0.835-0.989, 0.934-0.988, respectively and the similarity of samples in Gansu is 0.729-0.876 except No. 25 sample. The results of CA show that the samples of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus can be grouped into four categories according to the production area except the No. 11 and No. 25 samples. The results of PCA indicate that 32 batches of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus samples can be clustered according to quality and origin, and the quality of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in Inner Mongolia is the closest to the wild breed. The results of OPLS-DA indicate that there are six components that can distinguish the wild and domestic A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, which are malonylastragaloside Ⅰ, astragaloside Ⅰ, calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glycoside-6″-O-malonate, calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glycoside, formononetin-7-O-ß-D-glycoside-6″-O-malonate, and astrapterocarpan-3-O-ß-D-glycoside-6″-O-malonate. The established method can be used to analyze differences between A. membranaceus var. mongholicus origin and planting environment, and can provide references for the protection and replacement of wild A. membranaceus var. mongholicus resources, and the cultivation, processing and production of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus.

[Controlling the spatiotemporal expression of germ line specific genes by PRC1.6 complex].

Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is a class of epigenetic regulatory complexes that normally represses gene expression by catalyzing and/or recognizing chromatin modifications. PRC1 mainly functions in stem cell maintenance, cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation and related processes. PRC1 also have aberrant functions which has been implicated in many types of developmental diseases and cancers. Mammalian PRC1 complexes are divided into six subtypes based on their composition and function; subtypes include PRC1.1 to PRC1.6. Each PRC1 subtype regulates a unique collection of target genes. The PRC1.6 complex subtype plays key roles in specifically repressing transcription of genes controlling germ cell development in embryonic stem cells and other somatic cell types. Recent research demonstrates that the PRC1.6 complex is also crucial for the timely activation of the germ line of specific genes during spermatogenesis, which is essential for proper gonad development. In this review, we summarize the identification of molecular functions of each core component of the PRC1.6 complex including how it recognizes and represses germ line specific genes. We also update the biological roles of this complex in regulating the spatiotemporal expression of germ line specific genes during embryonic development, gonad development, and spermatogenesis. Lastly, the crosstalk between the PRC1.6 complex and the other main epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling spermatogenesis is discussed. Our discussion of the PRC1.6 complex in regulating germ line specific genes informs the studies of molecular processes of spermatogenesis and contributes to the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of male infertility.

Macular evaluation of the retinal and choroidal vasculature changes in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy-a case control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimes to characterize the fundus structural changes in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and the correlation between macular vessel density, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) parameters and visual field sensitivity (VFS) in NAION patients. METHODS: A retrospective case control study was performed using 37 eyes with NAION, 30 uninvolved contralateral eyes, and 27 eyes of healthy age-matched subjects. Data on the retinas and choroidal vessel densities and VFS were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The NAION group exhibited significantly lower RNFL thicknesses, lower ganglion cell complexes (GCC), larger global loss volume (GLV) values and focal loss volume (FLV) values when compared with both uninvolved eyes and healthy eyes (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The superficial vessel density (SVD) valus (whole, parafovea, superior-hemi and inferior-hemi) were significantly lower in NAION eyes, followed by uninvolved eyes and healthy eyes (p < 0.01; LSD, p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The deep vessel density (DVD) values (parafovea, superior-hemi and inferior-hemi) were the lowest by a significant value in NAION eyes, followed by uninvolved eyes and healthy eyes (p < 0.01; LSD, p < 0.05 for all comparisons). However, DVD value measurements (whole and fovea) of healthy and uninvolved eyes were not significantly different. The average threshold deviation (TD) was - 11.02 ± 3.75 dB for the overall field region, - 6.01 ± 2.21 dB for the affected superior field region and - 9.98 ± 3.34 dB for the affected inferior field region in NAION eyes. A statistically significant correlation was found between the RNFL thickness and visual field(VF) loss (r = - 0.788, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In addition to peripapillary vascular changes occurring in NAION eyes, macular vessel density is also involved. Furthermore, NAION-uninvolved eyes exhibited abnormalities compared with healthy eyes. This indicates that vascular changes may occur before changes in retinal thickness at the early stages of NAION.

[Correlation of molecular weight and nanofiltration mass transfer coefficient of phenolic acid composition from Salvia miltiorrhiza].

Based on the molecular sieving and solution-diffusion effect in nanofiltration separation, the correlation between initial concentration and mass transfer coefficient of three typical phenolic acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza was fitted to analyze the relationship among mass transfer coefficient, molecular weight and concentration. The experiment showed a linear relationship between operation pressure and membrane flux. Meanwhile, the membrane flux was gradually decayed with the increase of solute concentration. On the basis of the molecular sieving and solution-diffusion effect, the mass transfer coefficient and initial concentration of three phenolic acids showed a power function relationship, and the regression coefficients were all greater than 0.9. The mass transfer coefficient and molecular weight of three phenolic acids were negatively correlated with each other, and the order from high to low is protocatechualdehyde >rosmarinic acid> salvianolic acid B. The separation mechanism of nanofiltration for phenolic acids was further clarified through the analysis of the correlation of molecular weight and nanofiltration mass transfer coefficient. The findings provide references for nanofiltration separation, especially for traditional Chinese medicine with phenolic acids.

[Enhanced separation behavior of ephedrine in organic solution by nanofiltration mass transfer model].

Based on the nanofiltration mass transfer model, the enhanced separation behavior of ephedrine in organic solution was studied. In the experiment, the sensitive region of ethanol concentration and pH on the rejection of ephedrine was screened out by Box-Behnken central composite experiment design. Furthermore, to analyze the separation regularity of ephedrine and organic solution, the correlation between mass transfer coefficient and concentration of organic solvent was fitted with the changed organic solution by nanofiltration mass transfer mathematical model. Experiments showed the enhanced separation behavior, the decrease in the mass transfer coefficient while the increase in ethanol concentration from 20% to 40%, MWCO at 450 and pH 6.0. Under the same conditions, the enhanced separation behavior was appeared as the solvent changed into methanol and acetonitrile, the enhanced effect was positively correlated with the concentration of the three common organic solvents, and the effect order was acetonitrile>ethanol>methanol. This study took ephedrine as an example, and explored the mechanism of nanofiltration separation in the environment of organic solution, so as to provide references for nanofiltration separation for heat-sensitive traditional Chinese medicine of alkaloid.

Gap junction protein connexin43 deregulation contributes to bladder carcinogenesis via targeting MAPK pathway.

High expression of connexins was found in a variety of cancers, but their role is still controversial. We investigated whether connexin43 (Cx43) contributed to bladder carcinogenesis through MAPK activation. In this study, we found that Cx43 expression was significantly increased in bladder cancer tissues and cell line. Overexpression of Cx43 in bladder cancer 5637 cells increased cell proliferation, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis. Western blot showed that JNK and ERK pathways were dramatically activated in Cx43-overexpressed cells. Conversely, knockdown of Cx43 inhibited cell proliferation by increasing apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest, concomitant with inhibition of JNK and ERK signaling. In addition, JNK and ERK pathways were also activated in bladder cancer tissues. In conclusion, abnormal high expression and cytoplasmic localization of Cx43 contributed to bladder cancer. Inhibition of Cx43 activity could be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing the progression of bladder cancer.

[Optimize concentrate process of alkaloid from Leonurus japonicus by ultrafultration-nanofiltration coupling technology].

To optimize the concentrate process of alkaloid from Leonurus japonicus by nanofiltration-ultrafiltration coupling technology with response surface methodology. The experiment showed that after ultrafiltration pre-treatment, the total protein removal rate was 94.38% in aqueous extract from L. japonicus, and the nanofiltration technology had obvious advantages over the conventional concentrate process. The optimal concentrate conditions were as follows：molecular weight cut-off 450, pH 3.07, concentration of stachydrine hydrochloride 80.15 mg•L⁻¹, and concentration of the total alkaloid 285.73 mg•L⁻¹. The cut-off rate was 93.37% and 95.85% respectively for stachydrine hydrochloride and the total alkaloid under the optimum conditions, with a relative error of 0.79% and 1.16% respectively. The combination of Box-Behnken design and response surface analysis can well optimize the concentrate process of L. japonicus by nanofiltration, and the results provide the basis for nanofiltration concentrate for heat-sensitive traditional Chinese medicine.

[Analyze nanofiltration separation rule of chlorogenic acid from low concentration ethanol by Donnan effect and solution-diffusion effect].

To separate chlorogenic acid from low concentration ethanol and explore the influence of Donnan effect and solution-diffusion effect on the nanofiltration separation rule. The experiment showed that solution pH and ethanol volume percent had influences on the separation of chlorogenic acid. Within the pH values from 3 to 7 for chlorogenic acid in 30% ethanol, the rejection rate of chlorogenic acid was changed by 70.27%. Through the response surface method for quadratic regression model, an interaction had been found in molecule weight cut-off, pH and ethanol volume percent. In fixed nanofiltration apparatus, the existence states of chlorogenic acid determinedits separation rules. With the increase of ethanol concentration, the free form chlorogenic acid was easily adsorbed, dissolved on membrane surface and then caused high transmittance due to the solution-diffusion effect. However, at the same time, due to the double effects of Donnan effect and solution-diffusion effect, the ionic state of chlorogenic acid was hard to be adsorbed in membrane surface and thus caused high rejection rate. The combination of Box-Behnken design and response surface analysis can well optimize the concentrate process by nanofiltration, and the results showed that nanofiltration had several big advantages over the traditional vacuum concentrate technology, meanwhile, and solved the problems of low efficiency and serious component lossesin the Chinese medicines separation process for low concentration organic solvent-water solution.

The involvement of high mobility group 1 cytokine and phospholipases A2 in diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy, the main microvascular complications of diabetes and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Interesting reports on the role of inflammatory/proangiogenic high mobility group 1 (HMGB-1) cytokine and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in neovascularization have diverted our concentration to reveal whether HMGB-1 and PLA2 plays role in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: We performed our study in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. The expression levels of the cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules in retinal tissues were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. HMGB-1 and PLA2 protein levels along with VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1ß and ICAM-1 levels were also measured. RESULTS: We observed the retinal pericytes, endothelial injury/death and breakdown of blood-retinal barrier (BRB). The protein expression of HMGB-1, PLA2 and IL-1ß were significantly increased in micro vessels from retina of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had also high retinal levels of VEGF, ICAM-1 and TNF-α. Further investigation revealed that pericyte death is mediated by HMGB-1-induced cytotoxic activity of glial cells, while HMGB-1 can directly mediate endothelial cell death. Similarly, increased expression of PLA2 represents the diabetic mediated alteration of BRB, perhaps up regulating the VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that HMGB-1 and PLA2 involved in retinal pericyte and endothelial injury and cell death in diabetic retinopathy. From this study, we suggest that HMGB-1 and PLA2 may be interesting targets in managing diabetic retinopathy.

Blood Group Testing.

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is one of the most frequently performed clinical procedures and therapies to improve tissue oxygen delivery in hospitalized patients worldwide. Generally, the cross-match is the mandatory test in place to meet the clinical needs of RBC transfusion by examining donor-recipient compatibility with antigens and antibodies of blood groups. Blood groups are usually an individual's combination of antigens on the surface of RBCs, typically of the ABO blood group system and the RH blood group system. Accurate and reliable blood group typing is critical before blood transfusion. Serological testing is the routine method for blood group typing based on hemagglutination reactions with RBC antigens against specific antibodies. Nevertheless, emerging technologies for blood group testing may be alternative and supplemental approaches when serological methods cannot determine blood groups. Moreover, some new technologies, such as the evolving applications of blood group genotyping, can precisely identify variant antigens for clinical significance. Therefore, this review mainly presents a clinical overview and perspective of emerging technologies in blood group testing based on the literature. Collectively, this may highlight the most promising strategies and promote blood group typing development to ensure blood transfusion safety.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties of In2.77S4/Ti3C2 composites.

Recently, the problem of water pollution, caused by antibiotics, is becoming more and more serious. Photocatalysis is one of the promising technologies for removing antibiotics from water. Herein, the In2.77S4/Ti3C2 composites were prepared by an in-situ hydrothermal growth method for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). The as-developed composites were characterized by various methods. The UV-Vis DRS spectra reveals that the introduction of Ti3C2 makes the bandgap of the as-prepared composites smaller and the visible light absorption ability improved. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the as-prepared composite is enhanced under visible light illumination. It is shown as first increasing and then decreasing with increasing the content of Ti3C2 in the composite and reaches to the maximum of 89.3% in 90 min, which is higher than 75.1% of In2.77S4 and 6.7% of Ti3C2. The reason of improvement is the interface between In2.77S4 and Ti3C2 is tightly combined to form a heterojunction. Moreover, the photocurrent intensity of the as-obtained composite is improved, while its Nyquist arc radius is decreased. In addition, holes are the main active species and ·OH and ·O2 - play an auxiliary role during the degradation of TC.

Two new ginkgolides from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba.

Two new diterpenoid compounds, ginkgolide P(1) and ginkgolide Q(2), were isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, and the structure of 1 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The activities of the compounds were evaluated against platelet aggregation induced by platelet activating factor (PAF), and the preliminary structure-activity relationship was also discussed.

Three-dimensional ophthalmic artery model reconstruction and assessment captured by computed tomographic angiography in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy patients.

BACKGROUND: The ophthalmic artery (OA) was first reconstructed using computer software. The structural differences of ophthalmic arteries in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and normal eyes, in addition to hemodynamic alterations, were assessed. METHODS: Thirty-one NAION eyes, 19 uninvolved eyes with NAION, and a control group of 26 healthy eyes were retrospectively included. Computed tomographic angiography data were recorded, and corresponding three-dimensional OA models were constructed. Initial OA and internal carotid artery (ICA) diameters and the angle between them were analyzed. Three different OA models were used to evaluate hemodynamic performance. The statistical relationships between the initial diameters of the OA and ICA and the angle between the OA and ICA were described. RESULTS: OA diameters in NAION eyes were significantly smaller than those in both uninvolved and healthy eyes (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between uninvolved and healthy eyes (P=0.31). The initial ICA diameter and the angle between the OA and ICA did not significantly differ among the three groups. In the three models, the blood flow velocity in the initial ophthalmic arteries of uninvolved eyes was higher than that in the NAION eyes. The mass flows of the right and left ophthalmic arteries, accounting for the ipsilateral ICA in the control model, were 0.57%. However, these values in uninvolved and NAION eyes were 1.36% and 0.25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NAION is associated with a smaller initial OA diameter, which may be related to hypoperfusion. To our knowledge, this is the first pilot study to analyze hemodynamic alterations using OA models.

A secondary iris cyst with 3 years of asymptomatic period following a blunt ocular trauma.

PURPOSE: To present a relatively uncommon case with a secondary iris cyst in the anterior chamber and its successful management with an anterior chamber mass excision surgery. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old Chinese woman presented with a dark shadow in her left eye for 6 months without any other discomfort. She had a history of blunt ocular trauma by a badminton strike 3 years ago. Slit-lamp examination showed a small, nearly circular, sharply demarcated, and movable mass in the anterior chamber OS, which could change its position with head tilt. The anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed a well-circumscribed cystic lesion in the anterior chamber with higher reflective outer layer and lower internal reflectivity. An anterior chamber mass removal surgery was performed without recurrence up to 1 year. CONCLUSION: Secondary free-floating iris cyst following a blunt trauma is rarely reported. It is relatively stable and nonprogressive so it may remain asymptomatic for a long time. Appropriate imaging techniques are necessary for facilitating diagnosis and therapy. Therapeutic management should be considered if visual symptoms arise, especially when complications occur.

Rare neonatal malignant primary orbital tumors: Three case reports.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive malignant primary orbital tumors are extremely rare in newborns. The current cases further clarify the clinical features of malignant primary orbital tumors in neonates. CASE SUMMARY: At the time of presentation at the Seventh Center of People's Liberation Army General (PLAG) Hospital, the children were 1-, 2- and 5-mo-old, respectively, and included 2 boys and 1 girl. All three cases had unilateral proptosis at birth, and underwent mass excision and histopathologic examination. A peripheral primary neuroectodermal tumor, an aggressive infantile fibromatosis and an embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma were diagnosed, respectively. The first case underwent routine chemotherapy following surgery but died within three months due to worsening condition as the tumor spread throughout the body. The other two children were treated by surgery, and at the follow-up visits 6 mo and 1 year after surgery, respectively, the wound was completed healed, and they had normal growth and development without radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A review of highly uncommon orbital tumors in newborns is also provided. CONCLUSION: Malignant primary tumors should be considered in the presence of unilateral proptosis in newborns.

Performance evaluation of two fundus oculi angiographic imaging system: Optos 200Tx and Heidelberg Spectralis.

The present study aimed to compare the imaging performance of two ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography imaging systems, namely the OptosOptomap 200Tx (Optos 200Tx) and the Heidelberg Spectralis (Spectralis). A total of 18 patients (36 eyes) underwent angiography using the two systems at the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital (Beijing, China) between January and June 2017. The images were obtained as a single shot centered on the macula. The total area and area within each of four visualized quadrants were calculated and compared. The averages of the total and individual quadrant area captured by the Optos 200Tx were all larger than those obtained with the Spectralis (P<0.05). For pair-wise comparison, the circular area centered on the macula (radius of 10 and 15 mm) was displayed: Optos 200Tx 10 mm (295.57 mm2) < Spectralis (520.11 mm2) < Optos 200Tx 15 mm (596.45 mm2) < Optos 200Tx (804.36 mm2) (P<0.01). The differences of each of the four quadrant areas were statistically significant between the two systems (P<0.05). The mean size of the areas was in the following order: Inferior < temporal < superior < nasal for the Optos 200Tx, and inferior < temporal < nasal < superior for the Spectralis. Further comparison of the four-quadrant area indicated that the inferior quadrant of the Optos 200Tx was smaller than the other three quadrants (P<0.01) and the inferior quadrant of the Spectralis was smaller than the superior quadrant (P<0.01). The total retinal area and the retinal area of each quadrant captured by the Optos 200Tx were larger than those captured with the Spectralis. The total retinal area captured with the Optos 200Tx was able to cover the mid-peripheral area and part of the far-peripheral area of the retina, whereas the Spectralis only covered the mid-peripheral area.

Transcriptome and Biochemical Analysis Jointly Reveal the Effects of Bacillus cereus AR156 on Postharvest Strawberry Gray Mold and Fruit Quality.

Postharvest strawberry is susceptible to gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea, which seriously damage the storage capacity of fruits. Biological control has been implicated as an effective and safe method to suppress plant disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postharvest disease control ability of Bacillus cereus AR156 and explore the response of strawberry fruit to this biocontrol microorganism. Bacillus cereus AR156 treatment significantly suppressed gray mold disease and postponed the strawberry senescence during storage. The bacterium pretreatment remarkably enhanced the reactive oxygen-scavenging and defense-related activities of enzymes. The promotion on the expression of the encoding-genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) that significantly increased the expression of the marker genes of salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, such as PR1, PR2, and PR5, instead of that of the jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) pathway, which was also shown. Moreover, through transcriptome profiling, about 6,781 differentially expressed genes (DEGS) in strawberry upon AR156 treatment were identified. The gene ontology (GO) classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment indicated that AR156 altered the transcription of numerous transcription factors and genes involved in the SA-related plant disease resistance, metabolism, and biosynthesis of benzoxazinoids and flavonoids. This study offered a non-antagonistic Bacillus as a method for postharvest strawberry storage and disease control, and further revealed that the biocontrol effects were arisen from the induction of host responses on the transcription level and subsequent resistance-related substance accumulation.