Dissolved iodine in the Changjiang River Estuary, China.

The distribution and behavior of total dissolved iodine (TDI) and its species-iodate, iodide, and dissolved organic iodine (DOI) in the Changjiang River Estuary (CJE) surface and subsurface waters were studied along the salinity gradient. Results showed that TDI concentration in the freshwater endmember of CJE was 0.037 µM and existed as iodide. Although the transformation of dissolved iodine forms was active, TDI showed a conservative behavior, ranging from 0.037 µM to 0.42 µM in the estuary. Iodate showed removal behavior (ranging within 0-0.277 µM), iodide showed additive behavior (ranging within 0.037-0.131 µM), whereas DOI showed additive (0 < salinity < 20) (ranging within 0-0.099 µM) and removal (20 < salinity < 33.5) behavior (ranging within 0.099-0.022 µM). The iodine atoms in DOI were supplied primarily by iodide when salinity was <10 but by iodate when salinity was >10. The iodine-carbon ratios in DOI from different sources were more than 10 times different. The annual flux of iodine in the Changjiang River was 4.0 × 109g, accounting for about 4% of the global river iodine flux.

Enhanced Expression of QTL qLL9/DEP1 Facilitates the Improvement of Leaf Morphology and Grain Yield in Rice.

In molecular breeding of super rice, it is essential to isolate the best quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes of leaf shape and explore yield potential using large germplasm collections and genetic populations. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used, which was derived from a cross between the following parental lines: hybrid rice Chunyou84, that is, japonica maintainer line Chunjiang16B (CJ16); and indica restorer line Chunhui 84 (C84) with remarkable leaf morphological differences. QTLs mapping of leaf shape traits was analyzed at the heading stage under different environmental conditions in Hainan (HN) and Hangzhou (HZ). A major QTL qLL9 for leaf length was detected and its function was studied using a population derived from a single residual heterozygote (RH), which was identified in the original population. qLL9 was delimitated to a 16.17 kb region flanked by molecular markers C-1640 and C-1642, which contained three open reading frames (ORFs). We found that the candidate gene for qLL9 is allelic to DEP1 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), sequence comparison, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated Cas9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing techniques. To identify the effect of qLL9 on yield, leaf shape and grain traits were measured in near isogenic lines (NILs) NIL-qLL9CJ16 and NIL-qLL9C84, as well as a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) CSSL-qLL9KASA with a Kasalath introgressed segment covering qLL9 in the Wuyunjing (WYJ) 7 backgrounds. Our results showed that the flag leaf lengths of NIL-qLL9C84 and CSSL-qLL9KASA were significantly different from those of NIL-qLL9CJ16 and WYJ 7, respectively. Compared with NIL-qLL9CJ16, the spike length, grain size, and thousand-grain weight of NIL-qLL9C84 were significantly higher, resulting in a significant increase in yield of 15.08%. Exploring and pyramiding beneficial genes resembling qLL9C84 for super rice breeding could increase both the source (e.g., leaf length and leaf area) and the sink (e.g., yield traits). This study provides a foundation for future investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the source⁻sink balance and high-yield potential of rice, benefiting high-yield molecular design breeding for global food security.

Fusidic Acid Inhibits Hepatic Transporters and Metabolic Enzymes: Potential Cause of Clinical Drug-Drug Interaction Observed with Statin Coadministration.

Fusidic acid (FA), which was approved in the 1960s in many European and Asian countries, has gained renewed interest due to its continued effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus As rhabdomyolysis has been reported upon coadministration of FA with statins, we aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to FA-statin drug-drug interactions. Because of the association between rhabdomyolysis and increased exposure to statins, we investigated if cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters involved in the disposition of various statins are inhibited by FA. FA was found to inhibit BCRP and OATP1B1 but not P-gp. In overexpressing cell systems, FA inhibited BCRP-mediated efflux (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], ∼50 to 110 µM) and OATP1B1-mediated uptake (IC50, ∼4 to 35 µM) of statins at clinically relevant concentrations achievable in the intestine and liver (based on a 550-mg oral dose of FA, the expected maximum theoretical gastrointestinal concentration is ∼4 mM, and the maximum total or unbound concentration in the inlet to the liver was reported to be up to 223 µM or 11 µM, respectively, upon multiple dosing). Similarly, FA inhibited metabolism of statins in human liver microsomes (IC50, ∼17 to 195 µM). These data suggest that FA inhibits at least 3 major dispositional pathways (BCRP, OATP1B1, and CYP3A) and thus affects the clearance of several statins. We confirmed that FA is eliminated via phase 1 metabolism (primarily via CYP3A); however, there is also some phase 2 metabolism (mediated primarily by UGT1A1). Taken together, these data provide evidence for molecular mechanisms that may explain the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis when FA is administered with statins.

Analysis of the activity of virus internal ribosome entry site in silkworm Bombyx mori.

Internal ribosome entry site (IRES) has been widely used in genetic engineering; however, the application in silkworm (Bombyx mori) has hardly been reported. In this study, the biological activity of partial sequence of Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES, Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) IRES, and the hybrid of IRES of EMCV and RhPV were investigated in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell line and silkworm tissues. The hybrid IRES of EMCV and RhPV showed more effective than EMCV IRES or RhPV IRES in promoting downstream gene expression in insect and silkworm. The activities of all IRESs in middle silk gland of silkworm were higher than those in the fat body and posterior silk gland. The hybrid IRES of EMCV and RhPV was integrated into silkworm genome by transgenic technology to test biological activity of IRES. Each of the positive transgenic individuals had significant expression of report gene EGFP. These results suggested that IRES has a potential to be used in the genetic engineering research of silkworm.

A high mass loading flexible electrode with a sheet-like Mn3O4/NiMoO4@NiCo LDH on a carbon cloth for supercapacitors.

Mass loading is an important parameter to evaluate the application potential of active materials in high-capacity supercapacitors. Synthesizing active materials with high mass loading is a promising strategy to improve high performance energy storage devices. Preparing electrode materials with a porous structure is of significance to overcome the disadvantages brought by high mass loading. In this work, a Mn3O4/NiMoO4@NiCo layered double hydroxide (MO/NMO/NiCo LDH) positive electrode is fabricated on a carbon cloth with a high mass loading of 20.4 mg cm-2. The MO/NMO/NiCo LDH presents as a special three-dimensional porous nanostructure and exhibits a high specific capacitance of 815 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. Impressively, the flexible supercapacitor based on the MO/NMO/NiCo LDH positive electrode and an AC negative electrode delivers a maximum energy density of 22.5 W h kg-1 and a power density of 8730 W kg-1. It also retains 60.84% of the original specific capacitance after bending to 180° 600 times. Moreover, it exhibits 76.92% capacitance retention after 15 000 charge/discharge cycles. These results make MO/NMO/NiCo LDH one of the most attractive candidates of positive electrode materials for high-performance flexible supercapacitors.

Metabolism of a G protein-coupled receptor modulator, including two major 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring-opened metabolites and a rearranged cysteine-piperazine adduct.

Metabolites of a G protein-coupled receptor modulator containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole and piperazine substructures were identified in vitro in human, rat, and dog hepatocyte incubates and in vivo in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces by using 14C-radiolabeled parent compound. Exposure coverage for the major circulating metabolites in humans at steady state and in preclinical species used in drug safety assessments was determined by using pooled plasma samples collected from a human multiple ascending dose study and a 3-month rat toxicokinetic study. Metabolites M1 and M2, which were formed by opening of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring, were observed as major metabolites both in vitro and in vivo across species. The carboxylic acid metabolite M2 was presumably formed through reductive N-O bond cleavage of the oxadiazole ring and subsequent hydrolysis. However, the mechanism for the formation of the unusual N-cyanoamide metabolite M1 remains uncertain. Neither M1 nor M2 had any target activity, as did parent drug P. In rat bile, rearranged Cys-piperazine and Gly-Cys-piperazine adducts, involving the formation of a five-membered heteroaromatic imidazole derivative from a six-membered piperazine ring, were observed as minor metabolites. These findings support a previously reported mechanism regarding glutathione detoxification for piperazine bioactivation products.

A clinical study to assess CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 induction by AZD7325, a selective GABA(A) receptor modulator - an in vitro and in vivo comparison.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: • AZD7325 is an orally administered, potent, selective gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA(A) ) α2,3 receptor modulator intended for the treatment of anxiety. • The induction effects of AZD7325 on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 have not been systematically studied. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: • The in vitro studies showed that AZD7325 was a moderate CYP1A2 inducer and potent CYP3A4 inducer. • The follow-up clinical studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated that the expected efficacious daily dose of AZD7325 only weakly induced the pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 sensitive substrate, midazolam, and had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of the CYP1A2 substrate, caffeine. There was no apparent change in AZD7325 exposure following co-administration of midazolam or caffeine compared with AZD7325 alone. • The study demonstrated that clinical exposure of the inducer plays a critical role in the determination of cytochrome P450 induction risk of a drug candidate. AIM(S): To investigate the potential of AZD7325 to induce CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme activities. METHODS: Induction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 by AZD7325 was first evaluated using cultured human hepatocytes. The effect of multiple doses of 10 mg AZD7325 on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and caffeine was then examined in healthy subjects. RESULTS: The highest CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 induction responses were observed in human hepatocytes treated with 1 or 10 µm of AZD7325, in the range of 17.9%-54.9% and 76.9%-85.7% of the positive control responses, respectively. The results triggered the further clinical evaluation of AZD7325 induction potential. AZD7325 reached a plasma C(max) of 0.2 µm after 10 mg daily dosing to steady-state. AZD7325 decreased midazolam geometric mean AUC by 19% (0.81-fold, 90% CI 0.77, 0.87), but had no effect on midazolam C(max) (90% CI 0.82, 0.97). The mean CL/F of midazolam increased from 62 l h(-1) (midazolam alone) to 76 l h(-1) when co-administered with AZD7325. The AUC and C(max) of caffeine were not changed after co-administration of AZD7325, with geometric mean ratios (90% CI) of 1.17 (1.12, 1.23) and 0.99 (0.95, 1.03), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While AZD7325 appeared to be a potent CYP3A4 inducer and a moderate CYP1A2 inducer from in vitro studies, the expected efficacious dose of AZD7325 had no effect on CYP1A2 activity and only a weak inducing effect on CYP3A4 activity. This comparison of in vitro and in vivo results demonstrates the critical role that clinical exposure plays in evaluating the CYP induction risk of a drug candidate.

An effective fluorescent sensor for ClO- in aqueous media based on thiophene-cyanostilbene Schiff-base.

Although some reports on sensing ClO- had been presented, the ClO- sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity in aqueous media was still expected. Herein, an effective fluorescent sensor for ClO- in aqueous media was designed and synthesized by simple procedure based on cyanostilbene derivative (TCS). TCS exhibited strong fluorescence in aqueous media, which could be selectively quenched by ClO- among various species. The detection limit was as low as 3.2 × 10-8 M. The sensing mechanism of the oxidation of sulfur in thiophene unit was confirmed by the FT-IR spectrum, fluorescence Job's plot, 1H NMR spectrum and MS spectrum. This sensor was successfully applied on detecting ClO- in real sample and living-cell imaging, suggesting its potential application for sensing ClO- in both vitro assay and vivo environment.

Adhesive, self-healing, conductive Janus gel with oil-water responsiveness.

The anisotropic Janus gel shows more diverse characteristic and responsiveness due to its asymmetric chemical structure. Herein, the water/oil PDA-PAA/PBMA-PEHMA Janus gel was prepared by one-step polymerization of incompatible monomers. In this Janus gel, PDA-PAA layer possesses good adhesion effect and self-healing property attributing to the chemical bonds and the hydrogen bonds among DA, AA, or each other, and the π-π stacking of DA. The IPN structure of the water phase and the oil phase makes Janus gel have good mechanical properties. The above chemical and physical effects dissipate a large amount of energy when PDA-PAA/PBMA-PEHMA Janus gel is subjected to external forces, so it has excellent fatigue resistance. The hydrophilic PDA-PAA side and the lipophilic PBMA-PEHMA side show different swelling responses in the oil-water medium. The internal stress difference caused by this different swelling makes the Janus gel show curl toward different directions in different media. Then, conductivity media of NaCl added in PDA-PAA layer endows Janus gel with anisotropic conductivity. It is possible to judge the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of solution by monitoring the current change of conductive Janus gel. Conductive Janus gel can also be used to monitor human body motion and micro motion. This conductive/insulating Janus gel is suitable for flexible sensor used in harsh environment.

Superelastic, Antifreezing, Antidrying, and Conductive Organohydrogels for Wearable Strain Sensors.

Sensors based on conductive hydrogels have received extensive attention in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, electronic skin, and health monitoring. However, the poor resilience and fatigue resistance, icing, and water loss of traditional hydrogels greatly limit their application. Herein, an ionic conductive organohydrogel (PAC-Zn) was prepared for the first time by copolymerization of cardanol and acrylic acid in water/1,3-butanediol as a binary solvent system. A very small amount of cardanol (1% cardanol of total monomers) could not only significantly improve the tensile strength (∼4 times) and toughness (∼3 times) of PAA but also improve its extensibility. Due to the presence of 1,3-butanediol, PAC-Zn showed outstanding tolerance for freezing (-45 °C) and drying (over 85% moisture retention after 15 days of storage in a 37 °C oven). Compared with ethylene glycol and glycerol as antifreeze agents used in organohydrogels, the addition of 1,3-butanediol endowed the organohydrogel with not only similar frost resistance but also better mechanical performance. Besides, PAC-Zn exhibited fast resilience (almost no hysteresis loop) and excellent antifatigue ability. More importantly, a PAC-Zn organohydrogel-based sensor could detect human motion in real time (wrist, elbow, finger, and knee joints), revealing its fast response, good sensitivity, and stable electromechanical repeatability. In conclusion, the multifunctional PAC-Zn organohydrogel is expected to become a potential and promising candidate in the field of strain sensors under a broad range of environmental temperatures.

Concurrent Disruption of Genetic Interference and Increase of Genetic Recombination Frequency in Hybrid Rice Using CRISPR/Cas9.

Manipulation of the distribution and frequency of meiotic recombination events to increase genetic diversity and disrupting genetic interference are long-standing goals in crop breeding. However, attenuation of genetic interference is usually accompanied by a reduction in recombination frequency and subsequent loss of plant fertility. In the present study, we generated null mutants of the ZEP1 gene, which encodes the central component of the meiotic synaptonemal complex (SC), in a hybrid rice using CRISPR/Cas9. The null mutants exhibited absolute male sterility but maintained nearly unaffected female fertility. By pollinating the zep1 null mutants with pollen from indica rice variety 93-11, we successfully conducted genetic analysis and found that genetic recombination frequency was greatly increased and genetic interference was completely eliminated in the absence of ZEP1. The findings provided direct evidence to support the controversial hypothesis that SC is involved in mediating interference. Additionally, the remained female fertility of the null mutants makes it possible to break linkage drag. Our study provides a potential approach to increase genetic diversity and fully eliminate genetic interference in rice breeding.

Inactivation and mechanisms of chlorine dioxide on Nosema bombycis.

Biological tests demonstrated that the inactivation of Nosema bombycis (N. bombycis) spores by chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)) occurs very fast and is highly sensitive. The lowest effective inactivation dosage and time was 15mg/mL for 30min. The inactivation of spores was additionally verified by using double color fluorescence stain and spore germination testing. A series of biological changes, including a large number of substrates that were leaked out from the spores included proteins, DNA, polysaccharide, K(+), and Ca(2+), occurred a short time after N. bombycis spores were treated with ClO(2). In addition, the lipid of spores was disrupted and ATPase activity was inhibited, which resulted in the destruction of the inner structure of the spores.

Lifespan regulation in α/ß posterior neurons of the fly mushroom bodies by Rab27.

Brain function has been implicated to control the aging process and modulate lifespan. However, continuous efforts remain for the identification of the minimal sufficient brain region and the underlying mechanism for neuronal regulation of longevity. Here, we show that the Drosophila lifespan is modulated by rab27 functioning in a small subset of neurons of the mushroom bodies (MB), a brain structure that shares analogous functions with mammalian hippocampus and hypothalamus. Depleting rab27 in the α/ßp neurons of the MB is sufficient to extend lifespan, enhance systemic stress responses, and alter energy homeostasis, all without trade-offs in major life functions. Within the α/ßp neurons, rab27KO causes the mislocalization of phosphorylated S6K thus attenuates TOR signaling, resulting in decreased protein synthesis and reduced neuronal activity. Consistently, expression of dominant-negative S6K in the α/ßp neurons increases lifespan. Furthermore, the expression of phospho-mimetic S6 in α/ßp neurons of rab27KO rescued local protein synthesis and reversed lifespan extension. These findings demonstrate that inhibiting TOR-mediated protein synthesis in α/ßp neurons is sufficient to promote longevity.

Isolation of high γ-aminobutyric acid-producing lactic acid bacteria and fermentation in mulberry leaf powders.

γ-Amino butyric acid (GABA) has numerous roles in physiological processes, including neurotransmission, and induction of hypotensive, diuretic and tranquilizer effects. The present study aimed to produce GABA-enriched mulberry leaf powder by using a strain of high GABA-producing Lactobacillus pentosus SS6, which is isolated from fermented mulberry fruits. A total of 37 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented mulberry fruits strains of high GABA-producing Lactobacillus pentosus were selected. The isolated LAB was analyzed using thin-layer chromatography. SS6 was used as a starter culture for the fermentation of mulberry leaf powder to produce GABA. The mulberry leaf powder was treated with 10% saccharose, 6% peptone, 1.6% K2HPO4, 1% L-sodium glutamate at 35°C for 36 h (each treatment was applied whilst the others were kept constant), in a mixture with a water content of 60%, with the respective LAB strain that was fermented by incubation at 30°C for 6 h. The results indicated that the SS6 strain produced significantly higher GABA contents in the fermentation broth compared to the other strains (P<0.05). Addition of 10% saccharose, 6% peptone, 1.6% K2HPO4 and 1% L-sodium glutamate significantly triggered the production of GABA compared with that in the groups void of those additives (P<0.05). Furthermore, the water content, treatment time, amount of LAB inoculated and the incubation temperature also significantly affected GABA production compared with untreated groups under the aforementioned conditions (P<0.05). In conclusion, 10% saccharose, 6% peptone, 1.6% K2HPO4, 1% L-sodium glutamate, and a 60% water content at 35°C significantly improved and enhanced GABA production. The present study provided a basis for the production of GABA, which may be utilized by the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Compatibilization Behavior of Double Spherical TETA-SiO2@PDVB Janus Particles Anchored at the Phase Interface of Acrylic Resin/Epoxy Resin (AR/EP) Polymer Blends.

The inorganic particles used as a compatibilizer play a role in crack termination and heat resistance. However, the poor compatibility of inorganic particles and polymer hinders their application. Herein, the double spherical SiO2@PDVB Janus particles (JPs) were modified with triethylenetetramine (TETA), and the obtained anisotropic TETA-SiO2@PDVB JPs were used as the compatibilizer of acrylic resin/epoxy resin (AR/EP) composites. The modification and the compatibilization of TETA-SiO2@PDVB JPs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analyzer, impact test, tensile test, and so forth. Results show that amino groups grafted onto the SiO2 lobe can react with epoxy groups of EP, which results in the TETA-SiO2 lobe being embedded in the EP phase and the PDVB lobe being pushed toward the AR phase. The TETA-SiO2@PDVB JPs anchored at the interface of AR and EP increase their interfacial adhesion, decrease the domain phase size and distribution of dispersed AR, and improve the compatibility of AR/EP composites. The compatibilization of nanoparticles (NPs) is realized by the cavitation and blunting of different scaled AR phase domain distributions and that of JPs is realized by the strong interfacial force originated by JPs. Moreover, the desorption energy of TETA-SiO2@PDVB JPs is higher than that of SiO2-TETA; so the glass transition temperature (T g) of AR/EP/JP composites is higher than that of AR/EP/NP composites. The strong interfacial adhesion and high desorption energy endow TETA-SiO2@PDVB JPs with a toughening effect and enhancing effect. The impact strength and the tensile strength of AR/EP/TETA-SiO2@PDVB composites are 16.03 kJ/m2 and 63.12 MPa, which are 9.91 kJ/m2 and 16.32 MPa higher than those of AR/EP composites, respectively. JPs used in the thermosetting EP is benefit to its toughening study and the new anisotropic Janus compatibilizer.

Clonal seeds from hybrid rice by simultaneous genome engineering of meiosis and fertilization genes.

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is exploited by breeders to produce elite high-yielding crop lines, but beneficial phenotypes are lost in subsequent generations owing to genetic segregation. Clonal propagation through seeds would enable self-propagation of F1 hybrids. Here we report a strategy to enable clonal reproduction of F1 rice hybrids through seeds. We fixed the heterozygosity of F1 hybrid rice by multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing of the REC8, PAIR1 and OSD1 meiotic genes to produce clonal diploid gametes and tetraploid seeds. Next, we demonstrated that editing the MATRILINEAL (MTL) gene (involved in fertilization) could induce formation of haploid seeds in hybrid rice. Finally, we combined fixation of heterozygosity and haploid induction by simultaneous editing of all four genes (REC8, PAIR1, OSD1 and MTL) in hybrid rice and obtained plants that could propagate clonally through seeds. Application of our method may enable self-propagation of a broad range of elite F1 hybrid crops.

Role of P-glycoprotein and the intestine in the excretion of DPC 333 [(2R)-2-{(3R)-3-amino-3-[4-(2-methylquinolin-4-ylmethoxy)phenyl]-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl}-N-hydroxy-4-methylpentanamide] in rodents.

The role of the intestine in the elimination of (2R)-2-{(3R)-3-amino-3-[4-(2-methylquinolin-4-ylmethoxy)phenyl]-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl}-N-hydroxy-4-methylpentanamide (DPC 333), a potent inhibitor of tissue necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme, was investigated in mice and rats in vivo and in vitro. In Madine-Darby canine kidney cells stably transfected with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and DPC 333, the transport from B-->A reservoirs exceeded the transport from A-->B by approximately 7-fold. In Caco-2 monolayers and isolated rat ileal mucosa, DPC 333 was transported from basolateral to apical reservoirs in a concentration-dependent, saturable manner, and transport was blocked by N-(4-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-isoquinolinyl)ethyl]-phenyl)-9,10-dihydro-5-methoxy-9-oxo-4-acridine carboxamide (GF120918), confirming the contribution of P-gp/breast cancer resistance protein in B-->A efflux of DPC 333. In quantitative whole body autoradiography studies with [(14)C]DPC 333 in mice and rats, radioactivity was distributed throughout the small intestine in both species. In GF120918-pretreated bile duct-cannulated rats, radioactivity in feces was reduced 60%. Using the in situ perfused rat intestine model, approximately 20% of an i.v. dose of [(14)C]DPC 333 was measured in the intestinal lumen within 3 h postdose, 12% as parent. Kinetic analysis of data suggested that excreted DPC 333 may be further metabolized in the gut. Intestinal clearance was 0.2 to 0.35 l/h/kg. The above data suggest that in the rodent the intestine serves as an organ of DPC 333 excretion, mediated in part by the transporter P-gp.

Transgenic breeding of anti-Bombyx mori L. nuclear polyhedrosis virus silkworm Bombyx mori.

Silkworm strains resistant to Bombyx mori L. nuclear polyhedrosis virus were obtained through transgenic experiments. piggyBac transposon with an A3 promoter were randomly inserted into the silkworm, driving the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene into the silkworm genome. Polymerase chain reaction results verified the insertion of the extraneous EGFP gene, and fluorescence microscopy showed that the EGFP was expressed in the midgut tissue. The morbidity ratio of the nuclear polyhedrosis decreased from 90% in the original silkworm strain to 66.7% in the transgenic silkworm strain. Compared with the resistance to the Bombyx mori L. nuclear polyhedrosis virus in the Qiufeng strain, which is commonly used in the production, there was an increase of 33 centesimal points in the transgenic silkworms. The antivirotic character in the Chunhua x Qiuyue strain, which was bred from a different transgenic family, was about 10 centesimal points higher than that in the Qiufeng x Baiyu, another crossbreed used in production. Our results indicated a good application value of the transposon-inserted mutation in the breeding of anti-BmNPV silkworm strain.

Poly[µ(2)-benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ato-κO:O'-µ(2)-1,3-di-4-pyridylpropane-κN:N'-zinc(II)].

The title compound, [Zn(C(8)H(4)O(4))(C(13)H(14)N(2))](n), was obtained by the hydro-thermal reaction of Zn(OAc)(2)·H(2)O with 1,3-di-4-pyridylpropane (bpp) and isophthalic acid (H(2)ip). The Zn(II) ion is coordinated by two bpp and two ip ligands in a distorted tetra-hedral environment. Each ligand coordinates in a bridging mode to connect Zn(II) ions into a three-dimensional diamondoid-type structure.

Differentially expressed microRNAs in diapausing versus HCl-treated Bombyx embryos.

Differentially expressed microRNAs were detected to explore the molecular mechanisms of diapause termination. The total small RNA of diapause-destined silkworm eggs and HCl-treated eggs was extracted and then sequenced using HiSeq high-throughput method. 44 novel miRNAs were discovered. Compared to those in the diapause-destined eggs, 61 miRNAs showed significant changes in the acid-treated eggs, with 23 being up-regulated and 38 being down-regulated. The potential target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by miRanda. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of these potential target genes revealed that they were mainly located within cells and organelles, involved in cellular and metabolic processes, and participated in protein production, processing and transportation. Two differentially expressed genes, Bombyx mori SDH and Bmo-miR-2761-3p, were further analyzed with qRT-PCR. BmSDH was significantly up-regulated in the HCl-treated eggs, while Bmo-miR-2761-3p was down-regulated. These results suggested that these two genes were well coordinated in silkworm eggs. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Bmo-miR-2761-3p inhibited the expression of BmSDH.