Comparative transcriptome analysis between rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) and crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis).

Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta, MMU) and crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as crucial nonhuman primate biomedical models with different phenotypes. To date, however, large-scale comparative transcriptome research between these two species has not yet been fully explored. Here, we conducted systematic comparisons utilizing newly sequenced RNA-seq data from 84 samples (41 MFA samples and 43 MMU samples) encompassing 14 common tissues. Our findings revealed a small fraction of genes (3.7%) with differential expression between the two species, as well as 36.5% of genes with tissue-specific expression in both macaques. Comparison of gene expression between macaques and humans indicated that 22.6% of orthologous genes displayed differential expression in at least two tissues. Moreover, 19.41% of genes that overlapped with macaque-specific structural variants showed differential expression between humans and macaques. Of these, the FAM220A gene exhibited elevated expression in humans compared to macaques due to lineage-specific duplication. In summary, this study presents a large-scale transcriptomic comparison between MMU and MFA and between macaques and humans. The discovery of gene expression variations not only enhances the biomedical utility of macaque models but also contributes to the wider field of primate genomics.

[Speciation and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in the Municipal Sewage Sludge of China].

To reveal the speciation and pollution status of heavy metal(loid) s (HMs) in the dewatered sewage sludge(SS) of municipal wastewater treatment plants(MWTPs) in China, SS samples were collected from 40 MWTPs located in different regions of China. The total concentrations and geochemical fractions of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the SS samples were analyzed. The ecological risks induced by HMs in the SS were assessed based on the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure(TCLP), risk assessment code(RAC), and potential ecological risk index(RI). The median values of HMs in SS followed the order Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cd. The general attainment rates of HMs in SS were satisfactory(>90%). As showed a generally even distribution among all the fractions; Cd and Zn mainly existed in the reducible fraction; Cr mainly occurred in the residual fraction, followed by oxidizable and reducible fractions; Cu mainly occurred in the oxidizable fraction; Ni occurred mainly as exchangeable forms; and Pb mainly occurred in the reducible and residual fractions, with its exchangeable form being the lowest fraction. According to the RAC method, the environmental risks induced by HMs in the SS followed the order Ni > As > Zn > Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb. The ecological risk of Ni was high; Zn, As, and Cd had a medium level of risk; Cr and Cu had a low level of risk; and the risk of Pb was negligible. According to the RI method, Cd and Cu showed the highest potential ecological risk, indicating that these are the primary HM pollutants in the SS. However, if the agricultural application of SS is carried out in accordance with the national standards, the overall level of risk from soil HM pollution is considered relatively low.

[Contents and Forms of Phosphorous in the Municipal Sewage Sludge of China].

Municipal sludge samples (SS) were collected from 46 cities in China in 2016. The forms in which phosphorus occurred in the SS were evaluated using the Standards, Measurements and Testing (SMT) Program. The results showed that the average contents of total phosphorus (TP), inorganic phosphorus (IP), non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP), apatite phosphorus (AP), organic phosphorus (OP), and bioavailable phosphorus (NAIP+OP) in the SS were (17.32±5.13), (11.71±4.01), (9.18±3.44), (3.03±2.74), (4.54±4.23), and (13.72±4.36) g·kg-1, respectively. IP was the main form of phosphorus in the SS, accounting for more than 60% of the TP content. NAIP was the main form of IP, accounting for more than 66% of the IP content. There was a highly significant positive correlation between TP and bioavailable phosphorus in the SS (r=0.942, P<0.01), and bioavailable phosphorus accounted for 66.8%-96.1% of the TP content. The contents of phosphorus in the SS and the amounts of phosphorus discharged via SS disposal showed a decreasing trend from the east to the west of China. In 2016, the amount of phosphorus discharged into the environment via SS disposal amounted to 1.04×105 tons, of which 1.95×104 t entered the soil through SS land application, 4.69×104 t entered landfill sites, 1.47×104 t entered building materials, 2.34×104 t ended up in incineration ash, and 4.50 t were directly dumped or discarded. The phosphorus content of the SS of China presented a temporal trend of first increasing and then decreasing.

[Spatial and Temporal Variation of Mercury in Municipal Sewage Sludge in China].

In order to determine the occurrence of mercury (Hg) in the dewatered sewage sludge (SS) from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) in China, 315 SS samples were collected from 40 MWTPs. The total Hg (THg) contents of the sludge samples were analyzed using a DMA-80 Hg analyzer. It was found that THg in the samples ranged from 0.45-15.42 mg ·kg-1. The THg data followed a log-normal distribution with a geometric mean of (2.19±3.16) mg ·kg-1. THg contents in all the sludge samples meet the criteria set for disposal (by co-landfilling) of MWTPs sludge (GB/T 23485-2009). In terms of THg contents, 97.8% of the sludge was suitable for land application in neutral and alkaline soils, while 86.7% of the sludge was suitable for land application in acidic soil. THg in SS varied greatly, not only among cities (variation coefficient of 105%), but also in the same MWTP (variation coefficient of 0.6%-53.6% over seven days). Mercury contents in SS of China showed a descending trend of North > Northeast > Northwest > Southwest > East > Central > South China. Using the corresponding urban soil background values of THg as references, Hg pollution levels of SS were evaluated using the geological cumulative index method. It was found that SS from more than 60% of the cities sampled were heavily polluted by Hg. Mercury contents in the SS of China showed a temporal trend of increasing then decreasing, with 2000-2009 being the peak period. Results of the present study provide significant data support for the prevention and control of mercury pollution in sewage and SS in China.

Tracing aquatic bioavailable Hg in three different regions of China using fish Hg isotopes.

To trace the most concerned bioavailable mercury (Hg) in aquatic environment, fish samples were collected from three typical regions in China, including 3 rivers and 1 lake in the Tibetan Plateau (TP, a high altitude background region with strong solar radiation), the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR, the largest artificial freshwater reservoir in China), and the Chinese Bohai Sea (CBS, a heavily human-impacted semi-enclosed sea). The Hg isotopic compositions in fish muscles were analyzed. The results showed that anthropogenic emissions were the main sources of Hg in fish from TGR and CBS because of the observed negative δ202Hg and positive Δ199Hg in these two regions (TGR, δ202Hg: - 0.72 to - 0.29‰, Δ199Hg: 0.15 - 0.52‰; CBS, δ202Hg: - 2.09 to - 0.86‰, Δ199Hg: 0.07 - 0.52‰). The relatively higher δ202Hg and Δ199Hg (δ202Hg: - 0.37 - 0.08‰, Δ199Hg: 0.50 - 1.89‰) in fish from TP suggested the insignificant disturbance from local anthropogenic activities. The larger slopes of Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg in fish from TGR (1.29 ± 0.14, 1SD) and TP (1.25 ± 0.06, 1SD) indicated methylmercury (MeHg) was produced and photo-reduced in the water column before incorporation into the fish. In contrast, the photoreduction of Hg2+ was the main process in CBS (slope of Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg: 1.06 ± 0.06, 1SD). According to the fingerprint data of Hg isotopes, the most important source for aquatic bioavailable Hg in TP should be the long-range transported Hg, contrasting to the anthropogenic originated MeHg from surface sediments and runoffs in TGR and inorganic Hg from continental inputs in CBS. Therefore, the isotopic signatures of Hg in fish can provide novel clues in tracing sources and behaviors of bioavailable Hg in aquatic systems, which are critical for further understanding the biogeochemical cycling of Hg.

[Distribution of Different Mercury Species in the Waterbody at Sanmenxia Reservoir].

In order to obtain the distribution of different species of mercury (Hg) in the water in the Sanmenxia Reservoir, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS) and aqueous phase ethylation derivatization-gas chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-CVAFS) methods were used for the analysis of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in water and sediment samples, respectively. It was found that the levels of THg, dissolved mercury, and particulate mercury in the water ranged from 1.65-9.65, 0.80-3.16, and 0.70-7.81 ng·L-1, respectively. The THg in the water could meet the requirement for the Class I criterion in the national surface water environmental quality standard (GB 3838-2002). The amounts of MeHg, dissolved MeHg, and particulate MeHg in the water samples were 0.05-0.36, 0.02-0.14, and ND-0.26 ng·L-1, respectively. No evident seasonal or spatial patterns for Hg were observed. The THg and MeHg in the Sanmenxia Reservoir were within the ranges for those in uncontaminated waterbodies worldwide. The amount of THg in the sediments was (92.96±10.65) ng·g-1 and (80.06±19.14) ng·g-1, while the amount of MeHg in the corresponding sediment samples was (0.33±0.14) ng·g-1 and (0.50±0.19) ng·g-1 for wet and dry seasons, respectively. The ratios of MeHg/THg in the sediment of the Sanmenxia Reservoir were relatively small in comparison to those in other aqueous systems, indicating that methylation might play a minor role in the biogeochemistry of Hg in the Sanmenxia Reservoir. This might be attributed to the high dissolved oxygen levels of the bottom water and low organic carbon content of the sediments.

[Speciation and spatial-temporal variation of mercury in the Xiaolangdi Reservoir].

In order to investigate the occurrence status of mercury in Xiaolangdi Reservoir, water, surface sediments, pore water and fish samples were collected and analyzed for the contents of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). Cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry and aqueous phase ethylation derivatization-gas chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry methods were used for the analysis of THg and MeHg, respectively. Bioaccumulation of THg in fish of Xiaolangdi Reservoir was then discussed. It was found that THg contents in water were 0.71-1.42 ng x L(-1) and 0.90-2.49 ng x L(-1) during dry and wet seasons, respectively, while the MeHg content in water was below the method detection limit. The THg content in water during both seasons could meet the requirement of Class I criterion of national surface water environmental quality standard (GB 3838-2002). The THg contents in sediments were 95.66-172.52 ng x g(-1) and 51.74-90.42 ng x g(-1), while the MeHg contents in the corresponding sediment samples were 0.18-0.39 ng x g(-1) and 0.09-0.26 ng x g(-1) for dry and wet seasons, respectively. The ratios of MeHg/THg in sediment were relatively small in comparison to those in other aqueous systems. This might be attributed to the high dissolved oxygen content of bottom water and low organic carbon content of the sediments. The THg concentrations in pore water of sediments were 5.46-41.04 ng x L(-1) and 4.27-9.49 ng x L(-1), and the MeHg concentrations were 0.07-1.01 ng x L(-1) and 0.09-0.99 ng x L(-1), respectively. The THg concentration was significantly higher than that of the overlying water, indicating the diffusion of Hg from the sediment to the water. The THg concentration in fish muscle tissues varied from 43.47 to 304.98 ng x g(-1), while the MeHg concentration varied from 10.77 to 265.23 ng x g(-1). The MeHg content in fish muscle tissues could meet the requirement of national food safety standards( GB 2762-2012) (Non carnivorous fish 500 ng x g(-1), Carnivorous fish 1 000 ng x g(-1)). The bioaccumulation factors of THg were 1.3 x 10(5) for bighead carp, 9.3 x 10(4) for barracuda, 4.7 x 10(4) for crucian carp, 5.0 x 10(4) for sharpbelly, 1.7 x 10(5) for yellow catfish, and 3.9 x 10(4) for arch fish, respectively.

[Characteristics of atmospheric nitrogen wet deposition in Beijing urban area].

With the ion-exchange resin method, the atmospheric nitrogen wet deposition in Beijing urban area within the Fifth Ring Road was investigated from June to October, 2012. The relationship between atmospheric nitrogen wet deposition and rainfall precipitation was investigated, the differences of nitrogen wet deposition in different months, different ring roads (the Fifth Ring Road, the Fourth Ring Road, the Third Ring Road and the Second Ring Road) and different functional areas (institutes and colleges district, ring-road, residential areas, railway station and public garden) were also investigated. The results showed that the average value and standard deviation of ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen were significantly different during different months in 2012. The atmospheric nitrite nitrogen deposition first decreased and then increased, the maximum value appeared in September. The positive relationships between ammonia nitrogen (nitrate nitrogen) and mean monthly precipitation and negative relationships between nitrite nitrogen and mean monthly precipitation were both significant (P < 0.05). The three nitrogen depositions of ring-road and railway station were higher than other functional areas, but only the nitrite nitrogen deposition had obvious regional difference. The differences of the three nitrogen depositions among different ring roads were all not significant and it meant that the nitrogen wet deposition was equally distributed in Beijing urban area.

Morphological and immunocytochemical analysis of human retinal glia subtypes in vitro.

AIM: To examine the morphological characteristics and antigen expression patterns of cultured human retinal glia to define novel subtypes. METHODS: Morphologic characteristics and marker expression were examined during cultivation using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. RESULTS: A subtype of human retinal glia distinct from radial glia (Müller cells) was successfully isolated by digesting the retina first in diastase vera (pancreatin) and then in clostridiopeptidase, followed by culture on fibronectin substrate in human endothelial cell medium (supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, growth factors, and heparin sodium). Adherence was detected at 72h and cell-cell coupling at 9-10d after seeding. These cells were extensively and strongly immunopositive for GFAP and vimentin, consistent with glial expression patterns in the human retina, but were morphologically and immunohistochemically distinct from previously reported cultured retinal glia, including GFAP-positive and glutamine synthetase (GS)-positive Müller cells. CONCLUSION: A unique human retinal glial cell type can be isolated using diastase vera and clostridiopeptidase and then maintained in vitro. Further studies are required to characterize the physiological and pathological functions of these cells.

[Value of multi-detector row CT and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of retinal detachment].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize multi-detector row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of retinal detachment and evaluate the diagnostic value of these two imaging modalities. METHODS: The MDCT and MRI manifestations were reviewed in 45 cases (47 eyes) of retinal detachment, among which 16 cases (17 eyes) were examined by MDCT and 29 cases (30 eyes) by MRI. Thirty-two cases (33 eyes) were confirmed by operation, and the other 13 cases (14 eyes) were confirmed based on the clinical findings. RESULTS: MDCT and MRI displayed signs of fluid retention between the detached retina and the posterior wall of the eyeball in the cases. Among all these cases, 21 eyes showed simple retinal detachment and 26 had also other pathologies (hemorrhage in 20 eyes and calcification in 6 eyes). Choroidal osteoma was identified in 3 eyes and melanoma of choroid in 5 eyes. CONCLUSION: MDCT is sensitive in detecting calcification in the eyes and MRI with a minimal risk of radiation, and shows advantages in displaying hemorrhage and confined retinal detachment. Both MDCT and MR have high clinical value in the diagnosis of retinal detachment, and their choice depends on the individual condition of the patients.

[Study on effects of anticancer and immunoregulation of Fuganchun 6 on hepatoma of mouse].

OBJECTIVE: To study the anticancerous effect of Fuganchun 6 (FGC-6) and its immunoregulatory effect on tumor-bearing mice. METHOD: The mice inoculated by H22 cells were divided into 5 groups: model group, 5-Fu group and FGC-6 in high dose, medium dose, and low dose groups. The normal mice were also observed. These mice were treated for 10 days. The weight of tumor mass and mouse were examined. The target-cell-killing activity of NK cells. The proliferation activity of lymphocyte and the production of IL-2 of murine splenocytes were detected respectively. The serum containing FGC-6 was prepared and its inhibition effect on H22 cells was examined by MTT assay and growth curve in vitro. RESULT: Growth of tumor was inhibited markedly by FGC-6 high dose. The inhibition of serum containing FGC-6 on the proliferation of H22 cells in vitro was observerd in a dose and time-dependent manner. The target-cell-killing activity of NK cells and the production of IL-2 of murine splenocytes of model group were lower than those of normal group (P < 0.05). When compared with model group, FGC-6 in high dose elevated the two indexes above-mentioned, and also enhanced the proliferation activity of lymphocyte markedly (P < 0.05). The production of IL-2 of murine splenocytes was also improved when treated by FGC-6 in medium dose (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FGC-6 can inhibite the growth of H22 cells markedly and also can strengthen the immunity of H22 transplanted mouse.

Puerarin decreases lens epithelium cell apoptosis induced partly by peroxynitrite in diabetic rats.

The present study was designed to observe if puerarin decreases lens epithelium cell (LEC) apoptosis induced partly by peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). One hundred and eight rats were randomly divided into control group (n=36), streptozotocin (STZ) group (n=36) and STZ + puerarin group (n=36). The rats in the control group intraperitoneally (i.p.) received 0.5 ml of saline. The rats in STZ group and STZ + puerarin group received intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg). Three days later, the rats in STZ + puerarin group were given puerarin (140 mg/kg per day, i.p.). On days 20, 40 and 60 of the experiment, morphologic changes of lenses were observed with slit lamp. Then the animals were sacrificed for further analysis. The amount and percentage of apoptotic LECs were determined by flow cytometry. Nitrotyrosine (NT, the foot print of ONOO(-)) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis-related genes (iNOS, etc.) were analyzed by gene array. The results showed that in the control group, all the lenses were clear. In STZ group, gradually severe opacity of the lens was observed on days 20, 40 and 60. But in STZ + puerarin group, mild opacity of the lens was observed on day 20 and more severe on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. In the control group, mild apoptosis of LECs was observed. In STZ group, time-dependent increase in apoptosis of LECs was observed. In STZ + puerarin group, mild apoptosis of LECs was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. There was no expression of NT in the lens in the control group, but an increased expression of NT in STZ group. In STZ + puerarin group, mild expression of NT was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. There was no expression of iNOS in the lens in the control group, but continuous up-regulation of iNOS expression in STZ group. In STZ + puerarin group, mild expression of iNOS was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. Except the changes of iNOS related to NO production, the other apoptosis-related genes, including BCL-2 and SOD were down-regulated, while NF-kappaB and TNFR1-FADD-caspase signal transduction way were up-regulated in STZ group. The results were opposite in STZ + puerarin group and the control group. These findings show that NT is expressed in diabetic rat lens, which proves that LEC apoptosis in diabetic lens is partly induced by ONOO(-) which may be a new oxidative damage way to form cataract. Puerarin partly decreases LEC apoptosis induced by ONOO(-) and is a potential medicine for therapy of diabetic cataract. The mechanism of puerarin dealing with diabetic cataract may be related to its direct inhibition of LEC apoptosis and antagonism of ONOO(-) in diabetic rats.

[Diagnosis and surgical management of 209 cases of orbital cavernous hemangioma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, preoperative diagnosis and surgical choice of orbital cavernous hemangioma. METHODS: Records of all cavernous hemangioma patients (209 cases) who were seen in Eye Hospital, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2000 were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 209 cases, 123 patients were females and 86 were males. The left orbit was affected in 123 cases and the right orbit in 86 cases. No case was bilaterally involved. The mean age was 39.2 years old, ranging from 5 to 68 years. A painless, gradually progressive proptosis and visual disturbance were the main clinical signs. Ninety-five percent (199/209) of them could be accurately diagnosed preoperatively based on ultrasound scan and CT/MRI examination. The tumors were removed successfully by the surgical procedure of standard lateral orbitotomy in 36% (75/209) of patients and anterior orbitotomy in 64% cases (134/209). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all patients with cavernous hemangioma could be correctly diagnosed by preoperative image studying. The simple surgical procedure of anterior orbitotomy can be successfully used in about two third of cases with less surgical complication.

[Clinical analysis of 339 cases of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical manifestation of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), to analyze the thyroid function and to monitor the therapeutic effect of anti-hyperthyroidism on the progression of TAO. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty nine TAO cases (597 eyes) were collected from 1994 to 2001 and their clinical manifestations were summarize and analyzed. RESULTS: TAO occurred mostly in individuals over 40 years with no gender preference. Exophthalmos and diplopia were the major manifestations and main reasons for ophthalmic examination. Retraction of eyelids and involvement of extraocular muscle were present in over 70% cases. In 339 TAO cases, euthyroidism was found in 93 cases and abnormal thyroid function (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) was present in 246 cases. The V and VI grade of TAO occurred more frequently in patients with abnormal thyroid function than those with euthyroidism. (131)I, oral anti-hyperthyroidism drug, or thyroidectomy was used for all patients with abnormal thyroid function. TAO occurred in 39.3% cases treated with (131)I, in 15.6% cases with oral anti-hyperthyroidism drug, and in 14% cases with thyroidectomy. All ocular pathologic changes occurred after hyperthyroidism had been controlled and hypothyroidism was found in most of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: The condition of thyroid function has a certain relationship to the severity of TAO. Over-fast and undue anti-hyperthyroidism therapy may impact an untoward effect on TAO; immediate and appropriate treatment can improve the effect of therapy on TAO.