Multiple intracellular pathogen infections with ocular pathologies associated with adult-onset immunodeficiency due to anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Autoantibodies against interferon-γ (IFN-γ) can inhibit IFN-γ-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation and thus increase the risk of infection with intracellular pathogens, such as Talaromyces marneffei (TM), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Here, we report a rare case of triple infection caused by TM, NTM, and TB in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A middle-aged female was admitted to our hospital after experiencing recurrent rash, cough, and expectoration for 4 months. She was successively diagnosed with NTM, TM, and TB infections without conventional immunosuppression-associated factors. However, after effective anti-infective treatment, the patient was confirmed to have allergic conjunctivitis and was successfully treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. The most conspicuous characteristics were recurrent infection and immune disorders. CONCLUSIONS: High-titer anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies are strongly associated with severe and disseminated infections, such as NTM, TM, and TB. It is characterized by persistently high degree of inflammation and high immunoglobin levels.

Research advances on endophytic fungi and their bioactive metabolites.

Endophytic fungi, as a kind of fungi living in the healthy plant tissues and organs, are important sources of natural bioactive products and new microbial resources with high developing value. Therefore, exploration and utilization of endophytic fungi can not only alleviate the problems of resource shortage and ecological balance destruction caused by extracting large number of useful bioactive products from natural plants, but also benefit the protection of rare and endangered plant resources, which is of great significance and economic value. This review mainly expounds the concept of endophytic fungi, analyzes the research advances of endophytic fungi from antioxidant, antibacterial, insecticidal, regulating plant growth, anticancer and antitumor bioactivities and, furthermore, summarizes the existing problems in present research of endophytic fungi and corresponding solutions. We hope that this review could provide references for the development and utilization of endophytic fungi and their bioactive metabolites.

A New HPLC-UV Method Using Hydrolyzation with Sodium Hydroxide for Quantitation of Trans-p-Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Total Trans-p-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Esters in the Leaves of Ligustrum robustum.

Trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and its esters in the leaves of Ligustrum robustum might be a new resource to prevent diabetes and its complications. In the present study, a new HPLC-UV method using hydrolyzation with sodium hydroxide for quantitation of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and total trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters in the leaves of L. robustum was developed, since it was difficult and troublesome to analyze no less than 34 trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters by usual HPLC. The extract of L. robustum was hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide at 80 °C for 2 h, and then, hydrochloride was added. HPLC analysis was performed in reverse phase mode using a C-18 column, eluting with methanol-0.1% acetic acid aqueous solution (40:60, v/v) in isocratic mode at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1 and detecting at 310 nm. The linear range for trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid was 11.0-352.0 µg·mL-1 (r2 = 1.000). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.00 and 6.07 µg·mL-1, respectively. The relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day variabilities for trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid were less than 2%. The percentage recovery of trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid was 103.3% ± 1.1%. It is the first HPLC method using hydrolyzation for quantification of many carboxylic esters. Finally, the method was used successfully to determine trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid and total trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters in various extracts of the leaves of L. robustum. The 60-70% ethanol extracts of L. robustum showed the highest contents of free trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (3.96-3.99 mg·g-1), and the 50-80% ethanol extracts of L. robustum displayed the highest contents of total trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid esters (202.6-210.6 mg·g-1). The method can be applied also to the quality control of the products of L. robustum.

Evaluation of allergenicity of cow milk treated with enzymatic hydrolysis through a mouse model of allergy.

Cow milk (CM) allergy is a worldwide concern. Currently, few studies have been performed on the immunoreactivity of CM and fewer still on the antigenicity of CM in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we assessed the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed CM using in vitro ELISA and oral sensitization and challenge of BALB/c mice. Alcalase-, Protamex-, and Flavourzyme-treated CM (all from Novozymes) diminished IgE binding capacity, with greatest reductions of 56.31%, 50.62%, and 56.45%, respectively. Allergic symptoms and levels of total IgG1 were reduced, and allergic inflammation of the lung, jejunum, and spleen was relieved. Moreover, the numbers of CD8+ T and B220+ cells decreased, and the balance of CD4+ T/CD8+ T cells was effectively regulated. These findings suggest that the potential allergenicity of CM was reduced by enzymatic hydrolysis, and our research will lay a solid foundation for developing high-quality hypoallergenic CM products.

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on the allergenicity of natural cow milk based on a BALB/c mouse model.

Cow milk allergy is one of the most prevalent food allergies worldwide, particularly in infants and children. To the best of our knowledge, minimal research exists concerning the antigenicity of cow milk (CM). This study was performed to evaluate the allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed cow milk (HM) in a BALB/c mouse model. The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 12/group), which were sensitized with phosphate-buffered saline, CM, and HM (Alcalase-, or Protamex-, or Flavorzyme-treated cow milk; Novo Nordisk; AT, PT, FT, respectively), respectively, using cholera toxin as adjuvant on d 0, 7, 14, 21. On d 28, the test mice were orally challenged with phosphate-buffered saline, CM, and HM (AT, PT, or FT) alone. Anaphylactic symptoms were monitored in the mice. Antibody, cytokine, histamine, and mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, the numbers of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cells, as well as the proportions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, in mouse spleens were detected using flow cytometry. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA. The results revealed significant differences between CM- and HM-challenged mice. Among these, the clinical scores of HM-challenged mice (AT, 1.50; PT, 2.00; FT, 1.92) were lower than those of CM-challenged mice (positive control, 2.83), but body weight and temperature of HM-challenged mice were higher than those of CM-challenged mice. In addition, significant reductions of allergen-specific IgE, IgG, histamine, and mMCP-1 were showed in HM-challenged mice, especially for histamine, ranging from 171.42 ng/mL to 214.94 ng/mL. Remarkable reductions of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels, as well as elevations of interferon-γ and IL-10 levels in the spleens of HM-challenged mice were also detected. Moreover, the number of Th2 cells decreased in the HM-challenged mice, to 2.36% (AT), 1.79% (PT), and 4.03% (FT), respectively, whereas the numbers of Th1 cells (AT, 6.30%; PT, 6.70%; FT, 6.56%) and the proportions of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs (AT, 8.86%; PT, 9.21%; FT, 9.16%) increased significantly. Our findings indicate that exposure to HM was sufficient to induce a shift toward a Th1 response, thereby reducing potential allergenicity. Importantly, these results will lay a theoretical foundation for the development of hypoallergenic CM products.

Correction to: Relationship between TRAF6 and deterioration of HCC: an immunohistochemical and in vitro study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0352-z.].

Identification of the quantitative trait loci controlling spike-related traits in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Totally, 48 loci responsible for six spike-related traits were identified in wheat, and a major locus QGl-4A for grain length was mapped and validated for marker-assisted selection in breeding. Wheat yield is determined by the number of spikes, number of grains per spike (GN), and one-thousand kernel weight (TKW), among which GN and TKW are greatly related to the spike development and thus the spike-related traits, including spike length (SL), number of spikelet per spike (SN), grain length (GL) and grain width (GW). To identify the key loci governing the spike-related traits (SL, SN, GN, TKW, GL and GW), we conducted the quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis combined with wheat 660K SNP chip and Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assay, using the F2 and F2:3 populations derived from Luohan6 (LH6) with big spike and grain and Zhengmai366 with small spike and grain, and identified a total of 48 QTLs on 18 chromosomes. Moreover, a major stable QTL for GL on chromosome 4A, designated as QGl-4A, was mapped into a 0.37 cM interval between KASP markers Xib4A-10 and Xib4A-12, corresponding to 20 Mb physical region in the Chinese Spring genome. This QTL explained 17.30% and 5.12% of the phenotypic variation for GL in the F2 and F2:3 populations. Further association analysis of flanking markers Xib4A-10 and Xib4A-12 in 192 wheat varieties showed that these two markers could be used for marker-assisted selection in breeding. These results provide valuable information for map-based cloning of the target genes involved in the regulation of spike-related traits in common wheat.

Quantitative analysis of amino acids in human and bovine colostrum milk samples through iTRAQ labeling.

BACKGROUND: The types and quantity of proteins vary widely between bovine and human milk, with corresponding differences in free and hydrolytic amino acids. In this study, the free and hydrolytic amino acids of bovine and human colostrum were for the first time qualitatively and quantitatively determined using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification technology combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection. RESULTS: Total free amino acid content was 0.32 g L-1 and 0.63 g L-1 in bovine and human colostrum respectively, with free amino acid content in human colostrum twice that of bovine colostrum. However, total hydrolytic amino acid content was 4.2 g L-1 and 2.2 g L-1 in bovine and human colostrum respectively. We found that the hydrolytic amino acid content in bovine colostrum was higher than that in human colostrum; however, the amount of free amino acids and the overall amino acid content in human colostrum were respectively substantially higher and more varied than in bovine colostrum. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed differences between bovine and human colostrum, with these data providing the basis for further research into amino acid metabolomics and infant formula. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Relationship between TRAF6 and deterioration of HCC: an immunohistochemical and in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and the clinicopathological features in HCC as well as its biological function. METHODS: Totally, 412 liver tissues were collected, including 171 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their corresponding non-tumor tissues, 37 cirrhosis and 33 normal liver tissues. The expression of TRAF6 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Then, analysis of the correlations between TRAF6 expression and clinicopathological parameters in HCC was conducted. Furtherer, in vitro experiments on HepG2 and Hep3B cells were performed to validate the biological function of TRAF6 on HCC cells. TRAF6 siRNA was transfected into HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines and TRAF6 expression was evaluated with RT-qPCR and western blot. The assays of cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and caspase-3/7 activity were carried out to investigate the effects of TRAF6 on HCC cells with RNA interference. Cell viability was assessed with Cell Titer-Blue kit. Cell proliferation was tested with MTS kit. Cell apoptosis was checked through morphologic detection with fluorescence microscope, as well as caspase-3/7 activity was measured with fluorogenic substrate detection. RESULTS: The positive expression rate of TRAF6 protein was 49.7 % in HCC, significantly higher than that of normal liver (12.1 %), cirrhosis (21.6 %) and adjacent non-cancerous tissues (36.3 %, all P < 0.05). Upregulated TRAF6 was detected in groups with metastasis (Z = -2.058, P = 0.04) and with low micro-vessel density (MVD) expression (Z = -2.813, P = 0.005). Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the expression of TRAF6 was positively correlated with distant metastasis (r = 0.158, P = 0.039) and negatively associated with MVD (r = -0.249, P = 0.004). Besides, knock-down of TRAF6 mRNA in HCC cell lines HepG2 and Hep3B both resulted in cell viability and proliferation inhibition, also cell apoptosis induction and caspase-3/7 activity activation. CONCLUSIONS: TRAF6 may contribute to metastasis and deterioration of the HCC via influencing cell growth and apoptosis. Thus, TRAF6 might become a predictive and therapeutic biomarker for HCC.

Characterization of the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed casein in Balb/c mouse model.

Bovine casein is a major allergen present in cow milk to induce anaphylaxis. In this study, the potential allergenicity of enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (HC) was evaluated based on in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that Alcalase and Protamex treatment (AT, PT) reduced the potential allergenicity of CN, with the greatest reductions of 68.25% and 50.75%, respectively. In addition, in vivo results showed that HC effectively alleviated allergic response symptoms of Balb/c mice; a significant tendency toward decreased serum IgG1 and mast cell tryptase levels was observed, accompanied by a decrease of Th2-associated IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and an increase of IFN-γ levels in spleen. Moreover, the inflammation of the lung, jejunum, and ileum was remarkably ameliorated. The findings indicated that HC induced a shift toward Th1 response and maintained the Th1/Th2 immune balance. Importantly, our results provide the basis for the production of hypoallergenic dairy products.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of a polysaccharide produced by Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882.

In the present work, a Gynostemma pentaphyllum herb endophytic fungus of Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 polysaccharide produced from tapioca starch (GCP-TS) with submerged fermentation was analyzed. GCP-TS contains rhamnose, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid in the molar ratio of 6.29: 0.55: 1.12: 22.93: 10.94: 3.54. Its weight-average molecular weight, number-average molecular weight and polydispersity were 4.73 × 104 Da, 4.29 × 104 Da and 1.103, respectively. Antioxidant results showed that GCP-TS had a concentration-dependent scavenging ability against DPPH radical, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS radical. The corresponding scavenging capacities of GCP-TS aqueous solution at the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL were 45.11 ± 2.52, 43.58 ± 1.97, 36.27 ± 2.48, and 34.39 ± 2.06 %, respectively. Antibacterial activities of GCP-TS against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were enhanced with the increase in its concentration, and its bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus was stronger than that against E. coli.

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides: A review.

With the bioactivities of antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, antitumor and anti-coagulation, plant and microbial polysaccharides have been widely used in foods, medicine and cosmetics. However, how structure features affect the physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides is still unclear. Ultrasonic degradation usually degrades or modifies plant and microbial polysaccharides with different physicochemical properties and bioactivities by affecting their chemical or spatial structures via mechanical bond breaking and cavitation effects. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation might be an effective strategy for producing bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-function relationship. Present review summarized the influence of ultrasonic degradation on structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems need to be paid attention to during the application of ultrasonication for plant and microbial polysaccharides degradation are also recommended. Overall, present review will provide an efficient method for producing enhanced bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-activity relationship based on ultrasonic degradation.

Evaluation of IgG/IgE-binding capacity and functional properties of enzymatic hydrolysis in skimmed cow milk system.

Cow's milk (CM) allergy is a common food allergy that seriously impacts the growth and development of infants and children. However, CM is an important source of nutrients, and few studies focus on the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis treatment on the whole skimmed CM system. In this study, the IgG/IgE-binding and functional properties of Alcalase-, Protamex-, and Flavourzyme-treated skimmed CM (AT, PT, and FT, respectively) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the treatment groups were mainly composed of low molecular weight (MW) peptides (<3 kDa), accounting for 94.85%-97.90%. Additionally, the IgG reactivity of these peptides was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of higher MW peptides (10-30 kDa and >30 kDa). The IgE reactivity of FT with higher MW peptides was the lowest among these groups, with the OD value reaching 0.089. Moreover, the total amino acid content of hydrolysates of skimmed CM (HM) increased significantly (skimmed CM, 5.94 µg/mL; AT, 123.70 µg/mL; PT: 136.20 µg/mL; FT, 988.72 µg/mL) compared to that in skimmed CM. A total of 10, 10, and 7 flavor compounds were increased in AT, PT, and FT, respectively. Furthermore, the solubility, foamability, and emulsifying ability of HM were significantly improved, being 2.17-fold, 1.52-fold, and 1.96-fold higher in PT than in skimmed CM. These results lay a theoretical foundation for the development of hypoallergenic dairy products.

Investigation of pectolytic and PR genes expression, quality and phytochemical contents in organic and non-organic table grapes at harvest and during storage.

The demand for organic table grapes is increasing worldwide. However, comprehensive information of quality parameters and phytochemical compounds in organically grown fruit remain unclear. Furthermore, table grapes are perishable and postharvest quality retention and waste prevention is very important. In this study we have compared the differences between organic and non-organic table grapes in terms of phytochemical compounds and quality parameters as well as the changes in the expression levels of pathogen related and lytic genes during storage. Organic fruit showed higher levels of phenolics, flavonoids, caffeic acid, hydrogen peroxide, protein content, antioxidant and anti-stress enzymes and total antioxidant activities at harvest and during storage. Although, the expression levels of polygalactronases, pectin methyl esterase, chitinase and glucanase genes was lower in organically grown table grapes at harvest, but the expression of all these genes was significantly increased during cold storage. After 60 days of cold storage the expression levels of pectin methyl esterase, chitinase and glucanase genes was significantly higher than the conventionally grown grape berries in organic ones. The highest expression of polygalacturonase was recorded in organic samples after 30 days of storage. There was no significant difference between the two types of table grapes for decay extension and tissue deterioration rate. The results of this study indicate that due to higher levels of phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds the organic table grapes have a higher nutritional quality. Furthermore, the increase in PR and pectolytic genes expression levels is enough for decreasing the fruit susceptibility to decay pathogens and enhancing the postharvest life of organic grapes.

Clinical Characteristics, Course, and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Talaromyces marneffei Infection: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei), a dimorphic fungus, causes local or disseminated infection in humans. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes of patients with T. marneffei infection and compare the differences between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative subgroups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 241 patients with T. marneffei infection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 2012 and January 2022. The overall population was stratified into HIV-positive (n = 98) and HIV-negative (n = 143) groups according to HIV status. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: With a median follow-up time of 58.9 months, 120 patients (49.8%) experienced disease progression and 85 patients (70.8%) died. The 5-year rates of OS and PFS were 61.4% (95% CI 55.0-68.6%) and 47.8% (95% CI 41.5-55.1%), respectively. As an independent factor, patients who were HIV positive had better PFS (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.82; p < 0.01) than patients who were HIV negative. Compared with patients who were HIV positive, patients who were HIV negative were older and had more probabilities of underlying diseases, chest involvement, bone destruction, and higher count of neutrophils (all p < 0.05). Hemoglobin (PFS: HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39-1.00; p < 0.05; OS: HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22-0.89; p = 0.02) and lymphocyte count (PFS: HR 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.26; p < 0.01; OS: HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.40; p < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in patients who were HIV negative. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T. marneffei infection have a poor prognosis. Patients who are HIV positive and HIV negative have relatively independent clinical characteristics. Multiple organ involvement and disease progression are more common in patients who are HIV negative.

Wheat drought-responsive grain proteome analysis by linear and nonlinear 2-DE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

A comparative proteomic analysis of drought-responsive proteins during grain development of two wheat varieties Kauz (strong resistance to drought stress) and Janz (sensitive to drought stress) was performed by using linear and nonlinear 2-DE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technologies. Results revealed that the nonlinear 2-DE had much higher resolution than the linear 2-DE. A total of 153 differentially expressed protein spots were detected by both 2-DE maps, of which 122 protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. The identified differential proteins were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism (26%), detoxification and defense (23%), and storage proteins (17%). Some key proteins demonstrated significantly different expression patterns between the two varieties. In particular, catalase isozyme 1, WD40 repeat protein, LEA and alpha-amylase inhibitors displayed an upregulated expression pattern in Kauz, whereas they were downregulated or unchanged in Janz. Small and large subunit ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase, ascorbate peroxidase and G beta-like protein were all downregulated under drought stress in Janz, but had no expression changes in Kauz. Sucrose synthase and triticin precursor showed an upregulated expression pattern under water deficits in both varieties, but their upregulation levels were much higher in Kauz than in Janz. These differentially expressed proteins could be related to the biochemical pathways for stronger drought resistance of Kauz.

Comparative Efficacy of Fish Meal Replacement With Enzymatically Treated Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Immunity, Oxidative Capacity and Fecal Microbiota in Weaned Pigs.

This study investigated the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity and fecal microbiota of weaned pigs by partially or completely replacing dietary fish meal with enzymatically treated soybean meal. A total of 144 piglets (initial body weight of 7.19 ± 0.11 kg) weaned at 28 d were allotted to 3 dietary treatments (6 replicates per treatment): 4% fish meal diet (FM); 2% fishmeal plus 6% enzymatically treated soybean meal (ESBM1); and 6% enzymatically treated soybean meal without fish meal (ESBM2). The experimental period was 28 d, serum was collected at day 14 and day 28 for biochemical parameters analysis, feces was obtained for microbiota analysis at 28d. The body weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake of piglets in the ESBM2 group were significantly increased compared with those in the FM and ESBM1 groups from 0 to 28 d, respectively (P < 0.05). The diets with enzymatically treated soybean meal in ESBM1 and ESBM2 groups decreased the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Compared with FM, ESBM1 and ESBM2 decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (P < 0.05). ESBM1 decreased diamine oxidase (DAO) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) compared with FM and ESBM2 (P < 0.05). ESBM1 decreased serum Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) compared with FM at d 14 (P < 0.05). The serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), secretory curl associated protein 5 (sFRP-5) were higher in ESBM1 compared with FM and ESBM2 (P < 0.05). ESBM2 increased super oxidase dismutase (SOD) level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared with FM and ESBM1, the concentration of SOD in ESBM1was higher than that in FM (P < 0.05). ESBM1 decreased cortisol and caspase 3 (Casp-3) (P < 0.05). FM showed a higher content of tri-iodothyronine (T3) (P < 0.05) and a lower thyroxine/ tri-iodothyronine ratio compared with those in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of leptin was lower in ESBM2 (P < 0.05). ESBM1 had a higher α-diversity than ESBM2 (P < 0.05). The microbiota composition was different among three treatments (difference between FM and ESBM1, p = 0.005; FM and ESBM2, p = 0.009; ESBM1 and ESBM2, p = 0.004). ESBM2 tend to increase the abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.070) and decrease Bacteroidetes (P = 0.069). ESBM2 decreased the abundance of Parabacteroides and increased SMB53 compared with FM (P < 0.05). The spearman correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of Parabacteroides enriched in FM group was negatively correlated with SOD, Megasphaera enriched in ESBM2 group were positively correlated with SOD. The abundance of Lachnospira enriched in ESBM2 group were negatively correlated with serum concentration of D-lactate, DAO, IL-6, and NO. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, diet with only ESBM demonstrate the beneficial impact on intestinal microbiota developments, antioxidant capacity as well as growth performance for weaned pigs.

Effects of combined enzymatic hydrolysis and fed-batch operation on efficient improvement of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid production from pretreated corn straws.

In the present work, the effects of combined enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase and xylanase (CXEH), fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis (FBEH) operation and kinetics on production of ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (pCA) from pretreated corn straws were investigated. The results showed that CXEH could efficiently increase production of FA and pCA. When performed the FBEH operation by feeding 150 mL enzymatic hydrolysis solution (1.5 % enzyme concentration, 5:4 (v/v) ratio of cellulase to xylanase and 2.0 % substrate loading) to 250 mL batch enzymatic hydrolysis solution at 36 h, the maximum production (2178.58 and 2710.17 mg/L) and production rate (590.95 and 727.89 mg/L.h) of FA and pCA were respectively obtained. Moreover, the disruption of fiber tissues, enhancement of crystallinity and accelerated degradation of hemicelluloses and lignocelluloses caused by CXEH contributed to effectively improving production of FA and pCA in corn straws.

The gene TaWOX5 overcomes genotype dependency in wheat genetic transformation.

Although great progress has been achieved regarding wheat genetic transformation technology in the past decade1-3, genotype dependency, the most impactful factor in wheat genetic transformation, currently limits the capacity for wheat improvement by transgenic integration and genome-editing approaches. The application of regeneration-related genes during in vitro culture could potentially contribute to enhancement of plant transformation efficiency4-11. In the present study, we found that overexpression of the wheat gene TaWOX5 from the WUSCHEL family dramatically increases transformation efficiency with less genotype dependency than other methods. The expression of TaWOX5 in wheat calli prohibited neither shoot differentiation nor root development. Moreover, successfully transformed transgenic wheat plants can clearly be recognized based on a visible botanic phenotype, relatively wider flag leaves. Application of TaWOX5 improved wheat immature embryo transformation and regeneration. The use of TaWOX5 in improvement of transformation efficiency also showed promising results in Triticum monococcum, triticale, rye, barley and maize.

Compare the Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Systemic Corticosteroids on Sputum Microbiome of AECOPD.

Background: To observe the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and systemic corticosteroids (SCS) on the sputum microbiology of patients with AECOPD. Methods: The 16S rRNA sequencing results for sputum samples from 36 admitted AECOPD patients were analyzed using ICS or SCS on the basis of standard treatment; sputum samples were collected before and after treatment for 1 day, 7, and 14 days. Results: After 7 days of SCS treatment, the bacterial abundance of Sorangium, Acidibacter, and Fretibacterium decreased at the genus level. After 14 days of SCS treatment, the bacterial abundance of Prevotella_2, Bergeyella, Corynebacterium_1, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 was decreased at the genus level, and an increase in the bacterial abundance of the Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group was observed at the family level. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm showed that after treatment for 14 days, Sphingobacterium increased in the SCS group, and Corynebacterium_1 (genus level), Bacillales (order level), and Lactobacillales (order level) decreased in the ICS group. However, the abundance of the above bacteria in each group of samples was <1%, suggesting that the two treatments may have similar effects on bacterial abundance. Alpha diversity analysis results showed that there was no significant difference in the ACE index, Chao1 index, Shannon index, or Simpson index between the ICS group and the SCS group. Beta diversity analysis showed that there was little difference in bacterial diversity among each group. BugBase predicted that although bacteria containing mobile elements in the SCS group decreased significantly compared with those in patients using ICS after treatment for 14 days, these two treatments had similar effects on other phenotype categories assigned to the bacterial contents. Conclusions: Our results show that ICS and SCS have remarkably similar effects on the sputum microbiome of AECOPD patients.