Lanthanide-Complex-Enhanced Bioorthogonal Branched DNA Amplification.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a widely used technique for detecting intracellular nucleic acids. However, its effectiveness in detecting low-copy nucleic acids is limited due to its low fluorescence intensity and background autofluorescence. To address these challenges, we present here an approach of lanthanide-complex-enhanced bioorthogonal-branched DNA amplification (LEBODA) with high sensitivity for in situ nuclear acid detection in single cells. The approach capitalizes on two levels of signal amplification. First, it utilizes click chemistry to directly link a substantial number of bridge probes to target-recognizing probes, providing an initial boost in signal intensity. Second, it incorporates high-density lanthanide complexes into each bridge probe, enabling secondary amplifications. Compared to the traditional "double Z" probes used in the RNAscope method, LEBODA exhibits 4 times the single enhancement for RNA detection signal with the click chemistry approach. Using SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus-infected HeLa cells, we demonstrate the superiority in the detection of viral-infected cells in rare populations as low as 20% infectious rate. More encouragingly, the LEBODA approach can be adapted for DNA-FISH and single-molecule RNA-FISH, as well as other hybridization-based signal amplification methods. This adaptability broadens the potential applications of LEBODA in the sensitive detection of biomolecules, indicating promising prospects for future research and practical use.

Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Level After an Oral Fat Tolerance Test is Related to Postprandial Free Fatty Acid Level.

Purpose: The relationship between blood lipids and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 in the postprandial period remains unclear. To investigate this, we observed the changes in blood lipid levels after an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and examined the short-term effects on FGF21. Patients and Methods: A total of 158 non-diabetic adult volunteers who underwent OFTT were randomly recruited from the Hebei General Hospital. Participants were stratified into three groups according to fasting and 4-h postprandial triglyceride levels: normal fat tolerance (NFT), impaired fat tolerance (IFT), and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Blood samples were collected at 2-h intervals for 6 h. Circulating total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFA), and FGF21 were assessed. Results: Fasting FGF21 levels increased progressively in the NFT, IFT, and HTG groups and were strongly correlated with FFA levels (r = 0.531, P < 0.001). During the OFTT, the FFA and FGF21 levels decreased and then increased after reaching a nadir at 2 and 4 h, respectively. After adjusting for potential risk factors, the FFA incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was an independent influencing factor of FGF21 iAUC (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Fasting FGF21 levels showed a strong positive correlation with FFA. During OFTT, changes in FGF21 levels were closely associated with alterations in FFA exogenously changed by OFTT. Moreover, they were linearly related to each other. Therefore, the serum FGF21 level is positively correlated to the FFA level in the postprandial period.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of literature on non-fasting lipid research from 2012 to 2022.

Background: Non-fasting lipid assessment can help predict cardiovascular disease risks and is linked to multiple diseases, particularly diabetes. The significance of non-fasting lipid levels in routine screening and postprandial lipid tests for potential dyslipidemia has not been conclusively determined. Various new lipid-lowering strategies have been developed to improve non-fasting dyslipidemia. Therefore, analysis of scientific outputs over the past decade is essential to reveal trends, hotspots, and frontier areas for future research in this field. Methods: The Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for publications related to non-fasting lipid research from 2012 to 2022. The regional distributions, authors, disciplines, journals, references, and keywords of the studies were analyzed using the bibliometric software VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Results: A total of 4160 articles and reviews that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The output trend was established to be stable and the number of citation indices has been persistently increasing. A total of 104 countries/regions, 4668 organizations, and 20782 authors were involved in this research area. In terms of country, the United States had the largest number of publications (979). The University of Copenhagen was the most productive institution, publishing 148 papers. Professor Børge G Nordestgaard has made the most significant contribution to this field. Nutrients was the most productive journal while the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition was the highest co-cited journal. Analysis of co-cited references indicated that lipid-lowering strategies, statin therapy, high-fat meals, insulin resistance, physical exercise, and fructose were hotspots. Analysis of co-cited keywords revealed that apolipoprotein B, especially apolipoprotein B48, is becoming a key research focus. The keywords "gut microbiota" and "meal timing" were the most extensively studied. Conclusion: The causal relationship between non-fasting dyslipidemia and diseases is currently being explored and the standards for non-fasting or postprandial lipid assessment are continuously being updated. Among the hotspots, lipid-lowering strategies are a potential research direction. Apolipoprotein B48, gut microbiota, and chrononutrition are the research frontiers. This initial bibliometric analysis of non-fasting lipids will enable researchers to monitor swift transformations and recognize novel concepts for upcoming research.

Identification, characteristics and rice growth promotion of a highly efficient cellulolytic bacterial strain, Cellulomonas iranensis ZJW-6, isolated from paddy soil in central China.

The microbial degradation of lignocellulose is the best way to treat straw, which has a broad application prospect. It is consistent with the idea of agricultural sustainable development and has an important impact on the utilization of biomass resources. To explore and utilize the microbial resources of lignocellulose degradation, 27 lignocellulose degrading strains were screened from 13 regions in China. ZJW-6 was selected because of its 49.6% lignocellulose weight loss rate. According to the theoretical analysis of the experimental results, the following straw degradation conditions were obtained by ZJW-6: nitrogen source input of 8.45 g/L, a pH of 8.57, and a temperature of 31.63°C, the maximum weight loss rate of rice straw could reach 54.8%. It was concluded that ZJW-6 belonged to Cellulomonas iranensis according to 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence comparison and identification. ZJW-6 is a Gram-positive bacterium that grows slowly and has a small yellowish green colony. To explain the degradation mechanism of lignocellulose, the experiment of enzymatic properties of the strain was prepared and carried out. It was discovered that ZJW-6 has an excellent ability to degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with cellulose and hemicellulose loss rates reaching almost 50% in 4 days and lignin loss rates reaching nearly 30%. Furthermore, ZJW-6 demonstrated lignocellulose degradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indicating the strain's broad application potential. ZJW-6 was found to be more effective than ordinary humic acid in improving rice soil (available phosphorus, available nitrogen, organic matter) and promoting rice growth in a rice pot experiment (increasing root-shoot ratio, root activity, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate). ZJW-6 plays an important role in promoting the development and utilization of straw resources. It has important significance for the advancement of green agriculture.

Effects of Continuous Straw Returning on Soil Functional Microorganisms and Microbial Communities.

This study examined the changes in soil enzymatic activity, microbial carbon source metabolic diversity, and straw decomposition rates in paddy fields treated with 1, 2, or 3 years of straw returning (SR1-SR3). The soil's ability to decompose straw and cellulolytic bacteria increased with the number of treatment years (1: 31.9% vs. 2: 43.9% vs. 3: 51.9%, P < 0.05). The numbers of Azotobacter, Nitrobacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, and inorganic phosphate bacteria increased progressively with the numbers of straw returning years. Cellulolytic bacteria and inorganic phosphate bacteria were significantly positively correlated with the decomposition rate (r = 0.783 and r = 0.375, P < 0.05). Based on 16S sequencing results, straw returning improved the microbial diversity of paddy soils by increasing unclassified bacteria and keeping dominant soil microorganism populations unchanged. The relative importance of individual microbial taxa was compared using random forest models. Proteobacteria, ammoniating bacteria, and potassium dissolving bacteria contributed to peroxidase activity. The significant contributors to phosphate monoesterase were Acidobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, ammoniating bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, and potassium-dissolving bacteria. Proteobacteria, ammoniating bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, and potassium-dissolving bacteria contributed to urease activity. Desulfobacterota, ammoniating bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, and potassium-dissolving bacteria contributed to the neutral invertase activity. In conclusion, soil microbial community structure and function were affected within 2 years of straw returning, which was driven by the combined effects of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available potassium, and pH. With elapsing straw returning years, soil properties interacted with soil microbial communities, and a healthier soil micro-ecological environment would form.

Oral fat tolerance testing identifies abnormal pancreatic ß-cell function and insulin resistance in individuals with normal glucose tolerance.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function are affected by lipid metabolism disorders, even before the onset of type 2 diabetes. People are in the postprandial state most of the time. Therefore, identifying postprandial hyperlipemia is important. This study aimed to assess patients with abnormalities in lipid metabolism, but with normal glucose tolerance, using oral fat tolerance testing (OFTT) to identify defects in insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 248 volunteers with normal glucose tolerance who underwent OFTT. They were divided into three groups in accordance with their fasting and 4-h postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Their lipid concentrations during OFTT were compared. The disposition index (DI) was applied to estimate ß-cell function, and the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISIM ) was used to assess insulin sensitivity. We used multiple linear regression analysis to estimate the relationships of fasting and postprandial TG concentrations with ß-cell function and insulin sensitivity . RESULTS: The changes in TG concentrations during OFTT were more marked than those in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol or total cholesterol concentrations. As lipid metabolism deteriorated, the ISIM and the DI gradually decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fasting and 4-h postprandial TG concentrations affected LnISIM and LnDI. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with normal glucose tolerance, ß-cell function and insulin sensitivity gradually decrease with a deterioration in the lipid profile. Not only fasting TG, but also postprandial TG concentrations are independent risk factors for impaired ß-cell function and insulin resistance.

Pterostilbene, a Resveratrol Derivative, Improves Ectopic Lipid Deposition in the Kidneys of Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease is a major cause of global end-stage renal diseases. Ectopic lipid deposition in the renal tissues of diabetic kidney disease is one major factor leading to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Pterostilbene has been reported to display lipid-lowing activity and participate in many kidney diseases. However, the influence of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition is unclear. We intend to explore the influence of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of mice induced by high fat. METHODS: A high-fat diet-induced diabetic mouse model was established to detect the alleviative effect of pterostilbene on the ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of diabetic mice. A biochemical analysis was performed to examine the levels of urine albumin, urine creatinine, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in mice after pterostilbene treatment. Histological analysis was conducted to detect the degree of renal injury and fibrosis. Oil red O staining and immunohistochemical staining were carried out to evaluate lipid droplets and the expression of adipose differentiation-related protein in renal tissues of the mice treated by pterostilbene. The protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Pterostilbene inhibits the expression of the TGF-ß1 and p-smad3 and suppresses the protein levels of SREBP-1 and FAS, and it ultimately reduces the ectopic lipid deposition, alleviates the renal tubular damage and renal fibrosis in the kidneys of diabetic mice induced by high fat, and improves kidney function. CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene alleviates renal fibrosis and ectopic lipid deposition in the kidneys of diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet by inhibiting the TGF-ß1/smad3 signaling.

Identification of the Chinese Population That Can Benefit Most From Postprandial Lipid Testing: Validation of the Use of Oral Fat Tolerance Testing in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades. Blood lipid concentrations are significantly influenced by diet; however, postprandial triglyceride concentration (PTG) is not often measured. PTG can reflect the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but not all individuals would benefit from PTG testing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the PTG response in a Chinese cohort and identify who would benefit from diagnostic PTG measurement. METHODS: A total of 400 Chinese adults were enrolled and underwent oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), which was well tolerated. The participants were assigned to groups according to their fasting triglyceride concentration to evaluate the usefulness of PTG testing. A PTG concentration > 2.5 mmol/L was defined as high (HPTG). RESULTS: Of the 400 participants, 78.9% showed an undesirable PTG response. Those with FTG ≥1.0 mmol/L had a delayed PTG peak and higher peak values. Seventy-five percent of those with 1.0 mmol/L ≤FTG <1.7 mmol/L had HPTG, of whom 18.6% had impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: The present data confirm the previously reported predictive value of PTG testing. Moreover, the findings indicate that Chinese people with FTGs of 1.0 -1.7 mmol/L may benefit most from the identification of postprandial hyperlipidemia through OFTT because more than half of them have occult HPTG, which may require treatment. Thus, the detection of HPTG using an OFTT represents a useful means of identifying dyslipidemia and abnormal glucose metabolism early. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: [http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx], identifier ChiCTR1800019514.

Resveratrol ameliorates diabetic kidney injury by reducing lipotoxicity and modulates expression of components of the junctional adhesion molecule-like/sirtuin 1 lipid metabolism pathway.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes, and previous studies have shown that lipid deposits in the kidneys can lead to diabetic kidney damage. Resveratrol reduces circulating glucose and lipid concentrations, but it is unknown whether it can reduce renal lipid deposition and lipotoxic damage by regulating local lipid metabolism. We first showed that abnormal lipid metabolism is closely related to DKD in patients. There were excessive lipid deposits in the kidneys of patients with various stages of DKD, alongside abnormal expression of the junctional adhesion molecule-like (JAML)/sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) lipid synthesis pathway (P < 0.05). Next, we fed C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, which caused an increase in body mass, blood glucose concentration, and blood lipid concentrations; and abnormalities in renal function (P < 0.05). Resveratrol administration ameliorated the defects in circulating lipid and glucose concentrations, renal dysfunction, the renal expression of components of the JAML/Sirt1 lipid synthesis pathway, and the expression of the adipose differentiation-related protein in the mice (P < 0.05). Histological staining also showed less lipid deposition and kidney damage. Thus, resveratrol regulates the JAML/Sirt1 lipid synthesis pathway, reduces lipid deposition in the kidney, and ameliorates diabetic kidney damage.

Microbial consortium composed of Cellulomonas ZJW-6 and Acinetobacter DA-25 improves straw lignocellulose degradation.

In the present study, 27 bacterial strains were isolated from environmental samples and screened for higher lignocellulose-degrading efficiency. The best degrader was combined in pairs with 14 strains with high ß-glucosidase activity to formulate a consortium. Microbial consortium 625 showed high lignocellulose degradation efficiency. ZJW-6 with low ß-glucosidase activity and the best lignocellulose decomposer was identified as a member of Cellulomonas. Consortium 625 composed of ZJW-6 and DA-25, an Acinetobacter, showed the highest degradation rate (57.62%) under optimized conditions. The DA-25 filtrate promoted ZJW-6 growth, upregulating the activity of key lignocellulose-degrading enzymes, including ß-glucosidase, endoglucanase, xylanase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase. ZJW-6 and DA-25 worked in a subordination manner when co-cultivated. ZJW-6 acted as the major decomposer whose growth and enzymatic activities were promoted by DA-25. This study proposes a novel microbial consortium with improved lignocellulose degradation efficiency and reduce the C:N ratio of lignocellulose materials, which can enhance bioenergy production.

A correlation study of the relationships between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and serum triglyceride concentration after an oral fat tolerance test.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Triglyceride (TG) accumulation is central to NAFLD development. People now spend most of their day in the postprandial state, and the measurement of postprandial blood lipid concentration can make up for the lack of simple detection of fasting blood lipids. Postprandial triglyceride (PTG) is commonly used as a surrogate for postprandial blood lipid concentrations, and many studies have shown that PTG is a risk factor for NAFLD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PTG concentration during oral fat tolerance testing (OFTT) and NAFLD. METHODS: A total of 472 Chinese adults, aged 25 to 65 years, were enrolled in the study. All the participants underwent OFTT. The serum concentrations of TG and other lipids were measured, and their relationships with NAFLD were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 472 participants, 155 were diagnosed with NAFLD. The fasting and postprandial TG concentrations of the participants with NAFLD were higher than those of healthy participants (P < 0.05). The TG concentrations of the healthy participants peaked 4 h postprandially, whereas those of the participants with NAFLD peaked 6 h postprandially and reached higher peak values. Postprandial TG concentration was significantly associated with a higher risk of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: High PTG is positively related to a higher risk of NAFLD, and the PTG concentrations of patients with NAFLD are higher than in healthy individuals, with a delayed peak. Therefore, 4-h PTG may represent a potential marker of NAFLD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1800019514 .

Elevated Levels of Apolipoprotein CIII Increase the Risk of Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia.

Background: To investigate possible mechanisms of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPT), we analyzed serum lipid and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, B, CII and CIII levels before and after a high-fat meal. Methods: The study has been registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry (registration number:ChiCTR1800019514; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). We recruited 143 volunteers with normal fasting triglyceride (TG) levels. All subjects consumed a high-fat test meal. Venous blood samples were obtained during fasting and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after the high-fat meal. PPT was defined as TG ≥2.5 mmol/L any time after the meal. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the high-fat meal test results: postprandial normal triglyceride (PNT) and PPT. We compared the fasting and postprandial lipid and ApoAI, ApoB, ApoCII and ApoCIII levels between the two groups. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), TG-rich lipoprotein remnants (TRLRs), ApoB, ApoCIII, ApoAI/ApoB and ApoCII/ApoCIII. The insulin, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, ApoB, ApoCIII and ApoCII/ApoCIII values were higher in the PPT group, while the ApoAI/ApoB ratio was higher in the PNT group. The postprandial TG level peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal but was significantly higher in the PPT group and peaked at 4 hours. TRLRs gradually increased within 6 hours after the high-fat meal in both groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of TG and TRLRs and the AUC increment were higher in the PPT group (P < 0.001). ApoCIII peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal and gradually decreased. ApoCIII gradually increased in the PPT group within 6 hours after the meal, exhibiting a greater AUC increment (P < 0.001). Fasting ApoCIII was positively correlated with age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, TC, TG, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, and ApoB (P<0.05). ApoCIII was an independent risk factor of PPT after adjustment for BMI, waist circumference, TC, LDL-C, and ApoB (P < 0.001, OR=1.188). Conclusions: Elevated ApoCIII levels may cause PPT.

Research on polycystic ovary syndrome: a bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2019.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and endocrine disease. However, there have not been any bibliometric studies on the latest scientific results and research trends of PCOS. This study aimed to review the state of research in PCOS worldwide. Publications on PCOS from 2009 to 2019 were identified and evaluated from the database Web of Science. A total of 7814 articles were retrieved. Shanghai Jiao Tong University published the most articles, with 218 publications. Gynecol Endocrinol had the greatest number of publications (n = 541). J Clin Endocr Metab was cited the most, with a total of 32,207 times. An article written by March et al. in 2010 had the most global citations (737 times) and local citations (463 times). From 2009 to 2019, the number of PCOS global publications gradually increased. Gynecol Endocrinol and Endocr Metab were popular journals for PCOS research. Research trends gradually shifted from treatment and methodology to genetics and basic research. The terms 'microrna,' 'rt qpcr,' 'lncrna,' and 'histological examination' may be hotspots that should be focused on in PCOS research.

The ANGPTL8 rs2278426 (C/T) Polymorphism Is Associated with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in a Han Chinese Population in Hebei Province.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate the association between the genetics of the angiopoietin protein-like 8 (ANGPTL8) rs2278426 (C/T) polymorphism with prediabetes (pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a Han Chinese population in Hebei Province, China. METHODS: We enrolled 1,460 participants into this case-control study: healthy controls, n = 524; pre-DM, n = 460; and T2DM: n = 460. Ligase assays on blood samples from all participants were used to identify polymorphisms. Differences in genotype and allele distributions were compared by the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance, and a post hoc pairwise analysis was performed using the Bonferroni test. The logistic regression technique was adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS: The frequency of the TT (10.9%) genotype was significantly higher in pre-DM patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.026-2.802, P=0.039). In the T2DM group, the CT (48%) and TT (15%) genotypes were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (CT : OR = 1.384, 95% CI = 1.013-1.890, P=0.041; TT : OR = 2.530, 95% CI = 1.476-4.334, P=0.001). The frequency of the T allele was significantly higher in the pre-DM (32.8%) and T2DM (39%) groups compared with the control group (26.9%) and was significantly associated with an increased risk of pre-DM (OR = 1.253, 95% CI = 1.017-1.544, P=0.034) and T2DM (OR = 1.518, 95% CI = 1.214-1.897, P=0.001). Furthermore, insulin levels in the pre-DM and T2DM groups were significantly decreased in those with the TT genotype compared with the CC and CT genotypes. CONCLUSION: ANGPTL8 rs2278426 may be involved in the mechanism of insulin secretion and could lead to an increased risk of pre-DM and T2DM.

[Regulatory effects of curcumin on spleen apoptosis in overtraining rats and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanisms of curcumin alleviating oxidative stress and spleen apoptosis induced by overtraining in rats by regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway. METHODS: Male Wistar rats of 7 weeks old were divided into control group (C group, 12), overtraining group (OM group, 11), curcumin + overtraining group (COM group, 14). The C Group did not undergo any exercise intervention. The OM and COM group underwent 8-week incremental load swimming training. During the training, rats in the COM group were treated with curcumin at the dose of 200 mg/(kg·d) in the volume of 5 ml/kg by gavage, and rats in the other groups were given an equal volume of solvent, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Twenty-four hours after the last training, the spleen index was calculated by weighing, the pathological changes of the spleen were observed by light microscopy, and the biochemical indicators of blood and spleen were detected. RESULTS: The spleen structure of C group was normal under light microscope; the spleen index of OM group was significantly lower than that of C group (P＜0.01) and pathological changes were obvious; the spleen index of COM group was significantly higher than that of OM group (P＜0.05) and histomorphological changes were relieved. Compared with C group, in OM group, serum corticosterone (Cor) level, spleen apoptosis level, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the body weight, serum testosterone (T), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2) in spleen were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the expression of Nrf2 was not changed significantly (P＞ 0.05). Compared with OM group, in COM group, there were no significant changes in body weight (P＞0.05), serum T level, SOD activity, the expressions of Bcl-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); serum Cor level, spleen apoptosis level, MDA concentration and the expression of Bax were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The change trend of T/Cor ratio between groups was consistent with the change of testosterone, and the change trend of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was consistent with the change of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: The 8-week incremental load excessive swimming training aggravated spleen apoptosis, led to pathological changes and dysfunction of spleen. Curcumin can up-regulate expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, alleviate oxidative stress induced by overtraining, enhance Bcl-2 expression and attenuate Bax expression, thereby inhibiting excessive spleen apoptosis of rats, protecting the structure and function of spleen.

Critical role for a promoter discriminator in RpoS control of virulence in Edwardsiella piscicida.

Edwardsiella piscicida is a leading fish pathogen that causes significant economic loses in the aquaculture industry. The pathogen depends on type III and type VI secretion systems (T3/T6SS) for growth and virulence in fish and the expression of both systems is controlled by the EsrB transcription activator. Here, we performed a Tn-seq-based screen to uncover factors that govern esrB expression. Unexpectedly, we discovered that RpoS antagonizes esrB expression and thereby inhibits production of E. piscicida's T3/T6SS. Using in vitro transcription assays, we showed that RpoS can block RpoD-mediated transcription of esrB. ChIP-seq- and RNA-seq-based profiling, as well as mutational and biochemical analyses revealed that RpoS-repressed promoters contain a -6G in their respective discriminator sequences; moreover, this -6G proved critical for RpoS to inhibit esrB expression. Mutation of the RpoS R99 residue, an amino acid that molecular modeling predicts interacts with -6G in the esrB discriminator, abolished RpoS' capacity for repression. In a turbot model, an rpoS deletion mutant was attenuated early but not late in infection, whereas a mutant expressing RpoSR99A exhibited elevated fitness throughout the infection period. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of how RpoS can inhibit gene expression and demonstrate the temporal variation in the requirement for this sigma factor during infection.

Lotus-Seedpod-Bioinspired 3D Superhydrophobic Diatomite Porous Ceramics Comodified by Graphene and Carbon Nanobelts.

Hydrophobic and oleophilic sorbents play an important role in the remediation processes of oil spills/leakages occurring globally from time to time. In this work, for the first time, lotus-seedpod-bioinspired 3D superhydrophobic diatomite porous ceramics with good mechanical strength and thermal stability were fabricated, using inexpensive porous diatomite as a substrate, and graphene/carbon nanobelts as modifiers. Thanks to the presence of graphene coating and in situ formed carbon nanobelts, the surface energy of the final porous ceramics was reduced and their surface roughness increased, conferring superhydrophobicity on them. As-prepared porous ceramics demonstrated 3-30 times higher adsorption capacity in oil/water separation than their conventional inorganic sorbent materials, and had compressive strength 70-270 times higher than that of a sponge/graphene-based sorbent material. The present work could additionally offer a new strategy for the treatment/recycle of waste plastics, the so-called "white pollution".

EsrB negatively regulates expression of the glutamine sythetase GlnA in the fish pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida.

Edwardsiella piscicida is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen invading a wide range of fish species. Response regulator EsrB is essential for the activation of type III and type VI secretion systems (T3/T6SS). In this study, proteomes of the wild-type E. piscicida EIB202 and ΔesrB mutant strains were compared to identify the regulon components of EsrB cultured in DMEM allowing T3/T6SS expression. As a result, 19 proteins showed different expression, which were identified to be associated with T3/T6SS, related to amino acid transport and metabolism, and energy production. Particularly, GlnA, a glutamine synthetase essential for ammonia assimilation and glutamine biosynthesis from glutamate, was found to be regulated negatively by EsrB. Moreover, GlnA affected bacterial growth in vitro and bacterial colonization in vivo. Collectively, our results indicated that EsrB plays important roles in regulating the expression of metabolic pathways and virulence genes, including glutamine biosynthesis in E. piscicida during infection.