Screening of Sugarcane Proteins Associated with Defense against Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, Agent of Ratoon Stunting Disease.

Sugarcane is the most important sugar crop and one of the leading energy-producing crops in the world. Ratoon stunting disease (RSD), caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, poses a huge threat to ratoon crops, causing a significant yield loss in sugarcane. Breeding resistant varieties is considered the most effective and fundamental approach to control RSD in sugarcane. The exploration of resistance genes forms the foundation for breeding resistant varieties through molecular technology. The pglA gene is a pathogenicity gene in L. xyli subsp. xyli, encoding an endopolygalacturonase. In this study, the pglA gene from L. xyli subsp. xyli and related microorganisms was analyzed. Then, a non-toxic, non-autoactivating pglA bait was successfully expressed in yeast cells. Simultaneously the yeast two-hybrid library was generated using RNA from the L. xyli subsp. xyli-infected sugarcane. Screening the library with the pglA bait uncovered proteins that interacted with pglA, primarily associated with ABA pathways and the plant immune system, suggesting that sugarcane employs these pathways to respond to L. xyli subsp. xyli, triggering pathogenicity or resistance. The expression of genes encoding these proteins was also investigated in L. xyli subsp. xyli-infected sugarcane, suggesting multiple layers of regulatory mechanisms in the interaction between sugarcane and L. xyli subsp. xyli. This work promotes the understanding of plant-pathogen interaction and provides target proteins/genes for molecular breeding to improve sugarcane resistance to L. xyli subsp. xyli.

Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births. RESULTS: Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Identification of the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) MYB family in fruit development and abiotic stress, and functional analysis of PeMYB87 in abiotic stresses.

Environmental stresses are ubiquitous in agricultural cultivation, and they affect the healthy growth and development of edible tissues in passion fruit. The study of resistance mechanisms is important in understanding the adaptation and resistance of plants to environmental stresses. In this work, two differently resistant passion fruit varieties were selected, using the expression characteristics of the transcription factor MYB, to explore the resistance mechanism of the MYB gene under various environmental stresses. A total of 174 MYB family members were identified using high-quality passion fruit genomes: 98 2R-MYB, 5 3R-MYB, and 71 1R-MYB (MYB-relate). Their family information was systematically analyzed, including subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, phylogeny at the genomic level, promoter function, encoded proteins, and reciprocal regulation. In this study, bioinformatics and transcriptome sequencing were used to identify members of the PeMYB genes in passion fruit whole-genome data, and biological techniques, such as qPCR, gene clone, and transient transformation of yeast, were used to determine the function of the passion fruit MYB genes in abiotic stress tolerance. Transcriptomic data were obtained for differential expression characteristics of two resistant and susceptible varieties, three expression patterns during pulp development, and four induced expression patterns under abiotic stress conditions. We further focused on the resistance mechanism of PeMYB87 in environmental stress, and we selected 10 representative PeMYB genes for quantitative expression verification. Most of the genes were differentially induced by four abiotic stresses, among which PeMYB87 responded significantly to high-temperature-induced expression and overexpression of the PeMYB87 gene in the yeast system. The transgenic PeMYB87 in yeast showed different degrees of stress resistance under exposure to cold, high temperatures, drought, and salt stresses. These findings lay the foundation for further analysis of the biological functions of PeMYBs involved in stress resistance in passion fruit.

Berberine retarded the growth of gastric cancer xenograft tumors by targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the world and ranks second in incidence and mortality of cancers in China. Despite advances in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, the absolute number of cases is increasing every year due to aging and the growth of high-risk populations, and gastric cancer is still a leading cause of cancer-related death. Gastric cancer is a consequence of the complex interaction of microbial agents, with environmental and host factors, resulting in the dysregulation of multiple oncogenic and tumor-suppressing signaling pathways. Global efforts have been made to investigate in detail the genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of this disease, resulting in the identification of new specific and sensitive predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against the HER2 receptor, is approved in the first-line treatment of patients with HER2+ tumors, which accounts for 13%-23% of the gastric cancer population. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGFR2, is currently recommended in patients progressing after first-line treatment. Several clinical trials have also tested novel agents for advanced gastric cancer but mostly with disappointing results, such as anti-EGFR and anti-MET monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, it is still of great significance to screen specific molecular targets for gastric cancer and drugs directed against the molecular targets. AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of berberine against tumor growth in gastric cancer xenograft models and to explore the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-WNT5a/ß-catenin pathways played in the antitumor effects of berberine. METHODS: MGC803 and SGC7901 subcutaneous xenograft models were established. The control group was intragastrically administrated with normal saline, and the berberine group was administrated intragastrically with 100 mg/kg/d berberine. The body weight of nude mice during the experiment was measured to assess whether berberine has any adverse reaction. The volume of subcutaneous tumors during this experiment was recorded to evaluate the inhibitory effect of berberine on the growth of MGC803 and SGC7901 subcutaneous transplantation tumors. Polymerase chain reaction assays were conducted to evaluate the alteration of transcriptional expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and ß-catenin in tumor tissues and liver tissues from the MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft models. Western blotting and IHC were performed to assess the protein expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and ß-catenin in tumor tissues and liver tissues from the MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft models. RESULTS: In the both MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft tumor models, berberine significantly reduced tumor volume and weight and thus retarded the growth rate of tumors. In the SGC7901 and MGC803 subcutaneously transplanted tumor models, berberine down-regulated the expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and ß-catenin in tumor tissues from both transcription and protein levels. Besides, berberine also suppressed the protein expression of HNF4α, WNT5a and ß-catenin in liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Berberine retarded the growth of MGC803 and SGC7901 xenograft model tumors, and the mechanism behind these anti-growth effects might be the downregulation of the expression of HNF4α-WNT5a/ß-catenin signaling pathways both in tumor tissues and liver tissues of the xenograft models.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SWEET gene family in daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) and functional analysis of HfSWEET17 in response to cold stress.

BACKGROUND: The Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) are a newly discovered family of sugar transporters whose members exist in a variety of organisms and are highly conserved. SWEETs have been reported to be involved in the growth and development of many plants, but little is known about SWEETs in daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), an important perennial ornamental flower. RESULTS: In this study, 19 daylily SWEETs were identified and named based on their homologous genes in Arabidopsis and rice. Phylogenetic analysis classified these HfSWEETs into four clades (Clades I to IV). The conserved motifs and gene structures showed that the HfSWEETs were very conservative during evolution. Chromosomal localization and synteny analysis found that HfSWEETs were unevenly distributed on 11 chromosomes, and there were five pairs of segmentally duplicated events and one pair of tandem duplication events. The expression patterns of the 19 HfSWEETs showed that the expression patterns of most HfSWEETs in different tissues were related to corresponding clades, and most HfSWEETs were up-regulated under low temperatures. Furthermore, HfSWEET17 was overexpressed in tobacco, and the cold resistance of transgenic plants was much higher than that of wild-type tobacco. CONCLUSION: This study identified the SWEET gene family in daylily at the genome-wide level. Most of the 19 HfSWEETs were expressed differently in different tissues and under low temperatures. Overexpression further suggests that HfSWEET17 participates in daylily low-temperature response. The results of this study provide a basis for further functional analysis of the SWEET family in daylily.

Lead-Free Solid-State Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskite Electrolyte for Lithium-Ion Conduction.

Exploring new solid electrolytes (SEs) for lithium-ion conduction is significant for the development of rechargeable all-solid-state lithium batteries. Here, a lead-free organic-inorganic halide perovskite, MASr0.8Li0.4Cl3 (MA = methylammonium, CH3NH3 in formula), is reported as a new SE for Li-ion conduction due to its highly symmetric crystal structure, inherent soft lattice, and good tolerance for composition tunability. Via density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that the hybrid perovskite framework can allow fast Li-ion migration without the collapse of the crystal structure. The influence of the lithium content in MASr1-xLi2xCl3 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4) on Li+ migration is systematically investigated. At the lithium content of x = 0.2, the MASr0.8Li0.4Cl3 achieves the room-temperature lithium ionic conductivity of 7.0 × 10-6 S cm-1 with a migration energy barrier of ∼0.47 eV. The lithium-tin alloy (Li-Sn) symmetric cell exhibits stable electrochemical lithium plating/stripping for nearly 100 cycles, indicating the alloy anode compatibility of the MASr0.8Li0.4Cl3 SE. This lead-free organic-inorganic halide perovskite SE will open a new avenue for exploring new SEs.

Simulation experiment on OH-PCB being ingested through daily diet: Accumulation, transformation and distribution of hydroxylated-2, 2', 4, 5, 5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (OH-PCB101) in mice.

Animals exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may result in retention of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs). OH-PCBs can be accumulated in animals, including humans, through the transmission of food chain. However, there are few studies on the accumulation and metabolism of OH-PCBs exposed to the body through daily diet. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the fate of OH-PCBs after being ingested through dietary intake. By adding 3-OH-PCB101 and 4-OH-PCB101 to the edible tissue of crucian carp, which were used as raw materials to prepare mouse feed, with an exposure concentration of 2.5 µg/kg ww. The exposure experiment lasted for a total of 80 days. The blood, feces and 11 tissues of mice at different times were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was found that major OH-PCB101 were accumulated in intestine or excreted with feces. A small part was accumulated in heart, lung and spleen. For the first time that the conversion from OH-PCB101 to PCB101 in mice was discovered, which shows from another perspective that persistent organic pollutants are difficult to be completely degraded in the environment. 4-MeO-PCB101, 3-MeSO2-PCB101, and 4-MeSO2-PCB101 were also found in various tissues. The results of this study show that after OH-PCBs accumulated in animals re-enter the organism through the food chain, they can be metabolized again and may be reversely transformed into the parent compounds. The present research shed new light on simulating the metabolic transformation process of OH-PCBs exposed to mammals through ingestion of fish. Available data show that second-generation persistent organic pollutants in the environment still need to be continuously concerned.

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6). RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).

Establishment and Evaluation of a Novel Method Based on Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Rapid Diagnosis of Thalassemia Genes.

PURPOSE: Currently, thalassemia is commonly detected using gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reverse dot blot, which have high requirements of space, instruments, and personnel. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new method for thalassemia detection with high sensitivity, low cost, and simple and fast operation. In this study, we aimed to design and evaluate a new method for detecting three α-thalassemia genes including -Southeast Asian (SEA), -α3.7, and -α4.2 and five ß-thalassemia genes including 654M, 41/42M, -28M, 17M, and 27/28M based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). METHODS: Primer sequences were designed using Primer Explorer V4 software. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from all participants in EDTA. DNA was extracted using Chelex 100 and was subjected to LAMP. LAMP products were detected by fluorescence development in ultraviolet light. RESULTS: We found that LAMP assays for positive samples of thalassemia reached a plateau before 60 minutes, whereas the negative control samples entered the plateau after 70 minutes or showed no amplification. The concentration range of positive reactions was between 20-60 pg/µL and 20-60 ng/µL. Additionally, there were no cross-reactivities among 8 thalassemia subtypes. For clinical samples, the positive sample tube showed strong green fluorescence, whereas the negative tube showed light green fluorescence. According to these results, the LAMP method has high sensitivity for detecting thalassemia (252/254). However, 43 false-positive results were obtained in the LAMP test. The LAMP assay was also of low cost and with simple and fast operation. CONCLUSION: The novel LAMP assay can be completed within 60 min using a heating block or a water bath, and the result can be read visually based on color change to detect thalassemia. The LAMP assay fulfills the requirements of field application and resource-limited areas, especially those with primary hospitals and rural areas.

New insight into filamentous sludge bulking during wastewater treatment: Surface characteristics and thermodynamics.

Although there have been many studies on filamentary bulking of activated sludge, it has been revealed that there is still a gap in the microscopic mechanism of filamentary bulking. In this study, the surface characteristics and thermodynamics of sludge floc were investigated to reveal the mechanism of filamentous sludge bulking. The results showed that the EPS content gradually decreased from 71.09 mg/g VSS to 40.00 mg/g VSS and the protein (PN) content of the EPS significantly decreased from 64.10 mg/g VSS to 35.85 mg/g VSS during sludge bulking. The variation in the EPS and its components led to a decrease in the relative hydrophobicity of sludge and an increase in surface negative charge; then, deterioration of the flocculation setteability of sludge flocs occurred. The electric double layer (WR) was the main force determining the aggregation of sludge during sludge bulking. The total energy of the interaction (WT) increased during sludge bulking, which led to an increase in the difficulty of sludge accumulation. This study is useful for understanding the filamentous bulking of sludge within an activated sludge process.

Effect of Acupuncture and Clomiphene in Chinese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Acupuncture is used to induce ovulation in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome, without supporting clinical evidence. Objective: To assess whether active acupuncture, either alone or combined with clomiphene, increases the likelihood of live births among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design, Setting, and Participants: A double-blind (clomiphene vs placebo), single-blind (active vs control acupuncture) factorial trial was conducted at 21 sites (27 hospitals) in mainland China between July 6, 2012, and November 18, 2014, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until October 7, 2015. Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to 4 groups. Interventions: Active or control acupuncture administered twice a week for 30 minutes per treatment and clomiphene or placebo administered for 5 days per cycle, for up to 4 cycles. The active acupuncture group received deep needle insertion with combined manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation; the control acupuncture group received superficial needle insertion, no manual stimulation, and mock electricity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes included adverse events. Results: Among the 1000 randomized women (mean [SD] age, 27.9 [3.3] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 24.2 [4.3]), 250 were randomized to each group; a total of 926 women (92.6%) completed the trial. Live births occurred in 69 of 235 women (29.4%) in the active acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 66 of 236 (28.0%) in the control acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 31 of 223 (13.9%) in the active acupuncture plus placebo group, and 39 of 232 (16.8%) in the control acupuncture plus placebo group. There was no significant interaction between active acupuncture and clomiphene (P = .39), so main effects were evaluated. The live birth rate was significantly higher in the women treated with clomiphene than with placebo (135 of 471 [28.7%] vs 70 of 455 [15.4%], respectively; difference, 13.3%; 95% CI, 8.0% to 18.5%) and not significantly different between women treated with active vs control acupuncture (100 of 458 [21.8%] vs 105 of 468 [22.4%], respectively; difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -5.9% to 4.7%). Diarrhea and bruising were more common in patients receiving active acupuncture than control acupuncture (diarrhea: 25 of 500 [5.0%] vs 8 of 500 [1.6%], respectively; difference, 3.4%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 5.6%; bruising: 37 of 500 [7.4%] vs 9 of 500 [1.8%], respectively; difference, 5.6%; 95% CI, 3.0% to 8.2%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the use of acupuncture with or without clomiphene, compared with control acupuncture and placebo, did not increase live births. This finding does not support acupuncture as an infertility treatment in such women. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01573858.

Acupuncture for infertility: is it an effective therapy?

Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility extensively, including ovulatory dysfunction, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and male infertility. This review summarizes the recent studies which investigated the role of acupuncture in infertility. In conclusion, most of the existing studies suggest a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility treatment. Firstly, acupuncture may improve ovulation by modulating the central and peripheral nervous systems, the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, the ovarian blood flow, and metabolism. Secondly, acupuncture can improve the outcome of IVF-ET, and the mechanisms may be related to the increased uterine blood flow, inhibited uterine motility, and the anesis of depression, anxiety and stress. Its effect on modulating immune function also suggests helpfulness in improving the outcome of IVF-ET. Finally, the studies suggest that acupuncture plays a positive role in male infertility, the mechanism of which is not yet clear. Even though a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility has been found, well-designed multi-center, prospective randomized controlled studies are still needed to provide more reliable and valid scientific evidence. Furthermore, it is urgent and necessary to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture for infertility.

The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in uterine leiomyomas.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is a popular method in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine leiomyomas, but the lack of accuracy greatly limits its application. Recently, microbubble enhancement technique affords direct depiction of tumor neovascularity and establishes a more precise vascular map of the tumor. This study was undertaken to describe the distribution patterns of SonoVue, a second-generation contrast agent, in the microcirculation of uterine leiomyomas, and to investigate the potential use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the characterization and treatment of uterine leiomyomas. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with uterine leiomyomas were enrolled in this study. The CEUS was performed using cadence pulse sequencing technique (CPS) and SonoVue. Enhancement patterns of different lesions were observed. The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was compared with that of conventional ultrasound. RESULTS: After contrast injection, vessels of macro- and micro-circulation of the myoma first appeared, followed by the normal myometrium and finally the endometrium. During the washout phase, the myoma exhibited homogeneous enhancement followed by apparent hypoenhancement. The margin of the tumor was depicted clearly. There was no agent perfusion in the benign degenerative or necrotic area. However in sarcomas degeneration, the feeding vessels appeared markedly earlier than those in myometrium. In addition, the tumor exhibited heterogeneous hyperenhancment with no agent perfusion in the center and no membraniform sign was observed in the late phase. In subserous and submucous leiomyomas, the feeding arteries in the pedicle arising from the uterine could be seen. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS and conventional US for uterine leiomyomas was 96.7% (160/165) and 82.4% (136/165) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS can provide a precise description of the leiomyomas vascularization. The specific enhancement pattern may be helpful for the characterization, treatment choice and therapeutic monitoring of leiomyomas.

Effects of Bushenyiqihexue formula on the endometrial gland apoptosis in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Bushenyiqihexue Formula (Formula for Tonifying the Kidney, Replenishing qi and Harmonizing Blood, FTKRQHB) on the endometrial gland apoptosis in the mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction. METHODS: The mice with the first-day pregnancy were divided into the control, model and treatment groups, with 30 in each group, and blastocyst implantation dysfunction was induced by subcutaneous injection of mifepristone in the mice of the model and treatment groups. The pregnancy rate and implantation number of blastocysts were measured and the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bax, Bcl-2, and activated caspase-3 were detected in all the three groups. RESULTS: The model group had significantly depressed pregnancy rate, implantation number of blastocysts and apoptosis index, and elevated proliferation index of endometrial gland as compared with the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Administration of FTKRQHB (the treatment group) resulted in significant increases in pregnancy rate, implantation number of blastocysts and apoptosis index of the endometrial gland, and a significant decrease in the proliferation index of the endometrial gland as compared with the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The differences in the four indexes between the treatment group and control group were not significant statistically. The Bax and activated caspase-3 expressions in endometrial gland in the model group became significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01), whereas those in the treatment group were significant higher than that of the model group (P < 0.01). However, the Bax and activated caspase-3 expressions in endometrial gland were similar in both treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: Promoting the increases in Bax and activated caspase-3 expressions in the endometrial gland and bringing into balance between apoptosis and proliferation of the glandular cells at the implantation window phase by FTKRQHB may contribute to the effects of promoting the establishment of endometrial receptivity and improving blastocyst implantation dysfunction.

Effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe on protein kinase Balpha expression in polycystic ovary rats with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe (, BSTMR) on mRNA and protein expressions of protein kinase B alpha (PKB alpha) in hepatic, adipose, muscular, and ovarian tissues of polycystic ovary (PCO) rats with insulin resistance (IR) and to explore the possible molecular mechanism of BSTMR in treating IR and ovulation dysfunction. METHODS: Female 22-day-old SD rats were injected subcutaneously with sodium prasterone sulfate (9 mg.100g(-1).d(-1)) for 20 days and fed with high-fat diet for 80 days to induce PCO rats with IR. Then, the PCO rats were randomly divided into the model group (n=23) and the treated group (n=21). The treated group was administered with BSTMR for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, a group with 15 rats of the same age was used as the control group. The histological changes in the ovaries were examined. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was determined by the glucose oxidase method. Serum fasting insulin (Fins) was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The mRNA level of PKBalpha was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis were employed to detect the protein expression in target tissues. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the ovaries in the model group showed multiple follicular cysts, levels of FBG and Fins in the model group increased markedly (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively), and the insulin sensitive index (ISI) decreased obviously (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues in the model group were dramatically lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the stratum granulosum of the ovarian follicle in the treated group increased markedly, the level of Fins in the treated group decreased obviously (P<0.01), ISI in the treated group improved markedly (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues of the treated rats were elevated significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: BSTMR could improve IR and ovulation dysfunction in PCO rats with IR, and its molecular mechanisms might be closely related with the elevation of mRNA and protein expressions of PKBalpha in target tissues of PCO rats with IR.

[Effect of bushen tongmai recipe on insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in PCOS rats accompanied with insulin resistance].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a rat model of polycystic ovarian syndrome accompanied with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR), and to observe the effects of Bushen Tongmai Recipe (BSTMR) on insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in the model. METHODS: Sodium prasterone sulfate at the daily dose of 9 mg/100 g was subcutaneously injected to female SD rats, 23-day old, for 20 days, and fed with high-fat forage for 80 days to establish the rat model of PCOS-IR. The model rats were randomized into the model group and the treated group administered with BSTMR. Besides, a group consisted of 15 healthy rats was set up as a normal control. Ovarian histological changes and ovulation condition in rats were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; fasting blood glucose (FBG) was determined by glucose oxidase method; serum levels of fasting insulin (FINS), serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteotrophic hormone (LH) were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the mean number of corpus luteum, ovulation rate, FSH level and insulin sensitive index (ISI) were lower significantly (P <0.01), and levels of FBG, FINS, T, E2 and LH were higher (P<0.05, P <0.01). Compared with the model group, in the treated group, the mean number of corpus luteum, ovulation rate, levels of FSH and ISI were higher, and levels of FINS, T and E, were lower (all P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Rat model of PCOS-IR could be established by sodium prasterone sulfate and high-fat forage, and the insulin resistance and ovulation dysfunction in the model rats could be improved by BSTMR.

[Effect of Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe on endometrial P21 expression of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe on endometrial P21 and PCNA expression of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice. METHOD: The expression of P21 protein was analyzed by means of immunoblot and immunohistochemical method. The expression of PCNA protein was analyzed by means of immunohistochemical method. RESULT: The expression and disappearance of P21 and PCNA protein in endometrium of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice lagged behind in a temporal and cell specific manner. Bushenyiqihexue recipe could improve the expression of P21 and PCNA protein in a temporal and cell specific manner, and then improve the decidual reaction of endometrium of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice. CONCLUSION: Improving the expression of P21 and PCNA protein in endometrium and eventually regulating endometrium decidual reaction is one of the mechanisms of improved embryo implantaion by Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe.

Density function theory study of CO adsorption on Fe3O4(111) surface.

Density functional theory calculations have been carried out for CO adsorption on the Fe(oct2)- and Fe(tet1)-terminated Fe(3)O(4)(111) surfaces, which are considered as active catalysts in water-gas shift reaction. It is found that the on-top configurations are most stable on these two surfaces. Some bridge configurations are also stable in which the new C-O bond formed between the surface O atom and the C atom of CO. The adsorption on the Fe(oct2)-terminated surface is more stable than on the Fe(tet1)-terminated surface. The density of state reveals the binding mechanism of CO adsorption on the two surfaces. Our calculations have also shown that the absorbed CO can migrate from the on-top site to the bridge site or 3-fold site. The oxidation of CO via surface oxygen atoms is feasible, which is in good agreement with experimental results.

Effect of a single dose of mifepristone on expression of pinopodes in endometrial surface of mice.

AIM: To investigate the effect of mifepristone (RU486) as a single dose on pinopodes expression in the endometrial surface of mice at the time of implantation. METHODS: Pregnant mice in the treated four groups received mifepristone subcutaneously (0.1 mg) between 07:00 and 08:00 AM on Pd (day of pregnancy)1, Pd2, Pd3, and Pd4. Pregnant mice in the non-treated group were used as controls. The uterine horns were collected randomly from two mice in each group between 21:30 and 22:00 PM on Pd4, and from another two mice of the same group between 09:30 and 10:00 AM on Pd5. The specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy for the detection of pinopodes. RESULTS: When mifepristone was given on Pd1, developing and fully developed pinopodes were observed, but the expression was markedly reduced compared to the control group. When mifepristone was administered on Pd2, only a few developing pinopodes were present. When mifepristone was administered on Pd3, developing pinopodes were observed. When mifepristone was administered on Pd4, different development stage pinopodes were present in specimens collected between 21:30 and 22:00 PM on Pd4, but no pinopodes was observed in specimens taken between 09:30 and 10:00 AM on Pd5. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that administration of a single dose of RU486 subcutaneously on Pd1, Pd2, Pd3, and Pd4 might play a role in inhibiting development and maturation of endometrium, hence affecting embryo implantation in mice.

[Effect of Bushenyiqihexue recipe on the expression of endometrial pinopodes in blastocyst implantation dysfunctional mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushenyiqihexue recipe on the expression of endometrial pinopodes in blastocyst implantation dysfunctional mice. METHODS: To induce blastocyst implantation dysfunctional mice model, Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously with mifepristone on day 4 of pregnancy. First, Kunming mice were randomly assigned to the control group, the model group and treated group postcoitally. Every morning from day 1 of pregnancy (Pd1), the treated group was administered the Bushenyiqihexue recipe decoction, while the model group and control group were administered saline orally. On Pd4, the model and treated groups were injected subcutaneously with mifepristone diluted in propylene glycol, while the control group was injected with saline only. The expression of endometrial pinopodes between 21:30 and 22:00 on Pd4 (T1) and between 9:30 and 10:00 on Pd5 (T2) was determined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with control group (90%, 14.7 +/- 1.4), pregnancy rate (25%) and mean implanted blastocysts (7.7 +/- 1.3) in model group were remarkably reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Compared with the model group, pregnancy rate (55%) and mean implanted blastocysts (12.3 +/- 0.8) in treated group were significantly improved (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). At T1, abundant developing pinopodes were expressed in endometrial surface in control group, whereas abundant fully developed pinopodes expressed at T2. At T1, only a few pinopodes were expressed locally in endometrial surface in model group, while completely disappeared at T2. At T1, endometrial surface in treated group expressed a lot of developing pinopodes which lagged behind slightly that of the control group in time, whereas many fully developed pinopodes expressed at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased pinopodes expression at T1 and complete loss expression of pinopodes at T2 seem to be the reasons for blastocyst implantation dysfunction induced by mifepristone. It is suggested that Bushenyiqihexue recipe could improve pinopodes expression in endometrial surface, eventually better uterine receptivity and improve the blastocyst implantation.