Synthesis of carbon-14 labeled ZJ0712, a novel strobilurin fungicide.

ZJ0712, a broad-spectrum fungicidal ingredient of strobilurin, exhibits a high protective and curative activity against plant pathogenic fungi. To support the study on its metabolism, residue, environmental behavior, and fate for safety evaluation, two versions of carbon-14 labeled ZJ0712, methyl (E)-2-(2-((2,5-dimethylphenoxy)methyl)phenyl)-3-methoxy[2-14 C]acrylate (2) and methyl (E)-2-(2-((2,5-dimethyl[phenyl-U-14 C6 ]phenoxy)methyl)phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate (3), were synthesized from barium [14 C]carbonate in 6-step yield of 47% and from 2,5-dimethyl[phenyl-U-14 C6 ]phenol in the yield of 91%, respectively.

[Effects of quercetin in pregnant and lactation period on weight and expression of insulin-like growth factors-1 mRNA of obese female rats offspring].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of quercetin given during pregnancy and lactation period of obese rats on weight and expression of insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) mRNA of the offspring. METHODS: In the study, 8 healthy weaning female SD rats were randomly selected to feed the basal diet and as blank control group, and the others were fed with high-fat diet. When the average weight of the high-fat diet rats was 20% as many as the average weight of the control group, we believed the model succeeded. Then the female SD rats were mated and the pregnant rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 8 rats in each. They were fed with high fat diet during pregnancy and lactation, and the obese pregnant rats were respectively irrigated with 0 mg/kg body weight (high-fat control), 50 mg/kg body weight,100 mg/kg body weight, and 200 mg/kg body weight quercetin. The blank control group was fed with basic diet throughout the experimental period. The birth weight, the weights during the development of d7, d21, d56, and d98, and the expressions of IGF-1 mRNA in livers tissue of the F1 generation were measured. RESULTS: The average birth weight of the F1 generation of high fat diet (HFD) group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group. Decreased offspring birth weight was observed with the intervention of quercetin, which effect remained to the delectation. The quercetin also reduced the expression of IGF-1 mRNA in livers of the F1 generation, and this effect remained to the adulthood. The 200 mg/kg body weight quercetin was most significantly effective. CONCLUSION: The averaged birth weight of the F1 generation of obese pregnant rats was significantly increased, and quercetin could effectively inhibit the expression of IGF-1 mRNA in livers of F1 generation to decrease cell proliferation and cell differentiation.

Correlative factors for organic psychotic symptoms in patients following traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlative factors for organic psychotic symptoms following traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: In the current study, 391 subjects who had undergone forensic identification of the organic mental disorders due to TBI were included, both the demographic and post-traumatic information collected. The relevant data were statistically analyzed in those confirmed as organic psychotic syndrome according to Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders 3rd version (CCMD-3). RESULTS: Fifty-two subjects (13.3%) were identified as organic psychotic symptoms. The chi-square test showed that the detectable organic psychotic symptoms were associated with the marriage status, damage nature, injury severity and treatment, and the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed good fitness of treatment and injury severity with the regression model (OR = 0.044, 95% CI: 0.017-0.114; OR = 2.145, 95% CI: 1.201-3.832, respectively). CONCLUSION: The risks of organic psychotic symptoms following TBI can be involved in the alternative of craniotomy for the cases with trauma and moderate brain injury.

[Efficacy of iron saturated recombinant human lactoferrin on alleviating iron deficiency anemia in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of iron saturated recombinant human lactoferrin (Fe-rhLf) on treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). METHODS: SD rats received iron deficient diet and deionized water during the whole experiment. After 4 weeks, the rats with hemoglobin less than 100 g/L were selected and divided into 5 groups randomly. IDA group received 100 mg/(kg×d) casein dissolved in deionized water intragastrically; FeSO4 group received 5.43 mg/(kg×d) [2.0 mg/(kg×d) iron]+100 mg/(kg×d) casein intragastrically; low dose Fe-rhLf group received 75.53 mg/(kg×d) Fe-rhLf [0.5 mg/(kg×d) iron] +75 mg/(kg×d) casein intragastrically; middle dose group received 151.06 mg/(kg×d) Fe-rhLf [1.0 mg/(kg×d) iron]+50 mg/(kg×d) casein intragastrically; high dose group received 302.11 mg/(kg×d) Fe-rhLf [2.0 mg/(kg×d) iron] intragastrically. After 30 days of intervention, the rats' blood was collected and used to do the routine blood test, serum iron and serum anti-oxidants test. The liver hepcidin and ferroportin mRNA expression was tested by real time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the animals in the IDA group, Fe-rhLf could increase weight significantly (P<0.05), hematological parameters, like hemoglobin (P<0.01) and red blood cell count (P<0.01) recovered significantly. Compared with animals in FeSO4 group, high dose Fe-rhLf could improve hemoglobin significantly (P<0.05). The liver hepcidin expression was up regulated and ferroportin down regulated. CONCLUSION: Fe-rhLf has a significant effect on treating iron deficiency anemia.

Super-thin anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of the medial plantar artery perforator flap donor site.

BACKGROUND: The medial plantar artery perforator (MPAP) flap is widely used to reconstruct the weight-bearing area of the foot. Traditionally, its donor site is closed using a skin graft, which is associated with several complications, including walking disability. This study aimed to examine our experience with using a super-thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap to reconstruct the MPAP flap donor site. METHODS: We examined 10 patients who underwent reconstruction of the MPAP flap donor site using a super-thin ALT flap between August 2019 and March 2021. The vascular pedicle was anastomosed to the proximal end of the medial plantar vessels or the end of the posterior tibial vessels. RESULTS: All reconstruction flaps survived and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic appearance. No blisters, ulcerations, hyperpigmentation, or contractures occurred. All patients gained protective sensation in the super-thin ALT flap. The average visual analog scale score for the aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed foot was 8.5 ± 0.7 (range, 8-10). All patients were able to ambulate without aids and could wear regular shoes. The average revised Foot Function Index score was 26.4 ± 4.1 (range, 22-34). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the MPAP flap donor site using a super-thin ALT flap is reliable and provides satisfactory functional recovery, aesthetic appearance, and protective sensation while minimizing postoperative morbidity.

[Protective effect of exogenous nucleotides on the developmental toxicity of alcohol].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive effect of exogenous nucleotide (EN) on the developmental toxicity of alcohol. METHODS: C57BL/6J pregnant mice were divided into 6 groups randomly: the control group, the alcohol group, the low (0.01%EN), middle (0.04%EN), high (0.16%EN) and higher (0.64% EN) intervention groups. From the 6th gestational days (GD) to the 15th GD, pregnant animals except those in the control group were administrated with 5 g (per kg body weight) alcohol intragastrically. Normal mouse forage was provided to the animals in the control group and alcohol group, while forage containing different quantities of EN was provided to the animals in the intervention groups. On GD 18, all the dams were killed, their blood samples were collected for further analysis, and fetal developmental indexes were observed. RESULTS: Compared with the animals in the alcohol group, offspring's body weight and placenta weight of EN intervention groups improved a lot; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity increased significantly (P<0.05), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly (P<0.01); the live birth rate of animals in the interventions groups has increased significantly and the absorbed embryo rate of them has decreased significantly (P<0.01); the forepaw phalanges, hindpaw phalanges and caudal vertebrae ossification point increased significantly (P<0.01); the anomalies of both occipital and sternum have decreased significantly in 0.04%EN group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EN has a significant protective effect on the developmental toxicity of alcohol.

[Evaluating on recognition impairment after traumatic brain injury with WCST].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in evaluating the recognition impairment after traumatic brain injury (TB1). METHODS: WCST and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised in China (WAIS-RC) were adopted to assess the cognitive function in 186 patients with brain injury (experimental group) and 180 healthy volunteers (control group), respectively. The cognition between the experimental group and the control group was compared. The correlation between WCST and IQ was analyzed. The correlation between age, education level, the severity of TBI and the executive function were also analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The performances of WAIS-RC and WCST in the experimental group were significantly worse than that of the control group. (2) There were significantly negative correlation between the performance of total errors, percentage of preservative errors, percentage of random errors, response number on first category and IQ (P < 0.05). While there were significantly positive correlation between the categories completed, percentage of conceptual level and IQ (P < 0.05). (3) There was significantly negative correlation between percentage of conceptual level and the severity of TBI. While there were significantly positive correlation between percentage of preservative errors, percentage of random errors, response number on first category and the severity of TBI. CONCLUSION: WCST could be an important method in evaluating cognition of patients with brain injury.

Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting without affecting flap survival in free flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) may cause undesirable effects after microsurgical breast reconstruction. Although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing PONV, it has not been assessed in autologous free flap breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antiemetic prophylaxis effect and safety of TIVA in microvascular breast reconstruction. METHODS: Eighty-three patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction with propofol (31 patients) or sevoflurane (52 patients) were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of PONV was assessed at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was compared at T1 (after flap elevation but before transfer), T2 (15 minutes after revascularization), and T3 (at the end of surgery). RESULTS: The incidence of nausea was significantly reduced in the TIVA group over 0 to 2 hours period (P=0.017), and over 2 to 6 hours period (P=0.033). The incidence of vomiting was significantly reduced in the TIVA group over 0 to 2 hours period (P=0.006), and over 2 to 6 hours period (P=0.005). MAP was higher in the TIVA group at T1 (P=0.018), T2 (P=0.005), and T3 (P=0.007). The incidence of flap failure was similar between the two groups (P=0.373). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with sevoflurane maintaining anesthesia, propofol-based TIVA improves PONV with less fluctuation of MAP, and did not affect flap survival.

Fasting inhibits aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in colorectal cancer via the Fdft1-mediated AKT/mTOR/HIF1α pathway suppression.

Evidence suggests that fasting exerts extensive antitumor effects in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism behind this response is unclear. We investigate the effect of fasting on glucose metabolism and malignancy in CRC. We find that fasting upregulates the expression of a cholesterogenic gene, Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1), during the inhibition of CRC cell aerobic glycolysis and proliferation. In addition, the downregulation of FDFT1 is correlated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in CRC. Moreover, FDFT1 acts as a critical tumor suppressor in CRC. Mechanistically, FDFT1 performs its tumor-inhibitory function by negatively regulating AKT/mTOR/HIF1α signaling. Furthermore, mTOR inhibitor can synergize with fasting in inhibiting the proliferation of CRC. These results indicate that FDFT1 is a key downstream target of the fasting response and may be involved in CRC cell glucose metabolism. Our results suggest therapeutic implications in CRC and potential crosstalk between a cholesterogenic gene and glycolysis.

[Effects of marine collagen peptide on delaying the skin aging].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of marine collagen peptides (MCPs) on the skin of aged mice induced by D-galactose. METHODS: Subchronic toxicity study was conducted while D-galactose induced subacute aging model was established. D-galactose dose of 0.125 g/kg body weight was intraperitoneally injected daily for 90 days. Marine collagen peptide 0.225, 0.450, 1.350 g/kg body weight were administered by oral gavage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in blood serum were measured, along with cutaneous histopathology examination. RESULTS: Epidermal thickness was significantly higher in MCPs treated group. Number and activity of fibroblast in MCPs treated dermis was increased prominently. The activity of SOD in 0.225, 0.450, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups were 455.52 +/- 11.39, 460.15 +/- 18.09, 468.59 +/- 27.25 U/ml respectively, each of which was significantly higher than that in model control group; the activity of serum CAT in 0.225, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups (21.33 +/- 4.82, 21.69 +/- 1.68 U/ml) were obviously increased compared with that in model control group (17.14 +/- 2.81 U/ml); MDA level in 0.450, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups were 5.67 +/- 0.93, 5.76 +/- 1.02 nmol/ml respectively, each of which was significantly lower than that in model control group (7.63 +/- 1.37 nmol/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that MCPs might play a protective role on skin aging by improving the activity of antioxidant.

[Development of a molecular beacon real-time PCR for the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a molecular beacon real-time PCR for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHOD: One set of primers was selected from the IS6110 gene in GenBank and the corresponding molecular beacon probe was designed. The specificity and sensitivity of the developed method were evaluated by tested with 10 different bacteria species. The developed assay were also applied to the diagnosis of tuberculosis. RESULTS: Only Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains possessing IS6110 gene generated fluorescent signals, and no cross reaction was observed with other 9 bacteria. The detection limit was 4 copies/PCR reaction. 100 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were positive tested by Real-time PCR. CONCLUSION: The established molecular beacon real-time PCR is a rapid, specific and sensitive method, and is a beneficial supplement of traditional methods for the tuberculosis diagnosis.

[Screening and inhibition of antagonistic endophytic bacteria isolated from soybean (Glycine max)nodules against Alternaria longipes.] / çƒŸè‰èµ¤æ˜Ÿç— èŒæ‹®æŠ—æ€§å¤§è±†æ ¹ç˜¤å† ç”ŸèŒçš„ç­›é€‰åŠæŠ‘åˆ¶ä½œç”¨.

Using Alternaria longipes as tested phytopathogen, endophytic bacteria isolated from soybean nodules were selected to study antagonistic effects by confrontation and metabolic liquid culture methods. The inhibited hyphae were determined by microscopic observation, and the screened strains were characterized by cell culture, physiological and biochemical tests, 16S rDNA sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and inoculation trials in greenhouse. The results indicated that the seven of the endophytes exerted more than 42% inhibitory effects after the first and the second screening. These strains belonged to genus Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Sinorhizobium and Stenotrophomonas, respectively. Microscopic observation showed that the affected hyphae ends of A. longipes appear deformity of coralline branch, spherical expansions and so on. Antagonistic experiments with metabolites showed that the inhibition of endophytic bacteria against pathogenic fungus played an effective role mainly by bacteria producing extracellular substances. Confrontation tests suggested that endophytic Bacillus rapidly produced biofilm to effectively hinder the growth and extension of pathogen hyphae. Inoculation experiments showed that the disease index of treatment group was significantly lowered compared with the control, suggesting it could be utilized as a biological control resource inhibiting tobacco brown spot.

[In utero ethanol exposure alters the mitochondrial protein expression of fetal mouse cerebrum].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on the mitochondrial protein expression in fetal mouse cerebrum. METHODS: Pregnant CD-1 mice were given 5.0 g/kg ethanol intragastrically from pregnant days (PD) 6-15. Fetal cerebral mitochondria were isolated on PD 18. The overall mitochondrial protein was applied to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed protein spots were cut off and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Activities of respiratory chain complex IV (72.3%+/-4.6% of control) and ATP synthase, and ATP content in the fetal cerebral cells were measured. RESULTS: Expressions of some constructional and functional proteins were altered by in utero ethanol exposure. Activities of respiratory chain complex IV and ATP synthase (80.3%+/-5.1% of control) were both decreased. ATP content (67.9%+/-3.9% of control) in the cerebral cells was reduced in the in utero ethanol exposure fetuses. CONCLUSION: In utero ethanol exposure affects the mitochondrial protein expression of fetal mouse cerebrum, even in the tissue without obvious morphological malformations, which may be a possible mechanism of behavioral defects found in children with prenatal ethanol exposure.

[Effect of alcohol on brain mitochondria development of mouse embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the effect of alcohol consumption on brain mitochondria development of mouse embryos. METHODS: Pregnant mice were given alcohol intragastrically from pregnant day (PD) 6 - 5. On PD 18, embryos were dissected out and the brain mitochondria were extracted. Then mitochondria membrane potential, activities of mitochondria respiratory chain complex I, IV and ATPase, and ATP content were measured in vitro. RESULTS: The ratio of fetal brain/body weight decreased as the maternal alcohol dosage increasing. An increased proportion of immature mitochondria, from 18 percent to 34 percent, was detected by flow cytometry. Reduced activities of respiratory chain complexes I and IV were found in 3.0 g/kg/day (91.7% and 87.9% respectively) and 6.0 g/kg/day alcohol exposure groups (72.4% and 69.7% respectively). Only 6.0 g/kg/day ethanol exposure group showed significantly reduced activity (80.3% of control) of ATPase. ATP contents in the fetal brain mitochondria of 3.0 g/kg/day and 6.0 g/kg/day maternal alcohol exposure groups were significantly less than that of control, implying an impaired mechanism of ATP synthesis and/ or uptake. CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect embryo brain mitochondria development, which may be related to the neural tube defects induced by alcohol.

[Effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on mouse embryonic development in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the developmental toxicity of ginsenoside Rb1 and the potential mechanism of it in vitro. METHODS: Whole embryo culture system was used in this research. Embryos were exposed to various concentrations of ginsenoside Rb1, and scored for growth and development at the end of the 48h culture period. RESULTS: With the concentration of Rb1 rising, the total morphological scores significantly decreased; Developments of forebrain, midbrain and optic system were relatively sensitive to Rb1 and were affected at the concentration of 30 microg/ml; hindbrain, Branchial arch and limb buds were affected at 50 microg/ml; Yolk sac was affected at the low concentration of 15 microg/ml and the indexes of embryonic growth and development decreased at the high concentration of 50 microg/ml. Moreover, the rate of embryo teratogenicity were obviously increased. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rb1 displayed teratogenic action in mice. The damage on structure and function of yolk sac might be part of teratogenic mechanisms of it.

[Screening probiotic endophytic bacteria from medicinal plant flex cornuta and the phytopathogen-inhibiting effect].

Culturable endophytic bacteria were isolated from medicinal plant Ilex cornuta by plate-spreading method, strains with strong inhibitory effect on phytopathogen were screened by confrontation culture and fermentation filtrate culture methods, and the morphological changes of phytopathogen hyphae treated with endophytic bacteria were examined by microscopy and micrograph. Their phylogenetic relationships were determined by homology analysis of the 16S rDNA sequences of PCR products and the taxonomic status of the selected strains was determined based on their morphology, physiology, biochemical test results and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. A total of 85 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the healthy roots, stems, leaves and fruits of I. cornuta, and 10 strains of them showed strong inhibitory effect on Alternaria alternata, Magnaporthe grisea, Fusarium oxysporum, and were preliminarily identified belonging to four genera and seven species. Three strains with the strongest inhibitory effect, GG78 (60.3%), GG31 (48.1%) and GG13 (61.0%) belonged to Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter ludwigii and Bacillus cereus, respectively. Microscopic analyses showed that the inhibited phytopathogen hyphae became deformed, distorted, and partially expanded forming plasma concentration and hair-like branch on the hyphae base. These morphological changes could be caused by the extracellular metabolic substances secreted by the endophytic bacteria, such as antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes, alkaloids and so on.

[Risk factors of the failure in digit replantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relative factors on the failure in digit replantation in order to take preventions to control the risk factors. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2013, 236 consecutive patients (311 fingers) underwent digit replantation were collected to analyze retrospectively, involving 183 males and 53 females with an average age of 34.5 years old ranging from 2 to 62 years old (6 cases under 6 years old and 230 cases elder than 6 years old). There were 51 thumbs, 87 index fingers, 78 middle fingers, 63 ring fings and 32 little thumbs. Forty cases(forty fings) who were failured as the observation group, the others as the control group. The factors of age, gender, finger, cause of injury, smoking history, ischemia duration, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair we assessed. RESULTS: All 236 cases with 311 fingers were replanted, 40 fingers were failured after operation. The relative factors on the failure in digit replantation included smoking history, cause of injury, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair (P< 0.05). There were no significant correlation between the failure and age, gender, finger and ischemia duration (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Smoking history, causes of injury, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair are risks of failure in digit replantation. Before choosing the type of operation, it should be think about the patient's general conditions, injury status, grasp firmly the operative indications and actively carry out surgical treatment.

[Serum levels of macrophage colony stimulating factor in the patients with Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the availability of serum level of macrophage clony stimulating factor (M-CSF) as a marker for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: The serum levels of M-CSF in 70 patients with AD, 52 healthy controls, 22 patients with VAD (vascular dementia) were measured and the serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha in 32 patients with AD and 20 controls were measured as well. RESULTS: Serum levels of M-CSF were significantly elevated in patients with AD when compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01) and VAD controls (P < 0.05) respectively. At the early stage of mild dementia and middle dementia, serum levels of M-CSF were significantly elevated, but at the later stage of severe dementia, they returned to normal level. Serum levels of IL-1 beta were significantly elevated in AD patients compared with controls (P < 0.05), and serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were within the normal range in patients with AD. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that serum M-CSF level may provide a convenient and sensitive means for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

[Volume fraction of gas vesicle and floating characteristics of cyanobacteria in Taihu Lake under different pressures].

In order to ascertain the volumetric change of gas vesicles in cyanobacteria and the floating characteristics, capillary pressure method and image analysis method were used to study burst situation and remanent volume fraction of gas vesicles in cyanobacteria under different pressures. The reform situation after pressuring was also analyzed in this research. The results showed that the volume fraction of gas vesicles in Taihu Lake were 29.52%, 5.73%, 4.43%, 2.71%, 2.46%, 2.19% under 0 MPa, 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 0.6 MPa, 0.7 MPa determined by the image analysis, and were 10.93%, 1.14%, 0.90%, 0.27%, 0.14%, 0.04% determined by the capillary pressure method; cyanobacteria sank due to the gas vesicles' bursting when the pressure was greater than 0.4 MPa. Gas vesicles and structure after pressure were reformed with the lapse of time, under 1 000 lx, 25 degrees C, after 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, the reformed gas vesicles accounted for 31.02%, 45.68%, 81.05% of total gas vesicles before pressuring. Image analysis method is more accurate in the determination for cyanobacteria gas vesicles' volume, while the volume is smaller measured by traditional capillary pressure method.