Antimicrobial metabolites from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. ZZ1861.

Fungi from the genus Aspergillus are important resources for the discovery of bioactive agents. This investigation characterized the isolation, structural elucidation, and antimicrobial evaluation of 46 metabolites produced by the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. ZZ1861 in rice solid and potato dextrose broth liquid media. The structures of these isolated compounds were determined based on their HRESIMS data, NMR spectral analyses, and data from ECD, NMR, and optical rotation calculations. Emericelactones F and G, 20R,25S-preshamixanthone, 20R,25R-preshamixanthone, phthalimidinic acid A, phthalimidinic acid B, aspergilol G, and 2-hydroxyemodic amide are eight previously undescribed compounds and (S)-2-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-formylpyrrol-1-yl) propionic acid lactone is reported from a natural resource for the first time. It is also the first report of the configurations of 25S-O-methylarugosin A, 25R-O-methylarugosin A, 5R-(+)-9-hydroxymicroperfuranone, and 5R-(+)-microperfuranone. Phthalimidinic acid A, phthalimidinic acid B, aspergilol G, and 2-hydroxyemodic amide have antifungal activity against Candida albicans with MIC values of 1.56, 3.12, 1.56, and 12.5 µg/mL, respectively, 20R,25S-preshamixanthone (MIC 25 µg/mL) shows antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, and 20R,25R-preshamixanthone exhibits antimicrobial activity against all three tested pathogens of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans with MIC values of 50, 25, 25 µg/mL, respectively.

Preparation, identification, activity prediction, and protective effects on IR-HepG2 cells of five novel DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from protein hydrolysate of skipjack tuna dark muscles.

To produce peptides with high dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity, neutrase was selected from five proteases (trypsin, neutrase, pepsin, alcalase and flavor protease) with the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) (18.23 ± 1.08%) and DPP-IV inhibitory rate (53.35 ± 4.02%) to produce protein hydrolysate (NPH) from the dark muscles of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). Then, NPH-1 was isolated from NPH by gel permeation chromatography and found to possess the highest DPP-IV inhibitory rate (65.12 ± 7.94% at 0.5 mg ml-1) in the separated components (including NPH-1, NPH-2, NPH-3 and NPH-4). Subsequently, the available prediction models of tripeptides and tetrapeptides with the DPP-IV inhibitory rate were established using an artificial neural network (ANN). The RMSE (0.56 and 0.33 for the model established through collected tripeptides and tetrapeptides, respectively) and R2 (0.95 and 0.99 for the model established through collected tripeptides and tetrapeptides, respectively) of the ANN model's parameters were within acceptable limits, indicating that this model is available. Next, the ANN model was applied to predict tripeptides and tetrapeptides from the hydrolysate of skipjack tuna dark muscles, and five peptides (Ala-Pro-Pro (APP), Pro-Pro-Pro (PPP), Asp-Pro-Leu-Leu (DPLL), Glu-Ala-Val-Pro (EAVP) and Glu-Ala-Iie-Pro (EAIP)) possessing a noticeable DPP-IV inhibitory rate (with DPP-IV IC50 values of 42.46 ± 5.02, 37.71 ± 9.17, 58.85 ± 14.42, 49.94 ± 6.69 and 57.15 ± 6.13 µM, respectively) were screened from the protein hydrolysate. The above five peptides were proved to effectively promote glucose consumption in the insulin resistant-HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cell model considering that the glucose consumption rates of APP, PPP, DPLL, EAVP and EAIP treatment groups are all more than twice that of the dexamethasone group. Accordingly, mechanistic studies showed that these peptides interacted with PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways and promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K p110, AKT and AMPK (the protein expressions of PI3K p110, p-AKT and p-AMPK in APP, PPP, DPLL, EAVP and EAIP treatment groups are 1.64-2.22 fold compared with that in the dexamethasone group), thereby enhancing glucose uptake and further alleviating insulin resistance. These findings demonstrated that skipjack tuna dark muscle is a potential DPP-IV inhibitory peptide source, and five DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from its hydrolysate may exert potent anti-diabetic activity. In comparison, PPP may be the most potential active ingredient for healthy food against type 2 diabetes mellitus in the five screened peptides considering synthetically the DPP-IV inhibitory rate, bioavailability and synthesis cost.

Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Stability of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides-Calcium Chelate Derived from Tuna Bones.

This study was conducted to prepare calcium chelate of low-molecular-weight tuna bone collagen peptides (TBCPLMW) with a high chelation rate and to identify its structural characteristics and stability. The optimum conditions for calcium chelation of TBCPLMW (TBCPLMW-Ca) were determined through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, and the calcium-chelating capacity reached over 90% under the optimal conditions. The amino acid compositions implied that Asp and Glu played important roles in the formation of TBCPLMW-Ca. Structural characterizations determined via spectroscopic analyses revealed that functional groups such as -COO-, N-H, C=O, and C-O were involved in forming TBCPLMW-Ca. The particle size distributions and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that folding and aggregation of peptides were found in the chelate. Stability studies showed that TBCPLMW-Ca was relatively stable under thermal processing and more pronounced changes have been observed in simulated gastric digestion, presumably the acidic environment was the main factor causing the dissociation of the TBCPLMW-Ca. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the preparation of a novel calcium supplement and is beneficial for comprehensive utilization of tuna bones.

Resilient and sustainable production of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in phosphorus-limited environment by using exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid to sustain photosynthesis.

Globally, many low to medium yielding peanut fields have the potential for further yield improvement. Low phosphorus (P) limitation is one of the significant factors curtailing Arachis hypogaea productivity in many regions. In order to demonstrate the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on peanuts growing under P deficiency, we used a pot-based experiment to examine the effects of exogenous GABA on alleviating P deficiency-induced physiological changes and growth inhibition in peanuts. The key physiological parameters examined were foliar gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, proton motive force, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase activity of peanuts under cultivation with low P (LP, 0.5 mM P) and control conditions. During low P, the cyclic electron flow (CEF) maintained the high proton gradient (∆pH) induced by low ATP synthetic activity. Applying GABA during low P conditions stimulated CEF and reduced the concomitant ROS generation and thereby protecting the foliar photosystem II (PSII) from photoinhibition. Specifically, GABA enhanced the rate of electronic transmission of PSII (ETRII) by pausing the photoprotection mechanisms including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and ∆pH regulation. Thus, GABA was shown to be effective in restoring peanut growth when encountering P deficiency. Exogenous GABA alleviated two symptoms (increased root-shoot ratio and photoinhibition) of P-deficient peanuts. This is possibly the first report of using exogenous GABA to restore photosynthesis and growth under low P availability. Therefore, foliar applications of GABA could be a simple, safe and effective approach to overcome low yield imposed by limited P resources (low P in soils or P-fertilizers are unavailable) for sustainable peanut cultivation and especially in low to medium yielding fields.

Prognostic significance of KMT2A-PTD in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Whether KMT2A-PTD has a prognostic impact on patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value of KMT2A-PTD in patients with AML. METHODS: Eligibility criteria: we included studies concerning the prognostic value of KMT2A-PTD in patients with AML. INFORMATION SOURCES: Eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Chinese Biomedical Database. The systematic search date was 19 December 2020.Risk of bias: Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the stability and reliability of the combined results. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess the publication biases of studies. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: We calculated the pooled HRs and their 95% CIs for overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) by Stata V.12 software. RESULTS: Included studies: 18 studies covering 6499 patients were included. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: KMT2A-PTD conferred shorter OS in total population (HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.51). In the subgroup analysis, KMT2A-PTD also resulted in shorter OS in karyotypically normal AML patients (HR=2.72, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.61) and old AML patients (HR=1.93, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.42). KMT2A-PTD indicated no prognostic impact on EFS in total population (HR=1.26, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.66). However, in the sensitivity analysis, KMT2A-PTD resulted in poor EFS (HR=1.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.64) when deleting the study with a relatively obvious effect on the combined HR. In the subgroup analysis, KMT2A-PTD was associated with poor EFS in old AML patients (HR=1.64, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.03). CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that KMT2A-PTD had an adverse impact on the prognosis of patients with AML in the total population, and the conclusion can also be applied to some subgroups including karyotypically normal AML and old AML patients. KMT2A-PTD may be a promising genetic biomarker in patients with AML in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021227185.

Heat-Killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 Improved UVB-Induced Photoaging Via Antiwrinkle and Antimelanogenesis Impacts.

Exposure of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main factor from the environment to cause skin photoaging. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469, is a probiotic strain with a good track record for enhancing human health. The present study conducted the impacts of heat-killed L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469 (RL) on photoaging in vitro using mouse skin fibroblast (MSF) cells and human epidermal melanocytes (HEM) exposed to UVB. The results showed that (1) RL-protected UVB-induced cytotoxicity relating to absorb UVB and reduce DNA damage. (2) RL exerted the antiwrinkle impact involved in two aspects. Firstly, RL downregulated MMP-1, 2, 3 expressions associating with MAPK signaling, resulting in the increased the protein expression of COL1A1, further booting type I collagen abundant thereby promoting the antiwrinkle impact in MSF cells. Secondly, RL reduced ROS content, further decreasing oxidative damage relating to Nrf2/Sirt3/SOD2 signaling, thereby promoting the antiwrinkle impact in MSF cells. (3) RL suppressed tyrosinase and TYRP-2 activity and/or levels associating with PKA/CREB/MITF signaling, thereby promoting antimelanogenesis impact in HEM cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that RL could reduce photoaging caused by UVB via antiwrinkle and antimelanogenesis properties and may be a potential antiphotoaging beneficial component, which is applied in the cosmetic industry.

New Hygrocins K-U and Streptophenylpropanamide A and Bioactive Compounds from the Marine-Associated Streptomyces sp. ZZ1956.

Marine-derived Streptomyces actinomycetes are one of the most important sources for the discovery of novel bioactive natural products. This study characterized the isolation, structural elucidation and biological activity evaluation of thirty compounds, including twelve previously undescribed compounds, namely hygrocins K-U (5-13, 17 and 18) and streptophenylpropanamide A (23), from the marine-associated actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZZ1956. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by a combination of extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses, HRESIMS data, the Mosher's method, ECD calculations, single crystal X-ray diffraction and comparison with reported data. Hygrocins C (1), D (2), F (4), N (8), Q (11) and R (12), 2-acetamide-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (22), echoside C (27), echoside A (28) and 11,11'-O-dimethylelaiophylin (30) had antiproliferative activity (IC50: 0.16-19.39 µM) against both human glioma U87MG and U251 cells with hygrocin C as the strongest active compound (IC50: 0.16 and 0.35 µM, respectively). The analysis of the structure-activity relationship indicated that a small change in the structures of the naphthalenic ansamycins had significant influence on their antiglioma activities. Hygrocins N (8), O (9), R (12), T (17) and U (18), 2-amino-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (21), 2-acetamide-6-hydroxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (22), 3'-methoxy(1,1',4',1″-terphenyl)-2',6'-diol (26), echoside C (27) and echoside A (28) showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 3-48 µg/mL.

Antiglioma Natural Products from the Marine-Associated Fungus Penicillium sp. ZZ1750.

Marine-derived Penicillium fungi are one of the most important sources for the discovery of new bioactive natural products. This study characterized the isolation, structures, and antiglioma activities of twelve compounds, including three novel ones-penipyridinone B (1), 11S-(-)-penilloid A (2), and 11R,14E-(+)-penilloid A (3)-from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. ZZ1750. The structures of the novel compounds were determined via extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) data, Mosher's method, optical rotation (OR) calculations, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Penipyridinone B represents the first example of its structural type and showed potent antiglioma activity, with IC50 values of 2.45 µM for U87MG cells and 11.40 µM for U251 cells. The known compounds of questiomycin A (9) and xanthocillin X (10) also showed antiproliferative activity against both U87MG and U251 cells, with IC50 values of 13.65 µM to 22.56 µM. The antiglioma activity of questiomycin A and xanthocillin X may be related to the promotion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the enhancement of caspase-3 enzyme activity.

Age and Gender Differences Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Serum Uric Acid.

Studies have explored the relation between serum uric acid (SUA) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), but the relation remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine SUA concentration and its correlation with carotid artery atherosclerosis according to age group and gender. Subjects who underwent physical examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2016 to 2020 were selected. Using traditional atherosclerosis risk factors as adjustment variables, the association between blood uric acid level and atherosclerosis was assessed by logistic regression analysis. A total of 15,843 subjects (73.90% men) were included, with an average age of 52 ± 12 years. The prevalence of increased CIMT was 9.51%, and the prevalence of plaque was 28.59%. Univariate analysis results showed that there were significant differences in the occurrence of increased CIMT and plaque among different SUA-level groups in both men and women (p <0.0001). After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, increased SUA level was significantly associated with an increased risk of carotid intima-media thickening. Correlation analysis in each age subgroup showed that CIMT was significantly associated with SUA in men ≥60 years old and women 45 to 60 years old or ≥60 years old (p <0.0001). In conclusion, in both men and women, increased SUA levels are closely associated with increased CIMT. The age at which this association was observed was lower in women than in men; whether the lower age in women is due to changes in hormone levels between before and after menopause remains to be prospectively studied.

Talaromydien a and talaroisocoumarin A, new metabolites from the marine-sourced fungus Talaromyces sp. ZZ1616.

New talaromydien A (1) and talaroisocoumarin A (2), together with nine known compounds (3 - 11), were isolated from a culture of the marine-derived Talaromyces sp. ZZ1616 in potato dextrose broth medium. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on their HRESIMS data, NMR spectroscopic analyses, the modified Mosher's method, ECD, 13C NMR and optical rotation calculations. Talaroisocoumarin A showed antimicrobial activities with MIC values of 36.0 µg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 32.0 µg/mL against Escherichia coli, and 26.0 µg/mL against Candida albicans.

Factors influencing protective behavior in the post-COVID-19 period in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to explore the factors influencing protective behavior and its association with factors during the post-COVID-19 period in China based on the risk perception emotion model and the protective action decision model (PADM). METHODS: A total of 2830 valid questionnaires were collected as data for empirical analysis via network sampling in China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to explore the relationships between the latent variables. RESULTS: SEM indicated that social emotion significantly positively affected protective behavior and intention. Protective behavioral intention had significant direct effects on protective behavior, and the direct effects were also the largest. Government trust did not have a significant effect on protective behavior but did have a significant indirect effect. Moreover, it was found that government trust had the greatest direct effect on social emotion. In addition, we found that excessive risk perception level may directly reduce people's intention and frequency of engaging in protective behavior, which was not conducive to positive, protective behavior. CONCLUSION: In the post-COVID-19 period, theoretical framework constructed in this study can be used to evaluate people's protective behavior. The government should strengthen its information-sharing and interaction with the public, enhance people's trust in the government, create a positive social mood, appropriately regulate people's risk perception, and, finally, maintain a positive attitude and intent of protection.

The Physiological Functionality of PGR5/PGRL1-Dependent Cyclic Electron Transport in Sustaining Photosynthesis.

The cyclic electron transport (CET), after the linear electron transport (LET), is another important electron transport pathway during the light reactions of photosynthesis. The proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5)/PRG5-like photosynthetic phenotype 1 (PGRL1) and the NADH dehydrogenase-like complex pathways are linked to the CET. Recently, the regulation of CET around photosystem I (PSI) has been recognized as crucial for photosynthesis and plant growth. Here, we summarized the main biochemical processes of the PGR5/PGRL1-dependent CET pathway and its physiological significance in protecting the photosystem II and PSI, ATP/NADPH ratio maintenance, and regulating the transitions between LET and CET in order to optimize photosynthesis when encountering unfavorable conditions. A better understanding of the PGR5/PGRL1-mediated CET during photosynthesis might provide novel strategies for improving crop yield in a world facing more extreme weather events with multiple stresses affecting the plants.

The Significance of Chloroplast NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Complex and Its Dependent Cyclic Electron Transport in Photosynthesis.

Chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complex, a multiple-subunit complex in the thylakoid membranes mediating cyclic electron transport, is one of the most important alternative electron transport pathways. It was identified to be essential for plant growth and development during stress periods in recent years. The NDH-mediated cyclic electron transport can restore the over-reduction in stroma, maintaining the balance of the redox system in the electron transfer chain and providing the extra ATP needed for the other biochemical reactions. In this review, we discuss the research history and the subunit composition of NDH. Specifically, the formation and significance of NDH-mediated cyclic electron transport are discussed from the perspective of plant evolution and physiological functionality of NDH facilitating plants' adaptation to environmental stress. A better understanding of the NDH-mediated cyclic electron transport during photosynthesis may offer new approaches to improving crop yield.

Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of 106 marine microbial metabolites against human lung cancer cells and potential antiproliferative mechanism of purpuride G.

A total of 106 marine microbial metabolites were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer cells. Results showed that 23 compounds exhibited activity in inhibiting the proliferation of A549 and H157 cells with IC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 48.2 µM. Pyrrospirone F, chrysophanol, physcion, and purpuride G are the four most active compounds with IC50 values of 1.5-7.3 µM. Further investigation of purpuride G (a newly discovered sesquiterpene lactone) demonstrated its potent antiproliferative activity against six different lung cancer cells of A549, H157, H460, H1299, H1703, and PC9 with IC50 values of 2.1-3.3 µM. The antiproliferative activity of purpuride G against cancer cells is related to block cell cycle, induce apoptosis through regulating the apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bax, and inhibit glycolysis by downregulating two key glycolytic enzymes of hexokinase 2 and pyruvate kinase M2.

Meta-analysis of the correlation between serum uric acid level and carotid intima-media thickness.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, increasing epidemiological evidence has shown that there is a correlation between serum uric acid level (SUA) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). This paper explored the relationship between them through meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched to obtain literature. The keywords used to retrieve the literature were carotid intima thickness, intima-media thickness, carotid atherosclerosis, carotid stenosis, carotid artery, uric acid, blood uric acid, and hyperuricaemia. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database through July 2020. Stata15.0 and RevMan5.3 software were used for statistical analysis. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated by a random effect model to estimate the correlation. Publication bias was assessed using the Begg and Egger tests. The stability of these results was evaluated using sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included with a total sample size of 11382, including 7597 participants in the high uric acid group and 3785 in the control group, on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the evaluation of the JBI scale, the literature was of high quality. The average age ranged from 42 to 74. Meta-analysis showed that CIMT in the high uric acid group was significantly higher than that in the control group (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.38, 0.68]), and the difference was significant (z = 6.98, P < 0.00001). The heterogeneity among the 15 articles was obvious (I2 = 89%, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis by disease status illustrated a positive relationship between SUA and CIMT in healthy people and people with diseases. SUA was shown to be positively correlated with CIMT in people aged 45-60 years and ≥60 years by subgroup analysis by age. SUA was also found to be positively correlated with CIMT in a population with BMI>24 kg/m2 by subgroup analysis by BMI. In addition, subgroup analysis of other risk factors for CIMT, including TC, SBP, DBP, triglycerides, and LDL-C, all showed a positive correlation between SUA and CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant correlation between serum uric acid level and carotid intima-media thickness, and a high concentration of serum uric acid is related to carotid artery intima-media thickness.

Exploring Relationships Between L2 Chinese Character Writing and Reading Acquisition From Embodied Cognitive Perspectives: Evidence From HSK Big Data.

Chinese characters are central to understanding how learners learn to read a logographic script. However, researchers know little about the role of character writing in reading Chinese as a second language (CSL). Unlike an alphabetic script, a Chinese character symbol transmits semantic information and is a cultural icon bridging embodied experience and text meaning. As a unique embodied practice, writing by hand contributes to cognitive processing in Chinese reading. Therefore, it is essential to clarify how Chinese character writing (bodily activity), language distance (past language usage), and cultural background (bodily coupling with the environment) influence CSL reading proficiency. Based on extant research on L2 reading acquisition and strength of key theoretical perspectives of embodied cognition theory (ECT), this study tested a regression model for CSL reading involving individual-level factors (Chinese character writing proficiency [CCWP]) and group-level predictors (language distance and cultural background). This study collected big data in a sample of 74,362 CSL learners with 67 diverse L1s. Results of hierarchical linear modeling showed a significant effect of CCWP and significant language distance × CCWP interaction effect on reading proficiency; however, cultural background × CCWP interaction effect was not significant. These results conform to the ECT and indicate that bodily activity, past language usage, and cultural background aided reading. CCWP may benefit from withstanding the negative transfer from L1s. Furthermore, CCWP and cultural background are not synergistic predictors of reading. This study may open novel avenues for explorations of CSL reading development.

Effects of moxibustion and acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) on chronic atrophic gastritis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of moxibustion and acupuncture of Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) acupoints on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats, and to study the mechanisms behind their actions. METHODS: Forty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with CAG by intragastric administration of 40% ethanol combined with free drinking of N-methyl-N'nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and irregular feeding for 12 weeks, followed by daily treatment with moxibustion or acupuncture for 2 weeks. Histopathologic examination, Western blotting of cytokines [epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK)], and 1H NMR-based metabolic profiling of gastric tissues were used to measure changes related to CAG modeling and treatment. RESULTS: Moxibustion and acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) each relieved CAG-induced abnormalities in histopathology and cytokine expression of ERK and p-ERK. Only moxibustion treatment regulated the expression of EGF and EGFR. Metabolites that were increased in gastric tissue by CAG induction (alanine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, uracil DNA glycosylase, lactate, glycerol and adenosine) were restored to normal levels after moxibustion treatment; acupuncture treatment only normalized the levels of adenosine monophosphate and glycerol. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that moxibustion or acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) can significantly improve the condition of CAG in rats. These treatments exert their effects on CAG through different mechanisms.

Invasive Solitary Fibrous Tumor/Hemangiopericytoma of the Filum Terminale.

A 37-year-old man presented with a 7-year history of low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural mass involving L5 vertebra impairment at the level of L4-L5. A L4-S1 laminectomy was performed. Pathology suggested the diagnosis of Solitary Fibrous Tumor/Hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPCs). Unlike other spinal cord SFT/HPCs in lumbar area, we firstly reported the case with invasive growth and bone structure impairment. The patient had a good prognosis after 3-year follow-up. Complete resection should be achieved to reduce the recurrence.

Microtopographic modification conserves urban wetland water quality by increasing the dissolved oxygen in the wet season.

Microtopography affects hydrological processes and forms different microhabitats. Our previous study uncovered that riparian zone microtopography created various microhabitats with different soil environments and runoff-infiltration patterns. However, how riparian microtopography and microtopography within the water area (waterfall and tributary) affects downstream water quality remains unclear. Therefore, water samples were taken almost monthly in both the main stream and the tributary, before and after waterfalls, and near the bottom of three microtopographic types from June 2016 to March 2017. Compared with the dry season, the fact that water quality worsened in the wet season and that there were positive correlations for nitrate (NO3-) between water and the corresponding soil samples suggested that the riparian-soil environment affected the adjacent water quality mainly in the wet season. Nevertheless, riparian microtopography did not influence water quality downstream because of the low rainfall frequency and the weak leaching process due to plant interception. In the wet season, both the tributary and the waterfall increased the dissolved oxygen in the water body and, therefore, lowered the risk of eutrophication. The tributary has two pathways for improving the water quality, by increased disturbance and flow velocity, while the waterfall only has the former. However, such effects were not significant in the dry season. We conclude that the application of microtopographic modification is useful in maintaining urban wetland water quality in wet seasons.

Protective Effects of Incretin Against Age-Related Diseases.

Incretin contains two peptides named glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Drug therapy using incretin has become a new strategy for diabetic treatments due to its significant effects on improving insulin receptors and promoting insulinotropic secretion. Considering the fact that diabetes millitus is a key risk factor for almost all age-related diseases, the extensive protective roles of incretin in chronic diseases have received great attention. Based on the evidence from animal experiments, where incretin can protect against the pathophysiological processes of neurodegenerative diseases, clinical trials for the treatments of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are currently ongoing. Moreover, the protective effect of incretin on heart has been observed in cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of vessels. Meanwhile, incretin can also inhibit the proliferation of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, which can induce atherosclerogenesis. Incretin is also beneficial for diabetic microvascular complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy and gastric ulcer, as well as the hepatic-related diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Besides, the anti-tumor properties of incretin have been proven in diverse cancers including ovarian cancer, pancreas cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.