Mucin phenotype and microvessels in early gastic cancer: Magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging.

Backgrounds: In order to detect early gastric cancer (EGC), this research sought to assess the diagnostic utility of magnifying endoscopy (ME) as well as the significance of mucin phenotype and microvessel features. Methods: 402 individuals with an EGC diagnosis underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at the Department of ME between 2012 and 2020. After adjusting for image distortion, high-magnification endoscopic pictures were taken and examined to find microvessels in the area of interest. The microvessel density was measured as counts per square millimeter (counts/mm2) after segmentation, and the vascular bed's size was computed as a percentage of the area of interest. To identify certain properties of the microvessels, such as end-points, crossing points, branching sites, and connection points, further processing was done using skeletonized pixels. Results: According to the research, undifferentiated tumors often lacked the MS pattern and showed an oval and tubular microsurface (MS) pattern, but differentiated EGC tumors usually lacked the MS pattern and presented a corkscrew MV pattern. Submucosal invasion was shown to be more strongly associated with the destructive MS pattern in differentiated tumors as opposed to undifferentiated tumors. While lesions with a corkscrew MV pattern and an antrum or body MS pattern revealed greater MUC5AC expression, lesions with a loop MV pattern indicated higher MUC2 expression. Furthermore, CD10 expression was higher in lesions with a papillary pattern and an antrum or body MS pattern. Conclusion: These results imply that evaluating mucin phenotype and microvessel features in conjunction with magnifying endoscopy (ME) may be a useful diagnostic strategy for early gastric cancer (EGC) detection. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to confirm these findings and identify the best course of action for EGC diagnosis.

LncRNA MIR181A2HG inhibits keratinocytes proliferation through miR-223-3p/SOX6 axis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a complex and recurrent chronic inflammatory skin disease, and the abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an indispensable role in regulating cellular functions. This research aims to explore the potential impact of lncRNA MIR181A2HG on the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation. METHODS: The expression level of MIR181A2HG and the mRNA level of KRT6, KRT16, and SOX6 were assessed using qRT-PCR. The viability and proliferation of keratinocytes were evaluated using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to test the interaction among MIR181A2HG/miR-223-3p/SOX6. Protein level was detected by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: The findings indicated that psoriasis lesions tissue exhibited lower levels of MIR181A2HG expression compared to normal tissue. The overexpression of MIR181A2HG resulted in the inhibition of HaCaT keratinocytes proliferation. The knockdown of MIR181A2HG promoted cell proliferation. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments provided evidence of the interaction among MIR181A2HG, SOX6, and miR-223-3p. CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA MIR181A2HG functions as a miR-223-3p sponge targeting SOX6 to regulate the proliferation of keratinocytes, which suggested that MIR181A2HG/miR-223-3p/SOX6 might be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for psoriasis.

Screening, characterization, and optimization of the fermentation conditions of a novel cellulase-producing microorganism from soil of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Cellulases play an important role in the bioconversion of lignocellulose. Microorganisms found in extreme environments are a potentially rich source of cellulases with unique properties. Due to the uniqueness of the environment, the abundant microbial resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are worth being explored. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize an acidic, mesophilic cellulase-producing microorganism from QTP. Moreover, the fermentation conditions for cellulase production were optimized for future application of cellulase in the development of lignocellulose biomass. A novel cellulase-producing strain, Penicillium oxalicum XC10, was isolated from the soil of QTP. The cellulase produced by XC10 was a mesophilic cellulase that exhibited good acid resistance and some cold-adaptation properties, with maximum activity at pH 4.0 and 40°C. Cellulase activity was significantly enhanced by Na+ (p < 0.05) and inhibited by Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ (p < 0.05). After optimization, maximum cellulase activity (8.56 U/mL) was increased nearly 10-fold. Optimal fermentation conditions included an inoculum size of 3% (v/v) in a mixture of corn straw (40 g/L), peptone (5 g/L), and Mg2+ (4 g/L), at pH 4.0, 33°C, and shaking at 200 rpm. The specific properties of the P. oxalicum XC10 cellulase suggest the enzyme may serve as an excellent candidate for the bioconversion and utilization of lignocellulose biomass generated as agricultural and food-processing wastes.

Deficiency in Prader-Willi syndrome gene necdin leads to attenuated cardiac contractility.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by behavioral disturbances, hyperphagia, and intellectual disability. Several surveys indicate that PWS is also associated with cardiac abnormalities, possibly contributing to a high incidence of sudden death. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction in PWS remain unclear. In this study, we found that deficiency in necdin, an intronless gene within PWS region, led to heart systolic and diastolic dysfunction in mice. Through yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified an interaction between necdin and non-muscle myosin regulatory light chain 12a/b (MYL12 A/B). We further showed that necdin stabilized MYL12 A/B via SGT1-heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) chaperone machinery. The zebrafish lacking the MYL12 A/B analog, MYL12.1, exhibited impaired heart function, while cardiac-specific overexpression of MYL12A normalized the heart dysfunction in necdin-deficient mice. Our findings revealed necdin dysfunction as a contributing factor to cardiomyopathy in PWS patients and emphasized the importance of HSP90 chaperone machinery and non-muscle myosin in heart fitness.

Blood-supplementing effect of low molecular weight peptides of E-Jiao on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression: evaluation of pharmacological activity and identification of bioactive peptides released in vivo.

Background: Equus asinus L. [Equidae; Asini Corri Colla] (donkey-hide gelatin, E-Jiao) is a traditional Chinese medicine renowned for its exceptional blood-supplementing effect. However, the specific components that contribute to its efficacy remain elusive. This study aimed to demonstrate that peptides are responsible for E-Jiao's blood-supplementing effect and to explore the specific peptides contributing to its efficacy. Methods: The low molecular weight peptides of E-Jiao (LMEJ) were obtained using an in vitro digestion method. LMEJ and peptides in the rat bloodstream were characterized by peptidomics analysis. The blood-supplementing effect of LMEJ was assessed using blood-deficient zebrafish and mouse models. The effect of the peptides detected in rat blood was evaluated using the same zebrafish model, and network pharmacology analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results: A total of 660 unique peptides were identified within LMEJ. Both E-Jiao and LMEJ significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice but only LMEJ attenuated myelosuppression in zebrafish. After the administration of E-Jiao to rats, 67 E-Jiao-derived peptides were detected in the bloodstream, 41 of which were identical to those identified in LMEJ. Out of these 41 peptides, five were synthesized. Subsequent verification of their effects revealed that two of them were able to alleviate myelosuppression in zebrafish. Network pharmacology study suggested that E-Jiao may exert a blood-supplementing effect by regulating signaling pathways such as JAK-STAT, IL-17 and others. These results indicated that peptides are at least partially responsible for E-Jiao's efficacy. Conclusion: This study provides a crucial foundation for further exploration of the bioactive components of E-Jiao.

The function of CD36 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

CD36 is a scavenger receptor that has been reported to function as a signaling receptor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and could integrate metabolic pathways and cell signaling through its dual functions. Thereby influencing activation to regulate the immune response and immune cell differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that CD36 plays critical roles in the process of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and immune process caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This review will comprehensively investigate CD36's functions in lipid uptake and processing, inflammatory response, immune response and therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the infection process of M. tuberculosis. The study also raised outstanding issues in this field to designate future directions.

Silencing of ZNF610 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in lung adenocarcinoma.

Zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) play a significant role in the initiation and progression of tumors. Nevertheless, the specific contribution of ZNF610 to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains poorly understood. This study sought is to elucidate the role of ZNF610 in LUAD. Transcript data of LUAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database and processed via R program. The expression of ZNF610 was assessed in various cell lines. To compare the proliferative capacity of cells with or without ZNF610 silencing, CCK8, cell colony formation assay, and Celigo label-free cell counting assay were employed. Furthermore, transwell migration and invasion assays were conducted to evaluate the migratory and invasive abilities of the cells. The expression levels of genes and proteins were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot techniques. In different LUAD cells, the expression level of ZNF610 was found to be significantly higher in LUAD cells compared to MRC-5 and BASE-2B cells. Moreover, the silencing of ZNF610 resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation and migration abilities. Additionally, the apoptosis rate of cells increased upon silencing ZNF610. Notably, the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased, while the proportion of cells in the S phase decreased following ZNF610 silencing. Finally, ß-catenin and snail were identified as downstream targets of ZNF610 in cells. Our findings suggest that silencing ZNF610 could inhibit LUAD cell proliferation and migration, possibly through the downregulation of ß-catenin and snail.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induces a novel type of cell death: Ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a lipid peroxidation-driven and iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, which is involved in a variety of physical processes and multiple diseases. Numerous reports have demonstrated that ferroptosis is closely related to the pathophysiological processes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection and is characterized by the accumulation of excess lipid peroxides on the cell membrane. In this study, the various functions of ferroptosis, and the therapeutic strategies and diagnostic biomarkers of tuberculosis, were summarized. Notably, this review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and functions of M. tuberculosis-induced ferroptosis, suggesting potential future therapeutic and diagnostic markers for tuberculosis.

Classification and management strategy of spontaneous carotid artery dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous carotid artery dissections (sCADs) are the common cause of stroke in middle-aged and young people. There is still a lack of clinical classification to guide the management of sCAD. We reviewed our experience with 179 patients with sCAD and proposed a new classification for sCAD with prognostic and therapeutic significance. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from June 2018 to June 2023 of patients with sCAD treated at a large tertiary academic institution in an urban city in China. Based on imaging results, we categorize sCAD into four types: type Ⅰ, intramural hematoma or dissection with <70% luminal narrowing; type Ⅱ, intramural hematoma or dissection with ≥70% luminal narrowing; type Ⅲ, dissecting aneurysm; type ⅣA, extracranial carotid artery occlusion; and type ⅣB, tandem occlusion. We compared the clinical data and prognostic outcomes among various types of sCADs. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients and 197 dissected arteries met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the 179 patients with sCAD was 49.5 years, 78% were male, and 18 patients (10%) had bilateral sCAD. According to our classification, there were 56 type Ⅰ (28.4%), 50 type Ⅱ (25.4%), 60 type Ⅲ (30.5%), and 31 type Ⅳ (15.7%) dissections. During a mean hospitalization length of 11.4 ± 47.0 days, there were nine recurrent strokes (4.6%) after medical treatment, two type Ⅲ dissections (1.0%), seven type Ⅳ dissections (3.6%), all ipsilateral, and one death. Overall, there were seven (3.6%, 1 type Ⅰ dissection, 3 type Ⅱ dissections, 2 type Ⅲ dissections, and 1 type Ⅳ dissection) recurrent strokes and three (1.5%, all type Ⅲ dissections) recurrent transient ischemic attacks in patients treated with just medical therapy during the follow-up period, all ipsilateral, with a mean follow-up of 26 months (range, 3-59 months). These patients did not undergo further intervention due to the high difficulty associated with endovascular treatment (EVT) or the mild nature of recurrent cerebral ischemic symptoms. Twenty-nine type I dissections (51.8%) were completely recanalized after antithrombotic therapy. A total of 19 type II dissections (38%) and 44 type III dissections (73%) received EVT for persistent flow-limited dissections, enlargement of dissecting aneurysms, or aggravation of neurological symptoms despite antithrombotic therapy. Type Ⅳ dissections are more likely to lead to the occurrence of ischemic stroke and presented with more severe symptoms. Eight type IVB dissections (33%) received acute phase intervention due to distal thromboembolism or aggravation of neurological symptoms after medical treatment. In terms of cerebral ischemic events and mortality, there were no statistically significant differences among the four types of sCAD (all P > .05). Favorable outcome was achieved in 168 patients (93.9%). CONCLUSIONS: This study proposed a novel and more comprehensive classification method and the modern management strategy for sCAD. Antithrombotic therapy is beneficial to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke for stable sCAD. Non-emergent EVT can be an alternative therapeutic approach for patients who meet indications as in type II to IVA dissections. Urgent procedure with neurovascular intervention is necessary for some type IVB dissections. The short-term results of EVT for sCAD are encouraging, and long-term device-related and functional outcomes should undergo further research.

A Na+ channel receptor of FMRFamide in the cephalopod Sepiella japonica: Identification, characterisation, and expression profiling during different stages of gonadal development.

FMRFamide, a member of the neuropeptide family, is involved in numerous physiological processes. FMRFamide-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs) are a family of non-voltage-gated, amiloride-sensitive, Na+-selective channels triggered by the neuropeptide FMRFamide. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of the FaNaC receptor of Sepiella japonica (SjFaNaC) was cloned. The cDNA of SjFaNaC was 3004 bp long with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1812 bp, encoding 603 amino acid residues with no signal peptide at the N-terminus. Sequence analysis indicated that SjFaNaC shared a high identity with other cephalopods FaNaCs and formed a sister clade with bivalves. The protein structure was predicted using SWISS-MODEL with AcFaNaC as the template. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that SjFaNaC transcripts were highly expressed in both female and male reproductive organs, as well as in the optic lobe and brain of the central nervous system (CNS). Results of in situ hybridisation (ISH) showed that SjFaNaC mRNA was mainly distributed in the medulla and deep retina of the optic lobe and in both the supraesophageal and subesophageal masses of the brain. Subcellular localisation indicated that the SjFaNaC protein was localised intracellularly and on the cell surface of HEK293T cells. In summary, these findings may lay the foundation for future exploration of the functions of SjFaNaC in cephalopods.

Novel polyurethane-degrading cutinase BaCut1 from Blastobotrys sp. G-9 with potential role in plastic bio-recycling.

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste has become global problem that needs to be considered urgently. In the pursuit of a circular plastic economy, biodegradation provides an attractive strategy for managing plastic wastes, whereas effective plastic-degrading microbes and enzymes are required. In this study, we report that Blastobotrys sp. G-9 isolated from discarded plastic in landfills is capable of depolymerizing polyurethanes (PU) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Strain G-9 degrades up to 60% of PU foam after 21 days of incubation at 28 â„ƒ by breaking down carbonyl groups via secretory hydrolase as confirmed by structural characterization of plastics and degradation products identification. Within the supernatant of strain G-9, we identify a novel cutinase BaCut1, belonging to the esterase family, that can reproduce the same effect. BaCut1 demonstrates efficient degradation toward commercial polyester plastics PU foam (0.5 mg enzyme/25 mg plastic) and agricultural film PBAT (0.5 mg enzyme/10 mg plastic) with 50% and 18% weight loss at 37 â„ƒ for 48 h, respectively. BaCut1 hydrolyzes PU into adipic acid as a major end-product with 42.9% recovery via ester bond cleavage, and visible biodegradation is also identified from PBAT, which is a beneficial feature for future recycling economy. Molecular docking, along with products distribution, elucidates a special substrate-binding modes of BaCut1 with plastic substrate analogue. BaCut1-mediated polyester plastic degradation offers an alternative approach for managing PU plastic wastes through possible bio-recycling.

Pharmacological Research Progress of Novel Antihypertensive Drugs.

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death globally, with hypertension emerging as an independent risk factor for its development. The worldwide prevalence of hypertension hovers around 30%, encompassing a staggering 1.2 billion patients, and continues to escalate annually. Medication plays a pivotal role in managing hypertension, not only effectively regulating blood pressure (BP) but also substantially mitigating the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This review comprehensively outlines the categories, mechanisms, clinical applications, and drawbacks of conventional antihypertensive drugs. It delves into the five primary pharmacological classifications, namely ß-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics. The emphasis is placed on elucidating the mechanisms, advantages, and research progress of novel antihypertensive drugs targeting emerging areas. These include mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs), neutral endopeptidase inhibitors (NEPIs), sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2Is), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonists, brain aminopeptidase A inhibitors (APAIs), and small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) targeting hepatic angiotensinogen. Compared to conventional antihypertensive drugs, these novel alternatives exhibit favorable antihypertensive effects with minimal adverse reactions. This review serves as a valuable reference for future research and the clinical application of antihypertensive drugs.

Competitive relationships due to similar nutrient preferences reshape soil bacterial metacommunities.

Paddy soil, as an ecosystem with alternating drained and flooded conditions, microorganisms in it can maintain the stability of the ecosystem by regulating the composition and diversity of its species when disturbed by external biotic or abiotic factors, and the regulatory mechanism in this process is a controversial topic in ecological research. In this study, we investigate the effects of pigeon feces addition on bacterial communities in three textured soils, two conditions (drained and flooded) based on microcosm experiment using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Our results show that pigeon feces addition reduced environmental heterogeneity and community diversity, both under flooded and drained conditions and in all textured soils, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of environmental selection and increasing diffusion limitations among bacterial communities. Bacterial communities are altered by environmental factors including total organic carbon, available nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus and available potassium, resulting in the formation of new community structures and dominant genera. Bacteria from pigeon feces did not colonize the original soil in large numbers, and the soil bacterial community structure changed, with some species replaced the indigenous ones as new dominant genera. As nutrient diffusion increases the nutrient content of the soil, this does not lead to species extinction; however, nutrient diffusion creates new nutrient preferences of the bacterial community, which causes direct competition between species, and contributes to the extinction and immigration species. Our results suggest that species replacement is an adaptive strategy of soil bacterial community in response to dispersal of pigeon feces, and that bacterial community regulate diversity and abundance of the community by enhancing species extinction and immigration, thereby preventing bacteria in pigeon feces from colonizing paddy soils and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Effects of baculovirus infection on intestinal microflora of BmNPV resistant and susceptible strain silkworm.

Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a serious pathogen causing huge economic losses to sericulture. There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota of silkworms plays a critical role in shaping host responses and interactions with viral infection. However, little is known about the differences in the composition and diversity of intestinal microflora, especially with respect to silkworm strain differences and BmNPV infection-induced changes. Here, we aim to explore the differences between BmNPV-resistant strain A35 and susceptible strain P50 silkworm and the impact of BmNPV infection on intestinal microflora in different strains. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that the fecal microbial populations were distinct between A35 and P50 and were significantly changed post BmNPV infection in both strains. Further analysis showed that the BmNPV-resistant strain silkworm possessed higher bacterial diversity than the susceptible strain, and BmNPV infection reduced the diversity of intestinal flora assessed by feces in both silkworm strains. In response to BmNPV infection, the abundance of Muribaculaceae increased in P50 and decreased in A35, while the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae decreased in P50 and increased in A35. These results indicated that BmNPV infection had various effects on the abundance of fecal microflora in different silkworm strains. Our findings not only broadened the understanding of host-pathogen interactions but also provided theoretical help for the breeding of resistant strains and healthy rearing of silkworms based on symbiotic bacteria.

[Charcoal-frying process and quality markers of Sanguisorbae Radix based on hemostatic effect].

Studies have reported that the hemostatic effect of Sanguisorbae Radix(SR) is significantly enhanced after processing with charcoal. However, the standard components(tannins and gallic acid) specified in the Chinese Pharmacopeia decrease in charcoal-fried Sanguisorbae Radix(CSR), which is contrast to the enhancement of the hemostatic effect. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the charcoal-frying process of SR based on its hemostatic efficacy and comprehensively analyze the components of SR and its processed products, thus exploring the material basis for the hemostatic effect. The results indicated that SR processed at 250 ℃ for 14 min(14-min CSR) not only complied with the description in the Chinese Pharmacopeia but also demonstrated improved blood-coagulating and blood-adsorbing effects compared with raw SR(P<0.05). Moroever, 14-min CSR reduced the bleeding time in the rat models of tail snipping, liver bleeding, and muscle injury, surpassing both raw and excessively fried SR(16 min processed) as well as tranexamic acid(P<0.05). Ellagitannin, ellagic acid, methyl gallate, pyrogallic acid, protocatechuic acid, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn contributed to the hemostatic effect of CSR over SR. Among these substances, ellagitannin, ellagic acid, Mg, and Ca had high content in the 14 min CSR, reaching(106.73±14.87),(34.86±4.43),(2.81±0.23), and(1.21±0.23) mg·g~(-1), respectively. Additionally, the color difference value(ΔE~*ab) of SR processed to different extents was correlated with the content of the aforementioned hemostatic substances. In summary, this study optimized the charcoal-frying process as 250 ℃ for 14 min for SR based on its hemostatic effect. Furthermore, ellagic acid and/or the powder chromaticity are proposed as indicators for the processing and quality control of CSR.

Simultaneous extraction of five heavy metal ions from root vegetables via dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted enzymatic digestion.

The dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted enzymatic digestion (DUED) technique was developed for synchronous green extraction of five heavy metal ions in root vegetables. The combination of α-amylase, cellulase, and papain showed significant advantageous in extracting heavy metal ions. Under optimized dual-frequency ultrasonic conditions, the extraction rates of Cr, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in carrots reached 99.04%, 105.88%, 104.65%, 104.10%, and 103.13% respectively. And the extraction process is highly efficient, completing in just 15 min. Compared to conventional microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis method, this technique eliminates the need for high-temperature concentrated acid, enhancing its environmental sustainability while maintaining mild reaction conditions, making it ideal for biosensors application. Additionally, simultaneous extraction and detection of four heavy metals in lotus roots were successfully achieved by using DUED and a fluorescent paper-based microfluidic chip. The obtained results are consistent with those obtained using conventional methods.

Development of natural perfume as potential fungicide candidates: construction and biological evaluation of vanillin analogs bearing the 1,3,4-oxadiazole/1,3-thiazolidin-4-one fragments.

Two series of vanillin derivatives containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one scaffolds were prepared and evaluated for their antifungal activity. The results revealed that compounds 6j (29.73 µg/ml) and 7a (38.15 µg/ml) displayed excellent inhibitory activity against the spore of Fusarium solani. The inhibitory activity of compound 7d (10.53 µg/ml) against the spore of Alternaria solani was more than 42-fold that of vanillin. Compound 7a (37.54 µg/ml) showed better antifungal activity against the spore of B. cinerea than positive controls. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed that compounds 6k, 7a, and 7d showed good selectivity and less toxicity to normal mammalian cells.

Ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction during ripening and softening in non-climacteric fruits: an overview.

In recent years, the ethylene-mediated ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits have been widely mentioned. In this paper, recent research into the ethylene-mediated ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits is summarized, including the involvement of ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction. In addition, detailed studies on how ethylene interacts with other hormones to regulate the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits are also reviewed. These findings reveal that many regulators of ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction are linked with the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits. Meanwhile, the perspectives of future research on the regulation of ethylene in non-climacteric fruit are also proposed. The overview of the progress of ethylene on the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruit will aid in the identification and characterization of key genes associated with ethylene perception and signal transduction during non-climacteric fruit ripening and softening.

Comparing GDF9 in mature follicles and clinical outcomes across different PCOS phenotype.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is main cause of anovulatory infertility in women with gestational age. There are currently four distinct phenotypes associated with individualized endocrinology and metabolism. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a candidate as potential biomarker for the assessment of oocyte competence. The effect on oocyte capacity has not been evaluated and analyzed in PCOS phenotypes. Objective: We aimed to screen the expression levels of GDF9 in mature follicles of women with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) with different PCOS phenotypes. To determine the correlation between the expression level of GDF9 and oocyte development ability. Methods: In Part 1, we conducted a retrospective study comparing the clinical outcomes and endocrine characteristics of patients with PCOS according to different subgroups (depending on the presence or absence of the main features of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), hyperandrogenism (HA), and oligo-anovulation (OA)) and non-PCOS control group. We stratified PCOS as phenotype A (n = 29), phenotype B (n = 18) and phenotype D (n = 24). In Part 2, the expression of GDF9 in follicular fluid (FF) and cumulus cells (CCs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: In Part 1, the baseline clinical, hormonal, and ultrasonographic characteristics of the study population were matched with the presence or absence of the cardinal features of each PCOS phenotypes showed a clear difference. Phenotypes A and D had statistically significant associations with blastocyst formation and clinical pregnancy compared with phenotypes B (p < 0.001). In Part 2, the levels of GDF9 in FF and CCs for phenotype A and B were significantly were higher than those of phenotype D (P = 0.019, P = 0.0015, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GDF9 was an important independent predictor of blastocyst formation (P＜0.001). The blastocyst formation rate of phenotype A was higher than that of phenotype B and D (P＜0.001). Combining the results of the two parts, GDF9 appears to play a powerful role in the development of embryos into blastocysts. Conclusions: GDF9 expression varies with different PCOS phenotypes. Phenotype A had higher GDF9 levels and blastocyst formation ability.