Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids Promote BMP Signaling by Inhibiting Histone Deacetylation and Contribute to Dentinogenic Differentiation in Murine Incisor Regeneration.

Microbiota and their metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have important roles in regulating tissue regeneration and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. In this study, we explored the potential effects of SCFAs on murine incisor regeneration and dental MSCs. We observed that SCFA deficiency induced by depletion of microbiota through antibiotic treatment led to lower renewal rate and delayed dentinogenesis in mice incisors. Supplementation with SCFAs in drinking water during antibiotic treatment can rescue the renewal rate and dentinogenesis effectively. In vitro, stimulation with SCFAs could promote differentiation of dental MSCs to odontoblasts. We further found that SCFAs could contribute to dentinogenic differentiation of dental MSCs by increasing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal activation. SCFAs could inhibit deacetylation and increase BMP7 transcription of dental MSCs, which promoted BMP signaling. Our results suggested that SCFAs were required for incisor regeneration as well as differentiation of dental MSCs. Microbiota and their metabolites should be concerned as important factors in the tissue renewal and regeneration.

[Hydrological functions of litters under five typical plantations in southern and northern mountains of Lanzhou City, Northwest China]. / å °å·žå¸‚å—åŒ—ä¸¤å±±5ç§å ¸åž‹äººå·¥æž—å‡‹è½ç‰©çš„æ°´æ–‡åŠŸèƒ½.

Combined with field observation and indoor water immersion test, water holding characteristics of litters from five typical plantations (Platycladus orientalis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Populus alba var. pyramidalis, P. orientalis+R. pseudoacacia, P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia) in southern and northern mountains of Lanzhou City were examined. Results showed that litter mass under the plantations ranged from 13.50 to 47.01 t·hm-2, with an order of P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis+R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis＞R. pseudoacacia＞P. alba var. pyramidalis. The percentage of un-decomposed litters was greater than that of semi-decomposed litters in all plantations except for P. orientalis plantations. The maximum water-holding rate of litters ranged from 190.8% to 262.7%, with the greatest value in the P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoa-cacia and the lowest in P. orientalis plantations. The maximum water-holding capacity of litters was 35.29-123.59 t·hm-2, with an order of P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis+R. pseudoacacia＞R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis＞P. alba var. pyramidalis. Litter water absorption rate declined linearly within the first hour, and then decreased slowly. Semi-decomposed litters had a higher water-absorption rate than un-decomposed litters. The maximum water retaining amount and effective retaining amount of the litters were P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis+R. pseudoacacia＞P. orientalis＞R. pseudoacacia＞P. alba var. pyramidalis. P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia had the highest effective retaining rate. P. alba var. pyramidalis+R. pseudoacacia plantation had highest capacity for soil and water conservation in southern and northern mountains of Lanzhou City.

Distribution, health risk assessment, and anthropogenic sources of fluoride in farmland soils in phosphate industrial area, southwest China.

The high concentration of fluoride (F) in soils has become a rising concern for its toxicity to microbes, plants, animals and human health. In the present study, the spatial and vertical distribution, health risk assessment and anthropogenic sources of F in farmland soils in an industrial area dominated by phosphate chemical plants were studied. Concentrations of total fluoride (TF) and water soluble fluoride (WSF) in the surface soils decreased with distance within the range of 2500 m at the prevailing downwind of the industrial area. The soil TF and WSF concentrations in 0-40 cm profiles were higher than those in 40-100 cm layers in the industrial area. At the prevailing downwind of the industrial area within 700 m, the hazard quotient values of human exposure to surface soils were higher than 1, indicating that a potential risk may exist for human health in this area. The main exposure pathway for children and adults was oral ingestion and particulate inhalation, respectively. The source apportionment model of soil F was modified based on years' historical data and experimental data. The results showed that the proportion of anthropogenic sources of soil F was dustfalls (69%) > irrigation water (23%) > air (5%) > chemical fertilizers (3%) in the industrial area. The high F concentration of dustfalls was mainly due to the phosphate rock, phosphogypsum, and surface soils with high F contents from the factories. In order to safeguard human health and alleviate hazards of F to surroundings, the control of pollutants emission from factories was a basic and vital step to reduce F in the soils in industrial areas.

Discovery of novel pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases inhibitors by screening of an in-house small molecule library for anti-lung cancer therapeutics.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are widely over-expressed in various human solid cancers, making them attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Herein, we report the identification of structurally novel PDKs inhibitors by screening of an in-house small molecule library. Biochemical assay indicated that the identified compounds 1-4 inhibited PDK1 activity with EC50 values of 0.50, 1.99, 4.64, and 0.42 µM, respectively. The ITC analysis suggested that the identified compounds 1-4 were pan-isoform PDK inhibitors, which bound to and inhibited the four PDK isoforms. Moreover, 1-4 dose-dependently reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase complex phosphorylation in NCI-H1975 cell. Molecular docking suggested that the most potent compound 4 docked well in the ATP binding pocket of the four PDK isoforms, forming direct hydrogen bond interactions with the conserved amino acids Thr and Asp in ATP binding pocket of PDKs. The cell viability assay demonstrated that 4 potently blocked NCI-H1975 cell proliferation (IC50 = 3.32 µM), but had little effect on human normal lung cell MRC-5 even with the tested concentration up to 40 µM. All the data demonstrated that 4 was a promising lead for the development of structurally novel PDKs inhibitor for the cancer treatment.

Vertical distribution of fluorine in farmland soil profiles around phosphorous chemical industry factories.

High concentration of fluorine (F) in agricultural soils has got significant attention considering its impacts on human health, but little information was available about F distribution in farmland soil profiles around phosphorous chemical industry factories. In present study, farmland soil profiles and relevant medium samples were collected from farmlands around a main phosphorous chemical base in southwest China. At 0-100-cm profiles, concentrations of soil total F (Ft, 400.9-1612.0 mg kg-1) and water soluble F (Fw, 3.4-26.0 mg kg-1) decreased with profile depth in industrial areas. Industrial activities enhanced F concentration in soil mainly at 0-40-cm profiles. No disparity for both Ft and Fw distributions in paddy-dry land rotation field and dry land indicates short-term land utilization could not affect the F distribution in soil profiles. Correlation analysis showed soil organic matter and wind direction were important factors influencing the distribution of F in soil profiles. The shutdown of factory and government control of industrial emissions effectively decreased the ambient air F (Fa) concentrations in industrial areas. In where Fa and dustfall F concentrations were high, high soil Ft, Fw, and crop edible part F concentrations were found.

Effect of lead on plant availability of phosphorus and potassium in a vegetable-soil system.

Two typical red soils were sequentially cultivated with celery (Apium graveolens L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a greenhouse to determine the effect of lead (Pb) on plant availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soils. The concentrations of available P as estimated by the 0.05 mol L-1 HCl-0.025 mol L-1 (1/2 H2SO4) extraction and available K estimated by the NH4OAc extraction method in the crop-free soils were not affected by Pb treatment. Plant P concentrations in the above-ground part of celery and Chinese cabbage exposed to Pb were either lower or showed no significant difference to the control.

The Efficacy and Safety of Fractional CO2 Laser Combined with Topical Type A Botulinum Toxin for Facial Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Split-Face Study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated synergistic efficacy and safety of combined topical application of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A) with fractional CO2 laser for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: Twenty female subjects were included for this split-face comparative study. One side of each subject's cheek was treated with fractional CO2 plus saline solution, and the other side was treated with fractional CO2 laser plus topical application of BTX-A. Patients received one session of treatment and evaluations were done at baseline, one, four, and twelve weeks after treatment. The outcome assessments included subjective satisfaction scale; blinded clinical assessment; and the biophysical parameters of roughness, elasticity, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the erythema and melanin index. RESULTS: BTX-A combined with fractional CO2 laser sides showed higher physician's global assessment score, subject satisfaction score, roughness, skin hydration, and skin elasticity compared to that of fractional CO2 plus saline solution side at 12 weeks after treatment. TEWL and erythema and melanin index showed no significant differences between two sides at baseline, one, four, and twelve weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical application of BTX-A could enhance the rejuvenation effect of fractional CO2 laser.

Profiling of glucosinolates and flavonoids in Rorippa indica (Linn.) Hiern. (Cruciferae) by UHPLC-PDA-ESI/HRMS(n).

An UHPLC-PDA-ESI/HRMS(n) profiling method was used to identify the glucosinolates and flavonoids of Rorippa indica (Cruciferae), a wild vegetable and Chinese herb used to treat cough, diarrhea, and rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty-three glucosinolates, more than 40 flavonol glycosides, and 18 other phenolic and common organic compounds were identified. The glucosinolates and polyphenols were separated by UHPLC. High-resolution deprotonated molecules provided high accuracy mass values that were used to determine formulas and provide putative identification of the glucosinolates and flavonoids. The fragments from multistage mass spectrometry were used to elucidate the structures. The concentrations of the main components were based on UV peak areas and molar relative response factors with a single calibration standard. This study found this plant to be a rich source for glucosinolates, containing 24 new glucosinolates, including 14 glucosylated glucosinolates that were previously unidentified.

Conjugated linolenic acids and their bioactivities: a review.

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecatrienoic acid (α-linolenic acid, cis9,cis12,cis15-18:3 n-3) found in plant seeds. Three 8,10,12-18:3 isomers and four 9,11,13-18:3 isomers have been reported to occur naturally. CLNA isomers such as punicic acid, α-eleostearic acid and jacaric acid have been attributed to exhibit several health benefits that are largely based on animal and in vitro studies. This review has summarized and updated the evidence regarding the metabolism and bioactivities of CLNA isomers, and comprehensively discussed the recent studies on the effects of anti-carcinogenic, lipid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-obese and antioxidant activities of CLNA isomers. The available results may provide a potential application for CLNA isomers from natural sources, especially edible plant seeds, as effective functional food ingredients and dietary supplements for the above mentioned disease management. Further research, especially human randomized clinical trials, is warranted to investigate the detailed physiological effects, bioactivity and molecular mechanism of CLNA.

Sorption of ammonium and phosphate from aqueous solution by biochar derived from phytoremediation plants.

The study on biochar derived from plant biomass for environmental applications is attracting more and more attention. Twelve sets of biochar were obtained by treating four phytoremediation plants, Salix rosthornii Seemen, Thalia dealbata, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Phragmites sp., sequentially through pyrolysis at 500 °C in a N2 environment, and under different temperatures (500, 600, and 700 °C) in a CO2 environment. The cation exchange capacity and specific surface area of biochar varied with both plant species and pyrolysis temperature. The magnesium (Mg) content of biochar derived from T. dealbata (TC) was obviously higher than that of the other plant biochars. This biochar also had the highest sorption capacity for phosphate and ammonium. In terms of biomass yields, adsorption capacity, and energy cost, T. dealbata biochar produced at 600 °C (TC600) is the most promising sorbent for removing contaminants (N and P) from aqueous solution. Therefore, T. dealbata appears to be the best candidate for phytoremediation application as its biomass can make a good biochar for environmental cleaning.

Heavy metal phytoextraction by Sedum alfredii is affected by continual clipping and phosphorus fertilization amendment.

Improving the efficacy of phytoextraction is critical for its successful application in metal contaminated soils. Mineral nutrition affects plant growth and metal absorption and subsequently the accumulation of heavy metal through hyper-accumulator plants. This study assessed the effects of di-hydrogen phosphates (KH2PO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, NaH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4) application at three levels (22, 88 and 352 mg P/kg soil) on Sedum alfredii growth and metal uptake by three consecutive harvests on aged and Zn/Cd combined contaminated paddy soil. The addition of phosphates (P) significantly increased the amount of Zn taken up by S. alfredii due to increased shoot Zn concentration and dry matter yield (DMY) (P < 0.05). The highest phytoextraction of Zn and Cd was observed in KH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4 treatment at 352 mg P/kg soil. The amount of Zn removed by phytoextraction increased in the order of 1st clipping < 2nd clipping < 3rd clipping, and for Cd extraction the order was 2nd clipping < 1st clipping < 3rd clipping. These results indicate that the application of P fertilizers coupled with multiple cuttings can enhance the removal of Zn and Cd from contaminated soils by S. alfredii, thus shortening the time needed for accomplishing remediation goals.

Natural variation of folate content and composition in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) germplasm.

Breeding to increase folate levels in edible parts of plants, termed folate biofortification, is an economical approach to fight against folate deficiency in humans, especially in the developing world. Germplasm with elevated folates are a useful genetic source for both breeding and direct use. Spinach is one of the well-know vegetables that contains a relatively high amount of folate. Currently, little is known about how much folate, and their composition varies in different spinach accessions. The aim of this study was to investigate natural variation in the folate content and composition of spinach genotypes grown under controlled environmental conditions. The folate content and composition in 67 spinach accessions were collected from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) germplasm collections according to their origin, grown under control conditions to screen for natural diversity. Folates were extracted by a monoenzyme treatment and analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography (LC) method. The total folate content ranged from 54.1 to 173.2 µg/100 g of fresh weight, with 3.2-fold variation, and was accession-dependent. Four spinach accessions (PI 499372, NSL 6095, PI 261787, and TOT7337-B) have been identified as enriched folate content over 150 µg/100 g of fresh weight. The folate forms found were H(4)-folate, 5-CH(3)-H(4)-folate, and 5-HCO-H(4)-folate, and 10-CHO-folic acid also varied among different accessions and was responsible for variation in the total folate content. The major folate vitamer was represented by 5-CH(3)-H(4)-folate, which on average accounted for up to 52% of the total folate pool. The large variation in the total folate content and composition in diverse spinach accessions demonstrates the great genetic potential of diverse genotypes to be exploited by plant breeders.

Phytoremediation facilitates removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophicated water and release from sediment.

Phosphorus (P) fractions and the effect of phytoremediation on nitrogen and phosphorus removal from eutrophicated water and release from sediment were investigated in the eco-remediation experiment enclosures installed in the Hua-jia-chi pond (Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, China). The main P fraction in the sediment was inorganic phosphorus (IP). For the mesotrophic sediments, IP mainly consisted of HCl-extractable P (Ca-P). The annual-average concentration of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) in water and the content of TN, TP in different vertical depth of sediment in the experiment enclosures with hydrophyte were always much lower than those in the control enclosure without hydrophyte and those outside of experiment enclosures. It is suggested that phytoremediation was an effective technology for N and P removal from eutrophicated water and release from sediment.

Protective effect of the Baicalin against DNA damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation to mouse epidermis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether topical application of Baicalin affords protecting Balb/C mice epidermis from ultraviolet (UV)B-induced DNA damage and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A DNA damage model of UVB irradiation-induced mice epidermis was established. The immunohistochemical staining, Southwestern dot-blotting were used for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) detection; Western blotting was used for p53 detection; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and Bax; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic cells. RESULTS: Topical application of Baicalin on Balb/C mice skin significantly decreased the amount of epidermal CPDs 1, 24 and 48 h after 180 mJ/cm(2) of UVB irradiation as compared with untreated mice. UVB-induced apoptosis was less pronounced in Baicalin-treated mice epidermis, which was accompanied by less p53 accumulation and higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio compared with that of untreated mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that topical Baicalin application mitigates DNA photo-damage. Baicalin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.

Baicalin protects human fibroblasts against ultraviolet B-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formation.

Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify agents that can offer protection against UVB-caused DNA damage. Photocarcinogenesis is caused largely by mutations at the sites of incorrectly repaired DNA photoproducts, of which the most common are the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). In this study, a DNA damage model of UVB irradiation-induced fibroblasts was established. The immunocytochemical staining, immuno dot blotting and Western blotting were employed in the study. We demonstrated that pre-treatment of fibroblasts with Baicalin dose-dependently reduced the amount of UVB-generated CPDs. Compared with UVB irradiated cells, UVB-induced p53 accumulation was less pronounced in Baicalin-treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Baicalin prevent CPDs formation induced by UVB. Baicalin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.

Improving human micronutrient nutrition through biofortification in the soil-plant system: China as a case study.

Micronutrient malnutrition is a major health problem in China. According to a national nutritional survey, approximately 24% of all Chinese children suffer from a serious deficiency of iron (Fe) (anemia), while over 50% show a sub-clinical level of zinc (Zn) deficiency. More than 374 million people in China suffer from goiter disease, which is related to iodine (I) deficiency, and approximately 20% of the Chinese population are affected by selenium (Se) deficiency. Micronutrient malnutrition in humans is derived from deficiencies of these elements in soils and foods. In China, approximately 40% of the total land area is deficient in Fe and Zn. Keshan and Kaschin-Beck diseases always appear in regions where the soil content of Se in low. The soil-plant system is instrumental to human nutrition and forms the basis of the "food chain" in which there is micronutrient cycling, resulting in an ecologically sound and sustainable flow of micronutrients. Soil-plant system strategies that have been adopted to improve human micronutrient nutrition mainly include: (1) exploiting micronutrient-dense crop genotypes by studying the physiology and genetics of micronutrient flow from soils to the edible parts of crops; (2) improving micronutrient bioavailability through a better knowledge of the mechanisms of the enhancers' production and accumulation in edible parts and its regulation through soil-plant system; (3) improving our knowledge of the relationship between the content and bioavailability of micronutrients in soils and those in edible crop products for better human nutrition; (4) developing special micronutrient fertilizers and integrated nutrient management technologies for increasing both the density of the micronutrients in the edible parts of plants and their bioavailability to humans.

Yield and quality responses of citrus (Citrus reticulate) and tea (Podocarpus fleuryi Hickel.) to compound fertilizers.

Experiments were carried out with citrus (Citrus reticulate) and tea (Podocarpus fleuryi Hickel.) to study the effects of compound fertilizers on their yields and quality. In the citrus experiment, application of compound fertilizers increased available P, K and Mg contents in soil but decreased alkali-hydrolyzable N contents in soil and N, P and K contents in leaves. In the tea experiment, application of compound fertilizers increased available P, K and Mg contents in soil and N, P, K and Mg contents in leaves but decreased alkali-hydrolyzable N in soil compared with the urea treatment. Application of compound fertilizers could improve the quality of citrus and tea, increase their yields and enhance their economical profits significantly. Compared with the control, application of compound fertilizers increased citrus yields by 6.31, 12.94 and 17.69 t/ha, and those of tea by 0.51, 0.86 and 1.30 t/ha, respectively. Correspondingly, profits were increased by 21.4% to 61.1% for citrus and by 10.0% to 15.7% for tea. Optimal rates of compound fertilizers were recommended for both crops.

Yield and quality responses of citrus (Citrus reticulate) and tea (Podocarpus fleuryi Hickel.) to compound fertilizers / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Experiments were carried out with citrus (Citrus reticulate) and tea (Podocarpus fleuryi Hickel.) to study the effects of compound fertilizers on their yields and quality. In the citrus experiment, application of compound fertilizers increased available P, K and Mg contents in soil but decreased alkali-hydrolyzable N contents in soil and N, P and K contents in leaves. In the tea experiment, application of compound fertilizers increased available P, K and Mg contents in soil and N, P, K and Mg contents in leaves but decreased alkali-hydrolyzable N in soil compared with the urea treatment. Application of compound fertilizers could improve the quality of citrus and tea, increase their yields and enhance their economical profits significantly. Compared with the control, application of compound fertilizers increased citrus yields by 6.31, 12.94 and 17.69 t/ha, and those of tea by 0.51, 0.86 and 1.30 t/ha, respectively. Correspondingly, profits were increased by 21.4% to 61.1% for citrus and by 10.0% to 15.7% for tea. Optimal rates of compound fertilizers were recommended for both crops.

[An approach to the screening index for low phosphorus tolerant rice genotype].

Screening and breeding low phosphorous (P) tolerant rice genotype is one of the effective alternatives to alleviate the scarcity of mineral P resource and to increase the utilization efficiency of P fertilizer. Selecting a simple and scientific screening index plays an important role in the screening and breeding program. In this study, a hydroponic culture experiment and a field trial were carried out to approach the screening index for low P tolerant rice genotypes. The results showed that among all the rice characters studied, total dry weight demonstrated a significant genotypic variation at both normal and low P supply (the CV was 21.73% and 19.54%, respectively). Relative total dry weight (low P supply/normal P supply) also demonstrated significant genotypic variation (CV was 19.60%), which was significantly correlated to relative root dry weight, relative plant height, relative total P uptake, relative shoot P accumulation, relative P utilization efficiency and relative P concentration (P < 0.01). Therefore, the relative total dry weight of rice would be an important evaluation or screening index for the low P tolerance ability of rice at its seedling stage. The relative total dry weight of rice in hydroponic culture system was not correlated to the relative grain yield (minus-P/plus-P) in field trial, which meant that it could not be used as an index to evaluate the low P tolerance ability of rice. The internal P utilization efficiency of rice grown in low P solution was significantly correlated to that of rice grown in P-deficient soil (r = 0.798 * *, n = 8). Therefore, screening rice genotypes by using internal P utilization efficiency of rice grown in low P solution at seedling stage as screening index and subsequently testing in field trial would probably be an effective alternative to screen rice genotype with high P utilization efficiency.

Volatile constituents in the flowers of Elsholtzia argyi and their variation: a possible utilization of plant resources after phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation effectiveness and remediation costs are driving factors of this project. Full utilization of plant resources after their being used for phytoremediation is an unsolved problem. GC/MS technique was used to investigate the volatiles of the flowers from Elsholtzia argyi (PFE1: Purple Flower Elsholtzia) and their variation (WFE: White Flower Elsholtzia), naturally growing in Pb/Zn mined area, and Elsholtzia argyi (PFE2: Purple Flower Elsholtzia), naturally growing in Jiuxi uncontaminated agriculture soil. Seventeen compounds constituting 86.88% of total essential oils were identified in PFE1, with 2,6-octadienoic acid,3,7-dimethyl-methyl ester being the main constituent (63.30%). Sixteen compounds accounting for 95.32% of total essential oils were identified in WFE, with caryophyllene being the main component (55.02%). Compared to PFE1, PFE2 contains lower level of 2,6-octadienoic acid,3,7-dimethyl-methyl ester (31.76%), which is the main constituent in the total essential oils of PFE2. Caryophyllene is the main ingredient of flavor. Elsholtzia ketone was identified in all the three Elsholtzia plants. It can be concluded that the selected Elsholtzia argyi plants can be exploited on their versatile uses as fragrances and antiseptics due to the perfume ingredient and antibacterial components existing in their essential oils.