Metabolite analysis of soybean oil on promoting astaxanthin production of Phaffia rhodozyma.

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant property. In addition, it has anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and many other functions. The micro-organisms that mainly produce astaxanthin are Haematococcus pluvialis and Phaffia rhodozyma. Compared with H. pluvialis, P. rhodozyma has shorter fermentation cycle and easier to control culture conditions, but the yield of astaxanthin in P. rhodozyma is low. This article studied how to improve the astaxanthin production of P. rhodozyma. RESULTS: The results showed that when 10 mL L-1 soybean oil was added to the culture medium, astaxanthin production increased significantly, reaching 7.35 mg L-1 , which was 1.4 times that of the control group, and lycopene and ß-carotene contents also increased significantly. Through targeted metabolite analysis, the fatty acids in P. rhodozyma significantly increased under the soybean oil stimulation, especially the fatty acids closely related to the formation of astaxanthin esters, included palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1n9), linoleic acid (C18:2n6), α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) and γ-linolenic acid (C18:3n6), thereby increasing the astaxanthin esters content. CONCLUSION: It showed that the addition of soybean oil can promote the accumulation of astaxanthin by promoting the increase of astaxanthin ester content. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Network Meta-analysis of efficacy of Chinese patent medicine in treatment of inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy].

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy(DN) based on network Meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) of oral Chinese patent medicines for improving inflammatory response in patients with DN was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, and other databases from database inception to October 2022. All investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality. Stata 16.0 software and RevMan 5.4.1 were used to analyze the data of the literature that met the quality standards. Finally, 53 RCTs were included, involving 6 Chinese patent medicines. The total sample size was 4 891 cases, including 2 449 cases in the test group and 2 442 cases in the control group. The network Meta-analysis showed that(1) in terms of reducing TNF-α, the top 3 optimal interventions according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA) were Shenshuaining Capsules/Granules/Tablets + conventional western medicine, Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional western medicine, and Niaoduqing Granules + conventional western medicine.(2) In terms of reducing hs-CRP, the top 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Bailing Capsules + conventional western medicine, Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets + conventional western medicine, and Shenshuaining Capsules/Granules/Tablets + conventional western medicine.(3) In terms of reducing IL-6, the top 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Bailing Capsules + conventional western medicine, Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets + conventional western medicine, and Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional western medicine.(4) In terms of reducing UAER, the top 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Shenshuaining Capsules/Granules/Tablets + conventional western medicine, Huangkui Capsules + conventional western medicine, and Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional western medicine.(5) In terms of reducing Scr, the top 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional western medicine, Niaoduqing Granules + conventional wes-tern medicine, and Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets + conventional western medicine.(6) In terms of reducing BUN, the first 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Niaoduqing Granules + conventional western medicine, Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets + conventional western medicine, and Huangkui Capsules + conventional western medicine.(7) In terms of improving the clinical total effective rate, the first 3 optimal interventions according to SUCRA were Jinshuibao Capsules + conventional western medicine, Niaoduqing Granu-les + conventional western medicine, and Huangkui Capsules + conventional western medicine. The results showed that the combination of western medicine and Chinese patent medicine could reduce the expression of serum inflammatory factors TNF-α, hs-CRP, and IL-6 and inhibit the inflammatory response. The combination of western medicine and Chinese patent medicine was superior to western medicine alone in reducing Scr, BUN, and UAER, and improving the total effective rate of treatment. Due to the limitation of the quantity and quality of literature included, the above conclusions need to be validated by more high-quality studies.

Waveguide-based total internal reflection fluorescence microscope enabling cellular imaging under cryogenic conditions.

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is an important imaging tool for the investigation of biological structures, especially the study on cellular events near the plasma membrane. Imaging at cryogenic temperatures not only enables observing structures in a near-native and fixed state but also suppresses irreversible photo-bleaching rates, resulting in increased photo-stability of fluorophores. Traditional TIRF microscopes produce an evanescent field based on high numerical aperture immersion objective lenses with high magnification, which results in a limited field of view and is incompatible with cryogenic conditions. Here, we present a waveguide-based TIRF microscope, which is able to generate a uniform evanescent field using high refractive index waveguides on photonic chips and to obtain cellular observation at cryogenic temperatures. Our method provides an inexpensive way to achieve total-internal-reflection fluorescence imaging under cryogenic conditions.

Benzo(a)pyrene exposure in utero exacerbates Parkinson's Disease (PD)-like α-synucleinopathy in A53T human alpha-synuclein transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: Previous work indicated that benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) exposure in utero might adversely affect neurodevelopment and cause Parkinson's Disease (PD)-like symptoms. However, the effect of utero exposure to B(a)P on PD-like α-synucleinopathy and the mechanism under are unclear. OBJECTIVE: The A53T human alpha-synuclein (α-syn) transgenic mice (M83+/-) were used in this study to gain insights into the role of B(a)P exposure in utero in the onset of α-syn pathology and neuronal damage. METHOD: Timed-pregnant M83+/- dams were exposed to 1) corn oil (vehicle) or 2) 5 mg/kg bw/d B(a)P or 3) 20 mg/kg bw/d B(a)P at gestational day 10-17 by oral gavage and then the SNCA transcription, α-syn accumulation and aggregation, neuroinflammation and nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration of 60-day-old pups were evaluated. RESULT: SNCA mRNA and α-syn protein expression in the midbrain of 60 days adult mice were found to be remarkably elevated after B(a)P exposure in utero, the protein degradation capacity was injured (in 20 mg/kg dose group) and α-syn aggregation could be observed in the substantia nigra (SN); Enhanced Iba1 expression in the midbrain and microglial activation (in 20 mg/kg dose group) in the SN were also figured out; Besides, dopaminergic neurons in the SN of 60 days adult mice were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that B(a)P exposure in utero could exacerbate α-syn pathology and induce activation of microglia which might further lead to dopaminergic neuronal loss in the SN.

Double-stranded RNA-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra in the presence of Mac1 receptor.

BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanism of viral infection as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We used Mac-1-/- and gp91phox-/- transgene animal models to investigate the mechanisms by which poly I:C, a mimic of virus double-stranded RNA, induces PD neurodegeneration. METHOD: Poly I:C was stereotaxically injected into the substantia nigra (SN) of wild-type (WT), Mac-1-knockout (Mac-1-/-) and gp91 phox-knockout (gp91 phox-/-) mice (10 µg/µl), and nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration, α-synuclein accumulation and neuroinflammation were evaluated. RESULT: Dopaminergic neurons in the nigra and striatum were markedly reduced in WT mice after administration of poly I:C together with abundant microglial activation in the SN, and the expression of α-synuclein was also elevated. However, these pathological changes were greatly dampened in Mac-1-/- and gp91 phox-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that viral infection could result in the activation of microglia as well as NADPH oxidase, which may lead to neuron loss and the development of Parkinson's-like symptoms. Mac-1 is a key receptor during this process.

Diagnostic Value and Clinical Significance of Combined Detection of Serum Markers CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA and ProGRP in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to explore the diagnostic value and clinical significance of combined detection of serum markers CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA and ProGRP in non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA, and ProGRP levels of 113 patients with lung cancer, 110 patients with benign lung diseases, and 90 healthy volunteers were detected by electrochemiluminescence assay. The correlations between positive expressions and clinical and pathological parameters were analyzed. The diagnostic values of CYFRA21-1, SCC, NSE, CEA, and ProGRP were evaluated by plotting ROC curves. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA, and ProGRP in the lung cancer group significantly exceeded those of benign lung disease and healthy groups (p < 0.05). In the lung cancer group, CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA, and ProGRP levels significantly varied in patients with different degrees of invasion and clinical stages in the presence/absence of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). AUCs of diagnosis by CYFRA21-1, ProGRP, CEA, SCC Ag, and NSE were 0.737 [95% CI (0.582 - 0.893)], 0.829 [95% CI (0.742 - 0.915)], 0.848 [95% CI (0.739 - 0.956)], 0.758 [95% CI (0.642 - 0.874)], and 0.857 [95% CI (0.764 - 0.951)], respectively, with the optimal cutoff values of 11.38 µg/mL, 103.47 pg/mL, 5.78 ng/mL, 3.92 ng/mL, and 13.36 ng/mL, respectively. The combined diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy both exceeded those based on individual markers, but the combined diagnostic specificity was slightly lower than those using CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, and ProGRP alone. CONCLUSIONS: CYFRA21-1, SCC Ag, NSE, CEA, and ProGRP levels of patients with lung cancer increased abnormally. The combined detection effectively improved diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.

Au nanocages saturable absorber for 3-µm mid-infrared pulsed fiber laser with a wide wavelength tuning range.

Au nanocages (Au-NCs) have attracted wide attention as low-dimensional materials with broadband absorption, ultrafast optical response, large third-order optical nonlinearity coefficient, and high photothermal stability and thermal tolerance. By employing Au-NCs as saturable absorbers, we demonstrate a widely tunable passively Q-switched erbium-doped fluoride fiber laser at the wavelength of 2.8 µm. When operates at 2778.0 nm, this laser delivers stable Q-switched pulses with a maximum average power of 584.6 mW at a pulse repetition rate of 80.6 kHz. The minimum pulse duration attained was 1.16 µs corresponding with the single pulse energy of 7.25 µJ. Our results present onefold increase in pulse energy over previously published values achieved from Au nanoparticles based 3-µm passively Q-switched fiber lasers. By introducing a plane ruled grating, a tuning rage of 57.0 nm from 2753.0 to 2810.0 nm is achieved, while maintaining stable Q-switched operation. To our knowledge, this is the first time to demonstrate that Au-NCs can realize mid-infrared pulsed laser. Our research results show that Au-NCs are promising broadband nonlinear modulators for mid-infrared pulse generation.

Enhancement of carotenoid biosynthesis in Phaffia rhodozyma PR106 under stress conditions.

Carotenoids have good biological activity in antioxidant, anti-aging and scavenging harmful free radicals. In this study, we screened a strain that produced carotenoids, and selected a stress condition which significantly improved carotenoids content. The strain was identified as Phaffia rhodozyma PR106. Active oxygen generator TiO2 was the most significant factor to the carotenoids content of the P. rhodozyma. The content of carotenoids was 54.45 mg/g at 500 mg/L TiO2, which was about 1.25 times of the control and the proportion of carotenoids also changed from 1:9:16 to 1:8.5:12. Further, we determined the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in YEPD medium and P. rhodozyma, found that the ROS (H2O2, O2-, and HO•) was significantly increased at 500 mg/L TiO2 in YEPD medium compared with the control, but increased in P. rhodozyma under 1000 mg/L TiO2 treated. These results suggested that the increase in carotenoids was related to ROS in P. rhodozyma.

Reference Intervals of Cytokeratin-19 Fragment (CYFRA 21-1) in Healthy Adults in China.

BACKGROUND: The reference intervals for serum cytokeratin-19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) have not been established in Chinese population. This study aimed to measure serum CYFRA 21-1 levels in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS: This cross-sectional, four-center study in two Chinese provinces enrolled participants (aged 18 - 85 years) with normal liver/kidney function and normal results for routine blood tests/urinalysis. Serum CYFRA 211 level was measured by ARCHITECT immunoassay (Abbott Diagnostics). RESULTS: The study included 3,366 participants. The median (interquartile range) value for serum CYFRA 21-1 level was 1.38 (1.00 - 1.89) ng/mL and tended to increase with age. The upper limit of the 97.5th percentile was 3.55 ng/mL and tended to increase with age. Serum CYFRA 21-1 median level varied between the four centers from 1.22 (0.89, 1.71) to 1.55 (1.12, 2.18) ng/mL, while the 97.5th percentile varied from 3.24 to 4.09 ng/mL. CYFRA 21-1 level correlated weakly with age and creatinine level. CONCLUSIONS: These new data can help to establish the 'normal range' of serum CYFRA 21-1 in people in China.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Varicella in Anhui Province, China, 2012-2021: Surveillance Study.

BACKGROUND: Varicella is a mild, self-limited disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Recently, the disease burden of varicella has been gradually increasing in China; however, the epidemiological characteristics of varicella have not been reported for Anhui Province. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021, which can provide a basis for the future study and formulation of varicella prevention and control policies in the province. METHODS: Surveillance data were used to characterize the epidemiology of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021 in terms of population, time, and space. Spatial autocorrelation of varicella was explored using the Moran index (Moran I). The Kulldorff space-time scan statistic was used to analyze the spatiotemporal aggregation of varicella. RESULTS: A total of 276,115 cases of varicella were reported from 2012 to 2021 in Anhui, with an average annual incidence of 44.8 per 100,000, and the highest incidence was 81.2 per 100,000 in 2019. The male-to-female ratio of cases was approximately 1.26, which has been gradually decreasing in recent years. The population aged 5-14 years comprised the high-incidence group, although the incidence in the population 30 years and older has gradually increased. Students accounted for the majority of cases, and the proportion of cases in both home-reared children (aged 0-7 years who are not sent to nurseries, daycare centers, or school) and kindergarten children (aged 3-6 years) has changed slightly in recent years. There were two peaks of varicella incidence annually, except for 2020, and the incidence was typically higher in the winter peak than in summer. The incidence of varicella in southern Anhui was higher than that in northern Anhui. The average annual incidence at the county level ranged from 6.61 to 152.14 per 100,000, and the varicella epidemics in 2018-2021 were relatively severe. The spatial and temporal distribution of varicella in Anhui was not random, with a positive spatial autocorrelation found at the county level (Moran I=0.412). There were 11 districts or counties with high-high clusters, mainly distributed in the south of Anhui, and 3 districts or counties with high-low or low-high clusters. Space-time scan analysis identified five possible clusters of areas, and the most likely cluster was distributed in the southeastern region of Anhui. CONCLUSIONS: This study comprehensively describes the epidemiology and changing trend of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021. In the future, preventive and control measures should be strengthened for the key populations and regions of varicella.

Immunogenicity of Tetravalent Protein Vaccine SCTV01E-2 against SARS-CoV-2 EG.5 Subvaraint: A Phase 2 Trial.

The Omicron EG.5 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 is currently on a trajectory to become the dominant strain. This phase 2 study aims to evaluate the immunogenicity of SCTV01E-2, a tetravalent protein vaccine, with a specific emphasis on its immunogenicity against Omicron EG.5, comparing it with its progenitor vaccine, SCTV01E (NCT05933512). As of 12 September 2023, 429 participants aged ≥18 years were randomized into the groups SCTV01E (N = 215) and SCTV01E-2 (N = 214). Both vaccines showed increases in neutralizing antibody (nAb) against Omicron EG.5, with a 5.7-fold increase and a 9.0-fold increase in the SCTV01E and SCTV01E-2 groups 14 days post-vaccination, respectively. The predetermined statistical endpoints were achieved, showing that the geometric mean titer (GMT) of nAb and the seroresponse rate (SRR) against Omicron EG.5 were significantly higher in the SCTV01E-2 group than in the SCTV01E group. Additionally, SCTV01E and SCTV01E-2 induced a 5.5-fold and a 5.9-fold increase in nAb against XBB.1, respectively. Reactogenicity was generally mild and transient. No vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs), adverse events of special interest (AESIs), or deaths were reported. In summary, SCTV01E-2 elicited robust neutralizing responses against Omicron EG.5 and XBB.1 without raising safety concerns, highlighting its potential as a versatile COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Research of Frequency Splitting Caused by Uneven Mass of Micro-Hemispherical Resonator Gyro.

In practical engineering, the frequency splitting of Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG) caused by uneven mass distribution seriously affects the precision of HRG. So, the inherent frequency is an important parameter of micro-Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (m-HRG). In the processing of hemispherical resonator, there are some morphological errors and internal defects in the hemispherical resonator, which affect the inherent frequency and the working mode of m-HRG, and reduce the precision and performance of m-HRG. In order to improve the precision and performance of m-HRG, the partial differential equation of the hemispherical resonator is solved, and the three-dimensional model using ANSYS software accurately reflected the actual shape is established in this paper. Then, the mode of hemispherical resonator in ideal state and uneven mass distribution state are simulated and analyzed. The frequency splitting mechanism of the hemispherical resonator is determined by calculation and demonstration, and the frequency splitting of the hemispherical resonator is suppressed by partial mass elimination. The results show that the absolute balance of energy can ensure the high-quality factor and the minimum frequency splitting of the hemispherical resonator. Therefore, during the processing of hemispherical resonator, the balance of mass should be achieved as much as possible to avoid various surface damage, internal defects and uneven mass distribution to guarantee the high-quality factor Q and minimum frequency splitting of hemispherical resonator.

Connexin43 inhibition attenuated dopaminergic neuronal loss in the lipopolysaccharide-induced mice model of Parkinson's disease.

Studies using in vitro Parkinson's disease (PD) models have found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced reduction of connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junction communication and elevation of hemichannel function, which could cause neurotoxicity directly and indirectly via excessive ATP and glutamate release. However, in vivo study about Cx43 expression and function, as well as the efficacy of Cx43 inhibition for neuronal survival in PD is lacking. This study aimed to unravel the role of Cx43 in PD and understand the underlying mechanisms using an in vivo PD model. Male C57BL/6 mice received intranigral injection of LPS (5 µg) and 43Gap27 (4 µg), a Cx43 inhibitor, simultaneously. Results showed that following LPS treatment, total Cx43 expression decreased by about 60%, but the relative level of phosphorylated Cx43 increased to about double that controls (all p < 0.05). The administration of 43Gap27 significantly attenuated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and restored dopamine and its metabolites levels. Moreover, 43Gap27 treatment inhibited intense microgliosis and astrogliosis in nigrostriatal system induced by LPS and also ameliorated elevated levels of inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, Cx43 inhibition also increased nerve growth factors. In conclusion, Cx43 inhibition was able to prevent LPS-mediated dopaminergic neuronal death, possibly via neuroinflammation reaction reduction and neurotrophic factors elevation. Therefore, Cx43 may be a promising therapeutic target for degenerative neurological disorders such as PD.

ALKBH5 Expression could Affect the Function of T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is widespread in eukaryotic mRNA, regulated by m6A demethylase, AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). However, the role of m6A in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still obscure. We explored ALKBH5 expression in SLE patients and its effects on T cells. METHODS: 100 SLE patients and 110 healthy controls were recruited to investigate the expression of ALKBH5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). An additional 32 SLE patients and 32 health controls were enrolled to explore the expression of ALKBH5 in T cells. Then we explored the function of ALKBH5 in T cells by lentivirus. RESULTS: The expressions of ALKBH5 were downregulated in both PBMCs and T cells in SLE patients (all P<0.05). In PBMCs: ALKBH5 mRNA levels were associated with a complement C4 level in plasma (P<0.05). In T cells: ALKBH5 mRNA levels were downregulated in SLE patients with low complement levels, high antidsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, and proteinuria compared with those without, respectively (all P<0.05); ALKBH5 mRNA levels were negatively related with SLE disease activity index score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and anti-dsDNA levels (all P<0.05), and positively correlated with complement C3 and C4 level (all P<0.05). Functionally, the overexpression of ALKBH5 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of T cells (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: ALKBH5 expression is downregulated in SLE patients and could affect the apoptosis and proliferation of T cells, but the exact mechanism still needs to be further explored.

Titanium dioxide-mediated fatty acids promoted carotenoid synthesis in Phaffia rhodozyma PR106 analyzed whole genome.

Carotenoid, as good colorant and antioxidant, is widely used in the fields of food, medicine and feed. The whole genome of P. rhodozyma PR106 strain with 228.77 mg/L carotenoid (mainly included astaxanthin, ß-carotene and lycopene) yield was sequenced, and the genome size was 16.18 Mb, the GC content was 47%. The genetic evolution analysis indicated that PR106 greatly changed in evolution process, and closely related to P. rhodozyma CBS7918. Under 500 mg/L titanium dioxide (TiO2) stress, carotenoid yield of PR106 was 2.15 times that of the control for 48 h, and was 305.12 mg/L in PR106 to 72 h, interestingly, the yield of oleate, linoleate and α-linolenate also increased significantly among 51 fatty acids by targeted metabolomics analysis. TiO2 promoted carotenoid synthesis of PR106 by forming astaxanthin esters to reduce the feedback inhibition of carotenoid synthesis. These results provided a theoretical basis for carotenoid production and development using P. rhodozyma.

Effects of different heat exposure patterns (accumulated and transient) and schizophrenia hospitalizations: a time-series analysis on hourly temperature basis.

Growing studies have shown that high temperature is a potential risk factor of schizophrenia occurrence. Therefore, elaborate analysis of different temperature exposure patterns, such as cumulative heat exposure within a time period and transient exposure at a particular time point, is of important public health significance. This study aims to utilize hourly temperature data to better capture the effects of cumulative and transient heat exposures on schizophrenia during the warm season in Hefei, China. We included the daily mean temperature and daily schizophrenia hospitalizations into the distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to simulate the exposure-response curve and determine the heat threshold (19.4 °C). We calculated and applied a novel indicator-daily excess hourly heat (DEHH)-to examine the effects of cumulative heat exposure over a day on schizophrenia hospitalizations. Temperature measurements at each time point were also incorporated in the DLNM as independent exposure indicators to analyze the impact of transient heat exposure on schizophrenia. Each increment of interquartile range (IQR) in DEHH was associated with elevated risk of schizophrenia hospitalizations from lag 1 (RR = 1.036, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.016, 1.057) to lag 4 (RR = 1.025, 95% CI: 1.005, 1.046). Men and people over 40 years old were more susceptible to DEHH. Besides, we found a greater risk of heat-related schizophrenia hospitalizations between 0 a.m. and 6 a.m. This study revealed the adverse effects of accumulated and transient heat exposures on schizophrenia hospitalizations. Our findings need to be further tested in other regions with distinct regional features.

Astaxanthin overproduction of Phaffia rhodozyma PR106 under titanium dioxide stress by transcriptomics and metabolic regulation analysis.

In this study, astaxanthin yield of Phaffia rhodozyma PR106 increased significantly under titanium dioxide (TiO2) stress, and the yield of lycopene and ß-carotene also increased significantly, as well as the yield of violaxanthin and lutein significantly decreased; in addition, TiO2 stress promoted cell division and changed cell morphology of PR106. Then, the mechanism of increasing astaxanthin yield was studied by transcriptomics and related metabolic regulation. The results showed that astaxanthin accumulation in PR106 was not directly related to mRNA transcription and post-translational modifications regulation under TiO2 stress; TiO2 stress accelerated glucose uptake of yeast, promoted reuse of ethanol, and increased the formation of acetyl-CoA and ATP. The more carbon flux was shifted to astaxanthin synthesis pathway and weakened carotenoids accumulation in astaxanthin branch pathway to improve the astaxanthin production of PR106. The metabolism regulation of ROS could continue in the PR106 strain.

Association between ambient air pollution and multiple sclerosis: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the effects of air pollutants on autoimmune diseases. The results of relationship between ambient air pollution and multiple sclerosis (MS) showed a variety of differences. Thus, the purpose of this study is to further clarify and quantify the relationship between ambient air pollutants and MS through meta-analysis. Through electronic literature search, literature related to our research topic was collected in Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed till August 18, 2020, according to certain criteria. Pooled risk estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by random-effect model analysis. After removing copies, browsing titles and abstracts, and reading full text, 6 studies were finally included. The results showed that only particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 (PM10) was related to MS (pooled HR = 1.058, 95% CI = 1.050-1.066), and no correlation was found between PM with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), benzene (C6H6), major road < 50 m, and MS. There was no publication bias, and the heterogeneity analysis results were stable. PM10 is correlated with the disease MS, while other pollution is not connected with MS. Therefore, it is important for MS patients to take personal protection against particulate pollution and avoid exposure to higher levels of PM.

Astaxanthin overproduction and proteomic analysis of Phaffia rhodozyma under the oxidative stress induced by TiO2.

This study analyzed the effect of TiO2 on the growth and astaxanthin yield of P. rhodozyma PR106. Subsequently, proteomics method was used to analyze the proteins changes of the strain under TiO2 treatment, to investigate the metabolic mechanism of the active oxygen generator TiO2 promoting the astaxanthin synthesis in P. rhodozyma. The results showed that TiO2 caused oxidative stress response in P. rhodozyma, and astaxanthin yield was 14.74 mg/L, which was 2 times of the control group; while, TiO2 had no effect on biomass and apoptosis of the cells. Proteomics analysis and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) technology initially explored that bud-site selection protein (BUD22), ubiquitin-40s ribosomal protein s31 fusion protein, cell cycle control protein, C-4 methyl sterol oxidase and glutaredoxin were associated with astaxanthin synthesis.