Creation of an Atherosclerosis Model Using Palmitic Acid and Oleic Acid in the Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Rats.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease resulting from vascular endothelial injury and lipid deposition, closely linked to abnormal lipid metabolism within the body. The critical processes involved in atherosclerosis encompass lipid deposition, oxidation, metabolic disruptions, and inflammatory stimulation within the inner vessel wall. Lipid deposition emerges as a pivotal factor triggering these pathological changes, with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) playing a significant role in the development of AS. Therefore, the goal was to employ lipids, specifically palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) solutions, to stimulate VSMCs and create an in vitro atherosclerosis model. This approach allows for the establishment of a rapid and efficient cell model for simulating atherosclerosis in vitro. METHODS: Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated and cultured from the thoracic aorta of healthy rats using the tissue-block method. VSMCs were identified through cell climbing slices and immunofluorescence. The growth of VSMCs was observed using light microscopy. The logarithmic growth phase of VSMCs was induced and stimulated by various concentrations of palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) ranging from 0 to 650 µmol/L, with a gradient dilution of 50 µmol/L. VSMC activity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Intracellular lipid deposition was visualized through Oil Red O staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) within VSMCs were quantified using commercially available kits. RESULTS: The optimal conditions for VSMC proliferation were determined to be an OA concentration of 500 µmol/L, a PA concentration of 300 µmol/L, and a culture duration of 48 hours. In comparison to the control group, the presence of lipid droplets within VSMCs became significantly evident following treatment with OA or PA. Furthermore, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C increased, while the HDL-C content decreased after treatment with OA or PA. CONCLUSIONS: A research model for atherosclerosis (AS) and the early stages of cardiovascular events, specifically lipid deposition, was successfully established through the use of OA and PA solutions. This model has the potential to open up new research avenues for gaining a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of AS.

Sensitization characteristics in allergic rhinitis and transport pathway for Artemisia pollen in northern Beijing, China.

The genus Artemisia, an important allergen related to Allergic Rhinitis (AR), is widespread in temperate regions. However, the sensitization rate of Artemisia pollen varies significantly, and the source of Artemisia pollen is not clear. Based on continuous daily airborne pollen monitoring in the summer and autumn of 2019 and 2020 in northern Beijing, the daily number of AR patient visits during the same period, and the detection of allergen serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in some AR patients, this study discusses the sensitization rate of Artemisia pollen and its transmission pathway and possible source area. The results show that (1) Artemisia pollen is the most important airborne pollen in summer and autumn in northern Beijing, and the pollen concentration is significantly related to the daily number of AR patient visits; (2) the rate of AR patients testing positive for Artemisia pollen allergens is 32.35 %, which is the first risk allergen and is consistent with the high sensitization rate of Artemisia pollen in northern China; and (3) in addition to local sources, central and southern Inner Mongolia, southern Mongolia and northwestern China are potential source areas of Artemisia pollen within the study area. This study provides first-hand data for accurately understanding the allergenic characteristics and sources of Artemisia pollen in northern Beijing and provides a scientific basis for the prevention of AR induced by Artemisia pollen in patients in China.

Chickpea protein hydrolysate as a novel plant-based cryoprotectant in frozen surimi: Insights into protein structure integrity and gelling behaviors.

Chickpea protein (CP) and its enzymatic hydrolysates are one of the most widely consumed pulse ingredients manifesting versatile applications in food industry, such as binders, emulsifiers, and meat protein substitutes. Other than those well-known functionalities, however, the use of CP as a cryoprotectant remained unexplored. In this study, we prepared the chickpea protein hydrolysate (CPH) and investigated its cryoprotective effects to frozen surimi in terms of the protein structure integrity and gelling behaviors. Results indicated that CPH could inhibit myofibrillar protein (MP) denaturation and oxidation during the freeze-thaw cycling, as evidenced by their increased solubility, Ca2+-ATPase activity, sulfhydryl concentration, and declined content of disulfide bonds, carbonyl concentration and surface hydrophobicity. Freezing-induced changes on MP secondary structures were also retarded. Moreover, gels prepared from CPH-protected frozen surimi demonstrated more stabilized microstructure, uniform water distribution, enhanced elasticity, gel strength and water holding capacity. The CPH alone, at a reducing addition content of 4% (w/w), exhibited comparable cryoprotective performance to that of the commercial formulation (4% sucrose and 4% sorbitol). Therefore, this study provides scientific insights for development of pulse proteins as novel and high-performance food cryoprotectants.

Aqueous extract of Sanghuangporus baumii induces autophagy to inhibit cervical carcinoma growth.

Sanghuangporus baumii, an edible fungus rich in heteropolysaccharides, has been found to have some anti-cervical cancer effects. In the current study, the effects of an aqueous extract of S. baumii on cervical cancer were investigated in a U14 cervical carcinoma cell implanted female Kunming mouse model. An aqueous extract of S. baumii (SHWE) was administered to tumor-bearing mice by gavage for 21 days. SHWE treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth by 67.4% at a dose of 400 mg per kg bodyweight. Transcriptomic results showed that the expression of key genes GABARAP, VMP1, VAMP8 and STX17 which are involved in the autophagy pathway was regulated after SHWE treatment, suggesting that SHWE may induce autophagy in tumors. The results were further confirmed by measuring the LC3II/LC3I ratio using western blotting. Moreover, some differentially expressed genes were involved in the insulin signaling pathway, implying that SHWE induced autophagy by disturbing glucose uptake and utilization in tumors. The analysis of the gut microbiota indicated that SHWE treatment stimulated the proliferation of Akkermansia, a well-known probiotic that presented benefits in metabolic regulation and cancer therapy. In conclusion, SHWE administration modified the gut microbiota, disturbed the glucose metabolism and induced autophagy in tumors, and then inhibited the development of cervical carcinoma in vivo.

Pulse Protein Isolates as Competitive Food Ingredients: Origin, Composition, Functionalities, and the State-of-the-Art Manufacturing.

The ever-increasing world population and environmental stress are leading to surging demand for nutrient-rich food products with cleaner labeling and improved sustainability. Plant proteins, accordingly, are gaining enormous popularity compared with counterpart animal proteins in the food industry. While conventional plant protein sources, such as wheat and soy, cause concerns about their allergenicity, peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other pulses are becoming important staples owing to their agronomic and nutritional benefits. However, the utilization of pulse proteins is still limited due to unclear pulse protein characteristics and the challenges of characterizing them from extensively diverse varieties within pulse crops. To address these challenges, the origins and compositions of pulse crops were first introduced, while an overarching description of pulse protein physiochemical properties, e.g., interfacial properties, aggregation behavior, solubility, etc., are presented. For further enhanced functionalities, appropriate modifications (including chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatment) are necessary. Among them, non-covalent complexation and enzymatic strategies are especially preferable during the value-added processing of clean-label pulse proteins for specific focus. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between the composition, structure, functional characteristics, and advanced modification strategies of pulse proteins, which is a pillar of high-performance pulse protein in future food manufacturing.

Selenium Application Enhances the Accumulation of Flavones and Anthocyanins in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grains.

Selenium (Se) biofortification in wheat reduces the risk of Se deficiency in humans. Se biofortification increases the concentration of Se and anthocyanins in wheat grains. However, it is unknown whether Se biofortification can enhance flavonoids other than anthocyanins and the mechanism underlying flavonoid accumulation in wheat grains. Here, foliar application of selenite solution in wheat was conducted 10 days after flowering. Metabolite profiling and transcriptome sequencing were performed in Se-treated grains. A significant increase in the total contents of Se, anthocyanins, and flavonoids was observed in Se-treated mature grains. Twenty-seven significantly increased flavonoids were identified in Se-treated immature grains. The significant accumulation of flavones (tricin, tricin derivatives, and chrysoeriol derivatives) was detected, and six anthocyanins, dihydroquercetin (the precursor for anthocyanin biosynthesis) and catechins were also increased. Integrated analysis of metabolites and transcriptome revealed that Se application enhanced the biosynthesis of flavones, dihydroquercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins by increasing the expression levels of seven key structural genes in flavonoid biosynthesis (two TaF3Hs, two TaDFRs, one TaF3'5'H, one TaOMT, and one TaANR). Our findings shed new light on the molecular mechanism underlying the enhancement in flavonoid accumulation by Se supplementation and pave the way for further enhancing the nutritional value of wheat grains.

Protective effect of nicorandil against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury mediated via IL33/ST2 signaling pathway.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI), a complication of myocardial injury, is associated with high rates of mortality and disability. We aimed to explore the effect of nicorandil™ against MI/RI and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this in vitro study, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) processing of H9c2 cells significantly suppressed the expressions of IL33 and ST2, reduced cell viability, increased production of reactive oxygen species, downregulated protein expression of Bcl-2, upregulated protein expressions of Bax, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved PARP, increased intracellular calcium overload, and induced cell apoptosis. Nicorandil processing reduced H/R-induced H9c2 cell damage. Nicorandil processing ameliorated the H/R-induced inhibition of the IL33 and ST2 expression in H9c2 cells. 5-Hydroxydecanoate blocked the effects of nicorandil on H9c2 cell viability, ROS production, and apoptosis and inhibited both IL33 and ST2. Similarly, the protective effect of nicorandil was restrained after inhibition of the IL33/ST2 pathway. Our findings suggest that the protective effect of nicorandil against H/R-induced H9c2 cell apoptosis was mediated through IL33/ST2 signaling pathway.

Cryoprotective Roles of Carboxymethyl Chitosan during the Frozen Storage of Surimi: Protein Structures, Gel Behaviors and Edible Qualities.

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) is an ampholytic chitosan derivative that manifests versatile applications in food industry, such as antibacterial ingredients and nutritional additives. However, its use as a cryoprotectant remains under-researched. In this study, the cryoprotective effect of CMCh oligosaccharide (CMCO) on frozen surimi (silver carp) was systematically investigated in terms of protein structures, gelling behaviors, and sensory qualities. CMCO (0.6%) was incorporated in the surimi before frozen storage (-18 °C for 60 days) while the commercial cryoprotectant (4% sucrose, 4% sorbitol) was used as a positive control. Results indicated that CMCO could inhibit the freezing-induced denaturation of myofibrillar protein, whose values of solubility, Ca2+-ATPase and sulfhydryl content were 24.8%, 64.7%, and 17.1% higher than the nonprotected sample, respectively, while the surface hydrophobicity was 21.6% lower. Accordingly, CMCO stabilized microstructure of the surimi gels associated with improved gel strength, viscoelasticity, water-holding capacities, and whiteness. Moreover, the cryoprotective effect of CMCO with higher degree of carboxymethyl substitution (DS: 1.2) was more pronounced than that of low-DS-CMCO (DS: 0.8). Frozen surimi treated with high-DS-CMCO achieved competitive gelling properties and sensory acceptability to those with the commercial counterpart. This study provided scientific insights into the development of ampholytic oligosaccharides as food cryoprotectants.

Coordinately express hemicellulolytic enzymes in Kluyveromyces marxianus to improve the saccharification and ethanol production from corncobs.

BACKGROUND: Hemicellulose acts as one factor contributing to the recalcitrance of lignocellulose that prevents cellulases to degrade the cellulose efficiently even in low quantities. Supplement of hemicellulases can enhance the performance of commercial cellulases in the enzymatic hydrolyses of lignocellulose. Kluyveromyce marxianus is an attractive yeast for cellulosic ethanol fermentation, as well as a promising host for heterologous protein production, since it has remarkable thermotolerance, high growth rate, and broad substrate spectrum etc. In this study, we attempted to coordinately express multiple hemicellulases in K. marxianus through a 2A-mediated ribosome skipping to self-cleave polyproteins, and investigated their capabilities for saccharification and ethanol production from corncobs. RESULTS: Two polycistronic genes IMPX and IMPαX were constructed to test the self-cleavage of P2A sequence from the Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) in K. marxianus. The IMPX gene consisted of a ß-mannanase gene M330 (without the stop codon), a P2A sequence and a ß-xylanase gene Xyn-CDBFV in turn. In the IMPαX gene, there was an additional α-factor signal sequence in frame with the N-terminus of Xyn-CDBFV. The extracellular ß-mannanase activities of the IMPX and IMPαX strains were 21.34 and 15.50 U/mL, respectively, but the extracellular ß-xylanase activity of IMPαX strain was much higher than that of the IMPX strain, which was 136.17 and 42.07 U/mL, respectively. Subsequently, two recombinant strains, the IXPαR and IMPαXPαR, were constructed to coordinately and secretorily express two xylantic enzymes, Xyn-CDBFV and ß-D-xylosidase RuXyn1, or three hemicellulolytic enzymes including M330, Xyn-CDBFV and RuXyn1. In fed-batch fermentation, extracellular activities of ß-xylanase and ß-xylosidase in the IXPαR strain were 1664.2 and 0.90 U/mL. Similarly, the IMPαXPαR strain secreted the three enzymes, ß-mannanase, ß-xylanase, and ß-xylosidase, with the activities of 159.8, 2210.5, and 1.25 U/mL, respectively. Hemicellulolases of both strains enhanced the yields of glucose and xylose from diluted acid pretreated (DAP) corncobs when acted synergistically with commercial cellulases. In hybrid saccharification and fermentation (HSF) of DAP corncobs, hemicellulases of the IMPαXPαR strain increased the ethanol yield by 8.7% at 144 h compared with the control. However, both ethanol and xylose yields were increased by 12.7 and 18.2%, respectively, at 120 h in HSF of aqueous ammonia pretreated (AAP) corncobs with this strain. Our results indicated that coordinate expression of hemicellulolytic enzymes in K. marxianus promoted the saccharification and ethanol production from corncobs. CONCLUSIONS: The FMDV P2A sequence showed high efficiency in self-cleavage of polyproteins in K. marxianus and could be used for secretory expression of multiple enzymes in the presence of their signal sequences. The IMPαXPαR strain coexpressed three hemicellulolytic enzymes improved the saccharification and ethanol production from corncobs, and could be used as a promising strain for ethanol production from lignocelluloses.

Complete placenta previa in the second trimester: clinical and sonographic factors associated with its resolution.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate outcomes of pregnancies with complete placenta previa diagnosedin mid-pregnancy, and evaluate whether a history of caesarean section and placenta location effect the resolution ofplacenta previa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with complete placentaprevia by ultrasound examination between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestation. Patients were grouped in terms ofplacenta location (anteriorly or posteriorly located) and presence/absence of prior caesarean section. Maternal demographics,ultrasound findings and pregnancy outcomes were subsequently compared between these groups. Statistical analysiswas performed by using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: 70 patients with the above characteristics were recruited in our study. Of the 70 patients, 21 (30%) had prior caesareansection, and 41 (58.6%) had an anteriorly located placenta. Patients with prior cesarean delivery delivered earlier(36.9 ± 2.2 weeks versus 38.0 ± 1.8 weeks, P = 0.039). Furthermore, 74.3% of the placenta previa resolved by delivery. Priorcaesarean section (RR 2.941, 95% CI 0.938-9.216, P 0.024) and anterior placenta (RR 3.805, 95% CI 1.126-12.855, P 0.031)were related to greater risk of persistence of placenta previa to term. CONCLUSIONS: Prior caesarean section and anteriorly located placenta are important factors that modify the risk that previawill complicate delivery. Our findings may be useful for patient counselling and future management of the condition.

[The features and treatment of Xixia "May 17th" explosion accident].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the injury characteristics of victims and treatment strategies in the explosion accident on the 17th May 2018 in Xixia county (Xixia "May 17th" explosion accident). METHODS: Completion the Level Three treatment on time, which was depended on the leading role played by the regional trauma centers was the main rescuing mode of the work in Xixia county, where the primary and secondary treatments were the key parts. The three-level treatment model includes: the local hospital acts as a level-one emergency medical institution, county hospitals function as secondary emergency medical institutions, and other higher medical institutions are the tertiary first aid medical institutions. The pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency procedures were initiated immediately after the large-scale explosive burn being identified, the key to the successfully rescue was to set up a comprehensive treatment team for burns and trauma. Rescue team should involve burn department and other related departments, including the departments of emergency, general surgery, orthopedic, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, intensive care unit, blood transfusion unit, anesthesiology, and interventional radiology, etc. All the thirteen burned patients were male, with inhalation injury, blast injury, hemopneumothorax, brain injury, bone fractures, and etc. Eight of them (61.54%) had multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). MODS mainly involved respiratory, circulatory, liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and coagulation function. With the multi-discipline treatment, the wound of 6 severely-burned patients started healing and can be discharged after keeping the patency of airway, applying resuscitation fluid and comprehensive treatments such as debridement and dressing change. Among 7 patients with extensive deep burns, one case with skull-based fracture, open craniocerebral, extensive intracranial hemorrhage and hemopneumothorax, died 9 hours later. Another case died within 24 hours after injury due to obvious exudation on the site of early incision and relaxation of wound. The escharotomy, micro-dermis and allograft skin transplantation were carried out for five cases with extensive deep burns from the 4th day after the recovery of shock. One week later, the second stage of microsphere skin transplantation was performed. But all died of sepsis or fungal infection. RESULTS: (1) A total of 113 elderly patients with sepsis were enrolled in the final analysis, including 67 patients in sepsis group and 46 patients in septic shock group. Thirty-two patients were enrolled as healthy controls and 31 elderly patients with CAP as elderly pneumonia group. The PCT, CRP, Lac, APACHE II and SOFA scores of the patients in the three groups were higher than those of the healthy control group, and they were gradually increased with the severity of infection. There was no significant difference in gender or age among the groups. Compared with the healthy control group, the other three groups had higher LL-37 level after admission, the LL-37 levels in the sepsis group and the septic shock group were decreased with the prolongation of the hospitalization time, and they were lower than the pneumonia group at 7 days after admission [LL-37 (µg/L): 1 403.9±501.9, 1 517.1±676.4 vs. 1 608.4±816.2, both P > 0.05]. It was shown by correlation analysis that the LL-37 level in peripheral blood of elderly patients with sepsis was significantly negatively correlated with APACHE II score (r = -0.329, P = 0.007) and SOFA score (r = -0.344, P = 0.005), but no significant correlation with Lac was found (r = -0.128, P = 0.311). (2) The 28-day survival analysis revealed that of the 113 elderly patients with sepsis, 54 (47.8%) survived at 28 days and 59 (52.2%) died. There was no significant difference in gender, age, PCT or CRP levels at 1 day after admission between the two groups. The 1-day Lac, APACHE II and SOFA scores of the patients in the non-survival group were significantly higher than those in the survival group, they were gradually increased with the prolongation of the hospitalization time, and they were significantly higher than those in the survival group at 7 days after admission [Lac (mmol/L): 2.4 (1.4, 4.4) vs. 1.0 (0.8, 1.7), APACHE II score: 21.77±5.85 vs. 13.74±4.99, SOFA score: 9.62±4.78 vs. 3.18±2.71, all P < 0.01]. With the prolongation of admission, there was no significant change in LL-37 level of peripheral blood in the survival group. The LL-37 level in the non-survival group showed a downward tendency, and it was significantly lower than that in the survival group at 7 days after admission (µg/L: 1 277.8±642.6 vs. 1 620.6±461.6, P < 0.05). It was shown by ROC curve analysis that the LL-37 in peripheral blood, Lac, APACHE II score and SOFA score at 7-day of admission of elderly patients with sepsis had predictive value for prognosis, and LL-37 had the best predicted effect for 28-day death, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of LL-37 was 0.670, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.513-0.757, when the optimal cut-off value was 1 283.0 µg/L, the sensitivity was 75.7%, and the specificity was 61.5%. CONCLUSIONS: MODS and infection often occur during the course especially for patients with extensive and deep burns due to the great explosion in Xixia county, most of whom were accompanied with MODS and infection. Therefore, assembling multi-discipline team for treating the group of explosively-burned patients can increase the survival rate and reduce the possibility of disability.

Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes: Complete versus Incomplete Placenta Previa in Mid-pregnancy.

This prospective study was conducted to compare risk factors and pregnancy outcomes between women with complete placenta previa and those with incomplete placenta previa diagnosed in mid-pregnancy. The study was carried out from April 2014 to December 2015, during which 70 patients with complete previa and 113 with incomplete previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestation were included. Maternal demographics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Comparisons between categorical variables were tested by chi-squared test and those between continuous variables by Student t test. Resolution of previa occurred in 87.43% of the studied women. The mean gestational age at resolution was 32.1±4.4 weeks. Incidence of maternal age ≥35 years and incidence of prior uterine operation ≥3 were high in women with complete previa (28.6% vs 8.8%, P=0.003; 28.6% vs. 8.8%, P=0.003). Resolution of previa occurred less often in complete previa group (74.3% vs. 95.6%, P=0.001). Women with complete previa admitted earlier (37.3±2.0 weeks 38.1±1.4 weeks, P=0.011) and delivered earlier (37.7±1.2 weeks vs. 38.3±1.4 weeks, P=0.025). Maternal age ≥35 years and prior uterine operation ≥3 increase the risk of complete previa in mid-pregnancy. Placenta previa is more likely to persist in women with complete previa than those with incomplete previa diagnosed in midpregnancy. What is more, women with complete previa in mid-pregnancy delivers earlier.

Expression of ADAMTS13 in Normal and Abnormal Placentae and Its Potential Role in Angiogenesis and Placenta Development.

OBJECTIVE: ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) is primarily synthesized in liver. The biosynthesis of ADAMTS13 and its physiological role in placenta are not known. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We used real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analyses, as well as proteolytic cleavage of FRETS (fluorescent resonance energy transfers)-VWF73, to determine ADAMTS13 expression in placenta and trophoblasts obtained from individuals with normal pregnancy and patients with severe preeclampsia. We also determined the role of ADAMTS13 in extravillous trophoblasts using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, wound scratch assay, transwell migration assay, tube formation assay, and tissue outgrowth assays. We showed that full-length and proteolytically active ADAMTS13 was expressed in normal human placenta, primarily in the trophoblasts and villous core fetal vessel endothelium during pregnancy. Placental expression of ADAMTS13 mRNA, protein, and proteolytic activity was at the highest levels during the first trimester and significantly reduced at the term of gestation. Additionally, significantly reduced levels of placental ADAMTS13 expression was detected under hypoxic conditions and in patients with preeclampsia. In addition, recombinant ADAMTS13 protease stimulated proliferation, migration, invasion, and network formation of trophoblastic cells in culture. Finally, knockdown of ADAMTS13 expression attenuated the ability of tube formation in trophoblast (HTR-8/SVNEO) cells and the extravillous trophoblast outgrowth in placental explants. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate for the first time the expression of ADAMTS13 mRNA and protein in normal and abnormal placental tissues and its role in promoting angiogenesis and trophoblastic cell development. The findings support the potential role of the ADAMTS13-von Willebrand factor pathway in normal pregnancy and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Relationship between placenta location and resolution of second trimester placenta previa.

This prospective study was conducted to assess the rate of resolution of second trimester placenta previa in women with anterior placenta and posterior placenta, and that in women with and without previous cesarean section. In this study, placenta previa was defined as a placenta lying within 20 mm of the internal cervical os or overlapping it. We recruited 183 women diagnosed with previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks. They were grouped according to their placenta location (anterior or posterior) and history of cesarean section. Comparative analysis was performed on demographic data, resolution rate of previa and pregnancy outcomes between anterior group and posterior group, and on those between cesarean section group and non-cesarean section group. Women with an anterior placenta tended to be advanced in parity (P=0.040) and have increased number of dilatation and curettage (P=0.044). The women in cesarean section group were significantly older (P=0.000) and had more parity (P=0.000), gravidity (P=0.000), and dilatation and curettage (P=0.048) than in non-cesarean section group. Resolution of previa at delivery occurred in 87.43% women in this study. Women with a posterior placenta had a higher rate of resolution (P=0.030), while history of cesarean section made no difference. Gestational age at resolution was earlier in posterior group (P=0.002) and non-cesarean section group (P=0.008) than in anterior group and cesarean section group correspondingly. Placenta location and prior cesarean section did not influence obstetric outcomes and neonatal outcomes. This study indicates that it is more likely to have subsequent resolution of the previa when the placenta is posteriorly located for women who are diagnosed with placenta previa in the second trimester.

Relationship between Placenta Location and Resolution of Second Trimester Placenta Previa / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This prospective study was conducted to assess the rate of resolution of second trimester placenta previa in women with anterior placenta and posterior placenta,and that in women with and without previous cesarean section.In this study,placenta previa was defined as a placenta lying within 20 mm of the internal cervical os or overlapping it.We recruited 183 women diagnosed with previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks.They were grouped according to their placenta location (anterior or posterior) and history of cesarean section.Comparative analysis was performed on demographic data,resolution rate of previa and pregnancy outcomes between anterior group and posterior group,and on those between cesarean section group and non-cesarean section group.Women with an anterior placenta tended to be advanced in parity (P=0.040) and have increased number of dilatation and curettage (P=0.044).The women in cesarean section group were significantly older (P=0.000) and had more parity (P=0.000),gravidity (P=0.000),and dilatation and curettage (P=0.048) than in non-cesarean section group.Resolution ofprevia at delivery occurred in 87.43％ women in this study.Women with a posterior placenta had a higher rate of resolution (P=0.030),while history of cesarean section made no difference.Gestational age at resolution was earlier in posterior group (P=0.002) and non-cesarean section group (P=0.008) than in anterior group and cesarean section group correspondingly.Placenta location and prior cesarean section did not influence obstetric outcomes and neonatal outcomes.This study indicates that it is more likely to have subsequent resolution of the previa when the placenta is posteriorly located for women who are diagnosed with placenta previa in the second trimester.

Bioinformatic Analyses of Subgroup-A Members of the Wheat bZIP Transcription Factor Family and Functional Identification of TabZIP174 Involved in Drought Stress Response.

Extensive studies in Arabidopsis and rice have demonstrated that Subgroup-A members of the bZIP transcription factor family play important roles in plant responses to multiple abiotic stresses. Although common wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed food crops in the world, there are limited investigations into Subgroup A of the bZIP family in wheat. In this study, we performed bioinformatic analyses of the 41 Subgroup-A members of the wheat bZIP family. Phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses showed that most of the Subgroup-A bZIP proteins involved in abiotic stress responses of wheat, Arabidopsis, and rice clustered in Clade A1 of the phylogenetic tree, and shared a majority of conserved motifs, suggesting the potential importance of Clade-A1 members in abiotic stress responses. Gene structure analysis showed that TabZIP genes with close phylogenetic relationships tended to possess similar exon-intron compositions, and the positions of introns in the hinge regions of the bZIP domains were highly conserved, whereas introns in the leucine zipper regions were at variable positions. Additionally, eleven groups of homologs and two groups of tandem paralogs were also identified in Subgroup A of the wheat bZIP family. Expression profiling analysis indicated that most Subgroup-A TabZIP genes were responsive to abscisic acid and various abiotic stress treatments. TabZIP27, TabZIP74, TabZIP138, and TabZIP174 proteins were localized in the nucleus of wheat protoplasts, whereas TabZIP9-GFP fusion protein was simultaneously present in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing TabZIP174 displayed increased seed germination rates and primary root lengths under drought treatments. Overexpression of TabZIP174 in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred enhanced drought tolerance, and transgenic plants exhibited lower water loss rates, higher survival rates, higher proline, soluble sugar, and leaf chlorophyll contents, as well as more stable osmotic potential under drought conditions. Additionally, overexpression of TabZIP174 increased the expression of stress-responsive genes (RD29A, RD29B, RAB18, DREB2A, COR15A, and COR47). The improved drought resistance might be attributed to the increased osmotic adjustment capacity. Our results indicate that TabZIP174 may participate in regulating plant response to drought stress and holds great potential for genetic improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

ADAMTS13: more than a regulator of thrombosis.

ADAMTS13, a plasma reprolysin-like metalloprotease, proteolyzes von Willebrand factor (VWF). ADAMTS13 is primarily synthesized by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and mainly regulates thrombogenesis by cleaving VWF. Recent studies demonstrate that ADAMTS13 also plays a role in the down-regulation of inflammation, regulation angiogenesis, and degradation of extracellular matrix. The purpose of this review is to introduce the state of progress with respect to some of the theorized roles of ADAMTS13.

Comprehensive analyses of the annexin gene family in wheat.

BACKGROUND: Annexins are an evolutionarily conserved multigene family of calcium-dependent phospholipid binding proteins that play important roles in stress resistance and plant development. They have been relatively well characterized in model plants Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), but nothing has been reported in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barely (Hordeum vulgare), which are the two most economically important plants. RESULTS: Based on available genomic and transcriptomic data, 25 and 11 putative annexin genes were found through in silico analysis in wheat and barley, respectively. Additionally, eight and 11 annexin genes were identified from the draft genome sequences of Triticum urartu and Aegilops tauschii, progenitor for the A and D genome of wheat, respectively. By phylogenetic analysis, annexins in these four species together with other monocots and eudicots were classified into six different orthologous groups. Pi values of each of Ann1-12 genes among T. aestivum, T. urartu, A. tauschii and H. vulgare species was very low, with the exception of Ann2 and Ann5 genes. Ann2 gene has been under positive selection, but Ann6 and Ann7 have been under purifying selection among the four species in their evolutionary histories. The nucleotide diversities of Ann1-12 genes in the four species were 0.52065, 0.59239, 0.60691 and 0.53421, respectively. No selective pressure was operated on annexin genes in the same species. Gene expression patterns obtained by real-time PCR and re-analyzing the public microarray data revealed differential temporal and spatial regulation of annexin genes in wheat under different abiotic stress conditions such as salinity, drought, cold and abscisic acid. Among those genes, TaAnn10 is specifically expressed in the anther but fails to be induced by low temperature in thermosensitive genic male sterile lines, suggesting that specific down-regulation of TaAnn10 is associated with conditional male sterility in wheat. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzed the size and composition of the annexin gene family in wheat and barley, and investigated differential tissue-specific and stress responsive expression profiles of the gene family in wheat. These results provided significant information for understanding the diverse roles of plant annexins and opened a new avenue for functional studies of cold induced male sterility in wheat.

Co- and Post-Treatment with Lysine Protects Primary Fish Enterocytes against Cu-Induced Oxidative Damage.

The aim of the work was primarily to explore the protective activity pathways of lysine against oxidative damage in fish in vivo and in enterocytes in vitro. First, grass carp were fed diets containing six graded levels of lysine (7.1-19.6 g kg-1 diet) for 56 days. Second, the enterocytes were treated with different concentrations of lysine (0-300 mg/L in media) prior to (pre-treatment), along with (co-treatment) or following (post-treatment) with 6 mg/L of Cu for 24 h. The results indicated that lysine improved grass carp growth performance. Meanwhile, lysine ameliorated lipid and protein oxidation by elevating the gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathioneperoxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reductase (GR)), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA levels in fish intestine. The in vitro studies showed that co- and post-treatment with lysine conferred significant protection against Cu-induced oxidative damage in fish primary enterocytes as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) OD values, along with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and the depletion of protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine contents. Moreover, lysine co-treatment decreased the activities and mRNA level of cellular SOD, GPx, GST and GR compared with the Cu-only exposed group. Gene expression of the signalling molecule Nrf2 showed the same pattern as that of SOD activity, whereas Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1b (Keap1b) followed the opposite trend, indicating that co-treatment with lysine induced antioxidant enzymes that protected against oxidative stress through Nrf2 pathway. In addition, post-treatment with lysine increased proteasomal activity and blocked the Cu-stimulated increase in mRNA levels of GST and associated catalase (CAT) and GST activities (P<0.01 and P<0.001). GR activity and gene expression, and glutathione (GSH) content followed an opposite trend to GST activity (P<0.05). Thus, post-treatment of lysine elevated protein and DNA repair abilities and ameliorated the cellular redox state of enterocytes. The overall results suggest that lysine plays a significant role in the protection of fish intestine in vivo and in vitro through the induction of key antioxidant protection.