Citizen seismology helps decipher the 2021 Haiti earthquake.

On 14 August 2021, the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.2 Nippes earthquake in Haiti occurred within the same fault zone as its devastating 2010 Mw 7.0 predecessor, but struck the country when field access was limited by insecurity and conventional seismometers from the national network were inoperative. A network of citizen seismometers installed in 2019 provided near-field data critical to rapidly understand the mechanism of the mainshock and monitor its aftershock sequence. Their real-time data defined two aftershock clusters that coincide with two areas of coseismic slip derived from inversions of conventional seismological and geodetic data. Machine learning applied to data from the citizen seismometer closest to the mainshock allows us to forecast aftershocks as accurately as with the network-derived catalog. This shows the utility of citizen science contributing to our understanding of a major earthquake.

Protective effects of sodium ferulate on flap transplantation via anti-inflammatory modulation and oxidative stress inhibition.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has brought attention to flap failure in reconstructive surgery. To improve the prognosis of skin transplantation, we performed experimental IRI by surgical obstruction of blood flow and used sodium ferulate (SF) to prevent IRI in rats. After SF treatment, the morphological and histological changes of the skin flaps were observed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. We also detected the expression levels of COX-1, HO-1, and Ki67 by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood and skin tissue. Compared with the model group, SF treatment significantly improved the recovered flap area (%) and promoted collagen synthesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was significantly inhibited by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction after SF treatment. Furthermore, SF significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α in peripheral blood, MPO and MDA in the skin tissue, and the increased synthesis of NO. Our results showed the protective effects of SF on IRI after flap transplantation and we believe that the protective effects of SF was closely related to the alleviation of the inflammatory response and the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.

Protective effects of sodium ferulate on flap transplantation via anti-inflammatory modulation and oxidative stress inhibition

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has brought attention to flap failure in reconstructive surgery. To improve the prognosis of skin transplantation, we performed experimental IRI by surgical obstruction of blood flow and used sodium ferulate (SF) to prevent IRI in rats. After SF treatment, the morphological and histological changes of the skin flaps were observed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. We also detected the expression levels of COX-1, HO-1, and Ki67 by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood and skin tissue. Compared with the model group, SF treatment significantly improved the recovered flap area (%) and promoted collagen synthesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was significantly inhibited by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction after SF treatment. Furthermore, SF significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α in peripheral blood, MPO and MDA in the skin tissue, and the increased synthesis of NO. Our results showed the protective effects of SF on IRI after flap transplantation and we believe that the protective effects of SF was closely related to the alleviation of the inflammatory response and the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.

Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with Hashimoto's disease combined with thyroid cancer before and after surgery and their relationship with prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate expressions and clinical significance of IL-17 and TNF-α after surgery in patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD) combined with thyroid cancer (TC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2010 to October 2012, 38 patients with HD combined with TC admitted to the oncology department of Tongji Hospital were selected as an experimental group, including three males and 35 females, aged 24-78 years. Forty adults undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients in the experimental group were given total endoscopic TC resection. Real-time fluorescence quantification (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of serum IL-17 and TNF-α before and 14 days after surgery. Patients with HD combined with TC were divided into high and low expression groups according to the median values of preoperative IL-17 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA. The relationship between IL-17, TNF-α, and prognosis of patients was analyzed through K-M survival curve. RESULTS: The concentrations of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum were also higher than those in control group 14 days after surgery (p < 0.05). qRT-PCT showed that the relative expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum 14 days after surgery were higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). According to the relative expression median of mRNA in IL-17 and TNF-α before surgery, they were divided into high and low expression groups. It was found that the survival rate of high expression groups of IL-17 and TNF-α was lower than that of low expression groups (IL-17, p = 0.028; TNF-α, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The protein and mRNA of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum of HD patients with TC are higher than those of healthy control group. Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α can be reduced by surgical resection of focal tissue. IL-17 and TNF-α may be used as potential prognostic indicators of HD patients with TC.

Transarterial chemoembolization with raltitrexed-based or floxuridine-based chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficiency and safety of raltitrexed- or floxuridine (FUDR)-based transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 81 patients with unresectable CRCLM who failed systemic chemotherapy and were treated with TACE in our department from Oct 2014 to Oct 2017. Of these, 61 patients received TACE using raltitrexed, oxaliplatin, and pirarubicin (raltitrexed group), and 20 received TACE using FUDR, oxaliplatin, and pirarubicin (FUDR group). The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS, from the first TACE), progression-free survival (PFS, from the first TACE), and adverse reactions were evaluated and compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors for OS were analyzed. RESULTS: The ORRs of the raltitrexed group and FUDR group were 67.2 and 45.0%, respectively (P = 0.076), and the DCRs were 86.9 and 80.0%, respectively (P = 0.452). The median OS (from first TACE) was 14.0 months in the raltitrexed group and 13.0 months in the FUDR group (P = 0.556). The median PFS (from first TACE) was 2.1 months in the raltitrexed group and 2.4 months in the FUDR group (P = 0.878). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the primary tumor site, Child-Pugh class, and combination with local ablation (RFA or CRA) were independent significant factors affecting survival. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05), and no treatment-related death occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: TACE treatment based on raltitrexed or FUDR is an efficient and safe alternative choice for treating unresectable CRCLM.

Analysis of serum microRNA expression in male workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a prevalent occupational disorder that impairs auditory function in workers exposed to prolonged noise. However, serum microRNA expression in ONIHL subjects has not yet been studied. We aimed to compare the serum microRNA expression profiles in male workers of ONIHL subjects and controls. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed that four serum microRNAs were differentially expressed between controls (n=3) and ONIHL subjects (n=3). Among these microRNAs, three were upregulated (hsa-miR-3162-5p, hsa-miR-4484, hsa-miR-1229-5p) and one was downregulated (hsa-miR-4652-3p) in the ONIHL group (fold change >1.5 and Pbon value <0.05). Real time quantitative PCR was conducted for validation of the microRNA expression. Significantly increased serum levels of miR-1229-5p were found in ONIHL subjects compared to controls (n=10 for each group; P<0.05). A total of 659 (27.0%) genes were predicted as the target genes of miR-1229-5p. These genes were involved in various pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-1229-5p dramatically inhibited the luciferase activity of 3' UTR segment of MAPK1 (P<0.01). Compared to the negative control, HEK293T cells expressing miR-1229-5p mimics showed a significant decline in mRNA levels of MAPK1 (P<0.05). This preliminary study indicated that serum miR-1229-5p was significantly elevated in ONIHL subjects. Increased miR-1229-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of ONIHL through repressing MAPK1 signaling.

Cantharidin suppressed breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell growth and migration by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway.

As an active constituent of the beetle Mylabris used in traditional Chinese medicine, cantharidin is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cell fate. The role and possible mechanisms exerted by cantharidin in cell growth and metastasis of breast cancer were investigated in this study. Cantharidin was found to inhibit cell viability and clonogenic potential in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that cell percentage in G2/M phase decreased, whereas cells in S and G1 phases progressively accumulated with the increasing doses of cantharidin treatment. In a xenograft model of breast cancer, cantharidin inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, high doses of cantharidin treatment inhibited cell migration in wound and healing assay and downregulated protein levels of major matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion were dose-dependently inhibited by cantharidin treatment. Interestingly, the members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling family were less phosphorylated as the cantharidin dose increased. Cantharidin was hypothesized to exert its anticancer effect through the MAPK signaling pathway. The data of this study also highlighted the possibility of using PP2A as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization versus hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a retrospective case-control study.

PROPOSAL: To compare the effectiveness of TACE + RFA with hepatectomy in patients with HCC within Milan criteria. METHODS: It is a retrospective matched case-control study from January 2006 to December 2010 in a tertiary cancer center. 74 patients with HCC within Milan criteria initially treated with TACE + RFA were identified and compared with 148 matched controls selected from a pool of 782 patients who received hepatectomy. Patients were matched with respect to age, gender, tumor size and number, AFP and liver function test. RESULTS: The 1, 3, and 5 years overall survival (OS) was 94.6, 75.1 and 55.3%, respectively, in the combination group, and 91.2, 64.4, and 47.7%, respectively, in the hepatectomy group (P = 0.488). The 1, 3, and 5 years disease-free survival (DFS) in the combination group was 87.8, 48.3, and 33.5%, respectively, and 68.9, 49.2, and 40.9%, respectively, in the hepatectomy group (P = 0.619). In subgroups analyses according to the tumor size and number, no significant difference was identified in either OS or DFS for patients with single tumor smaller than 3.0 cm, 3.0-5.0 cm, and multiple tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, ALT, and CLIP score were significant prognostic factors for OS, and ALT and Child-Pugh class were significant prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: TACE + RFA is safe and as effective as hepatectomy for patients with HCC within Milan criteria.

Angiotensin-(1-7) relieved renal injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis.

We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7 [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200 g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-ß were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH. Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH-induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

Bacillus coagulans enhance the immune function of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus coagulans on the growth performance and immune functions of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers. Three hundred and sixty one-day-old yellow chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments groups with six replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were randomly subjected to one of the following treatments for 28 days: control group (group1, fed a basal diet) and three treatments (group 2, 3, 4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans , respectively). The results showed that for 28 days, compared with the control diet, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans significantly decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p 0.05), improved the thymus index, spleen index and bursa index (p 0.05), increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (p 0.05), increased the number of secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) positive cells ( p 0.05). The dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans promoted a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and suppressed Escherichia coli replication in cecum, compared with the control (p 0.05). Moreover, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans also significantly enhanced the levels of interferon alpha (IFN), toll-like receptor (TLR3), and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5(MDA5) in the duodenum (p 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary addition of Bacillus coagulans significantly improved broiler performance, and enhanced the intestinal mucosal barrier and immune function. The optimal dosage of Bacillus coagulans for yellow broilers was determined as 2×108 cfu/kg.(AU)

Bacillus coagulans enhance the immune function of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus coagulans on the growth performance and immune functions of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers. Three hundred and sixty one-day-old yellow chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments groups with six replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were randomly subjected to one of the following treatments for 28 days: control group (group1, fed a basal diet) and three treatments (group 2, 3, 4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans , respectively). The results showed that for 28 days, compared with the control diet, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans significantly decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p 0.05), improved the thymus index, spleen index and bursa index (p 0.05), increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (p 0.05), increased the number of secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) positive cells ( p 0.05). The dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans promoted a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and suppressed Escherichia coli replication in cecum, compared with the control (p 0.05). Moreover, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans also significantly enhanced the levels of interferon alpha (IFN), toll-like receptor (TLR3), and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5(MDA5) in the duodenum (p 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary addition of Bacillus coagulans significantly improved broiler performance, and enhanced the intestinal mucosal barrier and immune function. The optimal dosage of Bacillus coagulans for yellow broilers was determined as 2×108 cfu/kg.

Cantharidin suppressed breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell growth and migration by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway

As an active constituent of the beetle Mylabris used in traditional Chinese medicine, cantharidin is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cell fate. The role and possible mechanisms exerted by cantharidin in cell growth and metastasis of breast cancer were investigated in this study. Cantharidin was found to inhibit cell viability and clonogenic potential in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that cell percentage in G2/M phase decreased, whereas cells in S and G1 phases progressively accumulated with the increasing doses of cantharidin treatment. In a xenograft model of breast cancer, cantharidin inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, high doses of cantharidin treatment inhibited cell migration in wound and healing assay and downregulated protein levels of major matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion were dose-dependently inhibited by cantharidin treatment. Interestingly, the members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling family were less phosphorylated as the cantharidin dose increased. Cantharidin was hypothesized to exert its anticancer effect through the MAPK signaling pathway. The data of this study also highlighted the possibility of using PP2A as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Angiotensin-(1-7) relieved renal injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis

We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7 [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200 g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-β were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH. Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH-induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

Genetic characteristics of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in ethnic Uighur people, and their clinical significance.

The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in China is increasing and is attracting attention as a topic of research. The percentage of NHL cases in ethnic Uighur people is also gradually increasing. We therefore recruited Uighur people with NHL to investigate the correlation between genetic alternations and clinical/pathological features in an attempt to determine their clinical significance. A total of 60 NHL patients were recruited from our hospital for a microscopic examination of their tumor cell morphology. Further analysis of chromosome karyotypes revealed the relationship between genetic alternations and clinical/pathological features. Microscopic examination revealed increased numbers of tumor cells with altered morphology. The recruited patients all exhibited abnormal karyotypes. Chromosomal breakages were detected at 14q32, 18q21, 6q21-25, +3, +, +18, and short tandem repeat 17 (str17) in 18.3, 25, 25, 18.3, 15, and 21.7% of patients, respectively. Karyotype change was not related to age, gender, performance status score, or pathological type (P > 0.05), but was correlated with clinical stage, average lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Independent risk factors for genetic change in Uighur NHL patients included clinical stage, average LDH level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Uighur NHL patients exhibited genetic changes including t(14:18), 6q21-25, +3, +7, +18, and str17. Clinical stage, average LDH level, extra-lymphatic metastasis, median survival time, and efficacy of radio- or chemotherapy were all independent risk factors for NHL.

Identification of low potassium stress-responsive proteins in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedling roots using an iTRAQ-based analysis.

Potassium is one of the three main mineral nutrients, and is vital for leaf growth and the quality of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. In recent years, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method has been one of the most popular techniques for quantitative proteomic analysis. In this study, we used iTRAQ to compare protein abundances in the roots of control and low potassium-treated tobacco seedlings, and found that 108 proteins were differentially expressed between the two treatments. Of these, 34 were upregulated and 74 were downregulated, and 39 (36%) were in the chloroplasts. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment results suggested that metabolic pathways were the dominant pathways (10 upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins). Ten proteins involved in the pyruvate metabolism pathway increased their expression levels, and 17 upregulated proteins were enriched in the ribosomes category. To evaluate correlations between protein and gene transcript abundances, the expression patterns of 12 randomly chosen genes were examined. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the 12 genes were induced after low potassium treatment for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Our results demonstrate that low potassium levels affect protein profiles in tobacco roots.

Interleukin-6 -572G/C polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility.

Strong evidence suggests that cancer-associated inflammation promotes tumor growth and progression, and interleukin-6 (IL6) is an important modulator of inflammation. However, the roles of IL6 and mutations of its corresponding gene in prostate cancer have not been clearly documented. We retrieved data from the Oncomine database concerning IL6 expression in prostate cancer and its role in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. We also performed a case-control study of the IL6 -572G/C polymorphism (rs1800796) in 236 sporadic prostate cancer patients and 256 healthy controls from a southern Han Chinese population. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between rs1800796 and prostate cancer susceptibility. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to test the transcriptional activity of the IL6 promoter G and C alleles. IL6 was overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, especially in those with higher Gleason scores. Moreover, elevated IL6 expression was associated with high PSA recurrence rate in Oncomine data. Our case-control study demonstrated that compared with the -572C allele, the -572G allele conferred a borderline increased risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 0.99-1.74, P = 0.061). This was more pronounced in the subgroup of individuals having never smoked (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.07-3.22). Moreover, the G allele showed increased activity relative to the C allele in the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our results suggest that the -572G/C polymorphism may be associated with IL6 expression, which in turn plays a role in prostate cancer development.

Characterization of RsMYB28 and RsMYB29 transcription factor genes in radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are important secondary metabolites in Brassicaceae plants. Previous studies have mainly focused on GSL contents, types, and biosynthesis-related genes, but the molecular characterization patterns of GSL biosynthesis-related transcription factors remain largely unexplored in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). To isolate transcription factor genes regulating the GSL biosynthesis, genomic DNA and cDNA sequences of RsMYB28 and RsMYB29 genes were isolated in radish. Two R2R3-MYB domains were identified in the deduced amino acid sequences. Subcellular localization and yeast-one hybrid assays indicated that both the RsMYB28 and RsMYB29 genes were located in the nucleus and possessed transactivation activity. Reverse transcription quantitative analysis showed that the RsMYB28 and RsMYB29 genes were expressed in seeds, leaves, stems, and roots at the seedling, taproot thickening, and mature stages. Both genes were highly expressed during the seedling and taproot thickening stages. The expression level of RsMYB28 was found to be up-regulated following wounding, glucose, and abscisic acid treatments, whereas RsMYB29 was up-regulated following wounding and methyl jasmonate treatments. These results provide insights into the biological function and characterization of the RsMYB28 and RsMYB29 genes, and facilitate further dissection of the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the GSL biosynthesis in radish.

Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress to relieve lung injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues and can lead to metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of angiotensin1-7 [Ang-(1-7)] on lung injury in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g) to normoxia control (NC), CIH-untreated (uCIH), Ang-(1-7)-treated normoxia control (N-A), and Ang-(1-7)-treated CIH (CIH-A) groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in lung tissues, and expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Nox subunits (p22phox, and p47phox) was determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary pathological changes were more evident in the uCIH group than in the other groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that inflammatory factor concentrations in serum and lung tissues in the uCIH group were significantly higher than those in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of inflammatory factors was significantly higher in the CIH-A group than in the NC and N-A groups, but was lower than in the uCIH group (P<0.01). Oxidative stress was markedly higher in the uCIH group than in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of Nox4 and its subunits was also increased in the uCIH group. These changes were attenuated upon Ang-(1-7) treatment. In summary, treatment with Ang-(1-7) reversed signs of CIH-induced lung injury via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of dual Bt-expression transformation vectors on transgene expression in tobacco.

This study aimed to determine the influence of vector structure on dual Bt gene expression and establish an efficient expression vector using Cry1Ac and Cry3A genes. Four vectors (N4, N5, N10, and S23) were developed and used for genetic transformation of tobacco to obtain insect-resistant transgenic lines. The vectors were constructed using the MAR structure, applying different promoter and enhancer sequences, and changing the transgene open-reading frame sequence. The average Cry1Ac toxalbumin expression quantity was 67 times higher in N5 than in N4 transgenic lines (8.77 and 0.13 µg/g, respectively). In contrast, the average Cry3A toxalbumin expression quantity was 1.5 times higher in N4 than in N5 lines (12.70 and 8.21 µg/g, respectively). The sequences of both Bt genes significantly influenced toxalbumin expression, although upstream Bt genes presented lower expression levels. The average Cry1Ac toxalbumin content was 13 times higher in the transgenic lines of AtADH 5'-non-translated sequence N5 (8.77 mg/g) than in the omega N10 lines (0.67 mg/g). Furthermore, the average Cry1Ac toxalbumin content was 5 times higher in MAR N5 than in non-MAR S23 lines (8.77 and 1.63 mg/g, respectively). The average Cry3A toxalbumin content was 1.3 times higher in N5 than in S23 lines (8.21 and 6.48 mg/g, respectively). Moreover, toxalbumin expression levels differed significantly among the S23-transformed lines. The MAR structure applied on both ends of the genes increased both the level and stability of exogenous gene expression. In conclusion, N5 was the most optimal of the four tested vectors.

Discovery of clubroot-resistant genes in Brassica napus by transcriptome sequencing.

Clubroot significantly affects plants of the Brassicaceae family and is one of the main diseases causing serious losses in B. napus yield. Few studies have investigated the clubroot-resistance mechanism in B. napus. Identification of clubroot-resistant genes may be used in clubroot-resistant breeding, as well as to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind B. napus clubroot-resistance. We used three B. napus transcriptome samples to construct a transcriptome sequencing library by using Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. In total, 171 million high-quality reads were obtained, containing 96,149 unigenes of N50-value. We aligned the obtained unigenes with the Nr, Swiss-Prot, clusters of orthologous groups, and gene ontology databases and annotated their functions. In the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database, 25,033 unigenes (26.04%) were assigned to 124 pathways. Many genes, including broad-spectrum disease-resistance genes, specific clubroot-resistant genes, and genes related to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) signal transduction, cytokinin synthesis, and myrosinase synthesis in the Huashuang 3 variety of B. napus were found to be related to clubroot-resistance. The effective clubroot-resistance observed in this variety may be due to the induced increased expression of these disease-resistant genes and strong inhibition of the IAA signal transduction, cytokinin synthesis, and myrosinase synthesis. The homology observed between unigenes 0048482, 0061770 and the Crr1 gene shared 94% nucleotide similarity. Furthermore, unigene 0061770 could have originated from an inversion of the Crr1 5'-end sequence.