A novel AGK splicing mutation in a patient with Sengers syndrome and left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Sengers syndrome characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an extremely rare genetic disorder. Sengers syndrome associated with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) has not been described. METHODS: Genetic testing was used to identify candidate AGK variants in the proband. The predicted molecular structures were constructed by protein modeling. Exon skipping caused by the identified splicing mutations was verified by in silico analyses and in vitro assays. The genotypic and phenotypic features of patients with AGK splicing mutations were extracted by a systematic review. RESULTS: The proband was characterized by Sengers syndrome and LVNC and caused by a novel compound heterozygous AGK splicing mutation. This compound mutation simultaneously perturbed the protein sequences and spatial conformation of the acylglycerol kinase protein. In silico and in vitro analyses demonstrated skipping of exons 7 and 8 and premature truncation as a result of exon 8 skipping. The systematic review indicated that patients with an AGK splicing mutation may have milder phenotypes of Sengers syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The genotypic and phenotypic spectrums of Sengers syndrome have been expanded, which will provide essential information for genetic counseling. The molecular mechanism in AGK mutations can offer insights into the potential targets for treatment. IMPACT: First description of a child with Sengers syndrome and left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. A novel pathogenic compound heterozygous splicing mutation in AGK for Sengers syndrome was identified. The identified mutations led to exons skipping by in silico analyses and in vitro assays.

Ultrasound Stimulation of Prefrontal Cortex Improves Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mice.

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammatory responses may influence brain neurochemical pathways, inducing depressive-like behaviors. Ultrasound stimulation (US) is a promising non-invasive treatment for neuropsychiatric diseases. We investigated whether US can suppress inflammation and improve depressive-like behaviors. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide to induce depressive-like behaviors. Ultrasound wave was delivered into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for 30 min. Depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated through the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and elevated plus maze (EPM). Biochemical analyses were performed to assess the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the PFC and serum. The results indicated that US of the PFC significantly improved depressive-like behaviors in the TST (p < 0.05) and FST (p < 0.05). Anxiety-like behaviors also improved in the EPM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the lipopolysaccharide-mediated upregulation of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in the PFC was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by US. In addition, no tissue damage was observed. Overall, US of PFC can effectively improve lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviors, possibly through the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the PFC. US may be a safe and promising tool for improvement of depression.

Isolation and Purification of a New Bacillus Subtilis Strain from Deer Dung with Anti-microbial and Anti-cancer Activities.

OBJECTIVE: Bacillus strains are well known for their natural bioactive products that have antimicrobial and/or anti-cancer activities. Many of Bacillus' structurally unique metabolites can combat human diseases, including cancers. However, because Bacillus' metabolites are so abundant, few have been studied extensively enough to fully characterize their chemical constitutions and biological functions. METHODS: In this study, we focused on the isolation and purification of a new Bacillus strain, and determined the effects of its metabolites on bacteria and cancer cells. Our study focused on a new strain of Bacillus isolated from deer dung. Based on BLAST results, this isolate belongs to Bacillus subtilis, and therefore we named the strain Bacillus subtilis NC16. Congo red assay was used to test the cellulase activity. The inhibition zone was measured to test the antimicrobial activity. CCK-8, wound healing and flow cytometry were used to test the anti-cancer activity. RESULTS: Metabolites from Bacillus subtilis NC16 have both antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. They can both suppress the growth of Trichoderma vride and Staphylococcus aureus, and inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Bacillus subtilis NC16 can not only degrade cellulose, but its metabolites may be sources of antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs.

Fusarium solani G6, a novel vitexin-producing endophytic fungus: characterization, yield improvement and osteoblastic proliferation activity.

The study aimed to characterize a novel vitexin-producing endophytic fungus Fusarium solani G6 from Cajanus cajan, improve its capability for producing vitexin and evaluate its osteoblastic proliferation activity. A total of 153 endophytic fungi, classified into 6 genera, were isolated from C. cajan. Among them, only one strain, endophyte G6 identified as Fusarium solani, was found to produce vitexin. After the optimization of fermentation conditions, the highest vitexin yield (18.72 mg/L) for the strain was observed in PDB liquid medium containing 20.54 g/L of glucose and 8.90 g/L of ammonium sulfate, at an initial medium pH of 5.1 and at 28 °C for 6 days of cultivation. Moreover, the fungal vitexin exhibited notable osteoblastic proliferation stimulating activity. A novel vitexin-producing endophytic fungus F. solani G6 was characterized from C. cajan for the first time. The findings highlighted its potential use for large-scale production of vitexin and might have a promising use as therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography detected interventricular dyssynchrony predicts exercise capacity and disease severity in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) intraventricular mechanical dyssynchrony detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has been reported to be correlated with a decrease in RV contractile efficiency in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, while little attention has been paid to biventricular dysfunction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of 2D-STE detected interventricular dyssynchrony for exercise capacity and disease severity in patients with pre-capillary PH (PcPH). METHODS: Conventional transthoracic echocardiography, 2D-STE and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) were performed in all participants. Intra- and interventricular dyssynchrony were calculated as the standard deviation (SD) of the time intervals corrected for heart rate between QRS onset and peak longitudinal strain. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of peak oxygen consumption (PVO2) during the CPET. Multivariable logistical regression modeling was used to analyze the associations between interventricular dyssynchrony and risk assessment. RESULTS: Sixty-six PcPH patients were consecutively recruited (19 male and 47 female, average 35 years old). WHO functional class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and body mass index were included as independent predictors in the first multivariate regression analysis of clinical data without echocardiographic parameters (Model-1, r2=0.423, P<0.001). We subsequently added conventional echocardiographic parameters and 2D-STE parameters to the clinical data, RV fractional area change (Model-2, r2=0.417, P<0.001), RV global longitudinal strain (Model-3, r2=0.454, P=0.001), RV intraventricular dyssynchrony (Model-4: r2=0.474, P<0.001) and interventricular dyssynchrony (Model-5, r2=0.483, P<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of PVO2. Interventricular dyssynchrony, calculated as the SD of the time intervals of nine segments, was independently associated with risk assessment (odd ratio 1.027, 95% CI: 1.003-1.052, P=0.03). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.73 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Interventricular dyssynchrony detected by 2D-STE contributed to a better evaluation of exercise capacity and disease severity in PcPH patients.

circRNA on animal skeletal muscle development regulation.

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of closed circular RNA molecules formed by reverse splicing, which exists widely in organisms and has become a research hotspot in non-coding RNAs in recent years. Skeletal muscle plays the role of coordinating movement and maintaining normal metabolism and endocrine in organisms. With the development of sequencing and bioinformatics analysis technology, the functions and regulation mechanisms of circRNAs in skeletal muscle development have been gradually revealed. In this review, we summarize the types of molecular regulatory mechanisms, the classical research ideas and the functional research methods of circRNAs, and the research progress of circRNAs involved in normal development of skeletal muscle and regulation of skeletal muscle disease, in order to provide a reference to further study of the genetic mechanisms of circRNAs in the regulation of skeletal muscle development.

The value of three-dimensional echocardiography in risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a cross-sectional study.

To explore the value of right ventricular (RV) parameters detected by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. We prospectively recruited 130 pulmonary hypertension patients from National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital. Each participant was performed a transthoracic echocardiography and 3DE parameters were measured using an off-line software (4D RV Function 2.0, TomTec). Patients were classified into low, intermediate-high risk group based on 2015 ESC Guidelines. A total of 91 PAH patients (34 ± 12 years old, 25 males) were enrolled, among which, 42 were classified into low risk group, while 49 were intermediate-high risk group. Compared with low-risk patients, those with intermediate-high risk had significantly larger 3DE-RV volumes, worse ejection fraction (EF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and decreased longitudinal strain (LS). Receive operating characteristic curves illustrated all the 3DE parameters were able to predict intermediate-high risk stratification, especially 3D-RVEF (area under curve, 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.91, P < 0.001). And 3D-RVEF < 26.39% had a 81.6% sensibility and 73.8% specificity to predict intermediate-high risk stratification. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses identified 3D-RV end-diastolic (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, P = 0.002) and end-systolic (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, P < 0.001) volumes, 3D-RVEF (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.90, P < 0.001) and LS of free wall (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.31, P = 0.005) as independent predictors of intermediate-high risk stratification. In conclusion, RV volumes, EF and free wall strain detected by 3DE were independent predictors of intermediate-high risk stratification in PAH patients, among which, RVEF showed the best predictive capacity.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography assessed right ventricular function and exercise capacity in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension.

Resting two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) identified right ventricular (RV) systolic function were reported to predict exercise capacity in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, but little attention had been payed to 2D-STE detected RV diastolic function. Therefore, we aim to elucidate and compare the relations between 2D-STE identified RV diastolic/systolic functions and peak oxygen consumption (PVO2) determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in pre-capillary PH. 2D-STE was performed in 66 pre-capillary PH patients and 28 healthy controls. Linear correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate and compare the relations between RV 2D-STE parameters and PVO2. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the predictive value of 2D-STE parameters in predicting the cut-off-PVO2 < 11 ml/min/kg. There were significant differences of all the 2D-STE parameters between PH patients and healthy controls. In patients, RV-peak global longitudinal strain (GLS, rs = - 0.498, P < 0.001), RV- peak systolic strain rate (GSRs, rs = - 0.537, P < 0.001) and RV- peak early diastolic strain rate (GSRe, rs = 0.527, P < 0.001) significantly correlated with PVO2, but no significant correlation was observed between RV- peak late diastolic strain rate (GSRa, rs = 0.208, P = 0.093) and PVO2. The first multivariate regression analysis of clinical data without echocardiographic parameters identified WHO functional class, NT-proBNP and BMI as independent predictors of PVO2 (Model-1, adjusted r2 = 0.421, P < 0.001); Then we added conventional echocardiographic parameters and 2D-STE parameters to the clinical data, identified S,(Model-2,adjusted r2 = 0.502, P < 0.001), RV-GLS (Model-3, adjusted r2 = 0.491, P < 0.001), RV-GSRe (Model-4, adjusted r2 = 0.500, P < 0.001) and RV-GSRs (Model-5, adjusted r2 = 0.519, P < 0.001) as independent predictors of PVO2, respectively. The predictive power was increased, and Model-5 including RV-GSRs showed the highest predictive capability. ROC curves found RV-GSRs expressed the strongest predictive value (AUC = 0.88, P < 0.001), and RV-GSRs > - 0.65/s had a 88.2% sensibility and 82.2% specificity to predict PVO2 < 11 ml/min/kg. 2D-STE assessed RV function improves the prediction of exercise capacity represented by PVO2 in pre-capillary PH.

The sequence and de novo assembly of hog deer genome.

Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is a small deer species in family Cervidae and has been undergoing a serious and global decline during the past decades. Chengdu Zoo currently holds a captive population of hog deer with sufficient genetic diversity in China. We sequenced and de novo assembled its genome sequence in the present study. A total of six different insert-size libraries were sequenced and generated 395 Gb of clean data in total. With aid of the linked reads of 10X Genomics, genome sequence was assembled to 2.72 Gb in length (contig N50, 66.04 Kb; scaffold N50, 20.55 Mb), in which 94.5% of expected genes were detected. We comprehensively annotated 22,473 protein-coding genes, 37,019 tRNAs, and 1,058 Mb repeated sequences. The newly generated reference genome is expected to significantly contribute to comparative analysis of genome biology and evolution within family Cervidae.

Comparison of the capability of risk stratification evaluation between two- and three-dimensional speckle-tracking strain in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension.

To investigate and compare the value of right ventricular longitudinal strain detected by two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in risk stratification evaluation in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension. We consecutively screened 66 patients diagnosed with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension in our center. According to the risk assessment recommended by 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines, all participants were classified into low- and intermediate-high-risk group. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional strains were measured using off-line softwares (GE EchoPAC version 201 and TomTec, 4D RV Function 2.0). Fifty-seven pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension patients (average 35 years old, 18 males and 39 females) were finally enrolled in our study, 32 (56.1%) were classified in low-risk group, while 25 (43.9%) were in the intermediate-high-risk group. Clinical data associated with disease severity, such as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.574, P < 0.001), peak oxygen consumption (r = -0.484, P < 0.001), and 6-min walking distance (r = -0.356, P = 0.008) were significantly correlated with two-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain; while the correlations with three-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain were weaker. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the detection of intermediate-high risk stratification showed two-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain had the best predictive capacity (area under curve, 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.93, P < 0.001). Univariate and Multivariate Logistic regression analyses identified two-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain as an independent predictor (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18-1.71, P < 0.001) of intermediate-high risk stratification in this cohort of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension patients, the predictive capacity retained (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.18-1.78, P < 0.001) after adjusted by age, gender, and body mass index, while three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography parameters were not. In conclusion, when used for the detection of intermediate-high risk stratification in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension, two-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain was better than three-dimensional right ventricular longitudinal strain.

Ulcerative colitis in an adult patient mimicking Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case report.

RATIONALE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. UC being misdiagnosed as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in the elderly has seldom been reported about. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with petechiae and palpable purpura in lower limbs and abdominal pain for about 1 month. DIAGNOSES: Colonoscopy demonstrated severe inflammation in the colon, mucosal congestion, and edema, and multiple hemorrhages and ulcerations, with purulent adhesions. A histopathologic examination of the colon biopsies revealed extensive infiltration of immune cells and mucosal ulcerations in the intestine. UC was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with prednisone (1.0 mg/kg/d) with progressive dose reduction. OUTCOMES: The skin lesions were healed within 4 weeks, and his abdominal pain was alleviated remarkably. He is currently under follow-up. LESSONS: As the treatment used for patients with HSP was not effective, it was advised that UC should be taken into consideration.

Microbial community and diversity in the feces of Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) as revealed by Illumina Miseq sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR.

The Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) is a rare and endangered ruminant distributed in the eastern Himalayas. However, little information is available regarding the intestinal microbiota of the takin. In this study, Illumina Miseq platform targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA was employed to characterize microbial community and diversity in the feces of wild (n = 6) and captive takins (n = 6). The takin exhibited an intestinal microbiota dominated by three phyla: Firmicutes (57.4%), Bacteroidetes (24.2%) and Proteobacteria (12.3%). At family/genus level, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Acinetobacter, Clostridium, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, Bacillus, Comamonas and Spirochaetaceae were dominant. Distinctive microbiotas between wild and captive takins were observed based on microbial community structure, captive takins having significantly higher community diversity. Quantitative real-time PCR were also utilized to monitor predominant bacteria in three Sichuan takin individuals housed in Chengdu Zoo over a half-year period, which showed that microbial communities of the three takins were relatively similar to each other and stable during our study period. Our results suggested that diet was a major driver for shaping microbial community composition.

Simultaneous pre-concentration and separation on simple paper-based analytical device for protein analysis.

In this work, fast isoelectric focusing (IEF) was successfully implemented on an open paper fluidic channel for simultaneous concentration and separation of proteins from complex matrix. With this simple device, IEF can be finished in 10 min with a resolution of 0.03 pH units and concentration factor of 10, as estimated by color model proteins by smartphone-based colorimetric detection. Fast detection of albumin from human serum and glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) from blood cell was demonstrated. In addition, off-line identification of the model proteins from the IEF fractions with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was also shown. This PAD IEF is potentially useful either for point of care test (POCT) or biomarker analysis as a cost-effective sample pretreatment method.

Carrier ampholyte-free isoelectric focusing on a paper-based analytical device for the fractionation of proteins.

Isoelectric focusing plays a critical role in the analysis of complex protein samples. Conventionally, isoelectric focusing is implemented with carrier ampholytes in capillary or immobilized pH gradient gel. In this study, we successfully exhibited a carrier ampholyte-free isoelectric focusing on paper-based analytical device. Proof of the concept was visually demonstrated with color model proteins. Experimental results showed that not only a pH gradient was well established along the open paper fluidic channel as confirmed by pH indicator strip, the pH gradient range could also be tuned by the catholyte or anolyte. Furthermore, the isoelectric focusing fractions from the paper channel can be directly cut and recovered into solutions for post analysis with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This paper-based isoelectric focusing method is fast, cheap, simple and easy to operate, and could potentially be used as a cost-effective protein sample clean-up method for target protein analysis with mass spectrometry.

Remarkable enhancement of flavonoid production in a co-cultivation system of Isatis tinctoria L. hairy root cultures and immobilized Aspergillus niger.

The dried roots of Isatis tinctoria L. are highly traded in the pharmaceutical industry due to their notable anti-influenza efficacy. For the first time, I. tinctoria hairy root cultures (ITHRCs) were co-cultured with two immobilized live GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) fungi, i.e. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus niger, for the elevated production of pharmacologically active flavonoids. Immobilized A. niger (IAN) was exhibited as the superior elicitor in the plant-fungus co-cultivation system. The highest flavonoid production (3018.31 ± 48.66 µg/g DW) were achieved in IAN-treated ITHRCs under the optimal conditions of IAN spore concentration ca.104 spores/mL, temperature 30 °C, initial pH value of media 7.0 and time 72 h, which remarkably increased 6.83-fold relative to non-treated control (441.91 ± 7.35 µg/g DW). Also, this study revealed that IAN elicitation could trigger the sequentially transient accumulation of signal molecules and intensify the oxidative stress in ITHRCs, which both contributed to the up-regulated expression of associated genes involved in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, IAN could be reused at least five cycles with satisfactory performance. Overall, the coupled culture of IAN and ITHRCs is a promising and effective approach for the enhanced production of flavonoids, which allows for the improved applicability of these valuable compounds in pharmaceutical fields.

Ultraviolet radiation for flavonoid augmentation in Isatis tinctoria L. hairy root cultures mediated by oxidative stress and biosynthetic gene expression.

Search of cost-effective strategies that can enhance the accumulation of phytochemicals of pharmaceutical interest in plant in vitro cultures is an essential task. For the first time, Isatis tinctoria L. hairy root cultures were exposed to ultraviolet radiation (ultraviolet-A, ultraviolet-B, and ultraviolet-C) in an attempt to promote the production of pharmacologically active flavonoids. Results showed that the maximum flavonoid accumulation (7259.12 ±â€¯198.19 µg/g DW) in I. tinctoria hairy root cultures treated by 108 kJ/m2 dose of UV-B radiation increased 16.51-fold as compared with that in control (439.68 ±â€¯8.27 µg/g DW). Additionally, antioxidant activity enhancement and cell wall reinforcement were found in the treated I. tinctoria hairy root cultures, indicating the positive-feedback responses to oxidative stress mediated by ultraviolet-B radiation. Moreover, the expression of chalcone synthase gene was tremendously up-regulated (up to 405.84-fold) in I. tinctoria hairy root cultures following ultraviolet-B radiation, which suggested chalcone synthase gene might play a crucial role in flavonoid augmentation. Overall, the present work provides a feasible approach for the enhanced production of biologically active flavonoids in I. tinctoria hairy root cultures via the simple supplementation of ultraviolet-B radiation, which is useful for the biotechnological production of these high-added value compounds to fulfil the ever-increasing demand in pharmaceutical fields.

Contents of Heavy Metals in Chinese Edible Herbs: Evidence from a Case Study of Epimedii Folium.

Toxic heavy metal contamination in Chinese edible herbs has raised a worldwide concern. In this study, heavy metals in Epimedii Folium, an edible medicinal plant in China, were quantitatively analyzed. Variations of heavy metals in different species, in various organs (i.e., leaves, stems, and roots), in wild-growing and cultivated plants, and in 35 market samples of Epimedii Folium, were systematically investigated. In all of Epimedium samples, Hg (mercury) was not detectable (0.00 µg/g). Four species, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium brevicornu, and Epimedium wushanense, were found to contain Cu (copper) and Pb (lead). And contents of Cu and Pb in E. brevicornu were significantly higher than those in other species (P < 0.01). In wild-growing and cultivated Epimedium plants, Cd (cadmium) and As (arsenic) were not detectable, and concentrations of Cu and Pb in wild-growing plants were significantly higher than those in cultivated plants (P < 0.01). Cd was not detectable in leaves, roots, and stems, while organ specificity was apparent in the distribution of Cu, As, and Pb. And the highest levels of Cu and Pb were observed in roots and leaves, respectively. In Chinese markets, several samples of Epimedii Folium contained excessive Cu, Cd, As, and Pb beyond the national permissible limits. In summary, there was a large variation of heavy metals among Epimedii Folium samples, and Cu and Pb were the most important heavy metals contaminating the edible medicinal plant. Application of Epimedii Folium to drug and food industries will need to focus more on toxic heavy metal contamination.

Enhanced Production of Two Bioactive Isoflavone Aglycones in Astragalus membranaceus Hairy Root Cultures by Combining Deglycosylation and Elicitation of Immobilized Edible Aspergillus niger.

A cocultivation system of Astragalus membranaceus hairy root cultures (AMHRCs) and immobilized food-grade fungi was established for the enhanced production of calycosin (CA) and formononetin (FO). The highest accumulations of CA (730.88 ± 63.72 µg/g DW) and FO (1119.42 ± 95.85 µg/g DW) were achieved in 34 day-old AMHRCs cocultured with immobilized A. niger (IAN) for 54 h, which were 7.72- and 18.78-fold higher than CA and FO in nontreated control, respectively. IAN deglycosylation could promote the formation of CA and FO by conversion of their glycoside precursors. IAN elicitation could intensify the generation of endogenous signal molecules involved in plant defense response, which contributed to the significantly up-regulated expression of genes in CA and FO biosynthetic pathway. Overall, the coupled culture of IAN and AMHRCs offered a promising and effective in vitro approach to enhance the production of two health-promoting isoflavone aglycones for possible nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses.

Degradation of lignin in birch sawdust treated by a novel Myrothecium verrucaria coupled with ultrasound assistance.

Combined treatment of a novel fungal endophyte Myrothecium verrucaria coupled with ultrasound assistance was conducted to enhance lignin degradation in birch sawdust. The optimum treatment conditions were confirmed as the materials to liquid ratio 1:20, temperature 30°C, time 4days and pH 7, respectively. The results showed that the combined treatment led to the lignin degradation reaching 67.95±2.14%, while the lignin degradation were 45.50±2.12% and 13.75±0.66% with separate fungal treatment and ultrasound treatment, respectively. Moreover, SEM and FTIR analysis indicated that combined treatment significantly altered surface morphology and chemical structure of birch sawdust. The combined treatment greatly increased lignin removal during short time in mild environment. Therefore, these results demonstrated that the combined treatment of fungal endophyte coupled with ultrasound assistance has the high potential for the removal lignin in lignocellulose.