Metabolic responses of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) to the insecticide thiamethoxam.

BACKGROUND: Thiamethoxam (TMX) is insecticidal, but also can trigger physiological and metabolic reactions of plant cycles. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological and metabolic effect of TMX on tea plants and its potential benefits. RESULTS: In this study, dose of TMX (0.09, 0.135 and 0.18 kg a.i./ha) were tested. Except for peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), chlorophyll, carotenoid, catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly affected compared with the controls. The CAT activity was increased by 3.38, 1.71, 2.91 times, respectively, under three doses of TMX treatment. The metabolic response between TMX treatment and control groups on the third day was compared using a widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 97 different metabolites were identified, including benzenoids, flavonoids, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organic nitrogen compounds, organic oxygen compounds, organoheterocyclic compounds, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, and others. Those metabolites were mapped on the perturbed metabolic pathways. The results demonstrated that the most perturbation occurred in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. The beneficial secondary metabolites luteolin and kaempferol were upregulated 1.46 and 1.31 times respectively, which protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. Molecular docking models suggest interactions between TMX and flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. CONCLUSION: Thiamethoxam spray positively promoted the physiological and metabolic response of tea plants. And this work also provided the useful information of TMX metabolism in tea plants as well as rational application of insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Treatment of Human Colon Xenografts Tumor in Mice with Platinum Nanosphere-5-Fluorouracil-Bovine Albumin.

Because 5-fluorouracil (FLU) has side effects in cancer treatment, the use of FLU in therapeutic activities is limited. To overcome this challenge, the use of nano-platforms for its targeting is f great interest in biomedical fields. For this purpose, to reduce the FLU toxicity and improve the its efficacy, platinum nanospheres (PtNS) with anti-cancer properties were used. After producing PtNS by hydrothermal method and loading FLU and bovine albumin (bAL) (PtNS-FLU-bAL), its physicochemical properties were investigated. After evaluating the drug release capability, the toxicity of PtNS-FLU-bAL on HCT-116 cells was assessed by MTT and flow-cytometry. Also, the effects of the nanospheres on tumor status, liver and kidney tissues were evaluated. The results indicate uniform size of the PtNS-FLU-bAL (79±2.04 nm) with spherical shape, loading of more than 50% of the FLU (in the ratio of 2:1 FLU to PtNS-bAL), optimal release of the FLU from the PtNS-FLU-bAL (83.1% in pH = 6), and the high toxicity of the PtNS-FLU-bAL on HCT-116 cells. Also, the toxicity mechanism indicated more apoptosis induction by increasing the expression of TNF-α, Bax, Fas, and Caspase-3 genes for PtNS-FLU-bAL compared to the free FLU. Moreover, the results showed a higher FLU concentration in cancerous tissue and a 1.5-fold reduction in tumor growth by the PtNS-FLU-bAL compared to the free FLU. Overall, the results show that the PtNS-FLU-bAL can enhance the success of colorectal cancer treatment effectively and safely.

Effects and Mechanism of Berberine on the Dexamethasone-Induced Injury of Human Tendon Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of berberine (Berb) on dexamethasone- (Dex-) induced injury of human tendon cells and its potential mechanism. METHODS: CCK-8 assay was used to explore the appropriate concentration of Dex-induced injury of tendon cells and the doses of Berb attenuates Dex cytotoxicity; cell wound healing assay was used to detect the effects (P < 0.05) of Berb and Dex on the migration ability of tendon cells; flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis; DCF DA fluorescent probe was used to measure the ROS activity of cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of phenotype related factors including smooth muscle actin α (SMA-α), type I collagen (Col I), col III, apoptosis-related factors, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-9, and PI3K/AKT. RESULTS: CCK-8 assay showed that 1-100 µM Dex significantly inhibited the proliferation of tendon cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05), where the inhibitory effect of 100 µM Dex was most significant (P < 0.005), and the pretreatment of 150, 200 µM Berb could reverse those inhibitions (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, Dex significantly inhibited cell migration (P < 0.05), while Berb pretreatment could enhance cell migration (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry and ROS assay showed that Dex could induce apoptosis and oxidative stress response of tendon cells (all P < 0.05), while Berb could reverse those responses (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that Dex could inhibit the expression of the col I and III as well as α-SMA (all P < 0.05) and enhance the expression of apoptosis-related factors including cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 (all P < 0.05). Besides, Dex could also inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (all P < 0.05), thus affecting cell function, while Berb treatment significantly reversed the expression of those above proteins (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Berb attenuated DEX induced reduction of proliferation and migration, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of tendon cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulated the expression of phenotype related biomarkers in tendon cells. However, further studies are still needed to clarify the protective effects of Berb in vivo.

The relationship between serum triglyceride levels and acute pancreatitis in an animal model and a 14-year retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate influence of serum triglyceride levels on the course of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Rats models of hypertriglyceridemic were used in animal experiments. Following induction of acute pancreatitis, amylase, and pancreas histological scores were all compared. In addition, in a clinical study, clinical data were collected from 1681 AP patients admitted from 2003 to 2016 who were divided into 4 groups based on their serum triglyceride (TG) levels. The clinical features among these 4 groups were compared, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed on TG values to estimate their relationship with severity. RESULTS: In animal experiments, the hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) group had markedly higher serum amylase, and histological scores relative to the other animal groups. In the clinical study, we identified significant differences in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cost, and incidence of partial complications among the 4 TG-based groups. Importantly, the TG levels on day 3-4 after admission could be used to accurately predict disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) can aggravate pancreatic injury, and hypertriglyceridemia patients are more likely to suffer from severe pancreatic injury with a higher possibility of complications. In addition, triglyceride levels are correlated with the severity of AP positively.

Optimal timing of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in an evaluation of severe acute pancreatitis-associated complications.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has been used previously to evaluate severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-associated complications. However, optimal time points of CECT have not yet been established. The present study aimed to determine optimal timings for CECT to be undertaken for patients with SAP. The results of CECT from 309 patients with SAP, who were classified into either infected or non-infected SAP groups, were retrospectively analyzed. The severity and alterations in the periods within 72 h to >4 weeks of SAP onset were also assessed. In the analysis of the disease severity and changes, acute peripancreatic fluid collection was detected, where the number of areas increased within 1 week of SAP onset but decreased within 4 weeks and longer. However, no significant differences were observed between the infected and non-infected groups. The acute necrotic collection (ANC) areas were ≤30% of the area of the pancreas, with significantly more ANC areas and pancreatic necrosis in the infected SAP group compared with the non-infected SAP group at a time interval of >4 weeks. The exudation of pleural effusion (PE) was elevated within 1 week, but decreased within 2 weeks and longer. The difference in the alteration of the exudation of PE was not statistically different between the two groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that the period between 72 h and 1 week of SAP onset is optimal timing of CECT to assess SAP-associated complications, particularly for infected SAP patients.

Repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers with medial plantar venous flap.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical procedures and efficacy of using medial plantar venous flap for the repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers. METHODS: From March 2010 to April 2012, medial plantar venous flaps were harvested to repair the wounds of 31 fingers in 29 cases. Among them, there were 13 middle fingers with defects at the tips in 11 cases, 7 fingers with defects in the dorsal part in 7 cases, and 11 fingers with defects in the finger pulp in 11 cases. The size of the defects ranged from 1.2cm×1.5 cm to 2.5cm × 3.5cm. Medial plantar venous flaps of 1.5cm × 2cm - 3×4 cm were harvested. Full-thickness skin grafts were adopted for the donor areas. RESULTS: All 31 flaps survived, except for 1 flap with arterial crisis and 2 cases with venous crisis. These conditions were timely corrected by secondary anastomosis of artery and vein and the flaps survived. The wounds and the donor areas achieved healing by the first intention. All grafted skins survived. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 26 fingers in 24 cases for 4-12 months, excluding 5 cases with lost follow-up. The dorsal part of the damaged fingers had normal morphology, and the skin color and texture were similar to those of the normal skin. After the repair of defects in the fingertip and pulp, fingerprints appeared, and the protective sensation was restored. CONCLUSION: The soft tissue defects of the fingers can be satisfactorily repaired with medial plantar venous flap, and little damage is caused to the donor area. This method is proven effective for the repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers.

Repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers with medial plantar venous flap

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To report the surgical procedures and efficacy of using medial plantar venous flap for the repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers. Methods From March 2010 to April 2012, medial plantar venous flaps were harvested to repair the wounds of 31 fingers in 29 cases. Among them, there were 13 middle fingers with defects at the tips in 11 cases, 7 fingers with defects in the dorsal part in 7 cases, and 11 fingers with defects in the finger pulp in 11 cases. The size of the defects ranged from 1.2cm×1.5 cm to 2.5cm × 3.5cm. Medial plantar venous flaps of 1.5cm × 2cm - 3×4 cm were harvested. Full-thickness skin grafts were adopted for the donor areas. RESULTS All 31 flaps survived, except for 1 flap with arterial crisis and 2 cases with venous crisis. These conditions were timely corrected by secondary anastomosis of artery and vein and the flaps survived. The wounds and the donor areas achieved healing by the first intention. All grafted skins survived. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 26 fingers in 24 cases for 4-12 months, excluding 5 cases with lost follow-up. The dorsal part of the damaged fingers had normal morphology, and the skin color and texture were similar to those of the normal skin. After the repair of defects in the fingertip and pulp, fingerprints appeared, and the protective sensation was restored. CONCLUSION The soft tissue defects of the fingers can be satisfactorily repaired with medial plantar venous flap, and little damage is caused to the donor area. This method is proven effective for the repair of soft tissue defects of the fingers.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Relatar os procedimentos cirúrgicos e a eficácia do uso de retalhos plantares mediais venosos para reparo de defeitos de tecidos moles dos dedos. METODOLOGIA De março de 2010 a abril de 2012, foram colhidos retalhos plantares mediais venosos para reparar ferimentos de 31 dedos em 29 casos. Entre eles, 13 dedos médios com defeitos nas pontas em 11 casos, 7 dedos com defeitos na parte dorsal em 7 casos e 11 dedos com defeitos na polpa digital em 11 casos. O tamanho dos defeitos variava de 1,2 cm × 1,5 cm a 2,5 cm × 3,5 cm. Foram colhidos retalhos plantares mediais venosos de 1,5 cm × 2 cm a 3 cm × 4 cm. Foram adotados enxertos de pele de espessura total na área doadora. RESULTADOS Todos os 31 retalhos sobreviveram, com exceção de 1 retalho com crise arterial e 2 casos com crise venosa. Esses problemas foram corrigidos a tempo com anastomoses secundárias das artérias e veias e os retalhos sobreviveram. Os ferimentos e áreas doadoras atingiram cicatrização por primeira intenção. Todos os enxertos de pele sobreviveram. Foi realizado acompanhamento pós-operatório em de 26 dedos em 24 casos por 4 a 12 meses, sendo que dos casos tratados 5 não tiveram acompanhamento. As partes dorsais dos dedos lesionados apresentaram morfologia normal, com cor e textura da pele muito similares a da pele normal. Após o reparo dos defeitos nas pontas e polpas digitais, impressões digitais apareceram e a sensação protetora foi restaurada. CONCLUSÃO Os defeitos de tecido mole dos dedos podem ser reparados de forma satisfatória com retalhos plantares mediais venosos, com poucos danos à área doadora. Este método mostrou se eficaz para o reparo de defeitos de tecido mole dos dedos.

Peptidome analysis of lung tissues from a hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia mouse model: Insights into the pathophysiological process of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the peptidomic profiles of lung tissues from neonatal mice with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Hyperoxia was used to establish the BPD mouse model. Lung tissues obtained on postnatal day (PND) 9 were processed for analysis via histological staining and label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Histological analysis of the lung sections from the BPD group showed significant alveolar simplification and aberrant pulmonary vascularization. We identified 3,704 total peptides, of which 63 were differentially expressed in the lung tissues from the BPD group compared with those from the control group. Within this subset, 31 peptides were downregulated, and 32 peptides were upregulated. Bioinformatics analysis suggested several potential roles of the differentially expressed peptides in the pathophysiological process of BPD. In summary, this study highlights novel peptide candidates, and provides new insights for further understanding the molecular mechanism of BPD development.

EGFR protein expression and gene amplification in squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protein expression and gene amplification of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in intraepithelial neoplasias and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and to determine the value of EGFR in carcinogenesis, progression, and prognosis of cervical cancer. EGFR protein expression and gene amplification involved gene copy number in 75 cases of cervical various lesions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. Expression of EGFR was observed in 76.00% of the high-grade CIN and 79.17% of the invasive carcinomas. In contrast, there were low levels of EGFR expression in chronic cervicitis (1/10) and low-grade CIN (7/16). There were statistically significant differences among them (P<0.05). Gene amplification was detected in 20.51% high-grade CIN and invasive carcinoma, but there only 4.35% EGFR gene amplification was observed in chronic cervicitis and low grade CIN. Among the 42 patients with negative or low levels of EGFR expression, 26 patients (61.90%) were found to have diploidy and 11 patients (26.20%) to have balanced triploidy. However, among the 20 patients with an intermediate and high levels of EGFR protein expression, 13 (65.00%) were found to have balanced polyploidy or gene amplification. All cases of EGFR gene amplification involved intermediate and high levels of protein expression. EGFR may be involved in the carcinogenesis of the cervix and may be an early event during the carcinogenesis. Overexpression of EGFR protein may result from gene amplification and increases in gene copy number.

Enhanced expression of EphrinB1 is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands are membrane-bound cell-signaling proteins and they play critical regulatory roles in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. Eph receptors require direct cell to cell interaction for activation and they are divided into EphA and EphB receptor classes, depending on their preferential binding affinity for EphrinA or EphrinB ligands. Eph receptors have been documented in breast cancer, but the Ephrin ligands have not been thoroughly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic assessment of EphrinB1 expression in a set of 75 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancers, using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) with a specific antibody, and we examined the relationship between EphrinB1 expression, histopathological parameters, and the expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER-2 receptors. RESULTS: High level expression of EphrinB1 is positively associated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001) and with the presence of HER-2 receptor (P=0.041) and it is more often detected in triple-negative breast carcinomas (P=0.038). No relation was apparent between EphrinB1 expression level and other histopathological parameters, but enhanced EphrinB1 expression is associated with shorter overall survival (P=0.015). CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrates that EphrinB1 expression is related to the metastasis of breast cancer and its enhanced expression confers a poor prognosis, suggesting that EphrinB1 may be a relevant therapeutic target in breast cancers.