Tomato salt tolerance mechanisms and their potential applications for fighting salinity: A review.

One of the most significant environmental factors affecting plant growth, development and productivity is salt stress. The damage caused by salt to plants mainly includes ionic, osmotic and secondary stresses, while the plants adapt to salt stress through multiple biochemical and molecular pathways. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops and a model dicot plant. It is moderately sensitive to salinity throughout the period of growth and development. Biotechnological efforts to improve tomato salt tolerance hinge on a synthesized understanding of the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive review of major advances on the mechanisms controlling salt tolerance of tomato in terms of sensing and signaling, adaptive responses, and epigenetic regulation. Additionally, we discussed the potential application of these mechanisms in improving salt tolerance of tomato, including genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and eco-sustainable approaches.

Nematicidal activity of volatile organic compounds produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 against Meloidogyne incognita.

The application of nematicidal microorganisms and their virulence factors provides more opportunities to control root-knot nematodes. Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040, previously isolated from suppressive soils, showed significant nematicidal activity, and in this study, nematicidal substances produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 were investigated. The results of the basic properties of active substances showed that these compounds have good thermal stability and passage, are resistant to acidic environment and sensitive to alkaline conditions. Further analysis showed that it is a volatile component. Using HS-SPME-GC/MS, the volatile compounds produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 were identified and grouped into four major categories: ethers, alcohols, ketone, and organic acids, comprising a total of eight molecules. Six of them possess nematicidal activities, including 2,3-butanedione, acetic acid, 2-isopropoxy ethylamine, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid and octanoic acid. Our results further our understanding of the effects of Bacillus altitudinis and its nematicidal metabolites on the management of Meloidogyne incognita and may help in finding less toxic nematicides to control root knot nematodes.

Gasification filter cake reduces the emissions of ammonia and enriches the concentration of phosphorous in Caragana microphylla residue compost.

Nutrient loss is a major problem during agricultural waste composting. This study investigated the impact of gasification filter cake (GFC) addition on gaseous emissions and nutrient loss during composting of chicken manure mixed with Caraganna microphylla straw. The GFC was added to the composting mix at dry weight rates of 0% (GFC0), 6.25% (GFC6.25), 12.5% (GFC12.5), 25% (GFC25) and 50% (GFC50). Overall, GFC12.5 and GFC25 efficiently enhanced organic matter decomposition, reduced N loss and enriched P and K concentrations during composting, as compared to GFC0. However, GFC6.25 did not show a significant effect on organic matter decomposition, while GFC50 had no effect on N loss. As a result, an overall enhancement of nutrient contents was observed in the final composts of GFC12.5 and GFC25. These results suggest that the addition of GFC at moderate-rates (i.e. 12.5% and 25%) can enhance nutrient retention and thereby result in a nutrient-rich compost.

Glycosylation of recombinant human thyroid peroxidase ectodomain of insect cell origin has little effect on recognition by serum thyroid peroxidase antibody.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an important autoantigen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and almost all epitopes are located in TPO ectodomain. The glycosylation of TPO might contribute to breaking self-tolerance, therefore, purified glycosylated recombinant TPO ectodomain is prerequisite of elucidating its role in the pathogenesis of HT. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the glycosylation has influence on the antigenic determinants of recombinant TPO. METHODS: Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system was used to generate recombinant human TPO ectodomain. The antigenicity was analyzed by antigen specific enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs). The glycosylation of recombinant human TPO ectodomain of High Five insect cell origin was detected by lectin-ELISAs. RESULTS: TPO ectodomain was recovered from the culture media as a soluble protein, and it was fused with a hexahistidine tag which allowed purification by nickel-affinity chromatography. The recombinant TPO ectodomain could be recognized by all the 54 HT patients and three TPO monoclonal antibodies. Fucose, sialic acid and galactose were all detected on the recombinant TPO ectodomain. Sera TPOAb binding decreased slightly after non-specific deglycosylation of TPO by periodic acid. CONCLUSIONS: High Five insect cells derived recombinant human TPO ectodomain had N-glycosylation sites, which might have little effect on recognition by serum TPOAb.

[Clinical features of hypokalemic periodic paralysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and compare clinical features of primary group with those of thyrotoxicosis secondary group. METHODS: Clinical data of 44 patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis in Peking University First Hospital from 1996 December to 2008 December were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 22 patients in primary group, and 22 in thyrotoxicosis group. Identical clinical features of both the groups: (1)It had a predilection in young men. (2)Main symptoms were limb movement disorder and fatigue, and paralysis recurrent attacked in most patients. (3) 40.9% to 68.2% patients had obvious incentives, and the common ones were a heavy meal, sweet drinks, or strenuous exercise. (4) Serum potassium levels of the two groups were obviously lower than the normal range. (5)In 20% patients of primary group and 25% patients of thyrotoxicosis secondary group, CK levels were higher than normal, while LDH and HBDH levels were normal. (6)The doses of potassium replishment were not correlated to serum potassium levels at the onset. Different clinical features of the two groups: (1) Patients of thyrotoxicosis group had hypermetabolism symptoms and thyroid dysfunction. Patients of primary group had no hypermetabolism symptoms, and all of them were euthyroid. (2)Serum potassium levels of thyrotoxicosis secondary group were lower than those of primary group significantly [(2.25 +/- 0.67) vs (2.78 +/- 0.49) mmol/L, P=0.007]. (3) Hyperkalemia is easier than primary group to rebound in thyrotoxicosis secondary group, after replenishment of potassium. CONCLUSION: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis has its clinical features, and patients with early diagnosis and replenishment of potassium in time have good prognosis. The doses of potassium replenishment are not determined by serum potassium levels at the onset. Hyperkalemia is easier to rebound in thyrotoxicosis secondary group after replenishment of potassium, serum potassium levels should be monitored closely, and hyperthyrosis radically cured.

[Nesidioblastosis in an adult with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case report].

Adults-onset nesidioblastosis, as a differential diagnosis of organic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, is very rare and has been recognised as "noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome (NIPHS)". Here we described an extremely rare case of NIPHS in an elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus with insulin therapy. A 84-year old male was diagnosed as type 2 diabetes six years ago and switched from an oral hypoglycemic drug to pro-mixed insulin treatment 3 years ago. According to medical records, he had good-glucose control over few hypoglycemia. He was admitted to hospital due to frequent fasting hypoglycaemic episodes and comas despite withdrawal of any anti-diabetes drugs and continuous infusion of homogenate meal at night. Lab test showed low fasting glucose level and inappropriate high insulin/C-peptide level, and anti-insulin antibody was negative. A characteristic of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with high C-peptide level was consistent with the possible diagnosis of insulinoma, but localizing studies including computed tomography of the abdomen and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy were negative. Surgical exploration by the palpation and intraoperative ultrasonography failed to detect any mass in the pancreas and 70% distal pancreatectomy was performed. Histological examination of the resected pancrease revealed an increased number and size of islets consistent with nesidioblastosis. After transient decline, his serum insulin travelled back to the level before pancreaectomy, but recurrent fasting hypoglycemia was mild and controlled by regular night eating postpancreaectomy.

[Spontaneous pregnancy in a patient with lymphocytic hypophysitis].

Lymphocytic hypophysitis(LH) is a rare but increasingly recognized autoimmune endocrine condition that causes partial or total hypopituitarism and is often associated with peripartum young women. We here report a 28-year-old patient who had a spontaneous and uneventful pregnancy following LH that had been treated with transspenoidal surgery and followed by anti-inflammatory agent. The woman failed to lactate and developed frontal headaches 3 months after normal delivery of her first child 3 years ago. Lab test showed the reduced concentrations of thyroxine, estradial and cortisol, suggesting hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with contrast was performed and showed a uniformly enhancing pituitary mass with elevated optic chiasm. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery and histological examination of the resected specimen was consistent with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Anti-inflamation was started with prednisolone 40 mg per day because of a recurrence of headache that had completely recovered after surgery and regularly withdrawn to a long term maintenance dose of 10 mg per day. Physiological thyroxine replacement therapy was maintained. Her menstruation was restored without sex hormone replacement after 3 months. Three years after surgery, she got pregnant spontaneously and had normal breastfeeding after delivery. LH did not recur during this peripartum.

[A clinical pathological study of thyroid nodules detected by physical examinations].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation among the results of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), thyroid ultrasonography (US) and histopathologic diagnosis about the thyroid nodules detected by physical examination, meanwhile to analyze the etiopathogenesis of the nodules and to evaluate the risk of thyroid cancer and the clinical diagnostic value of FNAC. METHODS: The data of thyroid FNAC results of the thyroid nodules detected by physical examination in 271 cases were analyzed and compared with thyroid US and histopathologic diagnosis. RESULT: (1) The FNAC results showed that the incidences of malignant and suspected malignant lesions were 1.48% and 5.90% respectively. The rate of benign lesions was 78.60% and that of goiter was 29.15%, Hashimoto's thyroiditis 26.57% and thyroid adenoma 15.13%. Benign lesions were more common than malignant ones. (2) Comparison of the FNAC and US results of the thyroid nodules showed that of 96 cases with single nodule the rates of malignancy and suspected malignancy were 3.12% and 7.29%, but of 137 cases with multiple nodules the rates of the two lesions were 0.73% and 6.57%. In 108 cases with smaller nodules (< or = 1.5 cm) the rate of malignancy and suspected malignancy found with FNAC were 0.93% and 7.41%, while in 125 cases with greater nodules (> 1.5 cm) the rate of the two lesions were 2.40% and 6.42%. In 99 solid nodules the rates of malignancy and suspected malignancy were 2.02% and 12.12%, while in 85 cystic or mixed nodules the rates of the two lesions were 2.35% and 2.35%. In the above-mentioned three groups, only the suspected malignancy rate in solid nodules was higher than these in cystic or mixed ones with significant difference (P = 0.013). (3) As compared with the cytological and histological diagnoses in 24 cases, the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was 75.00% and the rates of false positive and false negative were 25.00% and 0, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The common causes of the thyroid nodules detected in physical examination are goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid adenoma. FNAC is a reliable method to define the benign or malignant nature of thyroid nodules with a high diagnostic accuracy. US features of the nodule alone, no matter it is single, solid or of greater size do not sufficiently increase the incidence of thyroid carcinoma.

[Distribution and significance of IgG subclasses of serum antithyroglobulin antibody in Hashimoto thyroiditis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution and significance of IgG subclasses of antithyroglobulin antibody in sera from patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. METHODS: Sera from 112 patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis were collected and patients were divided into 3 groups, i. e. hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. Antigen specific ELISA was used to detect the distribution of IgG subclasses of antithyroglobulin antibody. RESULTS: The positive rates of IgG subclasses of TgAb were IgG1 90.2%, IgG2 58.0%, IgG3 19.6% and IgG4 87.5% respectively. The mean geometric titers of IgG1 in sera from patients with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were 1: 450.8 and 1: 245.5 respectively, both being significantly higher than that with euthyroidism (1:8.7, P < 0.01). The mean geometric titers of IgG2 in sera from patients with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were 1: 37.3 and 1: 3.2 respectively, both being also significantly higher than that with euthyroidism (1: 0.2, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively) and that with hypothyroidism was significantly higher than that with subclinical hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution of IgG subclasses of antithyroglobulin antibody in sera from patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis was predominantly IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4. High titers of IgG1 and IgG2 implicated the possibility of development from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt hypothyroidism.

[A case of primary hyperparathyroidism with chief complaint of upper gastrointestinal bleeding].

Hyperparathyroidism is the clinical syndrome that results from elevated circulating parathyroid hormones, leading to multiple systems manifestations, and is divided into three kinds: primary, secondary and ternary.This patient's main chief complaint was intermittent melena for 3 days,with the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage according to endoscopy. Hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia and high level of circulating parathyroid hormone and chronic renal failure were also found during hospitalization. Furthermore, MIBI showed a parathyroid adenoma located near the isthmus in the lower part of the left lobe. The patient had undergone nephrectomy because of kidney carcinoma 2 years ago. Primary hyperparathyroidism usually has the common gastrointestinal syndrome , but upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage reported as the chief complaint is rare and we had never seen similar reports before.

[Clinical features of thyrotoxic heart disease: analysis of 75 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features of thyrotoxic heart disease. METHODS: The clinical data of 75 patients with thyrotoxic heart disease, 30 males and 45 females, aged 54.3 +/- 14.4 (17 approximately 84, with the course from 1 month to 30 years, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Forty-seven of the 75 patients (63%)presented heart failure, 47 patients (63%) showed atrial fibrillation, 2 patients (3%) showed sick sinus syndrome; 48 patients (66%) showed left atrial enlargement, 31 (43%) showed left ventricular enlargement, 30 (41%) showed right atrial enlargement, 35 (47%) showed right ventricular enlargement, and 18 (25%) showed entire heart enlargement. Mitral valve regurgitation occurred in 45 patients, tricuspid regurgitation in 45, aortic valve regurgitation in 34, and pulmonary artery hypertension (with the pulmonary blood pressure of 44 +/- 7 mm Hg and LVEF of 60% +/- 19%) in 33 patients. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of thyrotoxic heart disease are various Thyroid function should be investigated to exclude thyrotoxic heart disease when routine treatment is ineffective in heart disease. The key point of treatment is hyperthyroidism.

[Studies of the physiological function of carbonic anhydrase].

Carbonic anhydrases (CA) is a zinc-enzyme family. They are involved in multiple aspects of systemic and cellular acid-base balance. This review is a general introduction to the disposition, molecular constitution,biological function and physiological function of CA.

[Morphology of lymph vessels in human gastric carcinoma tissues and its association with cancer metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphology of the lymph vessels in human gastric carcinoma tissues and the relationship to cancer metastasis. METHODS: Morphological changes of the lymph vessels and capillaries in 32 cases of gastric carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissue of the tumor. RESULTS: Numerous lymph vessels and capillaries were seen with opened lumen in the adjacent tissues of the tumor, and fasciculated lymph capillaries were most frequent in gastric carcinoma. The maximal lumen area, perimeter and diameter of lymph vessels and capillaries in gastric carcinoma and the adjacent tissues were significantly different between metastatic group and non-metastatic group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dilation of lymph vessels and capillaries due to interstitial edema of the adjacent tissues of gastric carcinoma facilitates tumor metastasis, and lymph metastasis of carcinoma cells occurs through mature lymph capillaries in the adjacent tissues.