Effects of exogenous zinc on the physiological characteristics and enzyme activities of Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis seedlings.

Passionflower (Passiflora edulis Sims) is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas for edible, medicinal and skin care product processing, and the market demand is large. Zinc (Zn) is a necessary trace element for plant growth and development. In many countries, the content of Zn in soil is low and/or bioavailability is low. The exogenous application of Zn has become a common agronomic measure in agriculture. However, the effect of Zn on the physiological characteristics and enzyme activity of passionflower seedlings is not clear. In this study, pot experiments were conducted to analyse the effects of different concentrations of Zn (0, 200, 400, 800 mg kg-1) on the plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, osmotic regulators, membrane system and antioxidant enzyme system of purple passionflower (Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis) seedlings, and Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were performed. The results showed that (1) the 200 mg kg-1 Zn treatment increased the contents of chlorophyll a (37.65%), chlorophyll b (41.22%), chlorophyll a+b (38.59%) and carotenoids (29.74%). The value of chlorophyll a/b changed little and had no effect on leaf growth. (2) The contents of proline (Pro) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in P. edulis Sims f. edulis seedlings treated with 400 mg kg-1 Zn increased significantly by 116.84% and 42.69%, respectively. The activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) increased by 16.82% and 18.70%, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), leaf area (LA), leaf perimeter (LP) and leaf width (LW) decreased significantly by 47.20%, 19.75%, 8.32% and 11.97%, respectively. (3) 800 mg kg-1 Zn significantly increased the contents of Pro (202.56%) and MDA (26.7%) and the activities of CAT (16.00%) and POD (67.00%), while the soluble sugar (SS), SOD, LA, LP and LW decreased significantly by 36.67%, 32.86%, 23.36%, 8.32% and 11.18%, respectively. (4) There was a significant positive correlation between Pro and photosynthetic pigments and between SOD and leaf growth and a significant negative correlation between POD and SS and between SOD and MDA. (5) A low concentration (200 mg kg-1) of Zn promoted the growth of P. edulis Sims f. edulis seedlings and allowed stress caused by high Zn concentrations to be tolerated. The results of this study can provide a reference for the application of Zn fertilizer to P. edulis Sims f. edulis.

Litter eco-hydrological function characteristics of three typical plant communities in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions from Guizhou, China.

Litter is an important component of forest ecosystems and plays an important eco-hydrological function. Many studies have been carried out on litter at present, but less research has been carried out on the eco-hydrological service functions of litter in different plant communities in Karst, especially in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions in southwest China. To reveal the characteristics of the hydrological function of the litter layer of the plant community in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions around FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), three typical plant community litter layers of the broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and shrub were selected as research objects, and the hydrological function of the litter layer of different plant community types was studied using the immersion method. The results indicated: 1) The litter layer of the broad-leaved forest plant community has the strongest function of intercepting and regulating precipitation (Mlmax = 24.17±0.33 t/ha, Msv = 19.93±0.21 t/ha), and its hydrological service function is the best. 2) The higher the decomposition degree of litter, the stronger the interception function. 3) The fitted equations for both the litter water-absorption capacity (Qct) and time (t) for plant communities were Qct = b + alnt, and the fitted equations for both the litter water-release capacity (Qst) and time (t) were Qst = a t b. 4) The fitted equations for both the water absorption and release rates (vc and vs) and time (t) of the litter were v = a t -b. The water absorption rates of litter were the fastest within 5 min (15529.01~22634.43 g/kg·h), with the greatest interception and storage function for short-term rainfall.

Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill facilitates post-stroke recovery of motion and memory loss by modulating ICAM-1-mediated neuroinflammation.

BACKGROUND: Promotion of functional recovery in patients is the primary goal of stroke management. However, its achievement is low due to the lack of full understanding of the complex pathological process of stroke and therefore limited therapeutic strategies. Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill (QSYQ) is a component-based Chinese medicine that has been widely used in clinical treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Our previous studies indicated that QSYQ were protective for acute ischemic stroke in animal models and this study aimed to investigate the effect of QSYQ on brain function during stroke recovery. METHODS: The therapeutic effects of QSYQ were evaluated by neurological deficit score, dark avoidance test, gait analysis, Morris water maze and brain tissue atrophy volume in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with ischemia for 60 min. The underlying mechanisms of QSYQ accelerating the functional recovery of MCAO rats was then revealed using proteomic sequencing and validated by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. The active components in QSYQ were elucidated by molecular docking and verified biochemically in vitro. RESULTS: QSYQ treatment for 28 days significantly improved the neurological function, gait, spontaneous activity, spatial memory, and reduced brain atrophy in MCAO rats. Proteomic analysis of ischemic brain region and the following bioinformatics studies showed that QSYQ intervention markedly modulated neuroinflammatory responses post stroke, in which ICAM-1 played a dominant role. In particular, QSYQ reversed high cerebral expression of ICAM-1 in MCAO rats and decreased the content of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL1ß in brain tissue and serum. In vitro, it was found that the active component rosmarinic acid in QSYQ evidently inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 caused by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury via using immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSION: QSYQ effectively accelerates the recovery of motor impairment and memory loss in rats after stroke via downregulation of ICAM-1-mediated neuroinflammation, and rosmarinic acid is one of its main active components.

Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Dairy Cattle and Dairy Buffalo in Yunnan Province, Southwest China.

Cryptosporidium spp. are important foodborne and waterborne pathogens in humans and animals, causing diarrheal diseases. Cattle are one of the reservoirs of Cryptosporidium infection in humans. However, data on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle in Yunnan Province remains limited. A total of 700 fecal samples were collected from Holstein cows (n = 442) and dairy buffaloes (n = 258) in six counties of Yunnan Province. The occurrence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. were analyzed using nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, the C. andersoni isolates were further analyzed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) at four gene loci (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16), and the C. parvum isolate was subtyped by 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) loci. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Holstein cows and dairy buffaloes was 14.7% (65/442) and 1.1% (3/258), respectively. Of these positive samples, 56 Holstein cow samples represented C. andersoni, four Holstein cow samples represented C. bovis, three Holstein cow samples represented C. ryanae, and one represented C. parvum. Meanwhile, only three dairy buffalo samples represented C. ryanae. MLST analysis of subtypes of C. andersoni detected four subtypes, including A5A4A2A1 (n = 7), A4A4A4A1 (n = 7), A1A4A4A1 (n = 2), and A4A4A2A1 (n = 1). One C. parvum isolate was identified as the IIdA18G1 subtype. These results revealed the high occurrence and high genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Holstein cows in Yunnan Province, enriching the knowledge of the population genetic structure of Cryptosporidium spp. in Yunnan Province.

Prevalence and Novel Genotypes Identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Dairy Cattle in Yunnan Province, China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a fungus-like protist parasite that can cause diarrhea and enteric diseases. The infection of E. bieneusi has been reported in many host species, including cattle and humans. However, information on prevalence and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi in dairy cattle in Yunnan province in China is still absent. In this study, 490 Holstein Cows and 351 dairy buffalo fecal samples were collected from three regions in Yunnan province, China. By using nest-PCR that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), we found that the prevalence of E. bieneusi was 0.59% (5/841). DNA sequence analysis showed that five E. bieneusi genotypes were identified in this study, including two novel genotypes, YNDCEB-90 and YNDCEB-174, and three known genotypes (I, J, BEB4). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two novel genotypes, YNDCEB-90 and YNDCEB-174, were clustered into Group 1, representing the zoonotic potential. The remaining genotypes I, J, and BEB4, which are the most frequent genotypes of E. bieneusi infection in cattle and lead to E. bieneusi infection in humans, belonged to Group 2. Although the lower prevalence of E. bieneusi was detected in dairy cattle in Yunnan province, it indicates that dairy cattle should be considered to be one of the potential hosts for transmitting E. bieneusi to humans. These findings are important for the development of effective prevention strategies for microsporidiosis.

Prevalence, molecular epidemiology and zoonotic risk of Entamoeba spp. from experimental macaques in Yunnan Province, southwestern China.

Amebiasis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis, with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, and even death. However, limited information about the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in experimental nonhuman primates (NHPs) in southwestern China is available. The objective of the current study was to investigate the frequency and species identity of Entamoeba to evaluate potential zoonotic risk factors for Entamoeba spp. infection in experimental NHPs. A total of 505 fecal samples were collected from NHPs (macaques) and analyzed by PCR analysis the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Entamoeba spp. Forty-seven specimens were positive for Entamoeba spp., and the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was 9.31% (47/505). Significant differences in the prevalence rates among the three breeds (P = 0.002 < 0.01, df = 2, χ2 = 12.33) and feed types (P = 0.001 < 0.01, df = 1, χ2 = 10.12) were observed. Altogether, four Entamoeba species, including E. dispar (57.44%), E. chattoni (29.78%), E. histolytica (6.38%), and E. coli (6.38%), were identified by DNA sequence analysis. The results suggested a low prevalence but high diversity of Entamoeba species in experimental NHPs in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Entamoeba spp. in NHPs.

[Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a family with normokalemic periodic paralysis].

OBJECTIVE: Periodic paralysis (PP) is one type of skeletal muscle channelopathies characterized by episodic attacks of weakness. It is usually classified into hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoPP) based on the blood potassium levels. HypoPP is the most common type of these three and NormoPP is the rarest one. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese family with normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoKPP). METHOD: Clinical features of all patients in the family with NormoKPP were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and amplified with PCR. We screened all 24 exons of SCN4A gene and then sequence analysis was performed in those who showed heteroduplex as compared with unaffected controls. RESULT: (1) Fifteen members of the family were clinically diagnosed NormoKPP, and their common features are: onset within infacy, episodic attacks of weakness, the blood potassium levels were within normal ranges, high sodium diet or large dosage of normal saline could attenuate the symptom. One muscle biopsy was performed and examination of light and electronic microscopy showed occasionally degenerating myofibers. (2) Gene of 12 patients were screened and confirmed mutations of SCN4A genes--c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met. CONCLUSION: The study further defined the clinical features of patients with NormoKPP, and molecular genetic analysis found SCN4A gene c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met point mutation contributed to the disease. In line with the autosomal dominant inheritance laws, this family can be diagnosed with periodic paralysis, and be provided with genetic counseling. And the study may also help the clinical diagnosis, guide treatment and genetic counseling of this rare disease in China.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment of Rasmussen syndrome in 16 children].

OBJECTIVE: Rasmussen syndrome (RS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, usually affecting one brain hemisphere. The present study aimed to analyze the electroclinical characteristics and treatment of RS. METHODS: The medical records of 16 children with RS were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 16 children, 8 were males and 8 were females. The age of onset was from 1 year and 11 months to 11 years and 6 months. The first symptom was seizure in all patients. The main seizure type was partial motor seizures. In all the patients, seizures gradually became frequent and in the form of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Thirteen cases developed hemiparesis. Fixed hemiparesis occurred from 2 months to 3 years after the onset of seizures. The cognitive deterioration was present in 14. The EEG background activity was abnormal in all the cases, asymmetric slow wave disturbances were bilateral but with unilateral predominance in 11, unilateral delta or theta wave in 8. The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges were found in all cases, unilateral in 11 and bilateral in 5. Seizures were recorded in all patients, no electroclinical correlation was found in 5. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed progressive unihemispheric or focal cortical atrophy in all cases. Six cases transiently showed focal cortical swelling or T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal on early scans. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective in any of the patients. Three of 10 patients receiving immunoglobulin, and 4 of 8 receiving corticosteroids, had some reduction of seizure frequency for a short period. Six patients accepted functional hemispherectomy, in 4 of them seizure no longer occurred and cognitive function was improved. The results of multiple subpial transection in 2 cases and focal resection in one patient were disappointing. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of RS were refractory partial epilepsy, progressive hemiplegia and cognitive deterioration. The EEG background was asymmetric with slow wave activity, interictal epileptiform discharges were unilateral or bilateral, no electroclinical correlation occurred. Serial MRI showed progressive unihemispheric focal cortical atrophy. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective for RS. In some patients, immunoglobulin or corticosteroids could reduce seizure frequency in the short term. Functional hemispherectomy could lead to seizure control and prevent further development of neurological impairment and cognitive deterioration.