The fourth species of Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) found at Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China.

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella, L.guinanensissp. nov., is described in this study based on morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic data. The species was discovered in the Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve in Shangsi County, Guangxi, China. Phylogenetically, L.guinanensissp. nov. is closely related to L.ventripunctata. However, there are distinct morphological differences between L.guinanensissp. nov. and L.ventripunctata, as well as three other sympatric species (L.shangsiensis, L.shiwandashanensis, and L.sungi). These differences include body size (SVL 30.5-32.5 mm in males; 38.7-41.8 mm in females in the new species vs 25.5-28.0 mm in males, 31.5-35.0 mm in females in L.ventripunctata), the absence of brown spots on the ventral surface (vs chest and belly creamy white with many scattered brown spots in L.ventripunctata), 1/3 toe webbing and wide toe lateral fringes (vs no toe webbing and no lateral fringes in L.ventripunctata), and distinct dermal ridges under toes (vs absent in L.ventripunctata). Furthermore, the dominant vocal frequencies of the new species range from 7.3 to 8.3 kHz, which is unique compared to other Leptobrachella species and represents the highest dominant frequencies ever recorded. The Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve is now home to four known sympatric species of Leptobrachella.

[Molecular identification of animal species of Bufonis Venenum from secretions].

The animal species is one of the key factors affecting the quality of Bufonis Venenum. The quality of Bufonis Venenum derived from Bufo bufo gargarizans is significantly higher than that from B. melanostictus. Since Bufonis Venenum is from secretions, the conventional identification methods are difficult to identify the animal species due to the lack of the appearance and morphology of the animals. The rapid development of molecular identification technology has provided new methods for the identification of Bufonis Venenum. However, because of the low content and serve degradation of residual DNA in secretions, the research on the molecular identification of Chinese medicinal materials from secretions remains to be carried out. To understand the animal species of Bufonis Venenum, this study collected 83 samples of Bufonis Venenum, including 7 commercially available samples, 5 reference medicinal materials, and 71 animal samples from which Bufonis Venenum was prepared according to the method in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Different DNA extraction methods were used and compared, and the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified, on the basis of which the phylogenetic trees were built. Finally, molecular identification of the animal species of the samples was performed. The results showed that the DNA extracted from Bufonis Venenum by the reagent kit had good quality, and 16S rRNA sequences were successfully amplified from 80 out of the 83 samples. In addition, 71 16S rRNA sequences of the animal species of Bufonis Venenum were downloaded from GenBank. The phylogenetic trees constructed based on the neighbor-joining(NJ) method and the Bayesian inference(BI) method showed that the samples derived from B. bufo gargarizans and B. melanostictus were clustered into separate monophyletic clades, with the support of 100%(NJ) and 1.00(BI), respectively. The animal species of both commercially available samples and reference medicinal materials were B. bufo gargarizans. In conclusion, DNA can be extracted from Bufonis Venenum derived from secretions, and the 16S rRNA gene sequences can be amplified, which can be used for molecular identification of the animal species of Bufonis Venenum. The findings provide a reference for the quality control of Bufonis Venenum and the identification of animal species of medicinal materials derived from secretions.

A new species of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangxi, China with a discussion of the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana).

A new species of odorous frog, Odorranadamingshanensissp. nov., was found at the Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 52.3-54.8 mm in males and 74.8-81.2 mm in females), sawtooth spinules on the upper lip, obtusely rounded snout that extends beyond the lower margin, distinct dorsolateral folds, horny tubercles on the rear of the back, presence of outer metatarsal tubercles, dilated nuptial pad with velvety spinules, distinct maxillary gland with tiny spines, and external lateral vocal sac. Through analysis of the 16S mitochondria gene, the new species is closely related to O.nasica and O.yentuensis, but the genetic divergence between the new species and the latter exceeds 7% (uncorrected p-distance). Currently, the new species is only known from its original discovery site. Furthermore, a discussion on the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana) was conducted, identifying seven species within the subgenus Odorrana (Bamburana).

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China.

A new species of Leptobrachella, L.wumingensissp. nov., was described from the Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi, China based on morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S mtDNA fragments revealed that the new species is closely related to L.damingshanensis. Uncorrected p-distances between the new species and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S gene of Leptobrachella are greater than 7.1%. Morphologically, L.wumingensissp. nov. differs from its congeners in several ways, including a medium body size (SVL 26.0-26.7 mm in males, 30.6-34.8 mm in females), lack of toe webbing and lateral fringes, shagreened and granular dorsal surface, pale brown dorsum with darker brown markings, iris bicolored, with the upper half copper and fading to silver in the lower half, and the presence of small irregular black spots and tangerine tubercles on the flanks. Furthermore, we found the new species to have two types of advertisement calls and relatively high dominant frequencies, making it distinct from its congeners.

Phylogenetic analysis of combined mitochondrial genome and 32 nuclear genes provides key insights into molecular systematics and historical biogeography of Asian warty newts of the genus Paramesotriton (Caudata: Salamandridae).

The Paramesotriton Chang, 1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae, currently containing 14 recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern China. Although species of this genus have been included in previous phylogenetic studies, the origin and interspecific relationships of the genus are still not fully resolved, especially at key nodes in the phylogeny. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial genomes and 32 nuclear genes from 27 samples belonging to 14 species to reconstruct the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within Paramesotriton and explore its historical biogeography in southern China. Both Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analyses highly supported the monophyly of Paramesotriton and its two recognized species groups ( P. caudopunctatus and P. chinensis groups) and further identified five hypothetical phylogenetic cryptic species. Biogeographic analyses indicated that Paramesotriton originated in southwestern China (Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau/South China) during the late Oligocene. The time of origin of Paramesotriton corresponded to the second uplift of the Himalayan/Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau (QTP), rapid lateral extrusion of Indochina, and formation of karst landscapes in southwestern China. Principal component analysis (PCA), independent sample t-tests, and niche differentiation using bioclimatic variables based on locations of occurrence suggested that Paramesotriton habitat conditions in the three current regions (West, South, and East) differ significantly, with different levels of climatic niche differentiation. Species distribution model (SDM) predictions indicated that the most suitable distribution areas for the P. caudopunctatus and P. chinensis species groups are western and southern/eastern areas of southern China. This study increases our knowledge of the taxonomy, biodiversity, origin, and suitable distribution areas of the genus Paramesotriton based on phylogenetic, biogeographic, and species distribution models.

A new species of Nidirana (Anura, Ranidae) from northern Guangxi, China.

A new species of music frog, Nidiranaguibeiensis sp. nov., is described from northern Guangxi, China. Based on two mtDNA fragments analyzed, phylogenetic trees reveal that N.guibeiensis sp. nov. is most closely related to N.leishanensis. However, the new species can be identified by conspicuous diagnostic morphological characteristics as well as bioacoustics. In contrast to the known Nidirana species, the advertisement calls of the new species can be divided into three types, calls with one, two, and three notes. In addition, the new species has nest construction behavior, which is inconsistent with N.leishanensis. Nidiranaguibeiensis sp. nov. occurs in paddy fields or still pools at 300-1300 m a.s.l.

Characterization of Long Non-coding RNAs Modified by m6A RNA Methylation in Skeletal Myogenesis.

Proper development of mammalian skeletal muscle relies on precise gene expression regulation. Our previous studies revealed that muscle development is regulated by both mRNA and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays important roles in various biological processes, making it essential to profile m6A modification on a transcriptome-wide scale in developing muscle. Patterns of m6A methylation in lncRNAs in developing muscle have not been uncovered. Here, we reveal differentially expressed lncRNAs and report temporal m6A methylation patterns in lncRNAs expressed in mouse myoblasts and myotubes by RNA-seq and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing. Many lncRNAs exhibit temporal differential expression, and m6A-lncRNAs harbor the consensus m6A motif "DRACH" along lncRNA transcripts. Interestingly, we found that m6A methylation levels of lncRNAs are positively correlated with the transcript abundance of lncRNAs. Overexpression or knockdown of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 alters the expression levels of these lncRNAs. Furthermore, we highlight that the function of m6A genic lncRNAs might correlate to their nearby mRNAs. Our work reveals a fundamental expression reference of m6A-mediated epitranscriptomic modifications in lncRNAs that are temporally expressed in developing muscle.

UBC19 is a new interacting protein of ORANGE for its nuclear localization in Arabidopsis thaliana.

ORANGE (OR) is a member of the DnaJ-like zinc finger domain-containing protein family, of which all orthologs share a highly conserved quadruple repeat of the CxxCxxxG signatures at their C-termini. Dual subcellular localization and different interacting partner proteins have been reported for OR. In plastids, OR interacts with phytoene synthase, the entry enzyme for carotenoid biosynthesis, to promote chromoplast biogenesis and carotenoid accumulation in non-pigmented tissues. In the nucleus, OR interacts with the eukaryotic release factor eRF1-2 to regulate cell elongation in the petiole, and with the transcription factor TCP14 to repress the expression of Early Light-Induced Proteins (ELIPs) and chloroplast biogenesis in de-etiolating cotyledons. In this study, we demonstrated the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC19 as a new interacting partner of OR. The lysine58 of OR was found to be ubiquitinated, and OR lost its nuclear localization and the capability in repressing ELIPs when lysine58 was substituted by alanine. Our findings raised the possibility that the ubiquitination by UBC19 is essential for the nuclear localization of OR.

Meta-analysis of the operative treatment of lumbar disc herniation via transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy versus interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in randomized trials.

BACKGROUNDS: Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TF-PELD) and interlaminar percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (IL-PELD) are the most common alternative treatments of lumbar disc herniation. The aim of this study was to compare the operation time duration and X-ray exposure as well as outcomes of TF-PELD and IL-PELD as indicated by the published clinical evidences within randomized trials. METHODS: We included randomized, controlled studies reporting operation duration and X-ray exposure as well as clinical outcome evaluations, comparing TF-PELD to IL-PELD with a minimum of 10 patients per group. The included data measures were operation duration, X-ray exposure and postoperation evaluations. Data were synthesized and analyzed using ReviewManager version 5.3. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plot. The Cochran Q test and the degree of inconsistency (I2) were used to assess heterogeneity. Lowly biased and heterogenous dichotomous data were calculated by odds ratio and continuous data were calculated by mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Thirteen studies published from January 1970 to March 2018, with a total of 770 lumbar disc herniation patients, including 361 cases of TF-PELD and 409 cases of IL-PELD, were finally included. Meta-analysis of data extracted from these studies revealed that the postoperation outcomes of both surgery methods did not differ significantly, but the surgery duration was significantly shorter in the IL-PELD group than in the TF-PELD group (MD 21.69; 95% CI 12.94-30.27; P = .00001), and the fluoroscopy times demanded in the IL-PELD group was significantly fewer than those in the TF-PELD group (MD 7.57; 95% CI 6.22-8.93; P = .00001). CONCLUSION: The main finding of the study is that IL-PELD approach can decrease radiation exposure as their demanded duration of operation and fluoroscopy times were significantly shorter and fewer in the IL-PELD group, which they achieve similar outcomes comparing to TF-PELD. The study is limited at a lack of samples with lumbar disc herniation levels out of L5/S1. The findings implicate selection of IL-PELD approach over TF-PELD at applicable circumstances for lower lumbar disc herniation. Physicians should consider this data when choosing between TF-PELD and IL-PELD.

ORANGE Represses Chloroplast Biogenesis in Etiolated Arabidopsis Cotyledons via Interaction with TCP14.

The conversion of etioplasts into chloroplasts in germinating cotyledons is a crucial transition for higher plants, enabling photoautotrophic growth upon illumination. Tight coordination of chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthetic complex assembly is critical for this process. ORANGE (OR), a DnaJ-like zinc finger domain-containing protein, was reported to trigger the biogenesis of carotenoid-accumulating plastids by promoting carotenoid biosynthesis and sequestration. Both nuclear and plastidic localizations of OR have been observed. Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) OR physically interacts with the transcription factor TCP14 in the nucleus and represses its transactivation activity. Through this interaction, the nucleus-localized OR negatively regulates expression of EARLY LIGHT-INDUCIBLE PROTEINS (ELIPs), reduces chlorophyll biosynthesis, and delays development of thylakoid membranes in the plastids of germinating cotyledons. Nuclear abundance of OR decreased upon illumination. Together with an accumulation of TCP14 in the nucleus, this derepresses chloroplast biogenesis during de-etiolation. TCP14 is epistatic to OR and expression of ELIPs is directly regulated by the binding of TCP14 to Up1 elements in the ELIP promoter regions. Our results demonstrate that the interaction between OR and TCP14 in the nucleus leads to repression of chloroplast biogenesis in etiolated seedlings and provide new insights into the regulation of early chloroplast development.plantcell;31/12/2996/FX1F1fx1.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT-1 inhibits apoptosis and matrix metabolism disorder in interleukin-1ß-induced inflammation in articular chondrocytes via the JNK signaling pathway.

Proinflammatory cytokine such as interleukin (IL)-1ß causes inflammation of articular cartilage. In this current study, we explored the chondroprotective effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT-1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix metabolism in IL-1ß-induced inflammation in articular chondrocytes. Articular chondrocytes from knee joints of normal rats were isolated and cultured, followed by identification through observation of toluidine blue and COL II immunocytochemical stainings. The proliferation of chondrocytes at passage 2 was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The inflammatory chondrocytes induced by 10 ng/mL IL-1ß were observed and identified by toluidine blue and COL II immunocytochemical stainings. pcDNA 3.1 and pcDNA-MALAT-1 were transfected in the chondrocytes. Ultrastructure of chondrocytes was observed by using a transmission electron microscope. The MTT assay was carried out to evaluate chondrocyte viability. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were adopted to assess chondrocyte apoptosis. The chondrocytes at passage 2 with the biological characteristics of chondrocytes were used for subsequent experiments. In IL-1ß-treated chondrocytes, the growth rate of chondrocytes slowed down, the cells became narrow and long, the vacuoles were seen in the cells, and the morphology of the chondrocytes was irregular. The toluidine blue staining and the immunohistochemical staining of COL II became weaker. In response to IL-1ß induction, articular chondrocytes showed reduced MALAT-1 expression; moreover, obvious cartilage injury was observed with decreased chondrocyte viability and Col II expression and elevated chondrocyte apoptosis, MMP-13 expression, and p-JNK expression. With the treatment of pcDNA-MALAT-1, the cartilage injury was alleviated with increased chondrocyte viability and type II collagen (Col II) expression and reduced chondrocyte apoptosis, MMP-13 expression and p-JNK expression. Taken together these results, lncRNA MALAT-1 blocked the activation of the JNK signaling pathway; thereby, IL-1ß-induced inflammation in articular chondrocytes was reduced with enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and suppressed chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation.

BCSG1 siRNA delivered by lentiviral vector suppressed proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Breast cancer-specific gene 1 (BCSG1), also referred to as γ-synuclein (SNCG), is highly expressed in human infiltrating breast carcinomas, but not in normal or benign breast tissue. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of BCSG1 siRNA delivered by lentiviral vector on breast cancer cells and investigate the underlying mechanisms. BCSG1 RNAi lentiviral vector was constructed and transfected into MDA-MB-231 cells. BCSG1 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were evaluated by using the cell counting kit­8, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively, followed by western blotting to determine the relative levels of AKT, extracellular signal­regulated kinase (ERK), p-AKT and p-ERK expression. BCSG1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in MDA-MB­231 cells following transfection of BCSG1 siRNA delivered by lentiviral vector. Cell migration and proliferation were significantly decreased and the cell cycle was arrested. Western blot analysis indicated that the protein levels of p-AKT and p-ERK were significantly lower in the BCSG1 siRNA-treated groups compared with the control and negative control groups. Therefore, BCSG1 siRNA delivered by lentiviral vector was able to significantly reduce BCSG1 expression, suppress cell migration and proliferation, possibly through the reduction of the protein levels of p-AKT and p-ERK.

[Effect of Total Ravonoids of Herba Epimedium on BMP-2/RunX2/OSX Signaling Pathway during Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedium (FHE) on BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: Passage 3 BMSCs were randomly divided into the control group, the experimental group, and the inhibitor group. BMSCs in the control group were cultured in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide + Osteogenuxic Supplement (OS) fluid + DMEM/F12 culture media. BMSCs in the experimental group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE. BMSCs in the inhibitor group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE and 1 microg/mL NOGGIN recombinant protein. At day 9 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. Calcium nodules were stained by alizarin red staining and the density was observed. The transcription expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins (type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin) and related factors of BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway was assayed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, ALP activities were enhanced and the density of calcium nodules significantly increased; type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression levels were increased in the experimental group. The expression of osteogenesis-related transcription factor was also increased in the experimental group. Noggin recombinant protein inhibited FHE promoting BMSCs osteogenesis in the inhibitor group. Compared with the experimental group, ALP activity decreased (P < 0.05), the density of calcium nodules was lowered, expression levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the inhibitor group. CONCLUSION: 20 microg/mL FHE promoted osteogenic differentiation process of BMSCs by BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway.

Nontraumatic posterior atlantooccipital dislocation associated with atlantoaxial instability.

INTRODUCTION: Nontraumatic posterior atlantooccipital dislocation has only been rarely reported. In the current study, the authors reported an extremely rare case of nontraumatic posterior atlantooccipital dislocation associated with atlantoaxial instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 47-year-old female was referred with a history of neck pain for 5 years. The patient had no history of trauma. The axial rotation of range of motion of the cervical spine was severely restricted. Posterior atlantooccipital dislocation with atlantoaxial instability was confirmed through conventional radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We performed realignment of the dislocation and posterior occipitocervical (C0-C2) fusion. After the surgery, the patient's symptoms improved significantly and she manifested neurological improvement. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this lesion has not been reported previously. Anomalies of upper cervical spine may have induced this instability.

[Mechanism of chlorogenic acid on apoptosis of rat nucleus pulposus cells induced by oxidative stress].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on H2O2-induced apoptosis in the rat nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). METHODS: NPCs were isolated from SD rats and cultured in vitro. Cultured cells (P3) were randomly divided into normal control group, H2O2 group, CGA + H2O2 group, CGA group and LY294002 pretreatment group. The apoptosis and ROS production of rNPCs was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of p-Akt, BCL-2 and Akt were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, in the H2O2 group, the production of ROS and the apoptosis rate significantly increased in rNPCs; CGA treatment inhibited ROS production and cell apoptosis, while increased the expression of p-Akt and BCL-2; LY294002, a PI3Kinse inhibitor, not only decreased the expression of p-Akt and BCL-2, but also obviously increased ROS production and cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Chlorogenic acid can protect NPCs against apoptosis by oxidative stress through decreasing reactive oxygen species production and increasing anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 expression in NPCs by activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

[Effect of long-term fertilization on soil plough layer carbon storage in a reddish paddy soil].

With a reddish paddy soil as test materials, soil profile nitrogen storage in long-term different fertilization system (1990-2006) have been investigated. The result indicated that recycling of organic matter significantly increased the soil profile C storage (ranged from 57.7 to 66.2 t/hm2), and it was increased by 18.7-27.2 t/hm2 compared with the soil profile C storage of 1990. But it was increased by 5.4 t/hm2 with only application of chemical fertilizers. Saturated carbon storage of paddy soils was 84.0 t/hm2, and the C sequestration potential ranged from 17.8-43.7 t/hm2 compared with the current soil profile carbon storage. The result showed that there was a significant relationship between soil bulk density and depth changes of profile soil. The organic C storage would be greatly underestimated by 20.6% or 11.3% if we only take 20 cm or 23 cm as the standard depth in the estimating method for organic C storage, it also would be underestimated the difference of treatments. The combined application of chemical fertilizer and organic matter is optimal for agricultural field based onsoil organic C storage and the carbon sequestration potential.