Colonoscopy-assisted removal of an impaction foreign body at the rectosigmoid junction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: When an anorectal foreign body is found, its composition and shape should be evaluated, and a timely and effective treatment plan should be developed based on the patient's symptoms to avoid serious complications such as intestinal perforation caused by displacement of the foreign body. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old male was admitted to our outpatient clinic on June 3, 2023, due to a rectal foreign body that had been embedded for more than 24 h. The patient reported using a glass electrode tube to assist in the recovery of prolapsed hemorrhoids, however, the electrode tube was inadvertently inserted into the anus and could not be removed by the patient. During hospitalization, the patient underwent surgery, and the foreign body was dragged into the rectum with the aid of colonoscopy. The anus was dilated with a comb-type pulling hook and an anal fistula pulling hook to widen the anus and remove the foreign body, and the local anal symptoms were then relieved with topical drugs. The patient was allowed to eat and drink, and an entire abdominal Computed tomography (CT) and colonoscopy were reviewed 3 d after surgery. CT revealed no foreign body residue and colonoscopy showed no metal or other residues in the colon and rectum, and no apparent intestinal tract damage. CONCLUSION: The timeliness and rationality of the surgical and therapeutic options for this patient were based on a literature review of the clinical signs and conceivable conditions in such cases. The type, material and the potential risks of rectal foreign bodies should be considered.

Diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach by confocal laser endomicroscopy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has become a new endoscopic imaging technology at the microscopic level, which is extensively performed for real-time in vivo histological examination. CLE can be performed to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. In this study, we diagnosed using CLE an asymptomatic patient with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric mucosal lesions, which may be gastric cancer, in the small curvature of the stomach by gastroscopy. She consented to undergo CLE for morphological observation of the gastric mucosa. Through the combination of CLE diagnosis and postoperative pathology, the intraoperative CLE diagnosis was considered to be reliable. According to our experience, CLE can be performed as the first choice for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: CLE has several advantages over pathological diagnosis. We believe that CLE has great potential in the diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric lesions.

Protective effect of avicularin against lung cancer via inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and induction of apoptosis: an in vitro and in vivo study.

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not avicularin (AVL) possesses any anticancer properties when tested against lung cancer. In the beginning, the effect that it had on the cellular viability of A549 cells was investigated, and it was discovered that AVL has a considerable negative impact on cellular viability. Following that, an investigation using flow cytometry was carried out to investigate its function in the process of apoptosis and the cell cycle of A549 cells. It has been discovered that AVL significantly promotes apoptosis and stops the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. The colony-forming capacity of A549 cells was observed to be greatly suppressed as the AVL concentration increased compared to the group that received no treatment. In addition to this, the benzo(a)pyrene in vivo model was established in order to investigate the pharmacological value of AVL. The findings revealed that AVL greatly prevented the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in addition to the reduction in oxidative stress, which was evidenced by a reduction in the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and MDA with an improvement in the concentration of SOD and GPx, respectively. Our results successfully demonstrated the pharmacological benefit of avicularin against lung cancer, and it has been suggested that it showed a multifactorial effect.

Assessment of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP levels in triple-negative breast cancer patients: clinical and pathological correlations.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study was to investigate the expressions of TUFT1 (Tuftelin) and Rac1-GTP in the cancerous tissues of individuals with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Additionally, we aimed to explore the correlation between TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions and examine the associations of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions with the clinical and pathological indicators of the patients. METHODS: Ninety-six patients diagnosed with TNBC, scheduled for surgery between May 2022 and November 2022, were enrolled in this study. Cancerous tissue specimens were collected from these patients, and immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate the levels of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions in the cancerous tissues. Subsequent to data collection, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions. Furthermore, we sought to assess the associations of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions with the clinical and pathological indicators of the patients. RESULTS: The TUFT1 protein was expressed in both the membrane and cytoplasm of TNBC cancer cells, with notably higher expression observed in the cytoplasm. Rac1-GTP was primarily expressed in the cytoplasm. There was a positive correlation between the levels of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions (χ2 = 9.816, P < 0.05). The levels of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP protein expressions showed no correlation with patient age (χ2 = 2.590, 2.565, P > 0.05); however, they demonstrated a positive correlation with tumor size (χ2 = 5.592,5.118), histological grading (χ2 = 6.730, 5.443), and lymph node metastasis (χ2 = 8.221, 5.180) (all with a significance level of P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A significant correlation was identified between the levels of TUFT1 and Rac1-GTP expressions in the cancerous tissues of patients with TNBC, suggesting a close association with the progression of TNBC. The two molecules play significant roles in facilitating an early diagnosis and treatment of TNBC.

Prehabilitation programs in liver resection: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Liver resection (LR) is a commonly performed surgical procedure for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver conditions. Despite its benefits in providing patients a potential cure, it is also associated with significant postoperative complications and prolonged recovery periods. In recent years, pre-operative rehabilitation (prehabilitation) has emerged as an up-and-coming strategy to optimize patients' physical, psychological and functional status before LR, leading to improved surgical and patient postoperative outcomes. Hence, our review aims to explore and synthesize the existing literature on prehabilitation in LR to provide an overview of the current evidence to help guide physicians in managing their patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases from inception to July 2023. The search strategy was tailored to capture studies investigating the role of prehabilitation in LR, and the factors that contribute to beneficial outcomes in the postoperative period. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Prehabilitation programs encompass a multifaceted approach to enhance surgical outcomes and patient well-being. This considers the specific needs of the varying patient populations, such as the elderly, or the cancer ridden. Improving physical fitness, nutritional supplementation and psychological support are the common tenets of prehabilitation. In physical prehabilitation, patients are engaged in intensive physical exercise often by means of a cycle ergometer. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through supplements and dietary interventions is also vital. Psychosocial assessments, advance care planning, music therapy, and progressive relaxation exercises are shown to enhance patient resilience and well-being. In addition, innovative approaches such as optimizing fluid balance, avoiding epidural analgesia, perioperative steroid administration, phosphate correction and branched-chain amino acid supplementation are being explored. CONCLUSIONS: Prehabilitation is important in optimizing patients before LR and is key in improving postoperative outcomes. Several prehabilitation strategies exist, but no formal consensus exists on patient selection and an ideal program.

Experimental Study on the Localized Deformation and Damage Behavior of Polymer-Bonded Explosive Simulant under Cyclic Compression.

Uniaxial cyclic compression tests were performed to investigate the compression deformation and damage of polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) simulant, particularly shear localization. The macroscopic mechanical behavior and mesoscale failure mechanisms of the PBX simulant were analyzed by optical observation and SEM scanning methods. After each cyclic compression, the specimen was scanned by X-ray computed tomography (CT), and the internal 3D deformation of the specimen was calculated using the digital volume correlation (DVC) method. The results show that the stress-strain curve of the PBX simulant exhibits five stages and coincides with the morphological changes on the surface of the specimen. The mesoscale failure mechanism is dominated by particle interface debonding and binder tearing, accompanied by a small amount of particle breakage. There are three bifurcation points (T1, T2, and T3) in the curves of the normal and shear strain components with compression strain. It was found that these bifurcation points can reflect the full progression of the specimen from inconspicuous damage to uniformly distributed damage, shear localization, and eventual macroscopic fracture. The strain invariant I1 can quantitatively and completely characterize the deformation and damage processes of the PBX simulant under cyclic compression.

Orexin receptors in paraventricular nucleus influence sexual behavior via regulating the sympathetic outflow in males.

BACKGROUND: Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides associated with various neurophysiological activities such as sleep, arousal, and reward. However, there are few studies investigating the relationships between orexin receptors in the paraventricular nucleus and sexual behaviors. OBJECTIVES: To explore the roles of orexin receptors in the paraventricular nucleus on sexual behaviors and uncover its potential mechanisms in males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orexin A, orexin 1 receptor antagonist SB334867, and orexin 2 receptor antagonist TCS-OX2-29 were microinjected into the paraventricular nucleus to investigate the effects of orexin receptors on copulatory behavior testing of C57BL/6 mice. To explore if ejaculation could activate orexin 1 receptor-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus, fluorescence immunohistochemical double staining was utilized. The levels of serum norepinephrine were measured and the lumbar sympathetic nerve activity was recorded to reflect the sympathetic nervous system activity. Moreover, the bulbospongiosus muscle-electromyogram was recorded and analyzed. To test whether perifornical/lateral hypothalamic area orexinergic neurons directly projected to the paraventricular nucleus, virus retrograde tracing technology was utilized. RESULTS: Orexin A significantly enhanced sexual performance by shortening the intromission and ejaculation latencies, and increasing the mount and intromission frequencies, while the opposite outcomes appeared with SB334867. However, TCS-OX2-29 had no significant effects on sexual behaviors. Moreover, orexin A increased lumbar sympathetic nerve activity and the levels of serum norepinephrine, while SB334867 decreased lumbar sympathetic nerve activity and norepinephrine, which caused a significant decrease in sympathetic nervous system outflow. Meanwhile, a robust increase in the bulbospongiosus muscle-electromyogram activity was identified after microinjecting orexin A. Furthermore, cFos immunopositive cells were increased and double stained with orexin 1 receptor-expressing neurons in the mating group. Additionally, the retrograde tracing results demonstrated that orexinergic neurons in the perifornical/lateral hypothalamic area directly projected to the paraventricular nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: Orexin 1 receptor in the paraventricular nucleus could influence the ejaculatory reflex via mediating the sympathetic nervous system activity, which might be of great importance in the treatment of premature ejaculation in the future.

Photo-protection and photo-inhibition during light induction in Barbula indica and Conocephalum conicum under different light gradients.

The objectives of this study were to measure the chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters of Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng and Conocephalum conicum (L.) Dumort subjected to various light intensities (LI) as a reflection of their adaptability to their habitats. The electron transport rate (ETR) of all plants under 500 µmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was significantly higher than other LI treatments, implying that these plants could be grown under a specific and optimal light intensity adapted to 500 PPFD conditions. As LI increased from 50 to 2,000 PPFD, we observed in all plants increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and photo-inhibitory quenching (qI) and decreased photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII), potential quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), actual PSII efficiency (ΔF/Fm'%), and Fv/Fm%. In addition, energy-dependent quenching (qE), the light protection system (qE + qZ + qT), and qI increased as ΦPSII decreased and photo-inhibition% increased under 1000, 1500, and 2000 PPFD conditions, suggesting that these plants had higher photo-protective ability under high LI treatments to maintain higher photosynthetic system performance. B. indica plants remained photochemically active and maintained higher qE under 300, 500, and 1000 PPFD, whereas C. conicum qZ + qT exhibited higher photo-protection under 500, 1000, and 1500 PPFD conditions. These ChlF indices can be used for predicting photosynthetic responses to light induction in different bryophytes and provide a theoretical basis for ecological monitoring.

Novel biotin-linked amphiphilic calix[4]arene-based supramolecular micelles as doxorubicin carriers for boosted anticancer activity.

Supramolecular carrier-mediated chemotherapy is a highly attractive strategy for targeted drug delivery. In this study, four novel biotin-linked calix[4]arenes BPCA1-BPCA4 have been rationally designed to construct nano-complex with doxorubicin. The in vitro and in vivo assessments reveal that BPCA4-DOX with excellent stability are capable of affording significantly superior anti-tumor activity and lower side effects.

Molecular Evolution of Antiparathion Nanobody with Enhanced Sensitivity and Specificity Based on Structural Analysis.

Nanobody (Nb) has gained significant attention in immunoassays owing to its numerous advantages, particularly its ease of molecular evolution. However, the limited understanding of how high sensitivity and specificity attained for antihapten Nbs hamper the development of high-performance Nbs. Herein, the antiparathion Nb (Nb9) we prepared previously was chosen as the model, and an approach based on X-ray crystallography, molecular docking, and rational site-directed saturation mutation for constructing a rapid and effective platform for nanobody evolution was described. Based on the structural analysis, two mutants, namely Nb-D5 (IC50 = 2.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL) and Nb-D12 (IC50 = 2.7 ± 0.1 ng/mL), were selected out from a six-sites directed saturation mutation library, 3.5-fold and 3.1-fold sensitivity enhancement over Nb9 to parathion, respectively. Besides, Nb-D12 exhibited improved sensitivity for quinalphos, triazophos, and coumaphos (5.4-35.4 ng/mL), indicating its broader detection potential. Overall, our study advances an effective strategy for the future rational evolution of Nbs with desirable performance.

Design of an Antigen-Triggered Nanobody-Based Fluorescence Probe for PET Immunoassay to Detect Quinalphos in Food Samples.

Photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) immunoassay based on a fluorescence site-specifically labeled nanobody, also called mini Quenchbody (Q-body), exhibits extraordinary sensitivity and saves much time in the homogeneous noncompetitive mode and is therefore regarded as a valuable method. However, limited by the efficiency of both quenching and dequenching of the fluorescence signal before and after antigen binding associated with the PET principle, not all original nanobodies can be used as candidates for mini Q-bodies. Herein, with the anti-quinalphos nanobody 11A (Nb-11A) as the model, we, for the first time, adopt a strategy by combining X-ray structural analysis with site-directed mutagenesis to design and produce a mutant Nb-R29W, and then successfully generate a mini Q-body by labeling with ATTO520 fluorescein. Based on this, a novel PET immunoassay is established, which exhibits a limit of detection of 0.007 µg/mL with a detection time of only 15 min, 25-fold improved sensitivity, and faster by 5-fold compared to the competitive immunoassay. Meanwhile, the recovery test of vegetable samples and validation by the standard ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) both demonstrated that the established PET immunoassay is a novel, sensitive, and accurate detection method for quinalphos. Ultimately, the findings of this work will provide valuable insights into the development of triggered PET fluorescence probes by using existing antibody resources.

Dissecting the promotional effect of zinc on cadmium translocation from roots to shoots in rice.

It is often expected that Zn decreases Cd accumulation in plants due to competition for the same transporters. Here, we found that increasing Zn supply markedly increased the root-to-shoot translocation of Cd in rice. RNA sequencing showed that high Zn up-regulated expression of genes involved in glutathione biosynthesis and metabolism and the Zn/Cd transporter gene OsHMA2, but down-regulated expression of genes related to Zn uptake. Knockout of the iron or Zn transporter genes OsIRT1, OsIRT2, or OsZIP9 did not affect the Zn promotional effect on Cd translocation. Knockout of the manganese/Cd transporter gene OsNRAMP5 greatly reduced Cd uptake but did not affect the Zn promotional effect. Variation in the tonoplast transporter gene OsHMA3 affected Cd translocation but did not change the Zn promotional effect. Knockout of the Zn/Cd transporter gene OsHMA2 not only decreased Cd and Zn translocation, but also abolished the Zn promotional effect. Increased expression of OsHMA2 under high Zn conditions supports the hypothesis that this transporter participates in the promotional effect of Zn on Cd translocation. The results also show that OsIRT1, OsIRT2, and OsZIP9 made only small contributions to Cd uptake under low Zn conditions but not under high Zn conditions, whereas the dominant role of OsNRAMP5 in Cd uptake diminished under low Zn conditions.

Integrative analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome reveals epigenetic regulation of bisphenols-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Cardiac hypertrophy, a kind of cardiomyopathic abnormality, might trigger heart contractile and diastolic dysfunction, and even heart failure. Currently, bisphenols (BPs) including bisphenol A (BPA), and its alternatives bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are ubiquitously applied in various products and potentially possess high cardiovascular risks for humans. However, the substantial experimental evidences of BPs on heart function, and their structure-related effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are still urgently needed. DNA methylation, a typical epigenetics, play key roles in BPs-induced transcription dysregulation, thereby affecting human health including cardiovascular system. Thus, in this study, we performed RNA-seq and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to profile the landscapes of BPs-induced cardiotoxicity and to determine the key roles of DNA methylation in the transcription. Further, the capabilities of three BPA analogues, together with BPA, in impacting heart function and changing DNA methylation and transcription were compared. We concluded that similar to BPA, BPAF, BPF and BPS exposure deteriorated heart function in a mouse model, and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a H9c2 cell line. BPAF, BPF and BPS all played BPA-like roles in both transcriptive and methylated hierarchies. Moreover, we validated the expression levels of four cardiomyocyte hypertrophy related candidate genes, Psmc1, Piptnm2, Maz and Dusp18, which were all upregulated and with DNA hypomethylation. The findings on the induction of BPA analogues on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and DNA methylation revealed their potential detrimental risks in heart function of humans.

Intravenous Lidocaine Decreased the Median Effective Concentration of Sufentanil for Tracheal Intubation in Obese Patients.

Purpose: Sufentanil has been widely used to inhibit the hemodynamic responses caused by tracheal intubation. Using intravenous lidocaine may reduce the dose of sufentanil and better maintain the hemodynamics. This study aimed to determine the effects of intravenous lidocaine on the median effective concentration (EC50) of sufentanil for endotracheal intubation in obese patients. Patients and Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, up-and-down sequential allocation study. Fifty obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio into the lidocaine group and the saline group. Anesthesia was induced using a target-controlled infusion of propofol and sufentanil. The effect-site concentration (Ce) of propofol was 3.5 µg/mL. The Ce of sufentanil for the first patient was 0.4 ng/mL, and the sufentanil dose for the next patient was determined according to the responses of the previous patient, using Dixon's up-and-down sequential method with an interval of 0.05 ng/mL. When the target concentration of propofol and sufentanil was reached, lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg or the same volume of normal saline was infused over 3 min. Tracheal intubation was performed 3 min after the end of the lidocaine or normal saline infusion. Probit regression was used to calculate the EC50 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of sufentanil. Results: Thirty-eight patients completed this study. The EC50 of sufentanil was 0.36 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.31-0.41 ng/mL) in the lidocaine group, which was significantly lower than 0.50 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.43-0.62 ng/mL) in the saline group. In addition, compared with saline group, the dosage of sufentanil in lidocaine group decreased significantly during the test. The hemodynamics of the two groups were stable during the study period. Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg decreased the EC50 of sufentanil required for tracheal intubation in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

[Recent advances in the applications of metal-organic frameworks-based molecularly imprinted materials].

Molecularly imprinted polymers have received wide attention from various fields owing to their pre-designable, recognition ability, and practicality. However, the disadvantages of the traditional embedding method, which include a slow recognition rate, uneven site recognition, low binding capacity, and incomplete template molecule elution, limit the development of molecular imprinting technology. Surface molecular imprinting techniques have been developed to effectively solve these problems, and different materials are used as carriers in the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show great potential as carriers. Because of their high porosity and specific surface area, MOFs can provide a large number of active sites for molecular imprinting, which can improve their detection sensitivity. The variable metal centers and organic ligands of MOF materials can also lead to multiple structures and functions. Numerous types of MOF materials have been synthesized, and the properties of these materials can be tailored by adjusting their pore size and introducing functional groups. MOFs and molecular imprinting technology can be combined to take full advantage of the specific adsorption of molecular imprinting technology and the large specific surface area and multiple active sites of MOFs, thereby expanding the application range of the resulting materials. In this paper, five aspects of the concept of MOF functionalization are discussed: introduction of special ligands, regulation of metal central sites, formation of MOF complexes, derivatization of MOFs, and sacrificial MOFs. The applications of MOF-based molecularly imprinted materials in catalysis, sample pretreatment, drug carriers, fluorescence sensors, and electrochemical sensors are also reviewed. Finally, the existing problems and future development of MOF-based molecularly imprinted materials are discussed and prospected.

[Delayed Blood Transfusion Adverse Reactions Caused by Hypothermia Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Its Coping Strategies].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a case of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR), and find the reason and coping strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. METHODS: Relative antibody identification was carried out, suitable erythrocytes was screened, and relevant indicators after transfusion were evaluated. Medical record and laboratory report of the patient were reviewed, the cause was analyzed, and corresponding treatment was carried out. RESULTS: The patient suffered from DHTR caused by IgM anti-M antibody and low body temperature cardiopulmonary bypass. After anti-hemolytic treatment, the patient was gradually improved, the bilirubin gradually decreased, and finally cured and discharged. CONCLUSION: When the transfusion department finds any antibodies which have activity at room temperature but no respond at 37 ℃, they should communicate with clinical medical staff in time. Warm transfusion should be used during blood transfusion to prevent transfusion-related hemolytic reaction.

Computer-aided design of novel cellobiose 2-epimerase for efficient synthesis of lactulose using lactose.

Cellobiose 2-epimerase (CE) is ideally suited to synthesize lactulose from lactose, but the poor thermostability and catalytic efficiency restrict enzymatic application. Herein, a non-characterized CE originating from Caldicellulosiruptor morganii (CmCE) was discovered in the NCBI database. Then, a smart mutation library was constructed based on FoldX ΔΔG calculation and modeling structure analysis, from which a positive mutant D226G located within the α8/α9 loop exhibited longer half-lives at 65-75 °C as well as lower Km and higher kcat/Km values compared with CmCE. Molecular modeling demonstrated that the improvement of D226G was largely attributed to the rigidification of the flexible loop, the compactness of the catalysis pocket and the increment of substrate-binding capability. Finally, the yield of synthesizing lactulose catalyzed by D226G reached 45.5%, higher than the 35.9% achieved with CmCE. The disclosed effect of the flexible loop on enzymatic stability and catalysis provides insight to redesign efficient CEs to biosynthesize lactulose.

Structural Insights into the Stability and Recognition Mechanism of the Antiquinalphos Nanobody for the Detection of Quinalphos in Foods.

Nanobodies (Nbs) have great potential in immunoassays due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. With the immortal nature of Nbs and the ability to manipulate their structures using protein engineering, it will become increasingly valuable to understand what structural features of Nbs drive high stability, affinity, and selectivity. Here, we employed an anti-quinalphos Nb as a model to illustrate the structural basis of Nbs' distinctive physicochemical properties and the recognition mechanism. The results indicated that the Nb-11A-ligand complexes exhibit a "tunnel" binding mode formed by CDR1, CDR2, and FR3. The orientation and hydrophobicity of small ligands are the primary determinants of their diverse affinities to Nb-11A. In addition, the primary factors contributing to Nb-11A's limited stability at high temperatures and in organic solvents are the rearrangement of the hydrogen bonding network and the enlargement of the binding cavity. Importantly, Ala 97 and Ala 34 at the active cavity's bottom and Arg 29 and Leu 73 at its entrance play vital roles in hapten recognition, which were further confirmed by mutant Nb-F3. Thus, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the recognition and stability mechanisms of anti-hapten Nbs and shed new light on the rational design of novel haptens and directed evolution to produce high-performance antibodies.

[Identification and expression of uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase(UGT) gene family from Dendrobium officinale].

Uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase(UGT) is a highly conserved protein in plants, which usually functions in secondary metabolic pathways. This study used the Hidden Markov Model(HMM) to screen out members of UGT gene family in the whole genome of Dendrobium officinale, and 44 UGT genes were identified. Bioinformatics was used to analyze the structure, phylogeny, and promoter region components of D. officinale genes. The results showed that UGT gene family could be divided into four subfamilies, and UGT gene structure was relatively conserved in each subfamily, with nine conserved domains. The upstream promoter region of UGT gene contained a variety of cis-acting elements related to plant hormones and environmental factors, indicating that UGT gene expression may be induced by plant hormones and external environmental factors. UGT gene expression in different tissues of D. officinale was compared, and UGT gene expression was found in all parts of D. officinale. It was speculated that UGT gene played an important role in many tissues of D. officinale. Through transcriptome analysis of D. officinale mycorrhizal symbiosis environment, low temperature stress, and phosphorus deficiency stress, this study found that only one gene was up-regulated in all three conditions. The results of this study can help understand the functions of UGT gene family in Orchidaceae plants and provide a basis for further study on the molecular regulation mechanism of polysaccharide metabolism pathway in D. officinale.

Morphological Characterstics of the Sensilla in a Monophagous Insect: Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Halticinae).

Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the key natural enemy of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, an invasive weed worldwide. To understand the morphology of A. hygrophila and further explore the specific host localization mechanism, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe and study the morphological characteristics of sensilla on the head appendages, tarsi, and external genital segments of A. hygrophila. Twelve types and forty-six subtypes of sensilla were observed. These contain various types of head appendices, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconca, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, Böhm bristles, sensilla campaniform, sensilla terminal, sensilla dome, sensilla digit-like, sensilla aperture, and many subtypes. A new type of sensor was reported for the first time, which may be related to host plant recognition. This sensor was located on the distal segment of the maxillary palps of A. hygrophila and was named as sensilla petal-shaped based on its morphological characteristics. Sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, and sensilla basiconca are also found on the tarsi and external genital segments. In addition, sensilla basiconica 4, sensilla coeloconica 1 and 2, sensilla styloconica 2, Böhm bristles 2, and sensilla campaniform 1 were only found in females. On the contrary, sensilla styloconica 3, sensilla coeloconica 3, and sensilla dome were only found in males. Numbers and sizes of the sensilla were also different between males and females. The potential functions related to structure were discussed in comparison with previous investigations on beetles and other monophagous insects. Our results provide a microscopic morphological basis for further research on the localization and recognition mechanism of A. hygrophila and its obligate host.