The drift effect on nestedness of ephemeroptera, trichoptera and plecoptera orders in the Xingu River / O efeito da deriva no aninhamento das ordens ephemeroptera, trichoptera e plecoptera no Rio Xingu

Abstract The drift movement consists of the displacement of the organisms inside the water column which allows its passive locomotion. This movement will result in a variation of the communities of organisms along the river, generating spatial patterns. Based on this, we tested the hypotheses a) the drift of individuals in an upstream-downstream direction creates a nestedness pattern, when the upstream is a subset of downstream communities of aquatic insects; b) there will be an increase in the number of individuals and genera as we approach the most downstream point. The present study was carried out in seven sampling points distributed along the Xingu River. The sampling occurred at night in the central area of the river. The number of genera along the river remained constant, and the nestedness distribution of the communities in the upstream-downstream gradient was not observed. Based on the results, it is possible to visualize a turnover of genera in the longitudinal gradient of the river, but with an accumulation of genera in the downstream region. Organisms that are transported by the flow of the water current respond to the characteristics of the body of water by adapting to the type of environment in which they are found.

Resumo O movimento de deriva consiste no desprendimento dos organismos dentro da coluna de água, o que permite a sua locomoção passiva. Este movimento resultará numa variação das comunidades de organismos ao longo do rio, gerando padrões espaciais. Com base nisto, testamos as hipóteses a) o movimento de indivíduos em direção montante-jusante criará um padrão aninhado, no qual as comunidades de insetos aquáticos a montante são um subconjunto das comunidades a jusante; b) haverá um aumento no número de indivíduos e gêneros à medida que nos aproximamos do ponto mais a jusante. O presente estudo foi realizado em sete pontos de amostragem distribuídos ao longo do rio Xingu. A amostragem ocorreu durante a noite no canal central do rio. O número de gêneros ao longo do rio se manteve constante, e não observamos uma distribuição de aninhamento das comunidades no gradiente ascendente e descendente do rio. Com base nos resultados, é possível visualizar uma substituição dos gêneros no gradiente longitudinal do rio, porém ocorrendo um acúmulo de gêneros na região mais a jusante. Os organismos que são transportados pelo fluxo da corrente de água respondem as características do corpo de água adaptando-se ao tipo de ambiente em que se encontram.

Two-Step Purification of L-Asparaginase from Acrylaway® L

Abstract L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is a biopharmaceutical used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment, dramatically increasing the patients' chance of cure. However, its production and distribution in developing countries were disrupted because of its low profitability, which caused great concern among patients. This study evaluates the feasibility of combining fractional precipitation and aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) to purify L-ASNase from a low-grade product, commercially known as Acrylaway® L. The ATPS purification results were not particularly expressive compared to the two-step purification process composed of ethanol precipitation and gel filtration, which was able to recover the target molecule with a purification factor over 5 fold. Thus, we studied a purification process capable of manufacturing pharmaceutical grade L-ASNase from a commercially available low-grade raw material; however, improvements regarding its throughput must be achieved, and high purity is the first step to apply it as a new biopharmaceutical product. The proposed process could pose as a short-time solution to mitigate its shortage while a cost-effective production plant is being developed.

Lentivirus-mediated NDRG2 gene overexpression inhibits radioresistance of bladder cancer cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and role of N-myc downstream regulatory gene 2 (NDRG2) in radiation resistance of bladder cancer cells.Methods:T24 cells were cultured in vitro and irradiated with different doses of X-ray (0, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 20 Gy). The best dose of X-ray was selected for subsequent treatment. The radioresistant BCa cell line T24/R was established. The cytotoxicity of T24/R cells was detected by counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The proliferation and invasion ability of T24/R cells and T24 cells were detected by flow cytometry and transwell, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins. The survival rate of T24/R group (control group) and T24/R-NDRG 2 group was detected, and the migration ability of T24/R-NDRG 2 cells was detected after 2 Gy treatment. Results:The cell viability was inhibited significantly when the dose of X-ray was ≥2 Gy X-ray, so 2 Gy X-ray irradiation was chosen as the best condition for BCa cytotoxicity and T24/R radiation resistance cell line was successfully established; Apoptosis test showed that the number of S-phase cells was increased in T24/R group, and the proportion of S-phase cells in T24/R vs T24 was (26.49±4.5)% vs (14±2.6)% ( P<0.05); Transwell test showed that T24/R cells showed stronger migration ability than control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in EMT related protein expression between the two groups ( P>0.05). Overexpression of NDRG2 can significantly decreased the activity and migration ability of radiation-resistant T24/R cells ( P<0.05) when the radiation dose was gradually increasing in both groups. Conclusions:The radiation resistance of BCa cells is one of the causes of local tumor recurrence. Up-regulation of NDRG2 expression can inhibit the radiation resistance of T24 cells, so it can be used as a candidate for treatment of radiation-resistant BCa patients.

NELFE promotes the migration and invasion of triple negative breast cancer cells by inhibiting NDRG2 expression / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the effect of negative elongation factor E(NELFE) on the invasion and migration of triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) cells and its mechanisms. 【Methods】 qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of negative elongation factor E(NELFE) in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) tissues and adjacent tissues. NELFE expression was upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cell lines via lentivirus transfection. Transwell assay was used to observe the effect of elevated NELFE expression on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The RNA stability assay was used to detect the influence of NELFE on the stability of the mRNA of N-myc downstream regulated gene2(NDRG2). Western blotting analysis was used to detect the regulatory function of NELFE on NDRG2 protein expression. 【Results】 NELFE expression was increased in TNBC tissues. After the overexpression of NELFE, the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly enhanced, NDRG2 mRNA stability was decreased, and NDRG2 protein expression level was downregulated. NDRG2 expression was upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cell lines with overexpressed NELFE; cell migration and invasion abilities were decreased. 【Conclusion】 NELFE inhibited NDRG2 expression by decreasing the stability of NDRG2 mRNA and promoted the migration and invasion of TNBC cells.

Elemene Emulsion Injection Administration Reduces Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Astrocytic NDRG2 Expression within Spinal Dorsal Horn / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanisms underlying elemene-induced analgesia in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI).@*METHODS@#Sixty-five rats were equally divided into 5 groups using a random number table: naive group, sham group, SNI group, SNI + elemene (40 mg·kg@*RESULTS@#The SNI rat model exhibited a significant decrease in paw withdrawal threshold and exploratory behaviour in the EPM (P<0.05). Consecutive administration of elemene alleviated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia and anxiety in rats (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical data showed that elemene decreased SNI-induced upregulation of NDRG2 within the SDH (P<0.05). Double immunofluorescent staining data further showed that elemene decreased SNI-induced upregulation of the number of GFAP immunoreactive (-ir), NDRG-ir, and GFAP/NDRG2 double-labelled cells within the SDH (P<0.05). Immunoblotting data showed that elemene decreased SNI-induced upregulation of GFAP and NDRG2 within the SDH (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Elemene possibly alleviated neuropathic pain by downregulating the expression of NDRG2 in spinal astrocytes in a rat model of SNI.

Diel variation of aquatic insect drift in streams of Southern Brazil

Some organisms, such as aquatic insects, are transported from the upstream to downstream region of streams through a process called drift. This process occurs in passive and active ways and can be variable throughout the day, mainly between the nocturnal and diurnal periods. Here, we evaluate the periodicity of the drift of aquatic insects in two streams of the Middle Iguaçu basin, southern region of Brazil. We predicted that the drift of aquatic insects brings the highest richness, diversity and abundance during the nocturnal period, compared to the diurnal period. In addition, we expected that the composition of species is different between these periods. In each stream, aquatic insect sampling was carried out 10 times, for 24 hours, using drift nets. A total of 2,114 aquatic insect specimens were recorded, distributed in 26 families. Of these families, 20 were recorded during the diurnal period and 24 during the nocturnal period. Our results showed an increase in the diversity and abundance of aquatic insect drift in the nocturnal period. However, only abundance was significantly different between the periods. We attribute the higher abundance in nocturnal drift possibly to biological interactions. Thus, nocturnal drift can be a strategy of some aquatic insects to avoid visual predation by other invertebrates and/or vertebrates, in Neotropical streams. We highlight the importance of our study, because it can be used for comparison in surveys of lotic environments that have been impacted by human activity (e.g. by dam construction), which can alter the water flow, and consequently the pattern of insect drift.

Evaluation of the risk factors associated with emergency department boarding: A retrospective cross-sectional study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Boarding is a common problem in the emergency department (ED) and is associated with poor health care and outcome. Imam Khomeini Hospital is the main healthcare center in Urmia, a metropolis in the northwest of Iran. Due to the overcrowding and high patient load, we aim to characterize the rate, cause and consequence of boarding in the ED of this center.@*METHODS@#All medical records of patients who presented to the ED of Imam Khomeini Hospital from August 1, 2017 to August 1, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with uncompleted records were excluded. Boarding was defined as the inability to transfer the admitted ED patients to a downstream ward in ≥2 h after the admission order. Demographic data, boarding rate, mortality and triage levels (1-5) assessed by emergency severity index were collected and analyzed. The first present time of patients was classified into 4 ranges as 0:00-5:59, 6:00-11:59, 12:00-17:59 and 18:00-23:59. Descriptive, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were performed and the risk of boarding was determined by Pearson Chi-square test.@*RESULTS@#Demographic data analysis showed that 941 (58.5%) male and 667 (41.5%) female, altogether 1608 patients were included in this study. Five patients (0.3%) died. The distribution of patients with the triage levels 1-5 was respectively 79 (4.9%), 1150 (71.5%), 374 (23.3%), 4 (0.2%) and 0 (0%). Most patients were of level 2. Only 75 (4.7%) patients required intensive care. The majority of patients (84.2%) were presented at weekdays. The maximum patient load was observed between 12:00-17:59. Of the 1608 patients, 340 (21.1%) experienced boarding within a mean admission time of 13.70 h. Among the 340-boarded patients, 20.1% belonged to surgery, 12.1% to orthopedics, 10.9% to neurosurgery and 10.3% to neurology. The boarding rate was higher in females, patients requiring intensive care and those with low triage levels. Compared with the non-boarded, the boarded patients had a higher mean age.@*CONCLUSION@#The boarding rate is higher in the older and female patients. Moreover, boarding is dependent on the downstream ward sections: patients requiring surgical management experience the maximum boarding rate.

Streamlined downstream process for efficient and sustainable (Fab)2 antivenom preparation

Antivenoms are the only validated treatment against snakebite envenoming. Numerous drawbacks pertaining to their availability, safety and efficacy are becoming increasingly evident due to low sustainability of current productions. Technological innovation of procedures generating therapeutics of higher purity and better physicochemical characteristics at acceptable cost is necessary. The objective was to develop at laboratory scale a compact, feasible and economically viable platform for preparation of equine F(ab')2 antivenom against Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom and to support it with efficiency data, to enable estimation of the process cost-effectiveness. Methods: The principle of simultaneous caprylic acid precipitation and pepsin digestion has been implemented into plasma downstream processing. Balance between incomplete IgG breakdown, F(ab')2 over-digestion and loss of the active drug's protective efficacy was achieved by adjusting pepsin to a 1:30 substrate ratio (w/w) and setting pH at 3.2. Precipitation and digestion co-performance required 2 h-long incubation at 21 °C. Final polishing was accomplished by a combination of diafiltration and flow-through chromatography. In vivo neutralization potency of the F(ab')2 product against the venom's lethal toxicity was determined. Results: Only three consecutive steps, performed under finely tuned conditions, were sufficient for preservation of the highest process recovery with the overall yield of 74%, comparing favorably to others. At the same time, regulatory requirements were met. Final product was aggregate- and pepsin-free. Its composition profile was analyzed by mass spectrometry as a quality control check. Impurities, present in minor traces, were identified mostly as IgG/IgM fragments, contributing to active drug. Specific activity of the F(ab')2 preparation with respect to the plasma was increased 3.9-fold. Conclusion: A highly streamlined mode for production of equine F(ab')2 antivenom was engineered. In addition to preservation of the highest process yield and fulfillment of the regulatory demands, performance simplicity and rapidity in the laboratory setting were demonstrated. Suitability for large-scale manufacturing appears promising.(AU)

Socio Demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge of Occupational Hazard and Safety Measures among Workers in Selected Downstream Petroleum Companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background:Safety and health management are some of the vital constituents of oil and gas industry activities, because most of the operational conditions, chemicals and end products associated with oil and gas production are well-known to pose serious safety and health threats to the workers. However, these hazards can be prevented and controlled with good safety practices. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in the downstream petroleum companies about occupational hazards and safety processes.Materials and Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study which involved a quantitative approach to collect data from 379 technical workers engaged in operationsin the selected downstream petroleum companies, sampled via multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Data was analysed via Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software.Original Research Article Results:Almost one-third 120(32.0%) of the respondents were between the ages of 38-43years old. Majority 343(91.0%) were males, while most 277(73.0%) were single. Majority 363(95.8%) had goodLevel of knowledge on occupational Hazard, while 359(94.7%) of the respondents had good Level of knowledge on safety measure on occupational hazard. More than one-third 139(36.70%) had positive behaviour towards preventive measures for occupational hazard, while 167(44%) had good practice towards Safety measures for occupational hazard. Level of knowledge on occupational hazard was significantly associated age, sex and religion (p<0.05). Conclusion:Though most of the respondents were knowledgeable about occupational hazard and safety measures, positive behaviour towards safety measure and its practice was low among workers in the downstream petroleum companies. Hence the need for behavioural interventional programmes directed at ensuring positive occupational safety related behaviour among workers generally and those in industrial settings particularly

The role of hypoxia-related molecules in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in orthopedics.With increasing populations of aging and obese people,its incidence has risen year by year and become a major public health problem.The hallmark of osteoarthritis is cartilage destruction,the main cause of which is degradation of extracellular matrix by catabolic enzymes and death of chondrocytes caused by apoptosis or autophagy.Articular cartilage is a hypoxic environment because it lacks blood supply and the joint cavity is relatively closed.A hypoxic environment induces chondrocytes to produce a series of hypoxia-related molecules which can regulate the expression of catabolic enzymes,autophagy and apoptosis of chondrocytes for osteoarthritis.This paper aims to review recent reports on the relationship between hypoxic-related molecules and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and discuss the role of hypoxia-related molecules in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Anti-fibrotic Effects and Mechanism of Shengmai Injection () on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells LX-2 / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Shengmai Injection (, SMI) on the proliferation, apoptosis and N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2, a tumour suppressor gene) expression in varying densities of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2.@*METHODS@#LX-2 cells were cultured in vitro. Then, cells were plated in 96-well plates at an approximate density of 2.5×10 cells/mL and cultured for 48, 72, 96 or 120 h followed by the application of different concentrations of SMI (0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL). Cell proliferation was measured after an additional 24 or 48 h using the 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of SMI on different cell growth states (cultured for 48, 72, 96, or 120 h) were observed by light microscopy at 24 h after treatment. When the cells reached 80% conflfluence, apoptosis was detected by flflow cytometry after 24 h. Lastly, LX-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of SMI and extracted with protein lysis buffer. The levels of NDRG2 were measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#When the LX-2 cells grew for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL of SMI significantly inhibited cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h after treatment (P<0.05). And 2.4 μL/mL of SMI also inhibited cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment when cell growth for 48 h (P<0.05) and at 48 h after treatment when cell growth for 72, 96 and 120 h (P<0.05). The NDRG2 expression level in the LX-2 cell was significantly increased when treated with SMI at concentrations of 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The inhibitory effects of SMI on the proliferation of LX-2 cells were related to not only concentration dependent but also cell density. In addition, SMI (2.4, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL) could accelerate apoptosis in LX-2 cells, and the mechanism might be associated with NDRG2 over-expression.

Upstream and downstream migration speed of Prochilodus costatus (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) in upper São Francisco basin, Brazil

Details of migration dynamics of Neotropical fishes are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine upstream (spawning) and downstream (post-spawning) migration speeds, of curimatá-pioa (Prochilodus costatus) in the São Francisco River basin, southeast Brazil. Most upstream movements were recorded in October and November, in two well-defined migration windows, and downstream movements were frequent from December to March. Fish migrated upstream at an average migration speed of 34.4 km day-1 and no significant differences were detected in their speed between sexes and migration window they selected to migrate. No relationship was detected between upstream migration speed and biometric measures of tagged individuals. Upstream migrations speeds were significantly higher for fish that swam longer prior to reach telemetry stations in the same season, indicating that swimming performance may take some time to achieve its peak in upstream migration. Fish migrated downstream at an average migration speed of 97.7 km day-1, what is close to passive swimming in São Francisco River, and no significant differences in speed were detected between sexes or capture sites. The migration speeds measured here are the highest ever recorded for the genus Prochilodus and are among the highest reported for Neotropical migratory fish.(AU)

Detalhes acerca da dinâmica migratória de peixes neotropicais são pouco conhecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as velocidades em migração ascendente (reprodutiva) e descendente (pós-reprodutiva) da curimatá-pioa (Prochilodus costatus) no rio São Francisco, Brasil. A migração ascendente concentrou-se nos meses de outubro e novembro, em duas janelas migratórias, e a descendente de dezembro a março. Os peixes alcançaram velocidade migratória média de 34,4 km dia-1 em migração ascendente não sendo observadas diferenças nas velocidades em relação ao sexo e janela migratória em que o peixe migrou. Não foi observada relação entre velocidade migratória e características biométricas dos peixes. Diferenças nas velocidades migratórias ascendentes foram observadas para peixes que nadaram maiores distâncias antes de passar pelas estações de telemetria, indicando que o pico de desempenho natatório é alcançado algum tempo depois de iniciado o movimento ascendente. Em migração descendente a média de velocidade migratória foi de 97,7 km dia-1, próxima à natação passiva, e não foram observadas diferenças entre as velocidades em relação a sexo e ponto de marcação dos peixes. As velocidades migratórias medidas neste estudo são as maiores já registradas para o gênero Prochilodus e estão entre as maiores registradas para peixes migradores neotropicais.(AU)

The expression and significance of N-myc downstream regulated gene-2 in rat kidney after ureteral obstruction / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of N-myc downstream regulated gene-2 (NDRG2) on renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) rat model and the mechanism of renal fibrosis.Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats (120-150g)were randomly divided into two groups:the sham-operation group (n =24)underwent the left ureteral dissection,the UUO group (n =24)underwent the left ureteral ligation.At the 3,7,14,21day after the operation,6 rats from each of the group were sacrificed and the obstructive kidneys were collected.The histopathological changes were observed through HE and Masson staining.E-cadherin and α-SMA were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.NDRG2 were detected by Western blot,immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.Results There is not diffenrence in the sham group at anytime.Compared with the sham-group,the fibrosis was obvious in UUO group.The protein of E-cadherin decreased(P ＜ 0.05) and α-SMA increased(P ＜0.05).The expression of NDRG2 in UUO group was lower than that in the sham group.The OD of immunohistochemistry was detected by ImagePro Plus 6.0.OD of NDRG2 was the lowest[(14.33 ± 2.45) x 10-3] in 21d group.The western blot showed that the ratio of NDRG2 to β-actin was the lowest(0.03 ± 0.01) in 21d group.The mRNA of NDRG2 decreased obverously in UUO group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion NDRG2 decreases in UUO group and NDRG2 might be involved in the pathologic process of renal fibrosis.

Lipoxin A4 Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced A549 Cell Injury through Upregulation of N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene-1 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome through promoting epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) expression in lung epithelial cells. However, how LXA4 promote ENaC expression is still largely elusive. The present study aimed to explore genes and signaling pathway involved in regulating ENaC expression induced by LXA4.</p><p><b>Methods</b>A549 cells were incubated with LPS and LXA4, or in combination, and analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of ENaC-α/γ. Candidate genes affected by LXA4 were explored by transcriptome sequencing of A549 cells. The critical candidate gene was validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis of A549 cells treated with LPS and LXA4 at different concentrations and time intervals. LXA4 receptor (ALX) inhibitor BOC-2 was used to test induction of candidate gene by LXA4. Candidate gene siRNA was adopted to analyze its influence on A549 viability and ENaC-α expression. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was utilized to probe whether the PI3K signaling pathway was involved in LXA4 induction of candidate gene expression.</p><p><b>Results</b>The A549 cell models of ALI were constructed and subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Among candidate genes, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) was validated by real-time-PCR and Western blot. NDRG1 mRNA was elevated in a dose-dependent manner of LXA4, whereas BOC-2 antagonized NDRG1 expression induced by LXA4. NDRG1 siRNA suppressed viability of LPS-treated A549 cells (treatment vs. control, 0.605 ± 0.063 vs. 0.878 ± 0.083, P = 0.040) and ENaC-α expression (treatment vs. control, 0.458 ± 0.038 vs. 0.711 ± 0.035, P = 0.008). LY294002 inhibited NDRG1 (treatment vs. control, 0.459 ± 0.023 vs. 0.726 ± 0.020, P = 0.001) and ENaC-α (treatment vs. control, 0.236 ± 0.021 vs. 0.814 ± 0.025, P < 0.001) expressions and serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 phosphorylation (treatment vs. control, 0.442 ± 0.024 vs. 1.046 ± 0.082, P = 0.002), indicating the PI3K signaling pathway was involved in regulating NDRG1 expression induced by LXA4.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b>Our research uncovered a critical role of NDRG1 in LXA4 alleviation of LPS-induced A549 cell injury through mediating PI3K signaling to restore ENaC expression.</p>

Downstream processing of mosquitocidal toxins from solid state fermentation of Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis

Aims: The aim of this study was downstream processing of moquitocidal toxins produced by Lysinibacillus sphaericus (L. sphaericus) and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) under solid state fermentation. Methodology and results: Two mosquitocidal strains (L. sphaericus and Bti) were grown separately in trays under solid state fermentation for toxin production. The best conditions for extraction of crude toxins from fermented solids of both cultures were tap water at 5-50 °C, for 10 min under static conditions. Also, concentrated mosquitocidal toxins were efficiently extracted from fermented solids by 4 constitutive additions of 500 mL tap water to 1 kg of fermented culture at room temperature (25 °C) for 5 min each under static conditions. Both extracted toxins were formulated with talcum powder and they were stable for 8 months at room temperature. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: It is very important to study the operating conditions for mosquitocidal toxins extraction from solid state fermentation (SSF) and its formulation in cost effective manner.

N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 promotes apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) on the apoptosis of bladder cancer cells by regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) signaling pathway.Methods The expression level of NDRG2 in human bladder cancer cell BIU-87 and immortalized cell SV-HUC-1 was detected by Western blot.NDRG2 over expression vector and empty vector control (pcDNA3.1),siRNA-NDRG2,siRNA control were transfected into BIU-87 cells.After transfected 48 h,the expression level of NDRG2,Cleaved caspase 3,STAT3,p-STAT3,JAK2,p-JAK2 were detected by Western blot,the cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT and flow cytometry.After adding inhibitor AG490 of 45 μmol/L in cultured BIU-87 cells,MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis,Western blot to detect the expression level of Cleaved caspase 3,STAT3,p-STAT3,JAK2,p-JAK2.Results The expression level of NDRG2 in bladder cancer cells was higher than that in bladder epithelial cells.The cell survival rate of pcDNA3.1/NDRG2 group was lower than that of pcDNA3.1 group,the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).The cell survival rate of siRNA-NDRG2 group was higher than that of siRNA control group (P＜ 0.01).The apoptosis rate of pcDNA3.1/NDRG2 group was higher than that of pcDNA3.1 group (P ＜ 0.01).The apoptosis rate of NDRG2 siRNA group was lower than that of siRNA control group (P ＜ 0.01).The level of p-STAT3 and p-JAK2 in pcDNA3.1/NDRG2 group was lower than that in pcDNA3.1 group (P＜ 0.01).The survival rate and apoptosis rate of BIU-87 cells cultured with AG490 were in agreement with the trend of pcDNA3.1/NDRG2 after transfection.Conclusions NDRG2 could promote the apoptosis of bladder cancer cells,and its mechanism may be related to STAT3 signaling pathway.

Anti-fibrotic effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Ligustrazine Injection on LX-2 cells involved with increased N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 expression / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Ligustrazine Injection (SML) on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cell LX-2 and the expression of N-myc downstreamregulated gene 2 (NDRG2, a tumor suppressor gene).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HSCs from the LX-2 cell line were cultured in vitro. The proliferative state of different initial LX-2 cell numbers was measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. LX-2 cells were plated in 96-well plates at an approximate density of 2.50×10cells/mL and cultured for 24 h followed by the application of different concentrations of SML (1, 2, 4 and 8 μL/mL). Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay at 24 and 48 h. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry at 24 h. LX-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of SML and extracted with protein lysis buffer. The levels of NDRG2 and β-catenin were measured by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the exception of the 1 and 2 μL/mL concentrations, 4 and 8 μL/mL SML inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner at 24 and 48 h (P<0.05). With the exception of the 1 and 2 μL/mL concentrations, the NDRG2 expression level was greatly increased in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the level of β-catenin was unaffected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SML inhibit LX-2 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, and the mechanism may be associated with NDRG2 over-expression.</p>

Biopharmaceuticals from microorganisms: from production to purification

ABSTRACT The use of biopharmaceuticals dates from the 19th century and within 5-10 years, up to 50% of all drugs in development will be biopharmaceuticals. In the 1980s, the biopharmaceutical industry experienced a significant growth in the production and approval of recombinant proteins such as interferons (IFN α, β, and γ) and growth hormones. The production of biopharmaceuticals, known as bioprocess, involves a wide range of techniques. In this review, we discuss the technology involved in the bioprocess and describe the available strategies and main advances in microbial fermentation and purification process to obtain biopharmaceuticals.

Biopharmaceuticals from microorganisms: from production to purification

ABSTRACT The use of biopharmaceuticals dates from the 19th century and within 5-10 years, up to 50% of all drugs in development will be biopharmaceuticals. In the 1980s, the biopharmaceutical industry experienced a significant growth in the production and approval of recombinant proteins such as interferons (IFN , , and ) and growth hormones. The production of biopharmaceuticals, known as bioprocess, involves a wide range of techniques. In this review, we discuss the technology involved in the bioprocess and describe the available strategies and main advances in microbial fermentation and purification process to obtain biopharmaceuticals.