Effects of grazing exclusion on soil properties, fungal community structure, and diversity in different grassland types.

Soil fungi are involved in the decomposition of organic matter, and they alter soil structure and physicochemical properties and drive the material cycle and energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems. Fungal community assembly processes were dissimilar in different soil layers and significantly affected soil microbial community function and plant growth. Grazing exclusion is one of the most common measures used to restore degraded grasslands worldwide. However, changes in soil fungal community characteristics during grazing exclusion in different types of grasslands are unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of a 9-year grazing exclusion on soil properties, fungal community composition, and diversity in three grassland types (temperate desert, temperate steppe, and mountain meadow). The results showed that (1) in the 0-5 cm soil layer, grazing exclusion significantly increased the differences in SWC, SOC, KN, and N:P among the three grassland types, while the final pH, BD, TP, C:N, and C:P values were consistent with the results before exclusion. In the 5-10 cm soil layer, grazing exclusion significantly increased total phosphorus (TP) in temperate deserts by 34.1%, while significantly decreasing bulk density (BD) by 9.8% and the nitrogen: phosphorus ratio (N:P) by 47.1%. (2) The soil fungal community composition differed among the grassland types, For example, significant differences were found among the three grassland types for the Glomeromycota and Mucoromycota. (3) Under the influence of both grazing exclusion and grassland type, there was no significant change in soil fungal alpha diversity, but there were significant differences in fungal beta diversity. (4) Grassland type was the most important factor influencing changes in fungal community diversity, and vegetation cover and soil kjeldahl nitrogen were the main factors influencing fungal diversity. Our research provides a long-term perspective for better understanding and managing different grasslands, as well as a better scientific basis for future research on grass-soil-microbe interactions.

Effects of overgrazing on the functional diversity of rodents in desert areas.

Environmental stressors and disturbances can cause changes in an ecosystem's community structure, which can be reflected in its functional diversity. As grazing intensity increases, this causes changes in the environment that inevitably lead to changes in the community structure, which can especially affect rodents due to their sensitivity to the environment. The effects of grazing prohibition and overgrazing on the functional diversity of desert rodent communities in Alxa were studied in April, July, and October of 2018-2020. The trap-day method was used to study rodent communities in disturbed habitats. Five functional traits were selected and quantified: nutrition, life history, physiology, morphology, and activity rhythm. The results showed that: (1) The species composition of rodent communities in the Alxa Desert in spring and autumn was significantly correlated with the functional traits of the hibernation, reproductive cycle, and feeding habits. The species composition in the summer was only significantly correlated with the functional traits of reproductive cycle and diet. (2) The effects of overgrazing on the functional diversity of rodents in desert areas have significant temporal and spatial characteristics. (3) In spring and summer, overgrazing made the Functional Richness index of the rodent community lower than that of areas where grazing is prohibited, but the Functional Evenness index was higher than that of grazing-prohibition areas. In autumn, overgrazing increased the Functional Richness index of the rodent community and decreased the Functional Evenness index. The Functional Divergence index was higher in overgrazing areas than in grazing-prohibited ones. These results suggest that, in spring and summer, overgrazing reduced the ecological space utilization ability of rodent communities; however, the impact on the degree of utilization of community resources is more comprehensive. In autumn, overgrazing increases the ability of rodent communities to use ecological space but reduces resource efficiency. Overgrazing makes the niche differentiation of rodent communities higher, the degree of overlap lower, and the competition between species weaker. Therefore, overgrazing will affect the functional diversity of the community through the utilization of ecological space, resource utilization, interspecific competition, and niche.

Sulfonated cellulose nanocrystal modified with ammonium salt as reinforcement in poly(lactic acid) composite films.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising biodegradable materials. However, the poor compatibility and dispersion of CNCs in the PLA matrix remain a significant obstacle to improving the properties of composites. In this study, the modified CNC (CNC-D) was prepared through sulfonation treatment, followed by modification with didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC). Then, CNC-D was mixed with PLA to prepare composite films (PLA-CNC-D). The results revealed that the PLA-CNC-D had higher tensile strength and elongation at break than PLA-CNC at 3 wt% nanofiller content, increasing by 41.53 and 22.18 %, respectively. SEM and DSC analysis indicated that surface modification improved the compatibility and dispersion of CNC-D in the PLA matrix. The sulfonation process increased the anion content on the surface of CNC-D, enabling the CNC-D surface to adsorb more cationic DDAC, consequently sharply reducing the hydrophilicity of CNC-D. Moreover, the PLA-CNC-D exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In summary, this study provides a novel CNC modification approach to enhance the physical properties and antibacterial activity of PLA composite films, enlarging the application of degradable PLA composites.

The Application of Morphogo in the Detection of Megakaryocytes from Bone Marrow Digital Images with Convolutional Neural Networks.

The evaluation of megakaryocytes is an important part of the work up on bone marrow smear examination. It has significance in the differential diagnosis, therapeutic efficacy assessment, and predication of prognosis of many hematologic diseases. The process of manual identification of megakaryocytes are tedious and lack of reproducibility; therefore, a reliable method of automated megakaryocytic identification is urgently needed. Three hundred and thirty-three bone marrow aspirate smears were digitized by Morphogo system. Pathologists annotated megakaryocytes on the digital images of marrow smears are applied to construct a large dataset for testing the system's predictive performance. Subsequently, we obtained megakaryocyte count and classification for each sample by different methods (system-automated analysis, system-assisted analysis, and microscopic examination) to study the correlation between different counting and classification methods. Morphogo system localized cells likely to be megakaryocytes on digital smears, which were later annotated by pathologists and the system, respectively. The system showed outstanding performance in identifying megakaryocytes in bone marrow smears with high sensitivity (96.57%) and specificity (89.71%). The overall correlation between the different methods was confirmed the high consistency (r ≥ 0.7218, R2 ≥ 0.5211) with microscopic examination in classifying megakaryocytes. Morphogo system was proved as a reliable screen tool for analyzing megakaryocytes. The application of Morphogo system shows promises to advance the automation and standardization of bone marrow smear examination.

Genetic Diversity, Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Gene Features of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Epidemics in Guiyang, Southwest China.

Purpose: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common pathogens of community- and hospital-acquired infections, and its prevalence is increasing globally. Guiyang is the capital city of Guizhou Province, Southwest China; as the transport and tourism centre of Southwest China, Guizhou Province is bordered by Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangxi Provinces. Although MRSA prevalence is increasing, little is known about its aspects in the area. The purpose of this study was to analyse MRSA molecular characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes in Guiyang. Methods: In total, 209 MRSA isolates from four hospitals (2019-2020) were collected and analysed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular classification by the MLST, spa, and SCCmec typing methods. Isolate antibiotic resistance rates were detected by a drug susceptibility assays. PCR amplification was used to detect the virulence gene-carrying status. Results: Twenty-four STs, including 4 new STs (ST7346, ST7347, ST7348, and ST7247) and 3 new allelic mutations, were identified based on MLST. The major prevalent ST type and clone complex were ST59 (49.8%) and CC59 (62.7%), respectively. Spa type t437 (42.1%) and SCCmec IV (55.5%) were identified by spa and SCCmec typing methods as the most important types. Drug sensitivity data showed that the multidrug resistance rate was 79.0%. There were significant differences in multidrug resistance rates and virulence gene-carrying rates for seb, hla, hlb, cna and bap between ST59 and non-ST59 types. Conclusion: ST59-SCCmecIV-t437 is a major epidemic clone in Guiyang that should be monitored by local medical and health institutions. The situation differs from other adjacent or middle provinces of China, which may be due to the special geographical location of the region and the trend in antibiotic use or lifestyle. This study provides empirical evidence for local medical and health departments to prevent and control the spread of MRSA.

Functional and expression characteristics identification of Phormicins, novel AMPs from Musca domestica with anti-MRSA biofilm activity, in response to different stimuli.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (including MRSA) in the clinic pose a growing threat to public health, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have great potential as efficient treatment alternatives. Houseflies have evolved over long periods in complex, dirty environments, developing a special immune system to overcome challenges in harmful environments. AMPs are key innate immune molecules. Herein, two differentially expressed AMPs, Phormicins A and B, were identified by screening transcriptomic changes in response to microbial stimulation. Structural mimic assays indicated that these AMPs exhibited functional divergence due to their C-terminal features. Expression analysis showed that they had different expression patterns. Phormicin B had higher constitutive expression than Phormicin A. However, Phormicin B was sharply downregulated, whereas Phormicin A was highly upregulated, after microbial stimulation. The MIC, MBC and time-growth curves showed the antibacterial spectrum of these peptides. Crystal violet staining and SEM showed that Phormicin D inhibited MRSA biofilm formation. TEM suggested that Phormicin D disrupted the MRSA cell membrane. Furthermore, Phormicin D inhibited biofilm formation by downregulating the expression of biofilm-related genes, including altE and embp. Therefore, housefly Phormicins were functionally characterized as having differential expression patterns and antibacterial & antibiofilm activities. This study provides a new potential peptide for clinical MRSA therapy.

The complete genome sequence of a novel mycovirus in the plant-pathogenic fungus Exobasidium gracile.

The plant-pathogenic fungus Exobasidium gracile belongs to the basidiomycetous genus Exobasidium and causes leaf abnormalities in Camellia oleifera. Here, we report a novel mycovirus from E. gracile strain Z-2, called "Exobasidium gracile zybavirus 2" (EgZV2), which is related phylogenetically to a member of the genus Zybavirus in the family Amalgaviridae. Like those of other zybaviruses, the EgZV2 genome has two large open reading frames (ORFs) encoding an unknown protein and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. In addition, we found a conserved +1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) motif (UUUCGG) between ORF1 and ORF2 in EgZV2.

Activity strategy and pattern of the Siberian jerboa (Orientallactaga sibirica) in the Alxa desert region, China.

Rodents exhibit seasonal changes in their activity patterns as an essential survival strategy. We studied the activity patterns and strategies of the Siberian jerboa (Orientallactaga sibirica) in the Alxa desert region to better understand the habitats and behavioural ecology of xeric rodents. We conducted an experiment using three plots to monitor the duration, time, and frequency of the active period of the Siberian jerboa using infrared cameras in the Alxa field workstation, Inner Mongolia, China in 2017. The relationships between the activity time and frequency, biological factors (perceived predation risk, food resources, and species composition), and abiotic factors (temperature, air moisture, wind speed) were analysed using Redundancy Analysis (RDA). Our results showed that: (1) relative humidity mainly affected activities in the springtime; temperature, relative humidity and interspecific competition mainly affected activities in the summertime; relative humidity and perceived predation risk mainly influenced activities in the autumn. (2) The activity pattern of the Siberian jerboa altered depending on the season. The activity of the Siberian jerboa was found to be bimodal in spring and summer, and was trimodal in autumn. The activity time and frequency in autumn were significantly lower than the spring. (3) Animals possess the ability to integrate disparate sources of information about danger to optimize energy gain. The jerboa adapted different responses to predation risks and competition in different seasons according to the demand for food resources.

Housefly Phormicin inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA by disrupting biofilm formation and altering gene expression in vitro and in vivo.

The increasing drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria is a crisis that threatens public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been suggested to be potentially effective alternatives to solve this problem. Here, we tested housefly Phormicin-derived peptides for effects on Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in vitro and in vivo. A decreased bacterial load of MRSA was observed in the mouse scald model after treatment with Phormicin and in the positive control group (vancomycin). A mouse scrape model indicated that Phormicin helps the host fight drug-resistant MRSA infections. The protective effect of Phormicin on MRSA was confirmed in the Hermetia illucens larvae model. Phormicin also disrupted the formation of S. aureus and MRSA biofilms. Furthermore, this effect coincided with the downregulation of biofilm formation-related gene expression (agrC, sigB, RNAIII, altA, rbf, hla, hld, geh and psmɑ). Notably, virulence genes and several regulatory factors were also altered by Phormicin treatment. Based on these findings, housefly Phormicin helps the host inhibit MRSA infection through effects on biofilm formation and related gene networks. Therefore, housefly Phormicin potential represents a candidate agent for clinical MRSA chemotherapy.

Developing and Preliminary Validating an Automatic Cell Classification System for Bone Marrow Smears: a Pilot Study.

Bone marrow smear examination is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of hematological diseases, but the process of manual differential count is labor extensive. In this study, we developed an automatic system with integrated scanning hardware and machine learning-based software to perform differential cell count on bone marrow smears to assist diagnosis. The initial development of the artificial neural network was based on 3000 marrow smear samples retrospectively archived from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine between June 2016 and December 2018. The preliminary field validating test of the system was based on 124 marrow smears newly collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between April 2019 and November 2019. The study was performed in parallel of machine automatic recognition with conventional manual differential count by pathologists using the microscope. We selected representative 600,000 marrow cell images as training set of the algorithm, followed by random captured 30,867 cell images for validation. In validation, the overall accuracy of automatic cell classification was 90.1% (95% CI, 89.8-90.5%). In a preliminary field validating test, the reliability coefficient (ICC) of cell series proportion between the two analysis methods were high (ICC ≥ 0.883, P < 0.0001) and the results by the two analysis methods were consistent for granulocytes and erythrocytes. The system was effective in cell classification and differential cell count on marrow smears. It provides a useful digital tool in the screening and evaluation of various hematological disorders.

The effect of grazing on winter survival of midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus) of different genders.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of grazing on midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus) population characteristics and survival of animals of different genders. The experiment used a randomized complete block design and was conducted in Alxa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia, China, in 2002 (The agricultural reclamation plots set up in 1994). From April 2006 to October 2010, midday gerbils were live-trapped in 3 light grazing plots, 3 overgrazed plots, and 3 grazing exclusion plots. The quantity of vegetation was investigated in the two different grazing intensity areas and grazing exclusion area to determine the relationship between gerbils and plant food availability. The results suggested that there was higher gerbil density, individual body mass, and daily body mass growth rate in the grazing exclusion sites than the other sites across the whole year. Females had higher survival in grazing exclusion areas than in other treatments, but the males' survival showed the opposite pattern. Our results indicated that grazing negatively influenced the midday gerbil population by reducing food availability. Grazing influenced the survival rates of male midday gerbils positively, but had negative effects on females. The reason for gendered differences in survival rates of midday gerbils requires further investigation.

[Adsorption Properties of Ammonia Nitrogen in Aqueous Solution by Various Materials].

Focusing on the removal of ammonia nitrogen from polluted water, the absorption properties of five materials (zeolite, maifanite, diatomite, bentonite, and activated carbon) were tested. Results showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation was suitable for data fitting for the five materials. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities of the five materials were 2.0673 mg·g-1, 0.9982 mg·g-1, 0.7580 mg·g-1, 1.7486 mg·g-1, and 1.0160 mg·g-1, respectively, which were close to the experimental value. Chemical-based adsorption was the main mode of adsorption. Data for diatomite were fitted using the Langmuir isotherm equation, and belonged to the single-layer molecular adsorption group, while the other four materials were fitted using the Freundlich isotherm equation, belonging to the multi-layer molecular adsorption group. Moreover, the results showed that the removal rates of ammonia nitrogen by zeolite, diatomite, bentonite, and activated carbon increased with an increase in dosage, and the maximum removal rates were 100%, 10.46%, 49.25%, and 16.87%, respectively. A maifanite dosage of 0.4g achieved the maximum removal rate of 48.85%. At pH 4-10, the adsorption capacities of zeolite and maifanite first increased and then decreased, while that of diatomite, bentonite, and activated carbon slowly increased. The desorption capacity of the five tested materials increased with an increase in the initial concentration of ammonia nitrogen.

Environmental DNA: An Emerging Tool in Ecological Assessment.

Environmental DNA (eDNA), as a recent research hotspot in environmental science, the use of eDNA in biological monitoring has the advantages of sensitivity and time/labor saving. The eDNA technology combined with scientific advancement has been applied in investigations of target species (such as invasive species, endangered species and other rare species), biomass, and biodiversity. In addition, ecotoxicology studies and environmental pollution impact assessments based on the development of eDNA technology have gradually emerged in recent years. In this article, we summarizes the application of eDNA in ecological assessment, include species diversity assessment and chemical contamination impacts assessment, provide guiding questions for study design. We additionally discuss current challenges associated with eDNA. Finally, looking to the future, we discuss the opportunities of eDNA technology in environmental protein, environmental sample processor and ecogenomic sensors.

[Characteristics of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Formation in Atmospheric Deposition in Dianchi Lake and Their Contributions to Lake Loading].

To examine the effects of seasonal changes and precipitation on the concentrations of various nitrogen and phosphorus forms in Dianchi Lake, the concentrations of various nitrogen and phosphorus forms of atmospheric deposition were determined by UV spectrophotometry. Additionally, the contributions of nitrogen and phosphorus to water pollution in Dianchi Lake were discussed. The results showed that the atmospheric depositional nitrogen concentration in Dianchi Lake is generally consistent with the characteristics of the low rainy season and high dry season. The nitrogen and phosphorus load of atmospheric deposition was positively correlated with rainfall. Seasonal changes were mainly characterized by low dry season and high rainy season. The atmospheric depositional nitrogen load was dominated by dissolved inorganic nitrogen, which accounted for 63.70% of the total nitrogen deposition load. The phosphorus load was mainly PP, which accounted for 45.54% of the total phosphorus precipitation load. Excessive fertilization and loss of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers are the major sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in atmospheric wet deposition. Combined with data from rivers entering the lake, the settlements of TN and TP in the atmospheric deposition of Dianchi Lake were 6.14% and 12.76% of the river load, respectively. Therefore, the primary source of pollution in Dianchi Lake was still the load brought by the river into the lake. However, the nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes in the atmospheric deposition of Dianchi Lake were at intermediate levels compared with other regions, so this contribution requires further investigation.

[Occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Typical Persistent Organic Pollutants in Baiyangdian Lake].

A comprehensive survey of the pollution characteristics of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the surface water and surface sediment of Baiyangdian Lake was carried out. The survey showed that:① The concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), organic chlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the surface water of Baiyangdian Lake were 71.32-228.27 ng·L-1, 2.62-6.13 ng·L-1, and 0-6.5 ng·L-1, respectively, and those in the surface sediment were 163.20-861.43 ng·g-1, 2.25-6.07 ng·g-1, and 230.96-1224.13 pg·g-1, respectively. On comparison with historical data, the concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in both the surface water and surface sediment were found to be decreasing, while compared with the domestic and foreign lakes, the concentration of PBDEs in the surface sediment was at a low level. ② The main source of PAHs, both in the surface water and surface sediment in Baiyangdian Lake, originated from fuel discharge and combustion sources. HCHs compose the main part of OCPs in both the surface water (93.76%) and surface sediment (63.10%). In the surface water body, HCHs mainly originated from the degradation of industrial HCHs; in some sites HCHs originated from atmospheric long-distance transmission and the usage of Lindane, while DDTs originated from historical residues. In surface sediment, HCHs mainly originated from the usage of new Lindane, with little industrial HCHs, and DDTs mainly originated from historical residues, while new DDTs may have been used in some sites. BDE-2 (65.80%) composed the main part of PBEDs in the surface water, and it mainly originated from atmospheric long-distance transmission and degradation of high brominated diphenyl ethers; BDE-209 (63.82%) constituted the main part of PBDEs in the surface sediment, and it mainly originated from the commercial Deca-BDEs.③ Ecological Risk Assessment show that there was no obvious ecological risks in Baiyangdian Lake, but in some sites POPs may cause ecological risks; these sites should be monitored more frequently.

[Pollution Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Baiyangdian Lake].

In order to survey the present pollution from volatile organic compounds in Baiyangdian Lake, 15 water samples were collected in March 2016, and analyzed for 54 VOCs by purge and trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The distribution characteristics and health risk assessments were investigated, and the pollution from the VOCs was evaluated by a comprehensive pollution index. The survey showed that:① a total of 14 VOCs were detected in Baiyangdian water, with a 100% detection rate for dichloromethane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene; xylene had the highest concentration with an average concentration of 564.9 ng ·L-1; and trichloroethylene had the lowest concentration with an average concentration of 3.3 ng ·L-1 and a detection rate of only 13.3%; ② the total concentration of VOCs in Baiyangdian water was between 423.0 and 4207.8 ng ·L-1, and benzene was the main pollutant, with its main source coming from the effluent from the upstream sewage treatment plant, the industrial wastewater, and the exhaust emissions of motor vehicles in the city; and ③the health risk assessment showed that VOCs in Baiyangdian Lake did not produce carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to humans, and the VOC comprehensive pollution index shows that the VOCs in the Baiyangdian Lake were at a clean level.

Deriving aquatic life criteria for PBDEs in China and comparison of species sensitivity distribution with TBBPA and HBCD.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are important industrial brominated flame retardants. PBDEs have raised great concerns for their persistence, bioaccumulation, and harm to aquatic life and human health. Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PeBDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (OcBDE), and decabromodiphenyl ether (DeBDE) are three main commercial PBDEs congeners. In this study, published ecotoxicity data of these three PBDEs congeners for Chinese freshwater species were collected, and several acute and chronic toxicity tests for the three PBDEs congeners were performed. Using the derivation method for aquatic life criteria developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), we determined that the criterion maximum concentration (CMC) for PeBDE, OcBDE and DeBDE for protection of freshwater organisms were 0.0492 mg/L, 0.197 mg/L and 0.239 mg/L, respectively. The criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for PeBDE, OcBDE and DeBDE were 0.0103 mg/L, 0.0224 mg/L and 0.0267 mg/L, respectively. The results provided a good reference for the derivation of PBDEs' water quality criteria and a basis for ecological risk assessment of PBDEs. In addition, the results of species sensitivity distribution comparison showed that the toxicity rank of five brominated flame retardants was TBBPA > PeBDE > OcBDE > DeBDE > HBCD.

ITRAQ-Based Proteomics Analysis of Triptolide On Human A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Triptolide (TP) is a diterpenoid triepoxide extracted from the traditional Chinese medical herb Tripterygium wilfordii that exerts prominent broad-spectrum anticancer activity to repress proliferation and induce cancer cell apoptosis through various molecular pathways. We previously observed that TP inhibits the progression of A549 cells and pancreatic cancer cells (PNCA-1) in vitro. However, the complex molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of TP is not well understood. METHODS: To explore the molecular mechanisms by which TP induces lung cancer cell apoptosis, we investigated changes in the protein profile of A549 cells treated with TP using a proteomics approach (iTRAQ [isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation] combined with NanoLC-MS/MS [nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry]). Changes in the profiles of the expressed proteins were analyzed using the bioinformatics tools OmicsBean and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and were verified using western blotting. Apoptosis and cell cycle effects were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: TP induced apoptosis in A549 cells and blocked A549 cells at the G2/M phase. Using iTRAQ technology, we observed 312 differentially expressed proteins associated in networks and implicated in different KEGG pathways. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed the overviews of dysregulated proteins in the biological process (BP), cell component (CC), and molecular function (MF) categories. Moreover, some candidate proteins involved in PARP1/AIF and nuclear Akt signaling pathways or metastasis processes were validated by western blotting. CONCLUSION: TP exerted anti-tumor activity on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells by dysregulating tumor-related protein expression. Herein, we provide a preliminary study of TP-related cytotoxicity on A549 cells using proteomics tools. These findings may improve the current understanding of the anti-tumor effects of TP on lung cancer cells and may reveal candidate proteins as potential targets for the treatment of lung cancer.

The burrow behavior and influenced factors of a prairie subterranean zokor (Myospalax psilurus).

The Transbaikal zokor (Myospalax psilurus) is a dominant rodent distributed in the meadow steppe of Inner Mongolia in northern China. Due to long history of evolution in subterranean environment, the zokor has an adaptive behavior: sealing burrow entrances. When a burrow is damaged, exposed entrances appear, and within a relatively short time, the zokor would be active in sealing the entrances to reduce risks to its survival. In general, it is thought that zokors avoid light and wind, which is consistent with their behavior of sealing burrow entrances. However, direct evidence from field experimental research has been lacking. This study set up 68 field sampling points in a meadow steppe in Inner Mongolia from August to September, 2014 and used a wind-light isolator to study the effects of wind and light factors on zokor burrow entrance sealing behavior. The results showed that there were no significant correlations between wind or light factors and the frequency of zokor burrow entrance sealing. Therefore, wind and light factors are not direct factors associated with zokors actively sealing burrow entrances.

Deriving freshwater safety thresholds for hexabromocyclododecane and comparison of toxicity of brominated flame retardants.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a brominated flame retardant used throughout the world. It has been detected in various environmental media and has been shown toxic to aquatic life. The toxic effects of HBCD to aquatic organisms in Chinese freshwater ecosystems are discussed here. Experiments were conducted with nine types of acute toxicity testing and three types of chronic toxicity testing. After comparing a range of species sensitivity distribution models, the optimal model of Bull III was used to derive the safety thresholds for HBCD. The acute safety threshold and the chronic safety threshold of HBCD for Chinese freshwater organisms were found to be 2.32mg/L and 0.128mg/L, respectively. Both values were verified by the methods of the Netherlands and the United States. HBCD was found to be less toxic compared to other widely used brominated flame retardants. The present results provide valuable information for revision of the water quality standard of HBCD in China.