Genome-wide identification of walnut (Juglans regia) PME gene family members and expression analysis during infection with Cryptosphaeria pullmanensis pathogens.

Walnuts exhibit a higher resistance to diseases, though they are not completely immune. This study focuses on the Pectin methylesterase (PME) gene family to investigate whether it is involved in disease resistance in walnuts. These 21 genes are distributed across 12 chromosomes, with four pairs demonstrating homology. Variations in conserved motifs and gene structures suggest diverse functions within the gene family. Phylogenetic and collinear gene pairs of the PME family indicate that the gene family has evolved in a relatively stable way. The cis-acting elements and gene ontology enrichment of these genes, underscores their potential role in bolstering walnuts' defense mechanisms. Transcriptomic analyses were conducted under conditions of Cryptosphaeria pullmanensis infestation and verified by RT-qPCR. The results showed that certain JrPME family genes were activated in response, leading to the hypothesis that some members may confer resistance to the disease.

Global, regional, and national burden of thalassemia during 1990-2019: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Thalassemia represents a significant public health challenge globally. However, the global burden of thalassemia and the disparities associated with it remain poorly understood. Our study aims to uncover the long-term spatial and temporal trends in thalassemia at global, regional, and national levels, analyze the impacts of age, time periods, and birth cohorts, and pinpoint the global disparities in thalassemia burden. METHODS: We extracted data on the thalassemia burden from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. We employed a joinpoint regression model to assess temporal trends in thalassemia burden and an age-period-cohort model to evaluate the effects of age, period, and cohort on thalassemia mortality. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, the number of thalassemia incident cases, prevalent cases, mortality cases, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) decreased by 20.9%, 3.1%, 38.6%, and 43.1%, respectively. Age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY declined across regions with high, high-middle, middle, and low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI), yet remained the highest in regions with low SDI and low-middle SDI as well as in Southeast Asia, peaking among children under five years of age. The global prevalence rate was higher in males than in females. The global mortality rate showed a consistent decrease with increasing age. CONCLUSION: The global burden of thalassemia has significantly declined, yet notable disparities exist in terms of gender, age groups, periods, birth cohorts, SDI regions, and GBD regions. Systemic interventions that include early screening, genetic counseling, premarital health examinations, and prenatal diagnosis should be prioritized in regions with low, and low-middle SDI, particularly in Southeast Asia. Future population-based studies should focus specifically on thalassemia subtypes and transfusion requirements, and national registries should enhance data capture through newborn screening.

Aldol Condensation for the Construction of Organic Functional Materials.

Aldol condensation is a cost-effective and sustainable synthetic method, offering the advantages of low complexity, substrate universality, and high efficiency. Over the past decade, it has become popular for creating next-generation organic functional materials, particularly rigid-rod conjugated (semi)conductors. This review focuses on conjugated small molecules, oligomers, and polymeric (semi)conductors synthesized through aldol condensation, with emphasis on their remarkable features in advancing n-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and organic thermoelectrics (OTEs) as well as NIR-II photothermal conversion. Coherence character, optical properties, microstructure, and chain conformation are investigated to understand material-property relationships. Future applications and challenges in this area are also discussed.

Regioselective Approach to ß-Peroxyl Alcohols and Ethers from Alkenes.

A different regioselective three-component reaction of alkenes, oxygen sources, and hydroperoxides mediated by ammonium iodine to α-oxyperoxidates has been developed. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that regioselective radical addition and subsequent SN2 nucleophilic substitution were possible for the formation of products. In addition to the traditional pathway of SN2 reaction, that is, where nucleophiles attack the α-C atoms at the back side, an additional unusual transition configuration with the H2O molecule attacking the α-C atom at the front side was obtained.

Anti-inflammatory active components of the roots of Datura metel.

One new phenolic glycoside, methyl 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate-4-O-[2-O-ß-D-apisoyl-6-O-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with 10 known compounds (2-11), were isolated from the roots of Datura metel. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-11 were evaluated.[Formula: see text].

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Composites with Ordered Macropores and Hollow Walls.

Metal-organic frameworks provide versatile templates for the fabrication of various metal/carbon materials, but most of the derived composites possess only microspores, limiting the accessibility of embedded active sites. Herein, we report the construction of cobalt/nitrogen-doped carbon composites with a three-dimensional (3D) ordered macroporous and hollow-wall structure (H-3DOM-Co/NC) using a single-crystal ordered macropore (SOM)-ZIF-8@ZIF-67 as precursor. During the pyrolysis, the interconnected macroporous structure of SOM-ZIF-8@ZIF-67 is mostly preserved, whereas the pore wall achieves a solid-to-hollow transformation with Co nanoparticles formed in the hollow walls. The 3D-ordered macroporous carbon skeleton may effectively promote long-range mass transfer and the hollow wall can facilitate local accessibility of active sites. This unique structure can greatly boost its catalytic activity in the selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to cyclopentanol, much superior to its counterparts without this well-designed hierarchically porous structure.

First Report of Seedling Blight of Oat (Avena sativa) Caused by Microdochium nivale in China.

Oat (Avena sativa) is extensively planted as a fodder crop on the vast ranges of northern and northwestern China, and it has become an important supplementary feed for grazing livestock (Yang et al. 2010). Microdochium nivale has been reported associated with seedling blight in many temperate regions (Imathiu et al. 2010) and the damage can result in serious loss of oat production. In August 2018, a serious seedling blight of oat (cv. Baiyan 7; about 30-day-old) was observed in the field in Shandan County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province (38.22° N, 101.22° E). More than 20% of oat plants were severely affected. Symptoms included leaf chlorosis and wilt. The root systems of infected plants were black and severely rotted, often with only a small amount of fine root remaining after removal from the soil. Twenty isolations were made from blackened roots on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and five isolations (TM-1, TM-2, TM-3, TM-4 and TM-5) were further purified by a single-spore method (Choi et al. 1999). Each isolate was identical based on preliminary molecular analyses of their DNA sequences of ITS by blast in the NCBI GenBank. The representative isolate TM-2 was selected for sequencing of the RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) gene. The isolated colonies were grown on PDA and formed colonies of approximately 62 mm (diameter) in 5 days at 25 ± 1 °C. Colonies exhibited entire margins, the color varied from white to pale yellow, and the sparse aerial mycelium were villous-floccose and cottony. The conidia were falcate, straight to curved, apex pointed or obtuse to subacute, lacking basal differentiation, 0-3-septate, most one-septate, 2.2 to 3.1 × 12.3 to 22.6µm (av.= 2.8 ×17.6; n=50). These morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions of Microdochium (Zhang et al. 2010). Molecular identity was confirmed by sequencing partial sequences of ITS gene (ITS1 and ITS4 primers) (White et al. 1990) and RPB2 regions (RPB2-5f2 and RPB2-7cr) (O'Donnell et al. 2010). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under accessions MN428647 (RPB2) and MN428646 (ITS). Blast search revealed that both of the ITS and RPB2 sequences to be 99% similar to the corresponding sequences of M. nivale(CBS 116205) accession numbers KP859008.1 and KP859117.1. For pathogenicity tests, millet seed-based inoculum of M. nivale was prepared using a modified procedure of Fang et al. (2011). Three-week-old healthy oat seedlings of cv. Baiyan 7 were transplanted into potting mix containing millet seed-based inoculum of M. nivale at a rate of 3%. Control seedlings for comparison were transplanted into pots containing uninoculated potting mix. After 10 days, all the inoculated plants had developed seedling blight symptoms and that were similar to those observed in the field; while control plants remained healthy. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated plants and identified as M. nivale based on morphological characteristics and the molecular methods described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of seedling blight of oat caused by M. nivale in China.

Effect of the serum of rats treated with Suo Quan pill on embryonic stem cells.

Suo Quan pill(SQP), a well-known and classical traditional Chinese medicine compound, consists of three traditional Chinese medicine: Alpinia oxyphylla Miq., Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm., Dioscorea opposite. Its effect was summarized as supplementing kidney-yang and shrinkaging urination. This study evaluated the effects of the serum of rats treated with Suo Quan pill on embryonic stem cells(ES cells). Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis of ES cells were evaluated with flow cytometry. Nanog mRNA expression was verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Nanog protein in ES cells was determined by Western blot. The serum of SQP-treated rats not only promoted ES cells proliferation and Nanog expression in ES cells, but also inhibited H202 stimulated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the serum of rats containing SQP affected the cell cycle distribution of ES cells, reducing the percentage of cells in G0/G1phase and increasing the percentage of cells in G2/M phase, increasing the proliferation index of ES cells. These results illustrate that the enhanced effect of SQP on ES cells proliferation is in part due to the increased expression of Nanog in ES cells, the accelerated cell cycle period and the inhibited apoptosis of ES cells.

[Comparative Study on Effects of Anti-Gastritis,Gastric Mucosal Protection and Gastrointestinal Movement Promotion of Root and Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum].

Objective: To provide the experimental evidence for expansion of medicinal parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum by comparing the effects of anti-gastritis,gastric mucosal protection and gastrointestinal movement promotion of its root and stem. Methods: The pharmacological effects between root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum were compared by observing the anti-gastritis effect on rats with chronic superficial gastritis induced by iodoacetamide, evaluating the gastric mucosal protective effect on rats' gastric ulcer induced by stress, indometacin and pylorus ligation test, and investigating gastrointestinal movement promotion effect on mice gastric evacuation and intestinal propelling. Results: Both root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum showed effects of relieving the inflammation symptoms of rats' gastric mucosa induced by iodoacetamide, gastric ulcer respectively induced by stress, and presenting a strong inhibition of free acid and pepsin activity in gastric juice. Furthermore stem parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum in promoting gastrointestinal motility even showed better efficacy than root. Conclusion: Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum has similar effects of anti-gastritis, gastric mucosal protection and gastrointestinal movement promotion with root of Zanthoxylum nitidum.

[Comparative Study on Effects of Anti-contusion Injury, Analgesia and Anti-inflammation of Root and Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the scientific evidence for expansion of medicinal parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum by comparing the effects of anti-contusion injury, analgesia and anti-inflammation of its root and stem. METHODS: The pharmacological effects between root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum were compared by observing the anti-injury effect in rats with injury struck by hammer. The analgesic effect in mice was evaluated by writhing test and hot plate test, and the anti-inflammatory effect on paw edema induced by carrageenan and granuloma induced by cotton pellet were investigated in rats. RESULTS: Both root and stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum relieved the exterior and histological symptoms of rats' injury legs struck by hammer, decreased the numbers of mice's writhing, enhanced pain threshold of mice on heat plate, inhibited the edema of rats induced by carrageenan, and suppressed the granuloma of rats induced by cotton pellet. CONCLUSION: Stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum has similar effects of anti-contusion injury, analgesia and anti-inflammation with root of Zanthoxylum nitidum.

Silanol-Assisted High-Yield Nanofabrication of SnO2 Single Crystals with Highly Tunable and Ordered Mesoporosity.

Highly ordered mesoporous materials with a single-crystalline structure have attracted broad interest due to their wide applications from catalysis to energy conversion/storage, but constructing them with good controllability and high yields remains a highly daunting task. Herein, we construct a new class of three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous SnO2 single crystals (3DOm-SnO2) with well-defined facets and excellent mesopore tunability. Mechanism studies demonstrate that the silanol groups on ordered silica nanospheres (3DO-SiO2) can induce the efficient heterogeneous crystallization of uniform SnO2 single crystals in its periodic voids by following the hard and soft acid and base theory, affording a much higher yield of ∼96% for 3DOm-SnO2 than that of its solid counterpart prepared in the absence of 3DO-SiO2 (∼1.5%). Benefiting from its permanent ordered mesopores and favorable electronic structure, Pd-supported 3DOm-SnO2 can efficiently catalyze the unprecedented sequential hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenylacetylene to produce 4-nitrostyrene, then 4-nitroethylbenzene, and finally 4-aminoethylbenzene. DFT calculations further reveal the favorable synergistic effect between Pd and 3DOm-SnO2 via moderate electron transfer for realizing this sequential hydrogenation reaction. Our work underlines the crucial role of silanol groups in inducing the high-yield heterogeneous crystallization of 3DOm-SnO2, shedding light on the rational design and construction of various 3DO single crystals that are of great practical significance.

The long-term spatio-temporal trends in burden and attributable risk factors of major depressive disorder at global, regional and national levels during 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for GBD 2019.

AIMS: Caused by multiple risk factors, heavy burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) poses serious challenges to public health worldwide over the past 30 years. Yet the burden and attributable risk factors of MDD were not systematically known. We aimed to reveal the long-term spatio-temporal trends in the burden and attributable risk factors of MDD at global, regional and national levels during 1990-2019. METHODS: We obtained MDD and attributable risk factors data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We used joinpoint regression model to assess the temporal trend in MDD burden, and age-period-cohort model to measure the effects of age, period and birth cohort on MDD incidence rate. We utilized population attributable fractions (PAFs) to estimate the specific proportions of MDD burden attributed to given risk factors. RESULTS: During 1990-2019, the global number of MDD incident cases, prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increased by 59.10%, 59.57% and 58.57%, respectively. Whereas the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) of MDD decreased during 1990-2019. The ASIR, ASPR and ASDR in women were 1.62, 1.62 and 1.60 times as that in men in 2019, respectively. The highest age-specific incidence, prevalence and DALYs rate occurred at the age of 60-64 in women, and at the age of 75-84 in men, but the maximum increasing trends in these age-specific rates occurred at the age of 5-9. Population living during 2000-2004 had higher risk of MDD. MDD burden varied by socio-demographic index (SDI), regions and nations. In 2019, low-SDI region, Central sub-Saharan Africa and Uganda had the highest ASIR, ASPR and ASDR. The global PAFs of intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and bullying victimization (BV) were 8.43%, 5.46% and 4.86% in 2019, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 30 years, the global ASIR, ASPR and ASDR of MDD had decreased trends, while the burden of MDD was still serious, and multiple disparities in MDD burden remarkably existed. Women, elderly and populations living during 2000-2004 and in low-SDI regions, had more severe burden of MDD. Children were more susceptible to MDD. Up to 18.75% of global MDD burden would be eliminated through early preventing against IPV, CSA and BV. Tailored strategies-and-measures in different regions and demographic groups based on findings in this studywould be urgently needed to eliminate the impacts of modifiable risk factors on MDD, and then mitigate the burden of MDD.

Integrating ambient carbonyl compounds provides insight into the constrained ozone formation chemistry in Zibo city of the North China Plain.

Quantifying the impact of carbonyl compounds (carbonyls) on ozone (O3) photochemical formation is crucial to formulating targeted O3 mitigation strategies. To investigate the emission source of ambient carbonyls and their integrated observational constraint on the impact of O3 formation chemistry, a field campaign was conducted in an industrial city (Zibo) of the North China Plain from August to September 2020. The site-to-site variations of OH reactivity for carbonyls were in accordance with the sequence of Beijiao (BJ, urban, 4.4 s-1) > Xindian (XD, suburban, 4.2 s-1) > Tianzhen (TZ, suburban, 1.6 s-1). A 0-D box model (MCMv3.3.1) was applied to assess the O3-precursor relationship influenced by measured carbonyls. It was found that without carbonyls constraint, the O3 photochemical production of the three sites was underestimated to varying degrees, and the biases of overestimating the VOC-limited degree were also identified through a sensitivity test to NOx emission changes, which may be associated with the reactivity of carbonyls. In addition, the results of the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model indicated that the main source of aldehydes and ketones was secondary formation and background (81.6% for aldehydes, 76.8% for ketones), followed by traffic emission (11.0% for aldehydes, 14.0% for ketones). Incorporated with the box model, we found that biogenic emission contributed the most to the O3 production at the three sites, followed by traffic emission as well as industry and solvent usage. Meanwhile, the relative incremental reactivity (RIR) values of O3 precursor groups from diverse VOC emission sources featured consistencies and differences at the three sites, which further highlights the importance of the synergetic mitigation of target O3 precursors at regional and local scales. This study will help to provide targeted policy-guiding O3 control strategies for other regions.

Hierarchically Ordered Macro-Mesoporous Electrocatalyst with Hydrophilic Surface for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer versatile templates/precursors to prepare supported metal catalysts. However, the afforded catalysts usually exhibit microporous structures and unsuitable wettability, which will restrict the accessibility of active sites in liquid-phase reactions. Herein, an etching-functionalization strategy is developed for the construction of a tannic-acid-functionalized MOF with a unique hollow-wall and 3D-ordered macroporous (H-3DOM) structure. The functional MOF can be further employed as an ideal precursor for the synthesis of cobalt supported on oxygen/nitrogen-co-doped carbon composites with H-3DOM structures, and hydrophilic surface. The H-3DOM structure can improve the external surface area to maximize the exposure of active sites. Moreover, the oxygen-containing functional groups can enhance the surface wettability to guarantee the external active sites to be more electrochemically accessible in aqueous electrolyte. Benefitting from these outstanding characteristics, H-3DOM-Co/ONC exhibits high electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction, superior to its counterparts without the hierarchically ordered structure and surface functionalization.

[The expressions of periostin and the related factors during healing process of full-thickness cutaneous wound in rat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of osteoblast-specific factor 2 (periostin, PN), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 [VEGFR-2/fetal liver kinase-1 (FLK-1)] in wound surface and its peripheral skin, and their effects on wound healing in rats. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups, with 8 rats in each group. An area of 2 cm×2 cm full-thickness skin was excised on both sides of the back of rats. Specimens from wounds were obtained on 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 days after operation, and histological evaluation and immunohistochemical staining of PN, Ang-1, VEGF and FLK-1 were made to determine their expression levels. Normal skin specimens were obtained as normal controls. RESULTS: The expressions of PN, Ang-1, VEGF and FLK-1 were significantly increased in wound surface after operation. Compared with the skin of normal controls, the expression of PN in the tissues of wound increased by 234.4% on the 1st day, and then increased continuously up to 597.9% on the 7th day (reaching the peak) after operation, followed by a decrease, the increase rate was 280.9% on the 21st day, and still remained at a high level (all P < 0.05). The expression of Ang-1 in the tissue of wound increased by 128.1% on the 1st day and 327.5% on the 4th day (reaching the peak), and then, it was gradually decreased. The increase rate was only 80.5% on the 14th day and it rose slightly later (all P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF in the tissues of wound reached the peak (165.8%) on the 7th day. Then it decreased with a slight fluctuation (all P < 0.05). The expression of FLK-1 in the tissues of wound was increased by 56.1% on the 1st day, and the level remained. It reached the peak by an increase of 70.1% on the 7th day (both P < 0.05). Then, it was lowered after the 10th day (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of PN, Ang-1, VEGF, FLK-1 were obviously increased during healing of skin wound, with different peaking time and expressing rates. The increase in expression of PN showed the longest duration and highest peak value. The PN, Ang-1, VEGF, FLK-1 all play a role in the wound healing process, and PN might play an important role during the healing process of a full-thickness cutaneous wound.

Growth Pattern Control and Nanoarchitecture Engineering of Metal-Organic Framework Single Crystals by Confined Space Synthesis.

The nanoarchitecture engineering of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a fascinating but intellectually challenging concept that opens up avenues for both tailoring the properties of MOFs and expanding their applications. Herein, we report the confined growth of ZIF-8 single crystals in a three-dimensionally ordered (3DO) macroporous polystyrene replica and reveal that their growth patterns, morphologies, and nanoarchitectures can be highly engineered using the concentration of the precursor. Impressively, the favorable in situ confined growth enables the successful fabrication of 3DO sphere-assembled ZIF-8 single crystals or 3DO single-crystalline ZIF-8 sphere arrays when a low- or high-concentration precursor solution, respectively, is used as the feedstock. Furthermore, our strategy can be extended to the preparation of other 3DO MOF single crystals, including ZIF-67 and HKUST-1, with similar controllable hierarchical nanoarchitectures. With the successful preparation of a series of diameter-tunable ZIF-8 single-crystalline spheres, we further unravel their interesting size-performance relationship in the Knoevenagle reaction between benzaldehyde and malononitrile, wherein the smallest spheres show the fastest first-order reaction kinetics. This study not only develops a general strategy for engineering the nanoarchitectures of MOF single crystals but also provides fundamental knowledge of the mechanism for the growth of hierarchical single crystals under confined spaces.

[Study of pharmacokinetics of nicotine in local brain by using microdialysis and stable labeled isotope].

The paper is to report the study of pharmacokinetics of transdermal administered nicotine in the brain of freely moving rat by using microdialysis with stable labeled isotope as internal standard. The pharmacokinetic behavior of nicotine in Sprague Dawley rat brain was investigated after intranasal administration (3.75 mg). Brain fluid samples were collected by intracerebral microdialysis with DL-nicotine as internal standard. Concentrations of nicotine and DL-nicotine in the sample were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed by Das 2.0 pharmacokinetic software. The recovery of nicotine and the delivery of DL-nicotine were the same. The fate of absorption and distribution was two compartment model and the values of t1/2alpha was 170.31 min, t1/2beta was 263.30 min and the AUC(0-infinity) was 2.75 x 10(5) microg x L(-1) min separately. DL-nicotine can be used to calibrate the recovery of nicotine, and the new method of stable isotope microdialysis can be used to study the pharmacokinetics of freely moving rat. It will make sense for the treatment of addiction of tobacco and provide a new thought for the research of pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamic combination.

[Effect of periostin on the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in acidic environment].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of recombinant periostin protein on the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in acidic environment. METHODS: HUVECs were divided into three groups: normal control (pH 7.31±0.03), acidic control (pH 6.95±0.05) and experimental groups [(periostin 100 µg/L, (pH 6.95±0.05)]. The cellular proliferation,apoptosis and migration were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) assay, Annexin V-FITC with Flow Cytometer(at 60 h after periostin was given) and Transwell chamber assay (at 20 h after periostin was given). RESULTS: In CCK-8 assay, the optical density values D450 nm (at 72 h after periostin was given) of normal control, acidic control and experimental groups were 0.71± 0.05, 0.62±0.04, 0.69±0.02, respectively. In the same order, the total apoptotic rate (%) of the three groups were 13.06±1.35, 16.95±0.46, 12.97±1.60, respectively; the numbers of migrated cells of the three groups were 67.45±11.88,44.89±8.67,64.60±9.63, respectively. Compared with normal control, the D(450 nm) value and the number of migrated cells of acidic control reduced 12.68% (P<0.01) and 33.44% (P<0.01) respectively. Otherwise, the total apoptotic rate (%) increased by 29.79% (P<0.05). Compared with acidic control, the D(450 nm) value and the number of migrated cells of experimental group increased by 11.29% (P<0.01) and 43.90% (P<0.01), respectively. Meantime, the total apoptotic rate (%) reduced 23.48% (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In acidic environment, the HUVECs' abilities of proliferation and migration were lower; while, the apoptotic value was raised. The recombinant periostin protein could counteract the acidic influence by enhancing the cellular abilities of proliferation and migration. Periostin could make endothelial cells reisist acidosis and keep growing to form blood vessels so that the local histiocytes could get enough nutrients for survival.

[Meta-analysis of Microbial Communities in the Activated Sludge of Wastewater Treatment Plants Under Different Climate Types].

Microbial communities in wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) are very important for water purification in the context of public drinking water safety and environmental health. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the trends in microbial community structure and diversity in sewage treatment plants and their main environmental impact factors under different climates in China. Based on high-throughput sequencing techniques, a meta-analysis was conducted to screen the 16S rRNA genes in an open database. We analyzed the trends in microbial community structure and diversity in WWTPs under three climate types(Dwa, Cfa, and Cwa) in China. We then constructed cohesion models to examine the core microbial taxa and their interactions within the communities. We also used a piecewise structural equation model(PSEM) to examine the effects of different climate types on microbial community structure. The three climate types significantly affected the structure and diversity of the microbial communities, with patterns correlated with influent pH, mixed liquid temperature, conductivity, and nitrogen concentrations(P<0.05). Based on the PSEM analysis, the ß-diversity of the microbial communities was directly correlated with latitude, while α-diversity was indirectly correlated with latitude through conductivity and water temperature. Based on the cohesion modeling, microbial community stability was the highest under Dwa climate followed by the Cfa climate. This could be explained by a small subset of highly connected taxa capable of withstanding disturbance, indicating an important stability role. In contrast, the stability of the microbial communities under the Cwa climate was low, and no species with strong negative cohesion were observed. Overall, the structure, diversity, and stability of microbial community in WWTPs were found to be sensitive to climate, and the responsive mechanisms of α-diversity and ß-diversity with respect to latitude were distinct.

Hydroxyl safflower yellow B combined with doxorubicin inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is currently the preferred chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer, and hydroxyl safflower yellow B (HSYB) has a tumor growth-inhibiting activity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of HSYB combined with DOX on the proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. MTT and cell colony formation assays revealed that the proliferation rate of MCF-7 cells was signifiscantly decreased after HSYB and DOX treatment. Combined HSYB and DOX treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of BCL-2 in MCF-7 cells, while the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, including cleaved caspase-9, BAX and cleaved caspase-3, were markedly increased. Furthermore, flow cytometry and western blot analysis demonstrated that combined HSYB and DOX treatment stimulated an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and promoted the release of cytochrome c, leading to apoptosis. The current data suggested that the combination of HSYB and DOX may have marked antitumor activity.