Nomogram for preoperative estimation of microvascular invasion risk in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is an adverse prognostic indicator of tumor recurrence after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, developing a nomogram for estimating the presence of MVI before liver resection is necessary. We retrospectively included 260 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC at the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2021 and April 2024. The patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 182) for nomogram development, and a validation cohort (n = 78) to confirm the performance of the model (7:3 ratio). Significant clinical variables associated with MVI were then incorporated into the predictive nomogram using both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed based on its discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Serum carnosine dipeptidase 1 ([CNDP1] OR 2.973; 95 % CI 1.167-7.575; p = 0.022), cirrhosis (OR 8.911; 95 % CI 1.922-41.318; p = 0.005), multiple tumors (OR 4.095; 95 % CI 1.374-12.205; p = 0.011), and tumor diameter ≥3 cm (OR 4.408; 95 % CI 1.780-10.919; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of MVI. Performance of the nomogram based on serum CNDP1, cirrhosis, number of tumors and tumor diameter was achieved with a concordance index of 0.833 (95 % CI 0.771-0.894) and 0.821 (95 % CI 0.720-0.922) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. It fitted well in the calibration curves, and the decision curve analysis further confirmed its clinical usefulness. The nomogram, incorporating significant clinical variables and imaging features, successfully predicted the personalized risk of MVI in HCC preoperatively.

[Characteristics of the left heart structure and function in 86 term neonates with intrauterine growth restriction]. / 86ä¾‹å®«å† ç”Ÿé•¿å—é™è¶³æœˆæ–°ç”Ÿå„¿çš„å·¦å¿ƒç»“æž„åŠåŠŸèƒ½åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the left heart structure and functional characteristics of term neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS: This study included 86 term neonates with IUGR admitted to the Neonatal Ward of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to January 2022 as the IUGR group, as well as randomly selected 86 term neonates without IUGR born during the same period as the non-IUGR group. The clinical data and echocardiographic data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The analysis of left heart structure and function showed that compared with the non-IUGR group, the IUGR group had significantly lower left ventricular mass, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and stroke volume (P<0.05) and significantly higher ratio of end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness to left ventricular posterior wall thickness, proportion of neonates with a mitral peak E/A ratio of ≥1, and cardiac index (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis suggested that stroke volume was positively correlated with birth weight and body surface area (rs=0.241 and 0.241 respectively; P<0.05) and that the ratio of end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness to left ventricular posterior wall thickness was negatively correlated with birth weight and body surface area (rs=-0.229 and -0.225 respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The left ventricular systolic function of neonates with IUGR is not significantly different from that of neonates without IUGR. However, the ventricular septum is thicker in neonates with IUGR. This change is negatively correlated with birth weight and body surface area. The left ventricular diastolic function may be impaired in neonates with IUGR.

Parathlasia gen. nov. (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Ledrinae, Ledrini), a new leafhopper genus from Guizhou, China.

Parathlasia gen. nov., a new leafhopper genus and species of Ledrini, P.guizhouensis sp. nov., from Guizhou, China are described. Morphological differences between the new genus to other related Chinese genera are discussed. A key to distinguish Parathlasia from other similar genera is given.

TLR2/TLR4-Enhanced TIPE2 Expression Is Involved in Post-Hemorrhagic Shock Mesenteric Lymph-Induced Activation of CD4+T Cells.

Purpose: Post hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return contributes to CD4+ T cell dysfunction, which leads to immune dysfunction and uncontrolled inflammatory response. Tumor necrosis factor α induced protein 8 like-2 (TIPE2) is one of the essential proteins to maintain the immune homeostasis. This study investigated the role of TIPE2 in regulation of CD4+ T lymphocyte function in interaction of PHSML and TLR2/TLR4. Methods: The splenic CD4+ T cells were isolated from various mice (WT, TLR2-/-, TLR4-/-) by immunomagnetic beads, and stimulated with PHSML, normal lymphatic fluid (NML), respectively. Application of TIPE2-carrying interfering fragments of lentivirus were transfected to WT, TLR4-/-, and TLR2-/- CD4+ T cells, respectively. After interference of TIPE2, they were stimulated with PHSML and NML for the examinations of TIPE2, TLR2, and TLR4 mRNA expressions, proliferation, activation molecules on surface, and cytokine secretion function. Results: PHSML stimulation significantly upregulated TIPE2, TLR2, and TLR4 mRNA expressions, decreased proliferation, CD25 expression, and IFN-γ secretion, and increased the secretion ability of IL-4 in WT CD4+ T cells. TIPE2 silencing enhanced proliferative capacity, upregulated CD25 expression, and increased IFNγ secretion in CD4+ T cells. PHSML stimulated TLR2-/-CD4+ T or TLR4-/-CD4+ T cells of which TIPE2 were silenced. TLR2 or TLR4 knockout attenuated PHSML-induced CD4+ T cells dysfunction; PHSML stimulation of silent TIPE2-expressing TLR2-/-CD4+ T or TLR4-/-CD4+ T revealed that the coexistence of low TIPE2 expression with lack of TLR2 or TLR4 eliminated this beneficial effect. Conclusion: TIPE2 improves the PHSML-mediated CD4+T cells dysfunction by regulating TLR2/TLR4 pathway, providing a new intervention target following hemorrhagic shock-induced immune dysfunction.

Identification of the circ_PRKDC/miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis in regulating HaCaT keratinocyte migration.

Migration of keratinocytes plays a crucial role in the re-epithelialization phase during wound healing. Circular RNA (circRNA) protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic subunit (circ_PRKDC, hsa_circ_0084443) has been identified as a regulator of keratinocyte migration. However, the molecular basis governing it remains unclear. The levels of circ_PRKDC, microRNA (miR)-20a-3p, and RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Subcellular localization, Actinomycin D, and Ribonuclease (RNase) R assays were performed to characterise circ_PRKDC. Cell migration was gauged by transwell and wound-healing assays. A direct relationship between miR-20a-3p and circ_PRKDC or RASA1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Circ_PRKDC expression was reduced in wound skin during wound healing. Circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes. Mechanistically, circ_PRKDC directly targeted miR-20a-3p. The regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration was mediated by miR-20a-3p. RASA1 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-20a-3p, and miR-20a-3p-mediated inhibition of RASA1 impacted HaCaT keratinocyte migration. Circ_PRKDC acted as a post-transcriptional modulator of RASA1 expression through miR-20a-3p. Moreover, circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes by RASA1. Our findings demonstrated a novel molecular basis, the miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis, for the regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration.

Stellate Ganglion Block Improves the Proliferation and Function of Splenic CD4 + T Cells Through Inhibition of Posthemorrhagic Shock Mesenteric Lymph-Mediated Autophagy.

Severe hemorrhagic shock leads to excessive inflammation and immune dysfunction, which results in high mortality related to mesenteric lymph return. A recent study showed that stellate ganglion block (SGB) increased the survival rate in rats suffering hemorrhagic shock. However, whether SGB ameliorates immune dysfunction induced by hemorrhagic shock remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to verify the favorable effects of SGB on the proliferation and function of splenic CD4 + T cells isolated from rats that underwent hemorrhagic shock and to investigate the mechanism related to the SGB interaction with autophagy and posthemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML). Male rats underwent SGB or sham SGB and conscious acute hemorrhage followed by resuscitation and multiple treatments. After 3 h of resuscitation, splenic CD4 + T cells were isolated to measure proliferation and cytokine production following stimulation with ConA in vitro. CD4 + T cells isolated from normal rats were treated with PHSML drained from SBG-treated rats, and proliferation, cytokine production, and autophagy biomarkers were detected. Hemorrhagic shock reduced CD4 + T cell proliferation and production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2). SGB or administration of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) normalized these indicators. In contrast, administration of rapamycin (RAPA) autophagy agonist or intravenous injection of PHSML inhibited the beneficial effects of SGB on CD4 + T cells from hemorrhagic shocked rats. Furthermore, PHSML incubation decreased proliferation and cytokine production, increased LC3 II/I and Beclin-1 expression, and reduced p-PI3K and p-Akt expression in normal CD4 + T cells. These adverse effects of PHSML were also abolished by 3-MA administration, as well as incubation with PHSML obtained from SGB-treated rats. SGB improves splenic CD4 + T cell function following hemorrhagic shock, which is related to the inhibition of PHSML-mediated autophagy.

Effect of intestinal microecology on postnatal weight gain in very preterm infants in intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of intestinal microecology on postnatal weight gain of very preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: Very preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The subjects were divided into the extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) group(defined as a body weight less than the 10th percentile of the corresponding gestational age or a weight loss between birth and a given time of > 2SD were considered EUGR) and normal growth group, and the growth was evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after birth. Meanwhile, the stool samples were taken to perform16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) high -throughput 16S rRNA sequencing of the intestinal microflora was performed on stool samples. RESULTS: A total of 22 infants were included. There was no significant difference in the alpha diversity indexes indices between the two groups at 2 weeks or 4 weeks after birth. The beta diversity analysis showed that the two groups had similar principal components of the intestinal microflora were similar between the two groups. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) showed that 2 weeks after birth, the bacteria with an absolute LDA score (log10) higher than 4 included Streptococcaceae, Streptococcus, Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidales and Stenotrophomonas in the EUGR group and Enterococcaceae and Enterococcus in the control group. At the 4th week after birth, the bacteria with an absolute LDA score (log10) higher than 3 in the EUGR group includedwere Clostriaceae, Eubacteriaceae and Eubacterium. TheBy comparing the composition of the microbial community composition comparison showed, significant differences were found in the principal components of Enterococcus and Streptococcus on the family and genus levels at 2 weeks after birth. No Bifidobacterium was found in either group at 4 weeks after birth. CONCLUSION: Intestinal microecology is different between infants with EUGR and those with normal growth. The diversity and richness of the intestinal microflora in preterm infants at the NICU are significantly insufficient and change dynamically with time, and the establishment of intestinal homeostasis is obviously delayed.

Estradiol-induced inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress normalizes splenic CD4 + T lymphocytes following hemorrhagic shock.

The aim is to investigate that 17ß-estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptors (ERs) activation normalizes splenic CD4 + T lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine production through inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) following hemorrhage. The results showed that hemorrhagic shock (hemorrhage through femoral artery, 38-42 mmHg for 90 min followed by resuscitation of 30 min and subsequent observation period of 180 min) decreased the CD4+ T lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine production after isolation and incubation with Concanavalin A (5 µg/mL) for 48 h, induced the splenic injury with evidences of missed contours of the white pulp, irregular cellular structure, and typical inflammatory cell infiltration, upregulated the expressions of ERS biomarkers 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Either E2, ER-α agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) or ERS inhibitor 4-Phenylbutyric acid administration normalized these parameters, while ER-ß agonist diarylpropionitrile administration had no effect. In contrast, administrations of either ERs antagonist ICI 182,780 or G15 abolished the salutary effects of E2. Likewise, ERS inducer tunicamycin induced an adverse effect similarly to that of hemorrhagic shock in sham rats, and aggravated shock-induced effects, also abolished the beneficial effects of E2 and PPT, respectively. Together, the data suggest that E2 produces salutary effects on CD4+ T lymphocytes function, and these effects are mediated by ER-α and GPR30, but not ER-ß, and associated with the attenuation of hemorrhagic shock-induced ERS.

Estrogen Enhances the Microvascular Reactivity Through RhoA-ROCK Pathway in Female Mice During Hemorrhagic Shock.

ABSTRACT: Vascular hypo-reactivity plays a critical role inducing organ injury during hemorrhagic shock. 17ß-estradiol (E2) can induce vasodilation to increase blood flow in various vascular beds. This study observed whether E2 can restore vascular hypo-reactivity induced by hemorrhagic shock, and whether E2 effects are associated with RhoA-Rho kinase (ROCK)-myosin light chain kinase phosphatase (MLCP) pathway. The hemorrhagic shock model (40 ±â€Š2 mm Hg for 1 h, resuscitation for 4 h) was established in ovary intact sham operation (OVI), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX plus E2 supplement female mice. Intestinal microvascular loop was used to assess blood flow in vivo, mRNA expression and vascular reactivity in vitro. Hemorrhagic shock significantly reduced norepinephrine microvascular reactivity. Decreased microvascular reactivity was exacerbated by OVX and reversed by E2 supplement. U-46619 (RhoA agonist) increased microvascular reactivity, and C3 transferase (an ADP ribosyl transferase that selectively induces RhoA ribosylation) or Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor) inhibited sham mice microvascular reactivity. Similarly, U-46619 increased microvascular reactivity in OVI and OVX mice following hemorrhagic shock, which was abolished by Y-27632 or concomitant incubation of okadaic acid (OA) (MLCP inhibitor) and Y-27632. In OVX plus E2 supplement mice with hemorrhagic shock, Y-27632 inhibited microvascular reactivity, which was abolished by concomitant U-46619 application. Lastly, hemorrhagic shock remarkably decreased intestinal loop blood flow, RhoA and ROCK mRNA expressions in vascular tissues in OVX females, but not in OVI females, which were reversed by E2 supplement. These results indicate that estrogen improves microvascular reactivity during hemorrhagic shock, and RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway may mediate E2 effects.

Engagement of Posthemorrhagic Shock Mesenteric Lymph on CD4+ T Lymphocytes In Vivo and In Vitro.

BACKGROUND: Immune dysfunction is associated with posthemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return. To determine the proliferation and cytokine production capacity of CD4+ T lymphocytes, the effect of PHSML drainage on spleen CD4+ T lymphocytes in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock was assessed. METHODS: The normal spleen CD4+ T lymphocytes were in vitro incubated with either drained normal mesenteric lymph (NML), PHSML during hypotension (PHSML-H), or PHSML from 0 h to 3 h after resuscitation (PHSML-R) to verify direct proliferation effects of PHSML. RESULTS: Hemorrhagic shock led to reduction of proliferation and mRNA expression of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-2 receptor in CD4+ T lymphocytes and to decrease in IL-2 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels in supernatants. In contrast, the interleukin-4 levels were increased. These effects were reversed by PHSML drainage. Moreover, NML incubation promoted CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation, whereas both PHSML-H and PHSML-R treatment had a biphasic effects on CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation, exhibiting an enhanced effect at early stages and an inhibitory effect at later stages. Compared with NML, PHSML-H increased IL-2 expression at 12 h, but decreased expression of both IL-2 and IFN-γ at 24 h. By contrast, PHSML-R induced significant increases in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels at 24 h. Interleukin-4 expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes was reduced at 12 h, but augmented at 24 h after incubation with either PHSML-H or PHSML-R. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that PHSML has a direct inhibitory effect on CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation that induces an inflammatory response, which is associated with cellular immune dysfunction.

Emperipolesis mediated by CD8+ T cells correlates with biliary epithelia cell injury in primary biliary cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic destruction of the bile ducts. A major unanswered question regarding the pathogenesis of PBC is the precise mechanisms of small bile duct injury. Emperipolesis is one of cell-in-cell structures that is a potential histological hallmark associated with chronic hepatitis B. This study aimed to clarify the pathogenesis and characteristics of emperipolesis in PBC liver injury. Sixty-six PBC patients, diagnosed by liver biopsy combined with laboratory test, were divided into early-stage PBC (stages I and II, n = 39) and late-stage PBC (stages III and IV, n = 27). Emperipolesis was measured in liver sections stained with haematoxylin-eosin. The expressions of CK19, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, Ki67 and apoptosis of BECs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence double labelling. Emperipolesis was observed in 62.1% of patients with PBC, and BECs were predominantly host cells. The number of infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ T cells correlated with the advancement of emperipolesis (R2  = 0.318, P < .001; R2  = 0.060, P < .05). The cell numbers of TUNEL-positive BECs and double staining for CK19 and Ki67 showed a significant positive correlation with emperipolesis degree (R2  = 0.236, P < .001; R2  = 0.267, P < .001). We conclude that emperipolesis mediated by CD8+ T cells appears to be relevant to apoptosis of BEC and thus may aggravate the further injury of interlobular bile ducts.

Mesenteric lymph drainage alleviates hemorrhagic shock-induced spleen injury and inflammation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of mesenteric lymph drainage on the spleen injury and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines in splenic tissue in mice following hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Male C57 mice were randomly divided into the sham shock, shock and shock+drainage groups. The mice in both shock and shock+drainage groups suffered femoral artery bleeding, maintained mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40±2 mmHg for 90 min, and were resuscitated. And mesenteric lymph drainage was performed in the shock+drainage group at the time of resuscitation. After three hours of resuscitation, the splenic tissues were harvested for the histological observation and protein and mRNA expression analysis of cytokines. RESULTS: The spleen in the shock group revealed a significantly structural damage and increased mRNA expressions of MyD88 and TRAF6 and protein expressions of TIPE2, MyD88, TRIF and TRAF3 compared to the sham group. By contrast, the splenic pathological injury in the shock+drainage group was alleviated significantly, and the mRNA and protein expressions of TIPE2, MyD88, TRIF, TRAF3 and TRAF6 were significantly lower than those in the shock group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph drainage alleviates hemorrhagic shock-induced spleen injury and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.

Blockade of Stellate Ganglion Remediates Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Acute hemorrhage-induced excessive excitation of sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system (SAS) leads to gut hypoperfusion and barrier dysfunction, which is a critical event during hemorrhagic shock-induced multiple organ injury. Stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) has been widely used for suppression of sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system in the clinical practice. However, whether SGB improves intestinal barrier function after hemorrhagic shock remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that the implementation of SGB restores intestinal barrier function and reduces gut injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats received the SGB pretreatment and underwent hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation. The 96-h survival rate, intestinal permeability and morphology, D-lactic acid concentration and diamine oxidase activity in plasma, and expressions of F-actin, Claudin-1, and E-cadherin in intestinal tissues were observed. RESULTS: Pretreatment with SGB significantly enhances the 96-h survival rate in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock (from 8.3% to 66.7%). Hemorrhagic shock reduced the coverage scale of intestinal mucus and intestinal villus width and height, enhanced the intestinal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 and D-lactic acid concentration in plasma, and decreased the expressions of F-actin, Claudin-1, and E-Cadherin in intestinal tissue. These hemorrhagic shock-induced adverse effects were abolished by SGB treatment. CONCLUSIONS: SGB treatment has a beneficial effect during hemorrhagic shock, which is associated with the improvement of intestine barrier function. SGB may be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of hemorrhagic shock.

Mesenteric lymph drainage alleviates hemorrhagic shock-induced spleen injury and inflammation

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of mesenteric lymph drainage on the spleen injury and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines in splenic tissue in mice following hemorrhagic shock. Methods: Male C57 mice were randomly divided into the sham shock, shock and shock+drainage groups. The mice in both shock and shock+drainage groups suffered femoral artery bleeding, maintained mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40±2 mmHg for 90 min, and were resuscitated. And mesenteric lymph drainage was performed in the shock+drainage group at the time of resuscitation. After three hours of resuscitation, the splenic tissues were harvested for the histological observation and protein and mRNA expression analysis of cytokines. Results: The spleen in the shock group revealed a significantly structural damage and increased mRNA expressions of MyD88 and TRAF6 and protein expressions of TIPE2, MyD88, TRIF and TRAF3 compared to the sham group. By contrast, the splenic pathological injury in the shock+drainage group was alleviated significantly, and the mRNA and protein expressions of TIPE2, MyD88, TRIF, TRAF3 and TRAF6 were significantly lower than those in the shock group. Conclusion: These results indicate that post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph drainage alleviates hemorrhagic shock-induced spleen injury and the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.

Intracranial hemorrhage associated with medulla oblongata dysplasia in a premature infant: A case report.

RATIONALE: Medulla oblongata dysplasia is an extremely rare form of neurodevelopmental immaturity in premature infants. Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants may be closely related to neurodevelopmental immaturity. DIAGNOSES: We report a female premature infant who succumbed to intracranial hemorrhage caused by medulla oblongata dysplasia. PATIENT CONCERNS: The infant was born at 31 weeks gestation. The onset manifestation was symptomatic epilepsy associated with subependymal hemorrhage. INTERVENTIONS: Levetiracetam and sodium valproate were administered. During the hospitalization, hydrocephalus developed and the intracranial hemorrhage aggravated. OUTCOMES: The infant died on day 171 after birth. LESSONS: Early identification and prompt treatment should be emphasized. Clinicians should be aware of this condition, as it can potentially cause neonatal intracranial hemorrhage.

Pectin microgel particles as high adsorption rate material for methylene blue: Performance, equilibrium, kinetic, mechanism and regeneration studies.

The pectin gel has been proved to be an effective material for methylene blue (MB) removal, but it presented low adsorption rate. To get over the vice, the pectin microgel particles (PMP) was prepared. No matter high or low initial MB concentration, the PMP presented high adsorption rate with equilibrium time of 20min. The adsorption process based on monolayer adsorption and adsorbance of 284.09mg/g was obtained. What's more, the adsorption process was electrostatic adsorption with mean free energy of 74.223kJ/mol. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted perfectly to the experimental data. The MB uptake was controlled by film diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, the recovery efficiency of regenerated PMP were higher than 80% after three cycles. The present study showed the PMP presented acceptable adsorbance, high adsorption rate and recovery efficiency. Thus, we believe that the PMP was a promising candidate for MB cleanup.

Viral metagenomics of six bat species in close contact with humans in southern China.

Accumulating studies have shown that bats could harbor various important pathogenic viruses that could be transmitted to humans and other animals. Extensive metagenomic studies of different organs/tissues from bats have revealed a large number of novel or divergent viruses. To elucidate viral diversity and epidemiological and phylogenetic characteristics, six pooled fecal samples from bats were generated (based on bat species and geographic regions characteristic for virome analysis). These contained 500 fecal samples from six bat species, collected in four geographic regions. Metagenomic analysis revealed a plethora of divergent viruses originally found in bats. Multiple contigs from influenza A virus and coronaviruses in bats shared high identity with those from humans, suggesting possible cross-species transmission, whereas a number of contigs, whose sequences were taxonomically classifiable within Alphapapillomavirus, Betaretrovirus, Alpharetrovirus, Varicellovirus, Cyprinivirus, Chlorovirus and Cucumovirus had low identity to viruses in existing databases, which indicated possible evolution of novel viral species. None of the established caliciviruses and picornaviruses were found in the 500 fecal specimens. Papillomaviruses with high amino acid identity were found in Scotophilus kuhlii and Rhinolophus blythi, challenging the hypotheses regarding the strict host specificity and co-evolution of papillomaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis showed that four bat rotavirus A strains might be tentative G3 strains, according to the Rotavirus Classification Working Group classification.

Functional Characterization of Salicylic Acid Carboxyl Methyltransferase from Camellia sinensis, Providing the Aroma Compound of Methyl Salicylate during the Withering Process of White Tea.

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is one of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that releases floral scent and plays an important role in the sweet flowery aroma of tea. During the withering process for white tea producing, MeSA was generated by salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (SAMT) with salicylic acid (SA), and the specific floral scent was formed. In this study, we first cloned a CsSAMT from tea leaves (GenBank accession no. MG459470) and used Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to express the recombinant CsSAMT. The enzyme activity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems was identified, and the protein purification, substrate specificity, pH, and temperature optima were investigated. It was shown that CsSAMT located in the chloroplast, and the gene expression profiles were quite different in tea organs. The obtained results might give a new understanding for tea aroma formation, optimization, and regulation and have great significance for improving the specific quality of white tea.

Structure-Based Discovery of Potential Fungicides as Succinate Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Inhibitors.

A series of diphenyl ether-containing pyrazole-carboxamide derivatives was designed and synthesized as new succinate ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) inhibitors. This highly potent molecular scaffold was developed from a moderately activie hit 3, obtained from our previous pharmacophore-linked fragment virtual screening (PFVS) method. The results of greenhouse tests indicated that some analogues showed good SQR inhibitory activity, with promising fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Sphaerotheca fuliginea at a dosage of 200 mg/L. Most surprisingly, compound 62 showed the highest SQR inhibitory activity with a Ki value of 0.081 µM, about 4-fold more potent than penthiopyrad (Ki = 0.307 µM). In addition, compounds 43 and 62 displayed excellent fungicidal activity even at a dosage as low as 6.25 mg/L, which was superior to thifluzamide. Moreover, compound 62 exhibited excellent protection effect against R. solani and provided about 81.2% protective control efficancy after 21 days with two sprayings. The present work indicated that these two compounds could be used as potential agricultural fungicides targeting SQR.