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A novel disease affecting small immature fruits has surfaced in 'Saiwaihong' apples (Malus pumila), a recently developed variety extensively cultivated across more than 20,000 hectares in China. In an effort to pinpoint the causal agent(s) responsible for this ailment, RNA sequencing analysis was conducted on four diseased and four healthy apple samples. The results revealed a diverse range of viruses and viroids, indicating a mixed viral infection in diseased samples. However, a more focused examination involving 152 diseased and 122 healthy fruit samples, utilizing RT-PCR and dot-blotting hybridization techniques, highlighted a close association between the disease and the presence of apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd). Among the obtained ASSVd variants from diseased 'Saiwaihong' apples, 20 were identified, and they were either identical or closely related to isolates from various apple varieties cultivated in different regions and countries. This suggests that ASSVd isolates in 'Saiwaihong' might have been introduced from other apple varieties. Furthermore, the analysis indicates the possibility of two separate introductions, as the ASSVd 'Saiwaihong' isolates demonstrated two distinct phylogenetic groups. These insights provide valuable guidance for disease control strategies and emphasize the significance of ongoing monitoring for ASSVd, both in its familiar forms and potential new variants.
ABSTRACT
The programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) tumor-suppressor gene regulates cell apoptosis, protein translation, signal transduction, and induction of mediators of inflammation. However, the mechanism by which PDCD4 is down-regulated and regulates tumor growth remains elusive. In this study, we showed that PDCD4 is down-regulated in glioma cells and acts as a tumor suppressor. Based on the TCGA data, we confirmed that AKT2, but not AKT1 or AKT3, interacts with PDCD4, thus leading to the suppression of PDCD4 in glioma cells. Moreover, the analysis suggested that PDCD4 regulates the expression of IL-5, CCL-5, VEGF, and CXCL10 via the NF-kB pathway. Additionally, depletion of levels of PDCD4 promoted angiogenic activity of glioma cells via the VEGF-STAT3 pathway. When tumor cells over-expressing PDCD4 were injected into nude mice, the increased expression of PDCD4 blocked tumorigenesis and prolonged overall survival. Our study indicates the need to develop drugs that can modulate the expression of PDCD4 and test their efficacy in clinical trials.
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Objective Effective tissue perfusion fixation plays an important role in immunofluorescence experiments and other studies .The aim of this study was to modify the method for perfusion fixation of rat brain tissues and improve the efficiency of the procedure . Methods Conventional thoracotomy was modified by cutting the skin from the xiphoid along the mediventral line to the lower jaw to expose both sides of the thorax and then freeing the chest wall .The tip of the infusion needle was cut off and the needle in-serted into the left ventricle , pushed to the ascending aorta , and fixed there to prevent sliding .Perfusion and fixation began after tho-racic aortic occlusion.The regulatory valve was opened , followed by infusion of 0.9%physiological saline and cutting the right atrial appendage .When the perfusate became clear , the infusion tube was replaced , without removal of the needle , and fixed with 4%paraformaldehyde .The fixation process was slowed down gradually till the neck became stiff , which indicated its completion . Results The head, neck and upper limbs were all fixed desirably by this method , which shortened the operation time , saved 4%paraformalde-hyde, and achieved satisfactory immunofluorescence results as compared with conventional procedures . Conclusion The modified method is simple , obviously improves the results of perfusion fixation of rat brain tissue , and therefore deserves to be popularized .
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BACKGROUND:Schatzker V, VI fracture often causes the injuries to cruciate ligament, col ateral ligaments and meniscus. Moreover, the col apse and shifting were severe. The locking plate on one side cannot support the weight or obtain satisfactory reduction. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects and stability of the dual-incision double-plate fixation and knee midline incision locking plate fixation in the treatment of Schatzker V, VI tibial plateau fracture. METHODS:A total of 76 patients with Schatzker V, VI tibial plateau fracture were respectively treated with locking plate fixation (n=38) and dual-incision double-plate fixation (n=38). Fracture reduction and healing were assessed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Varus angle and medial caster angle of tibial plateau received biomechanical measurement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Hospital stay and postoperative load time were significantly less in the dual-incision double-plate fixation group than in the locking plate fixation group (P0.05). The number of complications, such as ankylosis, fracture delayed union, pin tract infection, delayed union, varus deformity, was significantly fewer in the dual-incision double-plate fixation group than in the locking plate fixation group (P0.05). Postoperative Rasmussen classification was significantly better in the dual-incision double-plate fixation group than in the locking plate fixation group (P<0.05). Experimental results indicated that the clinical efficacy of the dual-incision double-plate fixation is superior to that of the anterior cruciate midline incision locking plate fixation in the treatment of Schatzker V, VI type tibial plateau fractures. The dual-incision double-plate fixation has more biomechanical stability.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish an animal model of alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) and to observe the prevention and treatment with New Qinggan Decoction (NQGD). METHODS: Female SD rats were exposed to the mixture of white spirit and corn oil continuously for up to 6 weeks via an intragastric feeding protocol. The pathologic alteration of the liver and the changes of serum lipid were observed, and the effect of NQGD for preventing and treating AFL was studied. RESULTS: Wide hepatic steatosis was induced in model group rats. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) of the model group were higher than those of the normal group (P<0.01). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the model group were higher than those of the normal group (P<0.05). In NQGD group, hepatic steatosis was milder than that in the model group, and serum TG, TC, AST, ALT descended significantly as compared with the model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: AFL model of rats established by feeding the mixture of white spirit and corn oil is similar to the episode of the human AFL, and is easy to intervene with medicine. NQGD can prevent the occurrence of AFL in this model.
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Background and purpose:In recent studies, the Notch-1 gene has been found to play an important role in the development of human glioblastoma.Short interfering RNA(siRNA) was used to silence the Notch-1 gene and block its expression.The objective was to determine whether siRNA targeting Notch-1 would inhibit the formation and growth of tumors in nude mice that modeled human glioblastoma.Methods:The human glioblastoma cell line TJ905 were first cultured and transfected with Notch-1 siRNA or nonsense siRNA by OligofectamineTM.The TJ905 cells were divided into 3 groups:the Notch-1 siRNA transfected group, nonsense siRNA transfected group and the control group.Each group's cells were subcutaneously injected into 5 nude mice.The nude mice(males, 3-4 weeks old) were given subcutaneous injections of either 0.2 mL of transfected siRNA or with normal TJ905 cells suspended at a 1?107 cells/mL concentration in a DMEM medium without serum.One week later, when the tumors were palpable, they were directly injected with the Notch-1 siRNA complex, nonsense siRNA complex, or PBS every 4 days for 20 days.Tumor sizes were measured every 3 days and calculated by the formula:volume(mm3) =1/2 length?(width)2.After a 20-day follow-up period, the mice were exterminated.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of Notch-1 gene.Results:The final tumor volume was less in nude mice injected with Notch-1 siRNA(1 203?206) mm3 compared mice injected with the nonsense siRNA injection(2 241?401) mm3, P
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Objective: To establish the quality control standards for Compound Bushen Granule (CBG) (Radix Astagali, Fructus Psoraleae Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii, etc.). Methods: Radix Astragali, Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii in CBG were identified by TLC, and the content of psoralen and isopsoralen were determined by HPLC. Results: Radix Astragali, Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii could be identified by TLC, the psoralen showed a good linear relationship at a range of 0.0153?g～0.230?g, r=0.9999 , the average recovery was 102.4%, and RSD was 2.7%, respectively; the isopsoralen showed a good linear relationship at a range of 0.0183?g～0.275?g, r=0.9999, the average recovery was 102.4%, and RSD was 2.7% , respectively. Conclusion: The method is accurate and can be used for the quality control of Compound Bushen Granule.
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Objective: To study the mechanism of jindengshanggen (JDSG) oral liquid's anti infectiion effect.Methods: inhibition on bacteria growth, resistance to Escherichia coli endotoxin and measurement of monocytic phagocaryosis in mice were taken. Results: The effects of JDSG oral liquid is probably not due to the inhibition on bacteria growth, but rather due to its stimulation on other anti infection mechanisms in human body. The enhancement of immune response and toxin tolerance may be one of the mechanisms for JDSG oral liquid to cure acute pharynx infection. Conclusions: These results provide a basis for clinical application of JDSG.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of clinical therapeutic and pharmacological actions “Shenkang Oral Liquid” on sexual function failing, senile nocturia. Results: Index of phagocyte, weight of seminal vesicle gland and content of testosterone in experimental rats with yang deficiency were observed by experiment.Results: “Shenkang Oral Liquid” could significantly raise index of phagocyte (k=0.0258?0.012), weight of seminal vesicle gland (24.07?1.99mg/10g) and content of testosterone (363?50.56pmol/mL) in rats with yang deficiency. Conclusion: “Shenkang Oral Liquid” shows enhancement effects on immune and sexual functions.
