Comparative genomics studies on the stk gene family in vertebrates: From the bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) genome.

The mammalian sterile 20-like (MST) family belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinase (STK) superfamily and participates in a variety of biological processes, such as cell apoptosis, polarity, migration, immune regulation, inflammatory responses, and cancer. In the economically important bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), the STK gene family and immune-related biological functions may be helpful in increasing its economic yield. However, the comprehensive role of STKs in the bighead carp remains unclear. In this study, the five stk sequences from the bighead carp were divided into two classes: stk3/4 and stk24/25/26. Gene structure and motif prediction analyses confirmed that stk is conserved in the bighead carp. Compared to 26 other vertebrate species, teleosts (including bighead carp) possess more stk members because of teleost-specific whole-genome duplication. Synteny analysis revealed that stk3, stk24, stk25, and stk26 have been relatively conserved in bighead carp during evolution. Meanwhile, stk4 was lost in most Cyprinid species, including bighead carp, during evolution. RNA-seq data revealed that STK expression was associated with various pathogens, and the expression of these STKs (Hnstk3, Hnstk24a, Hnstk24b, Hnstk25, and Hnstk26) was different in seven tissues of bighead carp. In addition, we showed that STK expression levels were dramatically altered in the head kidney and that stk24 was involved in defense against Aeromonas hydrophila. This study provides a molecular basis for the analysis of stk function in bighead carp, and can be used as a reference for further phylogenomics.

Berberine impairs coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis through the inhibition of virus replication and host pro-inflammatory response.

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma coptidis, is reported to possess antiviral activity. Our previous study has shown that BBR alleviates coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) replication in HeLa cells. However, the anti-CVB3 activity of BBR is still unclear in vivo. In this study, we explored the effect of BBR on CVB3-induced viral myocarditis in mice. These results demonstrated the beneficial effect of BBR on alleviating CVB3-induced myocarditis in vivo, which sheds new light on the utility of BBR as a therapeutic strategy against CVB3-induced viral myocarditis.

CircMRPS35 suppresses gastric cancer progression via recruiting KAT7 to govern histone modification.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant expression of circular RNAs contributes to the initiation and progression of cancers, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. METHODS: RNA-seq and qRT-PCR were performed to screen differential expressed circRNAs between gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Candidate circRNA (circMRPS35) was screened out and validated by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation and invasion ability were determined by CCK-8 and cell invasion assays. RNA-seq, GO-pathway, RNA pull-down and ChIRP were further applied to search for detailed mechanism. RESULTS: Here, a novel circRNA named circMRPS35, was screened out by RNA-seq in gastric cancer tissues, whose expression is related to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Biologically, circMRPS35 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circMRPS35 acts as a modular scaffold to recruit histone acetyltransferase KAT7 to the promoters of FOXO1 and FOXO3a genes, which elicits acetylation of H4K5 in their promoters. Particularly, circMRPS35 specifically binds to FOXO1/3a promoter regions directly. Thus, it dramatically activates the transcription of FOXO1/3a and triggers subsequent response of their downstream target genes expression, including p21, p27, Twist1 and E-cadherin, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, circMRPS35 expression positively correlates with that of FOXO1/3a in gastric cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings not only reveal the pivotal roles of circMRPS35 in governing histone modification in anticancer treatment, but also advocate for triggering circMRPS35/KAT7/FOXO1/3a pathway to combat gastric cancer.

Mibefradil Alleviates High-Glucose-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated Autophagy.

Cardiac hypertrophy causes heart failure and is associated with hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. Mibefradil, which acts as a T-type calcium channel blocker, exerts beneficial effects in patients with heart failure. In this study, we explored the effects and mechanism of mibefradil on high-glucose-induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were incubated in a high-glucose medium and then treated with different concentrations of mibefradil in the presence or absence of the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Cell size was evaluated through immunofluorescence, and mRNA expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers (atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and ß-myosin heavy chain) was assessed by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were evaluated using Western blotting, and autophagosome formation was detected using transmission electron microscopy. Our results indicate that mibefradil reduced the size of H9c2 cells, decreased mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and ß-myosin heavy chain, and decreased the level of autophagic flux. However, MK2206 and rapamycin induced autophagy and reversed the effects of mibefradil on high-glucose-induced H9c2 cells. In conclusion, mibefradil ameliorated high-glucose-induced cardiac hypertrophy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibiting excessive autophagy. Our study shows that mibefradil can be used therapeutically to ameliorate cardiac hypertrophy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

CVB3 Nonstructural 2A Protein Modulates SREBP1a Signaling via the MEK/ERK Pathway.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the predominant pathogen of viral myocarditis. In our previous study, we found that CVB3 caused abnormal lipid accumulation in host cells. However, the underlying mechanisms by which CVB3 disrupts and exploits the host lipid metabolism are not well understood. Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) is the major transcriptional factor in lipogenic genes expression. In this study, we demonstrated that CVB3 infection and nonstructural 2A protein upregulated and activated SREBP1a at the transcriptional level. Deletion analysis of SREBP1a promoter revealed that two regions, -1821/-1490 and -312/+217, in this promoter were both required for its activation by 2A. These promoter regions possessed several binding motifs for transcription factor SP1. Next, we used SP1-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to confirm that SP1 might be the essential factor in SREBP1a upregulation by 2A. Furthermore, we showed that MEK/ERK pathway was involved in the activation of SREBP1a by 2A and that blocking this signaling pathway with the specific inhibitor U0126 attenuated SREBP1a activation and lipid accumulation by 2A. Finally, we showed that inhibition of SREBP1 with siRNAs attenuated lipid accumulation induced by CVB3 infection and reduced virus replication. Moreover, inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway also led to reduction of SREBP1a activation, lipid accumulation, and virus replication during CVB3 infection. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CVB3 nonstructural 2A protein activates SREBP1a at the transcription level through a mechanism involving MEK/ERK signaling pathway and SP1 transcription factor, which promotes cellular lipid accumulation and benefits virus replication.IMPORTANCE Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection is the leading cause of viral myocarditis, but effective vaccines and antiviral therapies against CVB3 infection are still lacking. It is important to understand the precise interactions between host and virus for the rational design of effective therapies. During infection, CVB3 disrupts and exploits host lipid metabolism to promote excessive lipid accumulation, which benefits virus replication. SREBP1 is the master regulator of cellular lipid metabolism. Here, we report that one of the viral nonstructural proteins, 2A, upregulates and activates SREBP1a. Furthermore, we find that inhibition of SREBP1 decreases CVB3 virus replication. These results reveal the regulation of SREBP1a expression by 2A and the roles of SREBP1 in lipid accumulation and viral replication during CVB3 infection. Our findings provide a new insight into CVB3 host interactions and inform a potential novel therapeutic target for this important pathogen.

Allicin inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence by suppressing the rhl and pqs quorum-sensing systems.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a virulent bacterium that secretes a variety of virulence factors that aid in establishing infections in individuals. Allicin, derived from garlic, has been shown to inhibit virulence factor production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. However, the mechanisms underlying the allicin-mediated regulation of P. aeruginosa virulence remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms underlying allicin-mediated virulence regulation in P. aeruginosa. The results showed that allicin attenuates the production of P. aeruginosa virulence-associated factors, such as elastase, pyocyanin, pyoverdine, and rhamnolipids, by inhibiting the rhl and pqs quorum-sensing systems. Further analysis revealed that the rhl and pqs systems play different roles during the allicin-mediated regulation process. Taken together, these results support the potential use of allicin as a therapeutic agent in controlling P. aeruginosa infection and associated mechanisms.

Metformin Induces Growth Inhibition and Cell Cycle Arrest by Upregulating MicroRNA34a in Renal Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND Metformin is a widely used biguanide drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has been revaluated as a potential anti-cancer drug with promising activity in various tumors. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the suppression of cancer cells by metformin remain not well understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, human renal cell carcinoma cell line ACHN was used to investigate the anti-proliferation effect of metformin. A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclin D1 and p27KIP1 was detected by Western blot. The underlying mechanism involving miRNA34a was further investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and transfection with miRNA inhibitor specific for miRNA34a in ACHN, 769-P, and A498 cells. RESULTS Metformin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of ACHN cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, the results showed that metformin induced G0/G1 phase arrest and delayed entry into S phase in ACHN cells. It was shown that metformin downregulates the expression of cyclin D1 and increases the p27KIP1 level. Furthermore, metformin increased ACHN cell death. Lastly, miRNA34a was found to be upregulated by metformin in ACHN, 769-P, and A498 cells. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that inhibition of miRNA34a could partially attenuate the suppressive effect of metformin on renal cancer cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS The study data revealed that metformin induced cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest partially by upregulating miRNA34a in renal cancer cells.

Berberine Restricts Coxsackievirus B Type 3 Replication via Inhibition of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK Activation In Vitro.

BACKGROUND At present, the treatment of coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis remains difficult. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from traditional medicine herbs, exhibits significant anti-viral efficacy against various viruses. However, the underlying mechanism by which BBR controls CVB3 infection has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-viral efficacy of BBR against CVB3 infection and its mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS In our experiments, the protein levels of VP1 and MAPKs signal pathway were measured by Western blot. The mRNA level of VP1 was measured by RT-PCR. The virus titers were determined by TCID50 assay. RESULTS We found that BBR treatment significantly decreased CVB3 replication in HeLa cells. In addition, the BBR treatment reduced the phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 MAPK upon CVB3 infection in both HeLa cells and primary rat myocardial cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results suggest that BBR inhibits CVB3 replication through the suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK activation, shedding new light on the investigation of therapeutic strategies against CVB3-induced viral myocarditis.

Hyperoside ameliorates glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy by downregulating miR-21.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of hyperoside (Hyp) on glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy and its underlying mechanisms. Blood glucose, kidney mass, and renal function of mice were measured. Renal morphology was observed using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid - Schiff's, and Masson's trichrome stain. Fibronectin (FN) and collagen IV (COL IV) in kidney were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemical studies. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in renal tissues were detected on both the mRNA and protein levels. miRNA expression and artificial alterations by miRNA agomir transfection were evaluated to investigate the protective mechanism of Hyp in mesangial cells. Hyp effectively improved renal function and physiologic features of db/db mice. Hyp also ameliorated glomerulosclerosis by suppressing FN, COL IV, and TIMP-1 expressions and promoting MMP-9 and MMP-2 expressions. The change in MMP-9 mRNA expression was inconsistent with that in protein levels in kidney, indicating that there was a post-transcriptional regulation. Further exploration in vitro showed that miR-21 was downregulated by Hyp, increasing expression of its target, MMP-9. These results suggest that Hyp can ameliorate glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy by downregulating miR-21 to increase expression of its target, MMP-9.

Activation of AMPK restricts coxsackievirus B3 replication by inhibiting lipid accumulation.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the major pathogen of human viral myocarditis. CVB3 has been found to manipulate and modify the cellular lipid metabolism for viral replication. The cellular AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of multiple metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism. Here we explore the potential roles AMPK plays in CVB3 infection. We found that AMPK is activated by the viral replication during CVB3 infection in Hela cells and primary myocardial cells. RNA interference mediated inhibition of AMPK could increase the CVB3 replication in cells, indicating that AMPK contributed to restricting the viral replication. Next, we showed that CVB3 replication could be inhibited by several different pharmacological AMPK activators including metformin, A769662 and AICAR. And the constitutively active AMPK mutant (CA-AMPK) could also inhibit the CVB3 replication. Furthermore, we found that CVB3 infection increased the cellular lipid levels and showed that the AMPK agonist AICAR both restricted CVB3 replication and reduced lipid accumulation through inhibiting the lipid synthesis associated gene expression. We further found that CVB3 infection would also induce AMPK activated in vivo. The AMPK agonist metformin, which has been widely used in diabetes therapy, could decrease the viral replication and further protect the mice from myocardial histological and functional changes in CVB3 induced myocarditis, and improve the survival rate of infected mice. Lastly, it was demonstrated that the AICAR-mediated restriction of viral replication could be rescued partially by exogenous palmitate, the first product of fatty acid biosynthesis, demonstrating that AMPK activation restricted CVB3 infection through its inhibition of lipid synthesis. Taken together, these data in the present study suggest a model in which AMPK is activated by CVB3 infection and restricts viral replication by inhibiting the cellular lipid accumulation, and inform a potential novel therapeutic strategy for CVB3-associated diseases.

Unlocking the mystery of the hard-to-sequence phage genome: PaP1 methylome and bacterial immunity.

BACKGROUND: Whole-genome sequencing is an important method to understand the genetic information, gene function, biological characteristics and survival mechanisms of organisms. Sequencing large genomes is very simple at present. However, we encountered a hard-to-sequence genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage PaP1. Shotgun sequencing method failed to complete the sequence of this genome. RESULTS: After persevering for 10 years and going over three generations of sequencing techniques, we successfully completed the sequence of the PaP1 genome with a length of 91,715 bp. Single-molecule real-time sequencing results revealed that this genome contains 51 N-6-methyladenines and 152 N-4-methylcytosines. Three significant modified sequence motifs were predicted, but not all of the sites found in the genome were methylated in these motifs. Further investigations revealed a novel immune mechanism of bacteria, in which host bacteria can recognise and repel modified bases containing inserts in a large scale. This mechanism could be accounted for the failure of the shotgun method in PaP1 genome sequencing. This problem was resolved using the nfi- mutant of Escherichia coli DH5α as a host bacterium to construct a shotgun library. CONCLUSIONS: This work provided insights into the hard-to-sequence phage PaP1 genome and discovered a new mechanism of bacterial immunity. The methylome of phage PaP1 is responsible for the failure of shotgun sequencing and for bacterial immunity mediated by enzyme Endo V activity; this methylome also provides a valuable resource for future studies on PaP1 genome replication and modification, as well as on gene regulation and host interaction.

Elastase LasB of Pseudomonas aeruginosa promotes biofilm formation partly through rhamnolipid-mediated regulation.

Elastase LasB, an important extracellular virulence factor, is shown to play an important role in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during host infection. However, the role of LasB in the life cycle of P. aeruginosa is not completely understood. This report focuses on the impact of LasB on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Here, we reported that the lasB deletion mutant (ΔlasB) displayed significantly decreased bacterial attachment, microcolony formation, and extracellular matrix linkage in biofilm associated with decreased biosynthesis of rhamnolipids compared with PAO1 and lasB complementary strain (ΔlasB(+)). Nevertheless, the ΔlasB developed restored biofilm formation with supplementation of exogenous rhamnolipids. Further gene expression analysis revealed that the mutant of lasB could result in the downregulation of rhamnolipid synthesis at the transcriptional level. Taken together, these results indicated that LasB could promote biofilm formation partly through the rhamnolipid-mediated regulation.

Intestinal mucosal barrier is injured by BMP2/4 via activation of NF-κB signals after ischemic reperfusion.

Intestinal ischemic reperfusion (I/R) can cause dysfunction of the intestinal mucosal barrier; however, the mechanism of the intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction caused by I/R remains unclear. In this study, using intestinal epithelial cells under anaerobic cultivation and an in vivo rat intestinal I/R model, we found that hypoxia and I/R increased the expression of BMP2/4 and upregulated BMP type Ia receptor and BMP type II receptor expression. We also found that exogenous BMP2/4 can activate the ERK and AKT signaling pathways in rat small intestine (IEC-6) cells, thereby activating NF-κB signaling, which leads to increased levels of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, recombinant BMP2/4 decreased the expression of the tight junction protein occludin via the activation of the NF-κB pathway; these effects were abolished by treatment with the BMP-specific antagonist noggin or the NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). All these factors can destroy the intestinal mucosal barrier, thereby leading to weaker barrier function. On the basis of these data, we conclude that BMP2/4 may act as the pathogenic basis for intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction when the intestines suffer an I/R injury. Our results provide background for the development pharmacologic interventions in the management of I/R injury.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa two-component system LadS/PA0034 regulates macrophage phagocytosis via fimbrial protein cupA1.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens worldwide, known for its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. The primary challenge encountered by pathogens during the initial stages of infection is the immune clearance arising from the host. The resident macrophages of barrier organs serve as the frontline defense against these pathogens. Central to our understanding is the mechanism by which bacteria modify their behavior to circumvent macrophage-mediated clearance, ensuring their persistence and colonization. To successfully evade macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, bacteria must possess an adaptive response mechanism. Two-component systems provide bacteria the agility to navigate diverse environmental challenges, translating external stimuli into cellular adaptive responses. Here, we report that the well-documented histidine kinase, LadS, coupled to a cognate two-component response regulator, PA0034, governs the expression of a vital adhesin called chaperone-usher pathway pilus cupA. The LadS/PA0034 system is susceptible to interference from the reactive oxygen species likely to be produced by macrophages and further lead to a poor adhesive phenotype with scantily cupA pilus, impairing the phagocytosis efficiency of macrophages during acute infection. This dynamic underscores the intriguing interplay: as macrophages deploy reactive oxygen species to combat bacterial invasion, the bacteria recalibrate their exterior to elude these defenses. IMPORTANCE: The notoriety of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is underscored by its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. Yet, the mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa maneuvers to escape phagocytosis during acute infections remain elusive. This study pinpoints a two-component response regulator, PA0034, coupled with the histidine kinase LadS, and responds to macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species. The macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species can impair the LadS/PA0034 system, resulting in reduced expression of cupA pilus in the exterior of P. aeruginosa. Since the cupA pilus is an important adhesin of P. aeruginosa, its deficiency reduces bacterial adhesion and changes their behavior to adopt a planktonic lifestyle, subsequently inhibiting the phagocytosis of macrophages by interfering with bacterial adhesion. Briefly, reactive oxygen species may act as environmental cues for the LadS/PA0034 system. Upon recognition, P. aeruginosa may transition to a poorly adhesive state, efficiently avoiding engulfment by macrophages.

Recent progress of biocompatible carbon dots in hypoxia-related fields.

Almost all eukaryotes need oxygen to maintain regular physiological activities. When the organism is under hypoxic situation for a persistent or periodic, it will induce irreversible physiological disorders and even pathological results. Hypoxia is closely related to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, cancer, chronic heart disease and kidney disease, myocardial ischemia, as well as reproductive diseases like preeclampsia and endometriosis. Therefore, monitoring and treatment of hypoxia have important implications for the pathophysiology of human-related diseases. Carbon dots (CDs) are emerging nanomaterials developed after 2004 with excellent performance, and have broad application potential in variousdomains likeoptical, biomedicine, energy. Advanced hypoxia therapeutics should be integrated with monitoring and treatment, and CDs with excellent performance are good potential options when sensing is combined with various therapeutic methods. Some researchers have also begun to carry out research in related fields and achieved some results. This article aims to clarify the various applications of CDs in hypoxia-related fields in recent years, including hypoxia sensing and hypoxia tumor theranostics. Finally, the possible challenges and prospects for the application of CDs in hypoxia-related fields are discussed.

Molecular mechanisms involved in regulating protein activity and biological function of MST3.

Mammalian sterile 20-like (Ste20-like) protein kinase 3 (MST3) or serine/threonine-protein kinase 24 (STK24) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that belongs to the mammalian STE20-like protein kinase family. MST3 is a pleiotropic protein that plays a critical role in regulating a variety of events, including apoptosis, immune response, metabolism, hypertension, tumor progression, and development of the central nervous system. The MST3-mediated regulation is intricately related to protein activity, post-translational modification, and subcellular location. Here, we review the recent progress on the regulatory mechanisms against MST3 and its-mediated control of disease progression.

Functional identification of the DNA packaging terminase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage PaP3.

Terminase proteins are responsible for DNA recognition and initiation of DNA packaging in phages. We previously reported the genomic sequence of a temperate Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage, PaP3, and determined its precise integration site in the host bacterial chromosome. In this study, we present a detailed functional identification of the DNA packaging terminase for phage PaP3. The purified large subunit p03 was demonstrated to possess ATPase and nuclease activities, as well as the ability to bind to specific DNA when it is unassembled. In addition, a small terminase subunit (p01) of a new type was found and shown to bind specifically to cos-containing DNA and stimulate the cos-cleavage and ATPase activities of p03. The results presented here suggest that PaP3 utilizes a typical cos site mechanism for DNA packaging and provide a first step towards understanding the molecular mechanism of the PaP3 DNA packaging reaction.

[Responses of spatial distribution pattern of the dominant population Artemisia ordosica to enclosure restoration in desert steppe.] / è’æ¼ è‰åŽŸä¼˜åŠ¿ç§ç¾¤æ²¹è’¿ç©ºé—´åˆ†å¸ƒæ ¼å±€å¯¹å°è‚²æ¢å¤çš„å“åº”.

Shrubs play an important role in maintaining biodiversity, stability and ecological service in grassland. Exploring the effects of enclosure on dominant shrub population can provide scientific guidance for grassland restoration and tending management. In this study, we investigated main growth characteristics and spatial distribution pattern of Artemisia ordosica population in four enclosed grasslands with duration of 0, 5, 15, and 25 years. The results showed that population density increased first and then decreased with time extension, and peaked after enclosed for 15 years, which was 3.7 times that of unenclosed plot. The crown and projected area showed opposite responses trend to that of density, which decreased by 31.7% and 52.3% after enclosed 15 years, respectively. The height decreased by 25.3% after 5 years of enclosure, and then increased gradually. Semi-variance function analysis showed that population distribution in all grasslands conformed to Gaussian model. The spatial variation decreased gradually in the early stage of enclosure, and then increased after enclosed for 15 years. Structure ratio in each plot was higher than 0.75, but nugget was relatively small, indicating that spatial autocorrelation of population was mainly affected by structural factors rather than random factors. Spatial distribution of A. ordosica population was patchy and striped. Enclosure reduced spatial variation of population at small scale. However, spatial heterogeneity and scale dependence of population enhanced after enclosed 25 years as plaque dissociating. Our findings suggest that enclosure duration is the key factor affecting plant growth and spatial distribution of dominant population in desert steppe. Long-term fencing enhances the spatial heterogeneity of dominant population. Appropriate human intervention should be carried out after 15 years of enclosure.

Penetration and Cratering of Steel Target by Jets from Titanium Alloy Shaped Charge Liners.

In order to enlarge the crater diameter of shaped charge jet penetration into steel targets, this paper investigates the penetration and cratering characteristics of steel targets by shaped charge jets from titanium alloy liners. Titanium alloy shaped charge liners are prepared separately with mechanical processing and selective laser melting (SLM), and pulsed X-ray radiography is used to identify jet formation characteristics. Jet formation is numerically simulated by AUTODYN-3D, and steel target penetration tests are carried out at a short jet stand-off distance. The results show that AUTODYN-3D can realistically simulate jet formation from titanium alloy liners and that the SLM-processed liner exhibits better penetration performance than the mechanically processed liner. The existing cratering formula of jet penetration is modified to make it consistent with the aperture variations of jet penetration from titanium alloy-lined shaped charges at a short stand-off distance. The findings of this study are expected to provide technical and theoretical support for research on the penetration characteristics of the jets from titanium alloy-lined shaped charges.

6'-O-Galloylpaeoniflorin attenuates Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis via modulating Nrf2 pathway.

As a common disease of the digestive system, chronic gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various factors. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the main causes of chronic gastritis, which can lead to gastric mucosal damage and gland atrophy, thereby promoting gastrocarcinogenesis. Oxidative stress and the inflammatory response are important mechanisms of H. pylori-induced gastritis. 6'-O-Galloylpaeoniflorin (GPF) is a substance isolated from peony root with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its role and mechanism in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-induced chronic gastritis remain unclear. This study explored the effects of GPF on H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal oxidative stress and inflammation using flow cytometry, western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We found that H. pylori infection increased oxidative stress and expression of inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo and that these outcomes were inhibited by GPF. Furthermore, GPF activated nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target genes in H. pylori-infected GES-1 cells and mice. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of GPF on H. pylori-infected cells were attenuated by an Nrf2 inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggest that GPF reduces H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa injury by activating Nrf2 signaling and that GPF is a potential candidate for the treatment of H. pylori-associated gastritis.