Effect of Baihe Yuzi Prescription on CFTR， AQP， and ZIP Ion Channels and Oxidative Stress in Epididymis of Oligoasthenozoospermia Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Baihe Yuzi prescription （BYP） on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR）， aquaporin （AQP）， zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein （ZIP） and local oxidative stress in epididymis of oligoasthenozoospermia （OAS） rats， and to explore the mechanism of its intervention in OAS. MethodAfter 35 rats were acclimatized for 1 week， 7 rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 28 rats were given tripterygium glycosides （TG） 30 mg·kg-1. After 4 weeks of modeling， they were randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， BYP low-dose group （LBYP）， BYP high-dose group （HBYP） and levocarnitine group， with 7 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group and model group were given normal saline at the same dosage. The levocarnitine group rats were given L-carnitine oral liquid （100 mg·kg-1） by gavage. The LBYP group rats were given BYP 6.3 g·kg-1， and the HBYP group rats were given BYP 12.6 g·kg-1 by gavage once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. After the end of the intervention， sperm count and motility of all rats were detected， the histopathological structure of epididymis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expressions of CFTR， AQP9， AQP3， ZIP8， ZIP12 and other proteins were detected by Western blot. The contents of α-glycosidase （α-GC）， sialic acid （SA）， carnitine， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Total zinc content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Free zinc ion content was detected by zinc ion probes. ResultCompared with those in the normal group， the sperm count and motility of rats were decreased and the epididymal structure was disordered in the model group. The contents of α-GC and carnitine were decreased in epididymis （P<0.05）. MDA levels were increased， while SOD， GSH-Px and zinc levels were decreased （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were down-regulated， and AQP3 expression was up-regulated. The expression of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis was up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， BYP can significantly improve the sperm count and motility， the epididymal structure of OAS rats and the levels of α-GC and carnitine （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were up-regulated， while the expressions of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis and AQP3 in the head of the epididymis were decreased （P<0.05）. The SOD and GSH-Px levels and total zinc content in epididymis were increased， and the MDA levels were decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionBYP may improve the sperm quality and repair epididymal tissue structure and function of OAS rats， by regulating the expressions of CFTR， AQP3， and ZIP12 ion channels and local antioxidant mechanism.

Dendrobium Officinale Polysaccharide Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide （DOP）on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis（HF）and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 56 male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups： normal group（NG），model group（MG），colchicine group（CG， 0.1 mg/kg）， Fuzheng Huayu group（FG， 0.45 g/kg），low-dose DOP group（LDG， 0.05 g/kg），middle-dose DOP group（MDG， 0.1 g/kg）and high-dose DOP group（HDG，0.2 g/kg），with 8 rats in each group. HF rat model was established by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl4 olive oil mixture， every 3-day for 10 weeks. At the end of the sixth week， the drug groups were treated with colchicine， Fuzheng Huayu and DOP solution by gavage respectively， once a day for 4 weeks. NG and MG groups were similarly handled with an equal amount of 0.9 % normal saline. Liver histopathology was detected using hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson and Sirius red staining； blood biochemistry was tested for liver function and four indicators of HF； RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression of α-SMA， Col-I， E-cadherin， and ZEB1 genes and proteins in the liver tissues of rats， respectively. ResultsHE， Masson， and Sirius red staining showed that the liver tissue of MG rats had typical pathologic features of HF， and the degree of HF was alleviated in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats， respectively. Liver function test results showed that the serum AST， TBIL， and AKP levels were significantly lower in LDG， MDG， and HDG， compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. Meanwhile， ALT levels in serum deceased remarkably except in LDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The four results of HF showed that the serum HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and COL-Ⅳ levels in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats were significantly decreased compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The relative expressions of α-SMA， COL-I， and ZEB1 genes and proteins were significantly decreased in the liver tissues of LDG， MDG， and HDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）， and the relative expression of E-cadherin gene and protein increased （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. In addition， the expressions of HA， α-SMA， COL-I， ZEB1 and E-cadherin were dependent on the dose of DOP. ConclusionDOP alleviated the degree of CCl4 induced HF in rats by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver tissue.

La suplementación con zinc favorece el crecimiento intrauterino en fetos de ratas diabéticas / Zinc supplementation favours intrauterine growth in diabetic rat fetuses

La deficiencia de zinc puede ser un factor mediador en los trastornos del crecimiento fetal en la descendencia de la gestante diabética. Se persiguió como objetivo determinar la influencia de un suplemento con zinc sobre la morfometría externa corporal y craneofacial en fetos de ratas diabéticas con hiperglucemias moderadas. Durante la gestación, ratas diabéticas y controles fueron suplementadas por vía oral con sulfato de zinc (50 mg/kg-pc) o no recibieron tratamiento. Los fetos descendientes del grupo diabético suplementado presentaron niveles similares a los controles en las variables de crecimiento somático determinadas. La suplementación con zinc a ratas diabéticas favoreció el crecimiento intrauterino en los fetos. Los resultados de esta investigación constituyen aportes para dilucidar los requerimientos de zinc que permitan prevenir los trastornos del crecimiento fetal en la descendencia de gestantes diabéticas.

Zinc deficiency may be a mediating factor in fetal growth disorders in the offspring of diabetic pregnant women. The objective was to determine the influence of a zinc supplement on external body and craniofacial morphometry in diabetic rat fetuses with moderate hyperglycemia. During gestation, diabetic and control rats were orally supplemented with zinc sulphate (50 mg/kg bw) or received no treatment. The fetuses descendants of the supplemented diabetic group had levels similar to the control ones in the determined somatic growth variables. Zinc supplementation to diabetic rats favoured intrauterine growth in fetuses. The results of this research constitute a contribution to elucidate zinc requirements that allow preventing fetal growth disorders in the offspring of diabetic pregnant women.

POSTOPERATIVE PAIN INCIDENCE AND INTENSITY FOLLOWING ROOT CANAL OBTURATION WITH BIOCERAMIC AND OTHER SEALERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

Aims: To investigate whether bioceramicsealers induce a lower incidence and intensity of postoperative pain compared to other sealers. Materials and Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for studies published up to April 2022, following the PICOS strategy: (P) adult patients undergoing root canal treatment or retreatment; (I) root canal filling using bioceramic sealer; (C) root canal filling using other types of sealers; (O) Primary: postoperative pain incidence and/or intensity; Secondary: number of medication intake; (S) randomizedclinical trials. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials (RoB 2). Overall certainty of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Results: Ten studies were included. Eight studies had a low risk of bias, and two had some concerns risk. Meta-analyses showed no differences regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. Number of medication intake seemed to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer demonstrated an intense postoperative pain compared to bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. GRADE analysis showed a low certainty of evidence for all outcomes. Conclusions: There seem to be no differences between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence. Number of medication intake seem to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol evoked a more pronounced postoperative pain.

Indian food habit & food ingredients may have a role in lowering the severity & high death rate from COVID-19 in Indians: findings from the first nutrigenomic analysis

Background & objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the death rate was reportedly 5-8 fold lower in India which is densely populated as compared to less populated western countries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary habits were associated with the variations in COVID-19 severity and deaths between western and Indian population at the nutrigenomics level. Methods: In this study nutrigenomics approach was applied. Blood transcriptome of severe COVID-19 patients from three western countries (showing high fatality) and two datasets from Indian patients were used. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed for pathways, metabolites, nutrients, etc., and compared for western and Indian samples to identify the food- and nutrient-related factors, which may be associated with COVID-19 severity. Data on the daily consumption of twelve key food componentsacross four countries were collected and a correlation between nutrigenomics analyses and per capita daily dietary intake was investigated. Results: Distinct dietary habits of Indians were observed, which may be associated with low death rate from COVID-19. Increased consumption of red meat, dairy products and processed foods by western populations may increase the severity and death rate by activating cytokine storm-related pathways, intussusceptive angiogenesis, hypercapnia and enhancing blood glucose levels due to high contents of sphingolipids, palmitic acid and byproducts such as CO2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Palmitic acid also induces ACE2 expression and increases the infection rate. Coffee and alcohol that are highly consumed in western countries may increase the severity and death rates from COVID-19 by deregulating blood iron, zinc and triglyceride levels. The components of Indian diets maintain high iron and zinc concentrations in blood and rich fibre in their foods may prevent CO2 and LPS-mediated COVID-19 severity. Regular consumption of tea by Indians maintains high high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low triglyceride in blood as catechins in tea act as natural atorvastatin. Importantly, regular consumption of turmeric in daily food by Indians maintains strong immunity and curcumin in turmeric may prevent pathways and mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity and lowered the death rate. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results suggest that Indian food components suppress cytokine storm and various other severity related pathways of COVID-19 and may have a role in lowering severity and death rates from COVID-19 in India as compared to western populations. However, large multi-centered case?control studies are required to support our current findings.

The Role and Regulatory Mechanism of ZSCAN4 in Early Embryonic and Pluripotent Stem Cells / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (ZSCAN4) is specifically expressed as a DNA-binding protein in 2-cell stage embryos and embryonic stem cells. ZSCAN4 regulates early embryonic development by promoting DNA damage repair and correcting chromosomal abnormalities during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) to maintain genomic and chromosomal integrity in preimplantation embryos. During the transition of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to 2-cell-like cells, ZSCAN4 interacts with ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers to regulate the activity of murine endogenous retroviral L enhancers, and activate the expression of peripheral 2-cell-phase genes to promote the transition of embryonic stem cells to 2-cell-like cells. ZSCAN4 can also promote telomere reorganization and telomere extension by reducing DNA methylation levels to mediate heterochromatin silencing, maintain genome stability and the infinite self-renewal capacity and pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells, and promote mESCs transition to embryonic 2-cell-like cells. In addition, ZSCAN4 can also reactivate early embryonic genes in reprogramming, and significantly increase the generation efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ZSCAN4 reduces DNA damage during iPSCs formation, and preserves genome stability by lengthening telomeres, thereby promoting the generation of high-quality iPSCs without genetic defects. This article focuses on the research advances of the biological functions of ZSCAN4 in regulating early embryonic development, mediating telomere elongation in pluripotent stem cells, and its role in somatic cell reprogramming, which may provide a reference for optimizing the technology to increase the early embryonic development and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells and iPSC generation.

Resveratrol promotes autophagy through zinc ion and induces cardiomyocyte protection / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether resveratrol (Resveratrol, Res) induces cardiomyocyte protection by increasing intracellular zinc ion and its possible signal mechanism. Methods H9c2 cells were routinely cultured and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) was used to establish an endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) model. The experiment was randomly divided into control group, 2-DG group, Res +2-DG group, TPEN + Res + 2-DG group and 3-MA + Res +2-DG group. Cell viability was detected by MTT and CCK-8; the expression levels of ERS molecular chaperone proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) and autophagy proteins LC3 II / I, p62 and p-AMPK were detected by Western blot; the expression of LC3 protein was measured by cellular immunofluorescence; the mitochondrial membrane potential (Aijjm) and the intracellular zinc ion level were measured by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results Compared with the control group, 2-DG reduced cell activity and resveratrol inhibited the changes caused by 2-DG, which was reversed by zinc chelator TPEN. 2-DG increased GRP78 and GRP94 expression and resveratrol inhibited the protein changes caused by 2-DG, which was reversed by TPEN. 2-DG increased the expression of LC3 II / I, p-AMPK and decreased the expression of p62, and resveratrol promoted the effect of 2-DG. 2-DG increased the fluorescence intensity of LC3, and resveratrol enhanced the effect of 2-DG, which was reversed by TPEN and 3-MA. 2-DG reduced the red fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial TMRE and green fluorescence intensity of intracellular zinc ions, and resveratrol inhibited these changes caused by 2-DG, which was also reversed by TPEN and 3-MA. The above differences were all statistically significant (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Resveratrol increases intracellular zinc to promote ERS-induced autophagy and prevent the mPTP opening in H9c2 cardiac cells.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the glucose-lipid metabolism and the expression of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue in the rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects on the glucose-lipid metabolism and the expression of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue after electroacupuncture (EA) at "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) in the rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), so as to explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of T2DM.@*METHODS@#Twelve ZDF male rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat fodder, Purina #5008 for 4 weeks to induce T2DM model. After successfully modeled, the rats were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, with 6 rats in each one. Additionally, 6 ZL male rats of the same months age were collected as the blank group. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), with continuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency, and 2 mA in intensity. The electric stimulation lasted 20 min each time. EA was delivered once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Separately, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured before modeling, before and after intervention, and the body mass of each rat was weighted before and after intervention. After intervention, the levels of the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) in serum were detected using enzyme colorimetric method; and the levels of the serum insulin (INS) and ZAG were detected by ELISA. Besides, the insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) was calculated. With Western blot technique adopted, the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue were determined.@*RESULTS@#After intervention, compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS increased (P<0.01), while HOMA-ISI decreased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue dropped (P<0.01) in the model group. In the EA group, compared with the model group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS were reduced (P<0.01), and HOMA-ISI increased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture can effectively regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, improve insulin resistance and sensitivity in the rats with T2DM, which is associated with the modulation of ZAG and GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

Effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke

@#Introduction: Cigarette smoke exposure can cause inflammation, inducing the release of acute phase cytokines, such as IL-6, that will then trigger the recruitment of neutrophils, which are mostly phagocytic cells. Zinc and probiotics are known to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Methods: In a randomised, experimental study with post-test control group design, thirty 2 to 3-month-old male Wistar rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were divided into five groups: control group without treatment (C); exposed to cigarette smoke [C (-)]; exposed to cigarette smoke and received zinc (Z); exposed to cigarette smoke and received probiotics (P); and exposed to cigarette smoke and received a combination of zinc and probiotics (ZP). Results: Mean tissue neutrophil levels in Z, P, and ZP groups were 43.43±2.01, 34.67±1.32,and 29.77±5.05 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between supplementation intake and tissue neutrophil levels in each group compared to C (-) group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, only IL-6 level in the ZP group (6.02 pg/mL) decreased significantly compared to C (-) group (10.61 pg/mL). Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of zinc and probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by IL-6 and neutrophil levels.

Hematopoietic regulation of transcription factor GATA1 and mutations causing hereditary erythroid and megakaryocytic disorders / 中国输血杂志

GATA-binding protein 1 (GATA1), an important hematopoietic transcription factor, specifically regulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid and megakaryoid cells at the transcription level, which maintains the normal development and maturation of these two lineages. The functional structure of GATA1 is composed of one N-terminal transactivation domain (N-TAD) and two zinc fingers (NF and CF). GATA1 is highly conserved in different species. Alteration of GATA1 expression or function will lead to transcriptional disorder of erythrocyte and megakaryocyte related genes, resulting in various clinical phenotypes. This article reviews the molecular structure of GATA1, its transcriptional regulation in erythrocyte and megakaryocyte, and the hereditary hematopoietic regulatory disorders of these two lineages caused by GATA1 mutations.

Antibacterial efficacy of chemically and plant-synthesized zinc oxide nanocomposite against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inoculated in Tilapia fillet

Aims@#Edible coatings developed from biodegradable materials such as starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPS) are efficient antimicrobials that could be used as a food additive to reduce the bacterial load on the food surface. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the effect of chemical and green synthesized ZnO-NPS with different concentrations on the survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in fish fillets during chilling storage at 4 ± 1°C.@*Methodology and results@#ZnO-NPS were chemically prepared by mixing zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium hydroxide. Lavandula officinalis was used for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPS. The sterile biodegradable coating containing 2 and 5% of both chemically and green synthesized ZnO-NPS were made using starch, gelatin, xanthan gum and glycerol. Different bacterial cocktail strains of both E. coli and S. aureus were inoculated onto Tilapia fillet samples. The coating solution with different antimicrobials was aseptically spread in Tilapia fillets and examined periodically within two days intervals for the survival of S. aureus and E. coli during chilling at 4 ± 1 °C. Both chemically and plantsynthesized ZnO-NPS reduced the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli by about 3.7 log10 CFU/cm2 of Tilapia fillet. The incorporation of L. officinalis increased the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPS. Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli for both chemically and plant-synthesized ZnO-NPS. Moreover, zinc oxide biodegradable coating extended the shelf-life of chilled Tilapia fillets by about 4 days.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The results of the current study demonstrated the incorporation of L. officinalis into ZnO-NPS biodegradable coating which may be promising in reducing microbial growth on food surfaces.

UHRF1/DNMT1-MZF1 axis-modulated intragenic site-specific CpGI methylation confers divergent expression and opposing functions of PRSS3 isoforms in lung cancer

As confusion mounts over RNA isoforms involved in phenotypic plasticity, aberrant CpG methylation-mediated disruption of alternative splicing is increasingly recognized as a driver of intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). Protease serine 3 (PRSS3), possessing four splice variants (PRSS3-SVs; PRSS3-V1-V4), is an indispensable trypsin that shows paradoxical effects on cancer development. Here, we found that PRSS3 transcripts and their isoforms were divergently expressed in lung cancer, exhibiting opposing functions and clinical outcomes, namely, oncogenic PRSS3-V1 and PRSS3-V2 versus tumor-suppressive PRSS3-V3, by targeting different downstream genes. We identified an intragenic CpG island (iCpGI) in PRSS3. Hypermethylation of iCpGI was mediated by UHRF1/DNMT1 complex interference with the binding of myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) to regulate PRSS3 transcription. The garlic-derived compound diallyl trisulfide cooperated with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine to exert antitumor effects in lung adenocarcinoma cells through site-specific iCpGI demethylation specifically allowing MZF1 to upregulate PRSS3-V3 expression. Epigenetic silencing of PRSS3-V3 via iCpGI methylation (iCpGIm) in BALF and tumor tissues was associated with early clinical progression in patients with lung cancer but not in those with squamous cell carcinoma or inflammatory disease. Thus, UHRF1/DNMT1-MZF1 axis-modulated site-specific iCpGIm regulates divergent expression of PRSS3-SVs, conferring nongenetic functional ITH, with implications for early detection of lung cancer and targeted therapies.

Relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m 2, with an average of 25.6 kg/m 2. The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.

Research status and development of biodegradable zinc alloy as orthopedics implant / 生物医学工程学杂志

Znic (Zn) alloys with good cytocompatibility and suitable degradation rate have been a kind of biodegradable metal with great potential for clinical applications. This paper summarizes the biological role of degradable Zn alloy as bone implant materials, discusses the mechanical properties of different Zn alloys and their advantages and disadvantages as bone implant materials, and analyzes the influence of different processing strategies (such as alloying and additive manufacturing) on the mechanical properties of Zn alloys. This paper provides systematic design approaches for biodegradable Zn alloys as bone implant materials in terms of the material selection, product processing, structural topology optimization, and assesses their application prospects with a view to better serve the clinic.

Toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo on cornea / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To observe the toxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles(ZnO NPs)on cornea by constructing intoxicated model in vivo and in vitro.METHODS:Human corneal epithelial cells(HCEpiC)were cultured in vitro and exposed to different concentrations(0.5, 5, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 250 μg/mL)of ZnO NPs for 24h. The cell culture medium without nano-solution was used as the blank control group. The viability of the cells was assessed by MTT assay. Three different concentrations(25, 50 and 100 μg/mL)of ZnONPs dispersions were exposed to the conjunctival sac of anesthetized mice three times a day for 7d consecutively. The phosphate buffered saline(PBS)eye group was the PBS control group. Corneal morphology was observed on 1, 3, 5 and 7d, and the eyes were removed on 8d for various laboratory examinations, including corneal pathological changes and expression levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-6).RESULTS:After treatment of HCEpiC cells with different concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24h, the MTT results showed that Zno NPs cause damage to cells at 0.5 μg/mL, and the cell survival rate was about 80%(P&#x003C;0.05). Half of the cells were killed at a dose of 5 μg/mL, the damaging effect on cells in the concentration range of 5～250 μg/mL was concentration-dependent(P&#x003C;0.0001). After 7d of conjunctival capsule spotting in mice, dot-like staining of fluorescein was seen in the 25 μg/mL ZnO NPs and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups. Localized circular fluorescein stained areas were seen in the corneas of the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group. HE staining showed that the corneal epithelial layer, stromal layer thickness and stromal layer immune cell number did not change significantly in the 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups(all P&#x003E;0.05), while the corneal epithelial layer thinned, the corneal stromal layer thickened and the stromal layer immune cells increased significantly in the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group(all P&#x003C;0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of corneal stromal immune cells producing TNF-α and IL-6 and the mean integral optical density(IOD)values of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group than in the PBS control group(P&#x003C;0.05), and the degree of inflammation response was concentration-dependent. Compared with the PBS control group, no significant increase in immune cell count and IOD values in the 25 μg/mL ZnO NPs and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups(P&#x003E;0.05).CONCLUSION:The toxic damaging effect of ZnO NPs on the cornea was confirmed from both in vitro and in vivo, which provided a theoretical basis for the ocular safety evaluation of ZnO NPs.

The Role of Thyroid Hormones, Vitamins, and Microelements in Female Infertility / O papel dos hormônios da tiroide, das vitaminas e dos microelementos na fertilidade feminina

Abstract Objective It is well known that female infertility is multifactorial. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, and microelement deficiency in fertile and infertile patients. Materials and Methods Between May 1st, 2017, and April 1st, 2019, we conducted a retrospective case-control study with of 380 infertile and 346 pregnant patients (who normally fertile and able to conceive spontaneously). The fertile patients were selected among those who got pregnant spontaneously without treatment, had a term birth, and did not have systemic or obstetric diseases. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of both groups were compared. Results There was no difference between patients in the infertile and pregnant groups in terms of low normal and high serum T3 and T4 levels (p = 0.938; p > 0.05) respectively, nor in terms of normal and high anti-TPO levels (p = 0.182; p > 0.05) respectively. There was no significant difference regarding patients with low, insufficient, and sufficient vitamin D levels in the infertile and pregnant groups (p = 0.160; p >0.05) respectively. The levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc of the infertile group were significantly lower than those of the pregnant group. Conclusion The serum levels of folic acid, ferritin, and zinc in infertile patients presenting to our outpatient clinic were lower than those o the fertile patients.

Resumo Objetivo Sabe-se que a infertilidade feminina é multifatorial. Portanto, nosso objetivo foi comparar os efeitos da disfunção tireoidiana, deficiência de vitaminas e deficiência de microelementos em pacientes férteis e inférteis. Materiais e Métodos Entre 1° de maio de 2017 e 1° de abril de 2019, realizamos um estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com 380 pacientes inférteis e 346 grávidas (normalmente férteis e capazes de conceber espontaneamente). As pacientes férteis foram selecionadas entre aquelas que engravidaram espontaneamente sem tratamento, tiveram parto a termo e não apresentavam doenças sistêmicas ou obstétricas. Os níveis de hormônio estimulante da tireoide (TSH), triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4), antitireoide peroxidase (anti-TPO), vitamina D, vitamina B12, ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco de ambos os grupos foram comparados. Resultados Não houve diferença entre as pacientes dos grupos inférteis e gestantes em relação aos níveis altos de sérumT3 e T4 normais baixos e altos (p = 0,938; p > 0,05), respectivamente nem aos níveis normais e altos de anti-TPO (p = 0,182; p > 0,05), respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa em relação aos pacientes com níveis baixos, insuficientes e suficientes de vitamina D nos grupos inférteis e gestantes (p = 0,160; p > 0,05), respectivamente. Os níveis de ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco do grupo infértil foram significativamente menores do que os do grupo grávida. Conclusão Os níveis de sérum de ácido fólico, ferritina e zinco nas pacientes inférteis atendidas em nosso ambulatório foram menores do que nas pacientes férteis.

Assessment of zinc solubilization potential of zinc-resistant Pseudomonas oleovorans strain ZSB13 isolated from contaminated soil / Avaliação do potencial de solubilização do zinco da cepa ZSB13 de Pseudomonas oleovorans resistente ao zinco isolada de solo contaminado

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is required for optimum plant growth. It is present in soil in insoluble forms. Bacterial solubilization of soil unavailable form of Zn into available form, is an emerging approach to alleviate the Zn deficiency for plants and human beings. Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) could be a substitute for chemical Zn fertilizer. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial species from the contaminated soil and evaluate their Zn solubilizing potential. Zn resistant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Zn. Among the 13 isolated bacterial strains ZSB13 showed maximum MIC value upto 30mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Zn was selected for further analysis. Molecular characterization of ZSB13 was performed by 16S rRNA gene amplification which confirmed it as Pseudomonas oleovorans. Zn solubilization was determined through plate assay and broth medium. Four insoluble salts (zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), zinc sulphite (ZnS) and zinc phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2) were used for solubilization assay. Our results shows 11 mm clear halo zone on agar plates amended with ZnO. Likewise, ZSB13 showed significant release of Zn in broth amended with ZnCO3 (17 and 16.8 ppm) and ZnO (18.2 ppm). Furthermore, Zn resistance genes czcD was also enriched in ZSB13. In our study, bacterial strain comprising Zn solubilization potential has been isolated that could be further used for the growth enhancement of crops.

O zinco é um micronutriente essencial necessário para o crescimento ideal das plantas. Ele está presente no solo em formas insolúveis. A solubilização bacteriana da forma indisponível de Zn no solo para a forma disponível é uma abordagem emergente para aliviar a deficiência de Zn em plantas e seres humanos. Bactérias solubilizadoras de zinco (ZSB) podem ser um substituto para fertilizantes químicos de Zn. O presente estudo teve como objetivo isolar e caracterizar espécies bacterianas de solo contaminado e avaliar seu potencial de solubilização de Zn. Bactérias resistentes ao Zn foram isoladas e avaliadas quanto ao seu MIC contra o Zn. Entre as 13 cepas bacterianas isoladas, ZSB13 apresentou valor máximo de MIC de até 30 mM/L. A cepa bacteriana com maior resistência ao Zn foi selecionada para análise posterior. A caracterização molecular de ZSB13 foi realizada por amplificação do gene 16S rRNA que o confirmou como Pseudomonas oleovorans. A solubilização do Zn foi determinada através de ensaio em placa e meio caldo. Quatro sais insolúveis (óxido de zinco (ZnO), carbonato de zinco (ZnCO3), sulfito de zinco (ZnS) e fosfato de zinco (Zn3 (PO4) 2) foram usados para o ensaio de solubilização. Nossos resultados mostram uma zona de halo clara de 11 mm em placas de ágar corrigidas com ZnO. Da mesma forma, ZSB13 mostrou liberação significativa de Zn em caldo alterado com ZnCO3 (17 e 16,8 ppm) e ZnO (18,2 ppm). Além disso, os genes de resistência ao Zn czcD também foram enriquecidos em ZSB13. Em nosso estudo, a cepa bacteriana compreendendo potencial de solubilização de Zn foi isolada e poderia ser usada posteriormente para o aumento do crescimento de safras.

Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].

Assessment of zinc solubilization potential of zinc-resistant Pseudomonas oleovorans strain ZSB13 isolated from contaminated soil

Abstract Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is required for optimum plant growth. It is present in soil in insoluble forms. Bacterial solubilization of soil unavailable form of Zn into available form, is an emerging approach to alleviate the Zn deficiency for plants and human beings. Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) could be a substitute for chemical Zn fertilizer. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial species from the contaminated soil and evaluate their Zn solubilizing potential. Zn resistant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Zn. Among the 13 isolated bacterial strains ZSB13 showed maximum MIC value upto 30mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Zn was selected for further analysis. Molecular characterization of ZSB13 was performed by 16S rRNA gene amplification which confirmed it as Pseudomonas oleovorans. Zn solubilization was determined through plate assay and broth medium. Four insoluble salts (zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), zinc sulphite (ZnS) and zinc phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2) were used for solubilization assay. Our results shows 11 mm clear halo zone on agar plates amended with ZnO. Likewise, ZSB13 showed significant release of Zn in broth amended with ZnCO3 (17 and 16.8 ppm) and ZnO (18.2 ppm). Furthermore, Zn resistance genes czcD was also enriched in ZSB13. In our study, bacterial strain comprising Zn solubilization potential has been isolated that could be further used for the growth enhancement of crops.

Resumo O zinco é um micronutriente essencial necessário para o crescimento ideal das plantas. Ele está presente no solo em formas insolúveis. A solubilização bacteriana da forma indisponível de Zn no solo para a forma disponível é uma abordagem emergente para aliviar a deficiência de Zn em plantas e seres humanos. Bactérias solubilizadoras de zinco (ZSB) podem ser um substituto para fertilizantes químicos de Zn. O presente estudo teve como objetivo isolar e caracterizar espécies bacterianas de solo contaminado e avaliar seu potencial de solubilização de Zn. Bactérias resistentes ao Zn foram isoladas e avaliadas quanto ao seu MIC contra o Zn. Entre as 13 cepas bacterianas isoladas, ZSB13 apresentou valor máximo de MIC de até 30 mM/L. A cepa bacteriana com maior resistência ao Zn foi selecionada para análise posterior. A caracterização molecular de ZSB13 foi realizada por amplificação do gene 16S rRNA que o confirmou como Pseudomonas oleovorans. A solubilização do Zn foi determinada através de ensaio em placa e meio caldo. Quatro sais insolúveis (óxido de zinco (ZnO), carbonato de zinco (ZnCO3), sulfito de zinco (ZnS) e fosfato de zinco (Zn3 (PO4) 2) foram usados para o ensaio de solubilização. Nossos resultados mostram uma zona de halo clara de 11 mm em placas de ágar corrigidas com ZnO. Da mesma forma, ZSB13 mostrou liberação significativa de Zn em caldo alterado com ZnCO3 (17 e 16,8 ppm) e ZnO (18,2 ppm). Além disso, os genes de resistência ao Zn czcD também foram enriquecidos em ZSB13. Em nosso estudo, a cepa bacteriana compreendendo potencial de solubilização de Zn foi isolada e poderia ser usada posteriormente para o aumento do crescimento de safras.

Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of Kinnow mandarin fruit

Abstract Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the Kinnow fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-1) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.6%) four months prior to harvest reduced pre-harvest fruit drop, increase yield with improved quality of Kinnow mandarin fruit.

Resumo A tangerina Kinnow (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina Kinnow em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta Kinnow. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-1) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os antioxidantes totais (TAO) e os teores fenólicos totais (TPC) nas frutas. Em conclusão, a pulverização foliar de ZnSO4 (0,6%) quatro meses antes da colheita reduziu a queda de frutos antes da colheita e aumentou o rendimento com a melhoria da qualidade da fruta tangerina Kinnow.