Control Efficacy of Jingdusha against Corynespora cassiicola (Hyphomycetales: Dematiaceae) on Cucumber

Aims: The paper aimed to clarify the effect of cucumber target leaf spot (TLS) under the Jingdusha (JDS) treatment. Study Design: We applied the method of artificial inoculation in the pot, and analyzed the changes in growth indexes and physiological characteristics. Place and Duration of Study: In 2018, these experiments were conducted in College of Bioscience and Biotechnology of Shenyang Agricultural University (Lab 240). Methodology: The seedlings in the two-leaf period were induced by the best application scheme of JDS, then inoculated Corynespora cassiicola for 24 h. Cucumber seedlings of each treatment group were randomly selected for photographing and growth index determination after inoculation for 5 d. The leaves of cucumber seedlings in each treatment group were randomly collected at 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, and 9 d after inoculation for the determination of physiological and biochemical indicators. Results: When C. cassiicola infects cucumber, JDS can effectively improve the growth and photosynthetic pigment content of cucumber, reduce the degradation of chlorophyll (Chl) under the stress of C. cassiicola, strengthen the variety of metabolic responses in the plant, repair the enzyme protection system of cucumber leaves, reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, shorten the process of membrane lipid peroxidation in blades. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that JDS can improve the resistance of cucumber seedlings to C. cassiicola by regulating growth indexes and physiological characteristics. This work will provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of JDS in cucumber defense against C. cassiicola.

Genotyping and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from pigs in Hubei province, central China

@#Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous pathogen that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, can cause severe complications to the infected people and animals as well as serious economic losses and social problems. Here, one local strain (TgPIG-WH1) was isolated from an aborted pig fetus, and the genotype of this strain was identified as ToxoDB #3 by the PCR RFLP typing method using 10 molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico). A comparison of the virulence of this isolate with other strains in both mice and piglets showed that TgPIG-WH1 was less virulent than type 1 strain RH and type 2 strain ME49 in mice, and caused similar symptoms to those of ME49 such as fever in piglets. Additionally, in piglet infection with both strains, the TgPIG-WH1 caused a higher IgG response and more severe pathological damages than ME49. Furthermore, TgPIG-WH1 caused one death in the 5 infected piglets, whereas ME49 did not, suggesting the higher virulence of TgPIG-WH1 than ME49 during piglet infection. Experimental infections indicate that the virulence of TgPIG-WH1 relative to ME49 is weaker in mice, but higher in pigs. This is probably the first report regarding a ToxoDB #3 strain from pigs in Hubei, China. These data will facilitate the understanding of genetic diversity of Toxoplasma strains in China as well as the prevention and control of porcine toxoplasmosis in the local region.

Association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation & antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background & objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial bloodstream infections in humans. This study was aimed to explore the association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation, quorum sensing (QS) system and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa. Methods: An in vitro model of P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm was established using the standard P. aeruginosa strain (PAO-1). After treatment with 2.5 and 5 ?g/ml of furanone C-30, the change of biofilm morphology of PAO-1 was observed, and the expression levels of QS-regulated virulence genes (lasB, rhlA and phzA2), QS receptor genes (lasR, rhlR and pqsR) as well as QS signal molecule synthase genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsE and pqsH) were determined. Besides, the AmpC expression was quantified in planktonic and mature biofilm induced by antibiotics. Results: Furanone C-30 treatment significantly inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. With the increase of furanone C-30 concentration, the expression levels of lasB, rhlA, phzA2, pqsR, lasI, rhlI pqsE and pqsH significantly decreased in mature biofilm bacteria while the expression levels of lasR and rhlR markedly increased. The AmpC expression was significantly decreased in both planktonic and biofilm bacteria induced by imipenem and ceftazidime. Interpretation & conclusions: Furanone C-30 may inhibit biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa through regulating QS genes. The inhibitory effect of furanone C-30 on las system appeared to be stronger than that on rhl system. Further studies need to be done with different strains of P. aeruginosa to confirm our findings.

Clinical and prognostic significance of serum transforming growth factor-beta1 levels in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor 5-year survival rate of 5%. Biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is elevated in the tissues and plasma of patients with PDAC. However, no studies systemically report prognostic significance of plasma TGF-β1 levels in PDAC. In the present study, we assessed the prognostic significance of serum TGF-β levels in patients with PDAC. TGF-β levels were determined in serum from 146 PDAC patients, and 58 patients with benign pancreatic conditions. Regression models were used to correlate TGF-β levels to gender, age, stage, class, and metastasis. Survival analyses were performed using multivariate Cox models. Serum levels of TGF-β1 distinguished PDAC from benign pancreatic conditions (P<0.001) and healthy control subjects (P<0.001). Serum levels of TGF-β also distinguished tumor stage (P=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). High serum levels of TGF-β1 were significantly correlated with reduced patient survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that TGF-β1, lymph node metastasis and tumor stage were independent factors for PDAC survival. Our results indicate that serum TGF-β1 may be used as a potential prognostic marker for PDAC.

Promoting inflammatory lymphangiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) aggravated intestinal inflammation in mice with experimental acute colitis

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, it is not understood if inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is a pathological consequence or a productive attempt to resolve the inflammation. This study investigated the effect of lymphangiogenesis on intestinal inflammation by overexpressing a lymphangiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), in a mouse model of acute colitis. Forty eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with recombinant adenovirus overexpressing VEGF-C or with recombinant VEGF-C156S protein. Acute colitis was then established by exposing the mice to 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days. Mice were evaluated for disease activity index (DAI), colonic inflammatory changes, colon edema, microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), and VEGFR-3mRNA expression in colon tissue. When acute colitis was induced in mice overexpressing VEGF-C, there was a significant increase in colonic epithelial damage, inflammatory edema, microvessel density, and neutrophil infiltration compared to control mice. These mice also exhibited increased lymphatic vessel density (73.0±3.9 vs 38.2±1.9, P<0.001) and lymphatic vessel size (1974.6±104.3 vs 1639.0±91.5, P<0.001) compared to control mice. Additionally, the expression of VEGFR-3 mRNA was significantly upregulated in VEGF-C156S mice compared to DSS-treated mice after induction of colitis (42.0±1.4 vs 3.5±0.4, P<0.001). Stimulation of lymphangiogenesis by VEGF-C during acute colitis promoted inflammatory lymphangiogenesis in the colon and aggravated intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis may have pleiotropic effects at different stages of IBD.

Quality of life and survival after II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma surgery: Video‑assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy lobectomy.

PURPOSE: Due to the improvement of thoracoscopic thchnology and surgeon’s ability, plenty of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was treated by video‑assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and survival in II stage NSCLC patients following lobectomy, comparing VATS with thoracotomy. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2012, 217 II stage NSCLC patients (VATS: 114 patients, OPEN: 103 patients) were enrolled in a long‑standing, prospective observational lung cancer surgery outcomes study. Short‑form 36 health survey (SF‑36) and time to progression (TTP) were measured to evaluate the QOL and postoperative survival. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the preoperative radiation therapy and differentiation, and the VATS group had less postoperative complication, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, and shorter length of stay. Statistical analysis of SF‑36 questionnaire revealed that VATS group score was higher on seven health dimensions: Bodily pain (BP), energy (EG), general health, physical functioning, mental health, SF, and role‑physical (RP), but only BP, EG, and RP have statistical significance. Using survival analysis, there was no significant difference between VATS and OPEN group, in which the mean TTP of VATS group is 18.5 months, while OPEN group is 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy tends to score higher on the QOL and functioning scales and has equivalent postsurgical survival compared with OPEN lobectomy for II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma patients.

Prognostic impact of CUG‑binding protein 1 expression and vascular invasion after radical surgery for stage IB nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nonsmall cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide because of distant metastasis and frequent recurrence. Only few reliable and easily accessible tumor markers have been clinically implemented to the early nonsmall cell cancer prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to detect the expression of CUG‑binding protein (CUGBP1) and assess the prognostic significance of CUGBP1 in early stage (IB) lung adenocarcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using quantitative reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, we detect the expression of CUGBP1 and assess their correlation with clinicopathological parameters by Chi‑square test. Time to progression (TTP) was used as a recurrent index and was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis in the Cox hazard model. RESULTS: Using PCR and IHC analyses, the expression of CUGBP1 and CUGBP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) had a close relationship with differentiation and vascular–invasion (VI). However, there were no significant differences between the CUGBP1 mRNA expression and CUGBP1 protein expression in IB lung adenocarcinoma. Using univariate and multivariate survival analyses, we found that CUGBP1 and VI were independent prognostic factors for IB stage adenocarcinoma individuals postsurgically. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of CUGBP1 could enhance the recurrence rate of adenocarcinoma and predicts an adverse postsurgical survival of TTP. Combination of CUGBP1 and VI detecting could be considered as indication to predict prognosis of IB stage adenocarcinoma in the clinical trial.

Long-term efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China's rural areas

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for early prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. This 18-year cluster-randomized controlled trial encompassing 15 villages included 1008 patients (454 men and 40 women in the intervention group [mean age, 54 ± 10 years]; 482 men and 32 women in the control group [mean age, 53 ± 10 years]) with confirmed COPD or at risk for COPD. Villages were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group, and study participants residing within the villages received treatment accordingly. Intervention group patients took part in a program that included systematic health education, smoking cessation counseling, and education on management of COPD. Control group patients received usual care. The groups were compared after 18 years regarding the incidence of COPD, decline in lung function, and mortality of COPD. COPD incidence was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (10% vs 16%, <0.05). A decline in lung function was also significantly delayed in the intervention group compared to the control group of COPD and high-risk patients. The intervention group showed significant improvement in smoking cessation compared with the control group, and smokers in the intervention group had lower smoking indices than in the control group (350 vs 450, <0.05). The intervention group also had a significantly lower cumulative COPD-related death rate than the control group (37% vs 47%, <0.05). A rural community-based integrated intervention is effective in reducing the incidence of COPD among those at risk, delaying a decline in lung function in COPD patients and those at risk, and reducing mortality of COPD.

Effect of JJYMD-C, a novel synthetic derivative of gallic acid, on proliferation and phenotype maintenance in rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro

Tissue engineering encapsulated cells such as chondrocytes in the carrier matrix have been widely used to repair cartilage defects. However, chondrocyte phenotype is easily lost when chondrocytes are expanded in vitro by a process defined as “dedifferentiation”. To ensure successful therapy, an effective pro-chondrogenic agent is necessary to overcome the obstacle of limited cell numbers in the restoration process, and dedifferentiation is a prerequisite. Gallic acid (GA) has been used in the treatment of arthritis, but its biocompatibility is inferior to that of other compounds. In this study, we modified GA by incorporating sulfamonomethoxine sodium and synthesized a sulfonamido-based gallate, JJYMD-C, and evaluated its effect on chondrocyte metabolism. Our results showed that JJYMD-C could effectively increase the levels of the collagen II, Sox9, and aggrecan genes, promote chondrocyte growth, and enhance secretion and synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix. On the other hand, expression of the collagen I gene was effectively down-regulated, demonstrating inhibition of chondrocyte dedifferentiation by JJYMD-C. Hypertrophy, as a characteristic of chondrocyte ossification, was undetectable in the JJYMD-C groups. We used JJYMD-C at doses of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 µg/mL, and the strongest response was observed with 0.25 µg/mL. This study provides a basis for further studies on a novel agent in the treatment of articular cartilage defects.

Evaluation of ultrasound application in diagnosis and clinical staging of thyroid cancers.

Objectives: The usage of Ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer is increasing. This method is also advocated for the pre-operative and post-operative diagnosis of cervical lymph node (LN) metastases. This article is trying to figure out the correlation between ultrasound features and pathological classification of thyroid carcinoma (TC). Materials and Methods: A total of 407 cases of patients with TC were selected from records between 2000 and 2006, which were used to analyze and compare the ultrasound features in different pathologic classification of TC. We grouped the US typing of TC according to the ultrasound features. Then, we implemented pre-surgery evaluation of TC by ultrasound assessment. Results: We classified these patients into six groups by ultrasound: (1) classical, (2) non-typical, (3) microminiaturize, (4) diffuse sclerosing, (5) medullary, and (6) undifferentiated. Ultrasonographic types of papillary TC: (1) classical, (2) microminiaturize, (3) diffuse, (4) cystic, (5) peripheral, (6) multi-nodules, (7) invasive, and (8) complicated Hashimoto. Grouping of the ultrasonic type of cervical LN metastasis: (1) cystic, (2) micro calcification, (3) macro-lymph, (4) microminiaturize, and (5) invasive. The ultrasound assessment of clinical staging had a higher sensitivity rate and specificity, and the accuracy rate of T stage was 93.9%. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a useful tool in the evaluation, characterization, quantification, and location of TC and cervical LN metastasis.

Anastomosis in minimally invasive Ivor lewis esophagectomy via two ports provides equivalent perioperative outcomes to open.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is becoming a selective treatment of esophageal cancer; however, it’s a complex and technically demanding surgical operation. MIE can be performed in high volume centers in a variety of ways using different techniques. Transthoracic staplers have traditionally been used in open transthoracic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (ILE) with good success. An investigation of the safety and utility of transthoracic stapler via two ports on thorax for esophageal anastomosis in minimally invasive ILE is reviewed. METHODS: Patients of esophageal cancer were selected between November 2012 and July 2014. All the patients received minimally invasive (MIE) or open transthoracic ILE. Transthoracic stapler for MIE anastomosis was performed through the major port located at subaxillary region. Patients’ demographics, indications for esophagectomy, perioperative treatments, intraoperative data, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, 7 and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Totally, 63 consecutive patients underwent MIE or ILE. All the patients were Han with a mean age of 60 years (52–74). The indication of surgery is esophageal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma was defined by pathologist before operation. None of the patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation. All the MIE patients were no conversions to open thoracotomy or laparotomy. Mean operative time was 4.5 h. One patient (3.03%) suffered postoperative pneumonia, no leak from the gastric conduit staple line or esophageal anastomoses, no postoperative complication required surgical intervention was observed. The median hospital length of stay was 13 days (range 7–18). There were no in-hospital mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, transthoracic stapler through the major port at subaxillary seems technically feasible and safe for minimally invasive ILE with comparable morbidity and oncologic data to open.

A multiplex touchdown PCR for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in sputum samples

Rapid and accurate detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in sputum by conventional methods remains problematic. Primers based on capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis gene (cpsA), the region II of the capsulation locus (cap), the insertion sequence IS6110 were designed for Sp, Hib, MTBC respectively. These primers were incorporated in a multiplex touchdown PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Sp, Hib and MTBC. The multiplex touchdown PCR assay was evaluated using standard strains and clinical sputum samples. The multiplex touchdown PCR assay showed 100% specificity in identifying Sp, Hib, MTBC from pure culture of standard strains. The sensitivities of the multiplex touchdown PCR assay were 94%, 98%, 98% for detection of Sp, Hib and MTBC respectively based on culture results while evaluated using 492 consecutive qualified clinical sputum samples; the specificities were all 100%. This highly sensitive and specific multiplex touchdown PCR assay offers a rapid and simple method for detection of Sp, Hib and MTBC in clinical sputum samples.

Effect of curcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

This study was designed to investigate the effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) on the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The cell line HSC-T6 (1.25 x 10(5) cells/mL) was incubated with curcumin and HSC proliferation was detected by a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay. HSC apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, transmission electron microscope and agarose gel electrophoresis. HSC proliferation was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (10.6 to 63.5 percent) after incubation with 20-100 ìM curcumin, compared with a control group. At 20, 40, and 60 ìM, after 24 h of incubation, curcumin was associated with a significant increase in the number of HSC in the G2/M phase, and a significant decrease in cell numbers in the S phase (P < 0.05). At these concentrations, curcumin was also associated with an increase in the apoptosis index of 15.3 ± 1.9, 26.7 ± 2.8, and 37.6 ± 4.4 percent, respectively, compared to control (1.9 ± 0.6 percent, P < 0.01). At 40 ìM, the curcumin-induced apoptosis index at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation was 12.0 ± 2.4, 26.7 ± 3.5, 33.8 ± 1.8, and 49.3 ± 1.6 percent, respectively (P < 0.01). In conclusion, curcumin inhibits the in vitro proliferation of HSCs in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and also induces apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The in vivo effect of curcumin on HSCs requires further investigation.