Prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols in relation to oxidative stress: single pollutant and mixtures analyses.

Prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols have been shown to be linked with adverse birth outcomes. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered a potential mechanism. The objective of this study was to explore the individual and mixtures of prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols in associations with OS biomarkers. We measured eight phthalate metabolites and three bisphenols in the urine samples from 105 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA) were determined as OS biomarkers. The OS biomarkers in associations with the individual chemicals were estimated by linear regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, and their associations with the chemical mixtures were explored by quantile g-computation (qg-comp) models. In single-pollutant analyses, five phthalate metabolites including monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) were positively associated with urinary 8-OHdG levels (all FDR-adjusted P = 0.06). These associations were further confirmed by the RCS models and were linear (P for overall association ≤ 0.05 and P for non-linear association > 0.05). In mixture analyses, qg-comp models showed that a one-quartile increase in the chemical mixtures of phthalate metabolites and bisphenols was positively associated with urinary levels of 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2α, and bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF) were the most contributing chemicals, respectively. Prenatal exposures to individual phthalates and mixtures of phthalates and bisphenols were associated with higher OS levels.

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of four Liparis species (Orchidaceae) and phylogenetic implications.

Liparis Richard (Malaxideae, Epidendroideae) is a large and diverse genus of the family Orchidaceae, the taxonomy of which is complicated and controversial. In this study, we sequenced, assembled and analyzed four complete chloroplast genomes of Liparis species including L. kumokiri, L. makinoana, L. pauliana, and L. viridiflora, and evaluated their phylogenetic relationships with related species for the first time. These four chloroplast genomes (size range 153,095 to 158,239 bp) possess typical quadripartite structures that consist of a large single copy (LSC, 83,533-86,752 bp), a small single copy (SSC, 17,938-18,156 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 26,421-26,933 bp). The genomes contain 133 genes, including 87 protein coding genes, 38 tRNAs and 8 rRNA genes. The genome arrangements, gene contents, gene order, long repeats and simple sequence repeats were similar with small differences observed among these four chloroplast genomes. Five highly variable regions including ycf1, ndhA, ndhF, trnQ and trnK were identified from the comparative analysis with other nine related Liparis species, which had the potential to be used as DNA markers for species identification and phylogenetic studies of Liparis species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences strongly supported the polyphyly of Liparis and its further division into three branches. These results provided valuable information to illustrate the complicated taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution process of the Liparis genus.

Low-Dose Trans-Resveratrol Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration via TyrRS/c-Jun Pathway.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of low-dose trans-resveratrol (trans-RSV) on diabetes-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and its possible mechanism. Methods: A streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model was established and treated with or without trans-RSV intragastric administration (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks. Oscillatory potentials (Ops) of the dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) were recorded. The number of RGCs was detected by Tuj1 and TUNEL staining. The apoptosis markers in the retina were analyzed by Western blot. The cross sections of optic nerves were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells were injured by high-glucose (HG) treatment. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured with or without low-dose trans-RSV treatment. The intracellular localization of tyrosyl transfer-RNA synthetase (TyrRS) was observed in both mouse retinas and N2a cells. The effects of low-dose trans-RSV on the binding of TyrRS to the transcription factor c-Jun and the binding of c-Jun to pro-apoptotic genes were analyzed by co-IP and ChIP assays in HEK 293 cells. Results: Trans-RSV relieved electrophysiological injury of retinas and inhibited RGC apoptosis in diabetic mice. It also protected N2a cells from HG-induced apoptosis. Additionally, it promoted TyrRS nuclear translocation in both diabetic mouse retinas and HG-treated N2a cells. Trans-RSV promoted TyrRS binding to c-Jun, inhibited the phosphorylation of Ser-63 of c-Jun, and downregulated pro-apoptotic gene transcription. Conclusions: Low-dose trans-RSV can ameliorate diabetes-induced RGC degeneration via the TyrRS/c-Jun pathway. It can promote TyrRS nuclear translocation and bind to c-Jun, downregulating c-Jun phosphorylation and downstream pro-apoptotic genes.

Altered isotropic volume fraction in gray matter after sleep deprivation and its association with visuospatial memory: A neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging study.

Background and aims: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) studies have revealed microstructural abnormalities in white matter resulting from sleep deprivation (SD). This study aimed to adopt neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate the effect of SD on gray matter (GM) microstructural properties and its association to visuospatial memory (VSM). Methods: Twenty-four healthy women underwent two sessions of dMRI scanning and visuospatial ability assessment by Complex Figure Test (CFT), once during rested wakefulness (RW) and once after 24 h of SD. We calculated NODDI metrics, including intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), orientation dispersion index (ODI), and isotropic volume fraction (ISO). Differences in NODDI-related metrics between RW and SD were determined using a voxel-wise paired t-test. We identified an association between NODDI metrics and CFT results using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Sleep deprivation worsened subjects' performance in the delayed-CFT trial. We observed no significant difference in ICVF and ODI between RW and SD. After SD, subjects showed decreases in ISO, primarily in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe, while exhibiting ISO increases in the anterior and posterior cerebellar lobe and cerebellar vermis. Furthermore, ISO change in the left superior, middle and inferior frontal gyrus was significantly correlated with completion time change in delayed-CFT trial performance. Conclusion: Our results suggested that SD hardly affected the density and spatial organization of neurites in GM, but the extra-neurite water molecule diffusion process was affected (perhaps resulting from neuroinflammation), which contributed to VSM dysfunction.

[Niche and interspecific association of dominant tree species in Michelia odora community]. / è§‚å ‰æœ¨ç¾¤è½ä¼˜åŠ¿æ ‘ç§ç”Ÿæ€ä½å’Œç§é—´è”ç»“.

In order to understand the interspecific and ecological relationships of Michelia odora (extremely small population) community and strengthen the protection of wild M. odora resources in Junzifeng Nature Reserve, we studied the niche characteristics and interspecific associations of dominant tree species. The results showed that M. odora, Machilus chekiangensis, Schima superba, and Alniphyllum fortunei had obvious niche breadth advantages, which were the constructive species of the community. Among the 190 groups of species pairs among the 20 dominant tree species, 50.5% of species pairs had niche overlap value greater than 0.5. The degree of ecological niche differentiation among species was general. M. odora had large niche overlap with other 19 species, indicating a competitive risk when resources were insufficient. The overall associations of dominant tree species were significantly positive, indicating the community was at the late stage of relatively stable succession. The results ofχ2 test, asso-ciation coefficient, and Pearson correlation coefficient showed that all the significance ratios of interspecific association were lower, and that the independence among species was relatively strong. There was a positive correlation between interspecific association and niche overlap. The M. odora community was relatively mature, with full utilization of resources and stable interspecific relationship. To promote the rejuvenation and create a good habitat of M. odora population, the population size with large overlap with M. odora niche and significant negative association could be appropriately limited, while that with positive interaction could be increased.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Clivia robusta.

In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Clivia robusta for the first time. The complete chloroplast genome of C. robusta was 157,130 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC, 85,430 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,278 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,711 bp). The overall GC content was 38.01%. The chloroplast genome contained 128 genes in total, including 86 protein-coding, 34 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. robusta formed a monophyletic clade with other Clivia species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Clivia caulescens.

Clivia caulescens is an evergreen herbaceous flower with high ornamental value. In this study, we report its complete chloroplast genome sequence. The whole chloroplast genome was 158,149 bp in length, with a large single copy region (LSC, 86,250 bp), a small single copy region (SSC, 18,343 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,778 bp). The overall GC content was 37.91%. There were 128 genes annotated, including 86 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. caulescens formed a monophyletic clade with C. miniata, C. miniata var. aurea, and C. gardenii.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the edible Basidiomycete mushroom Thelephora aurantiotincta (Aphyllophorales: Thelephoraceae) from China.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Thelephora aurantiotincta, an edible Basidiomycete mushroom species with ecological and economic value is reported in this study. The whole genome is a circular molecule 50,672 bp in length and encodes 42 genes as follows: 15 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes and 25 tRNA genes. The A, T, C, G contents in the genome are 35.60%, 35.31%, 13.89%, and 15.20%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between T. aurantiotincta and T. ganbajun. This is the first complete mitochondrial genome for T. aurantiotincta that will be useful for providing basic genetic information for this important species.

Elevated Level of Serum C-reactive Protein Predicts Postoperative Delirium among Patients Receiving Cervical or Lumbar Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and postoperative delirium (POD). METHODS: 206 patients scheduled to receive cervical or lumbar vertebra surgery under general anesthesia for more than 2 hours in a single medical center were observed and analyzed. Patients' serum CRP, delirious status (using the confusion assessment method (CAM)), and delirious score (using the memorial delirium assessment scale (MDAS)) were examined before surgery and 1-2 days after surgery. The association of a serum CRP elevation value from before to after surgery (D-CRP) with delirium occurrence within 2 days after surgery was assessed with a binary logistic regression model, while the association of D-CRP with the postoperative delirious score was assessed with a linear regression model. The effect of D-CRP on predicting delirium occurrence was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). RESULTS: D-CRP was significantly positively associated with postoperative delirium occurrence (OR = 1.047, 95%CI = 1.013, 1.082), and D-CRP was also significantly linearly associated with the postoperative delirious score (ß = 0.014, 95%CI = 0.006, 0.023). AUC of ROC was 0.711 (P = 0.014), suggesting that D-CRP had moderate efficacy on predicting postoperative delirium occurrence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum CRP after surgery may be a risk factor for and a predictor of postoperative delirium.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Salix viminalis (Salicaceae).

Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Salix viminalis was reported. The genome is 155,531 bp long, with a GC content of 36.71%, and contains four sub-regions: 84,395 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 16,218 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions, separated by 27,459 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions. A total of 129 genes were annotated, including 83 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The Phylogenetic analyses based on the whole cp genome sequence placed S. viminalis into a clade containing Salix rehderiana, Salix taoensis, Salix koriyanagi, and Salix suchowensis. This is the first complete cp genome for S. viminalis that would be useful for phylogenetic and population genetic studies of this species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the threatened Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Cypripedium calceolus, a rare species in the family Orchidaceae was reported in this study. The genome size is 175,122 bp in length, and contains four sub-regions: 97,486 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 22,260 bp of small copy (SSC) regions, separated by 27,688 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions. A total of 133 genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content of this cp genome is 34.36%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between C. calceolus with C. japonicum and C. formosanum. This is the first complete cp genome for C. calceolus that would be useful for conservation and phylogenetic studies of this species.

Genetic diversity of Lepista nuda (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) in Northeast China as indicated by SRAP and ISSR markers.

Lepista nuda is a popular wild edible mushroom that grows in China. In this study, we used ISSR and SRAP molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity of 72 samples of L. nuda from eight populations in Northeast China. In total, six ISSR primers and five pairs of SRAP primers that produced clear and polymorphic banding profiles were selected for assessing L. nuda genetic diversity. The results revealed a high level of genetic variation among the 72 samples (94.4% polymorphism) but a low degree of gene flow among the populations. Among L. nuda populations, genetic distance was not correlated significantly with geographic distance. The antioxidant activity of the samples from each population was also tested and the result showed that all the selected samples had more than 60% DPPH scavenging activities. Nonetheless, the antioxidant activity diversity is not coincident with both the genetic diversity and the geographic distribution. The results indicate that ISSR and SRAP molecular markers are useful for studying the genetic diversity of L. nuda. The results also suggest that L. nuda populations in Northeast China require protection.

[Minimally invasive treatment of Dupuytren's contracture by Pi needle percutaneous multi-segmental fasciotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Pi needle percutaneous multi-segmental fasciotomy as a minimally invasive treatment for Dupuytren's contracture. METHODS: Sixteen patients(25 fingers: 4 middle fingers, 12 ring fingers, 9 little fingers) were involved in the study, including 11 males and 5 females. There were 2 cases on both hands and 14 cases of single hand disease, including 8 cases of left hand and 6 cases of right hand. The age ranged from 48 to 79 years old, with a mean age of 58.5 years old. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 15 years, with a mean time of 5.5 years. There were 12 cases of physical labor, 4 cases of non physical labor, with no family history of palmar fascial contracture. There were 9 cases of tobacco and alcohol addicts, 6 cases with hypertension history, and 3 cases of diabetes mellitus. According to Meyerding classification, 1 case was stage 0, 1 case was stage I, 10 cases were stage II, 4 cases were stage III and 0 case was stage IV. The postoperative function of Dupuytren's contracture patients was evaluated according to Adam efficacy evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The time of incision healing time ranged from 7 to 14 days, 10 days on average. The 3 fingers incision skin cracked 3 to 4 mm during the loosening process, and 14 days after dressing changed, no skin necrosis and wound infection complication occurred. After treatment, fascia contracture of 24 fingers completely or almost disappeared. Limited extension of metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint ranged from 0 to 10 degrees, 22 fingers showed normal function of finger extension, 2 fingers had more than 75% elongation function, and 1 finger recurred. According to the evaluation of Adam evaluable standard of curative effect on the postoperative function of Dupuytrens's contracture: 22 fingers got an excellent result, 2 fingers good and 1 finger recurred. The patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pi needle percutaneous multi-segmental fasciotomy for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture is a simple, minimally invasive and effective method.

[Internal fixation with one-hole microplate for the treatment of collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb combined with fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of one-hole microplate internal fixation for the treatment of collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb combined with fracture. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (16 males, 6 females) with collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb combined fracture were treated with one-hole microplate internal fixation. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 53 years old with a mean age of 28.5 years old. The duration from injury to surgery ranged from 2 hours to 2 months, and the mean time was 6 days. All the patients had collateral ligament injuries combined with fracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Thirteen patients had injuries in the right hand and 9 patients had injuries in the left hand. There were 18 cases of closed wound and 4 cases of open wound. Eighteen patients had fresh injuries (< 2 weeks) and 4 had old injuries (> 2 weeks). Sixteen patients had injuries in the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb combined with fracture, 6 patients had radial collateral ligament injuries of the thumb combined with fracture, 4 cases of which were complicated with injuries of abductor pollicis brevis and the end of the flexor pollicis brevis tender. The size of the avulsed fragment was about 3.0 mm x 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm x 7.0 mm. RESULTS: The incisions of 22 patients healed by first intention. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 5 years old,with an average of 2.5 years old. The thumb function was evaluated by Saetta and other evaluation criteria, and 20 patients got an excellent result and 2 good. CONCLUSION: The application of one-hole microplate internal fixation in treating collateral ligament injuries with fracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is an effective method.

Identity and specificity of Rhizoctonia-like fungi from different populations of Liparis japonica (Orchidaceae) in Northeast China.

Mycorrhizal association is known to be important to orchid species, and a complete understanding of the fungi that form mycorrhizas is required for orchid ecology and conservation. Liparis japonica (Orchidaceae) is a widespread terrestrial photosynthetic orchid in Northeast China. Previously, we found the genetic diversity of this species has been reduced recent years due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, but little was known about the relationship between this orchid species and the mycorrhizal fungi. The Rhizoctonia-like fungi are the commonly accepted mycorrhizal fungi associated with orchids. In this study, the distribution, diversity and specificity of culturable Rhizoctonia-like fungi associated with L. japonica species were investigated from seven populations in Northeast China. Among the 201 endophytic fungal isolates obtained, 86 Rhizoctonia-like fungi were identified based on morphological characters and molecular methods, and the ITS sequences and phylogenetic analysis revealed that all these Rhizoctonia-like fungi fell in the same main clade and were closely related to those of Tulasnella calospora species group. These findings indicated the high mycorrhizal specificity existed in L. japonica species regardless of habitats at least in Northeast China. Our results also supported the wide distribution of this fungal partner, and implied that the decline of L. japonica in Northeast China did not result from high mycorrhizal specificity. Using culture-dependent technology, these mycorrhizal fungal isolates might be important sources for the further utilizing in orchids conservation.

Impact of migraine attacks on the blood-brain barrier.

BACKGROUND: Cortical spreading depression can cause migraine attack, and up-regulate matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in animal. This study aimed to determine the impact on the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier by measuring plasma MMP-9 levels in patients at the acute and late stages of migraine attacks in order to elucidate the pathological mechanisms involved. METHODS: We recruited a case-control cohort of 38 adult migraine patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Five milliliter blood samples were collected at the acute and late stages of migraine (days 1 - 7), and also from the control subjects. Solid phase double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine plasma MMP-9 levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS version 9.1. RESULTS: Initial plasma MMP-9 levels of migraine patients were significantly higher than those of controls ((12.612 ± 0.016) µg/L vs. (6.069 ± 0.023) µg/L, respectively, P < 0.05). High MMP-9 expression was observed during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, with highest expression occurring on day 3 ((17.524 ± 0.035) µg/L). During attacks, MMP-9 levels were similar in migraine patients with and without aura (P > 0.05); in addition, levels were not correlated with degree of headache pain (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that migraine could lead to increased plasma MMP-9 levels resulting in blood-brain barrier damage. MMP-9 levels increase during days 1 - 6 of migraine attacks, peaking on day 3. Therefore, MMP-9 could be used as a biological marker to guide treatment of migraine attacks.

[Histo-morphological changes of eustachian tube of guinea pigs with effusion after being treated by pulmonary surfactant].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of pulmonary surfactant on otitis media with effusion in guinea pigs to find a new way to manage otitis media with effusion. METHODS: Nonviable heat-killed pneumococci (HKP) solution was inoculated into the middle ear cavity in guinea pigs via a transeardrum approach to set up a model of otitis media with effusion in guinea pigs. Seven days after being injected with pulmonary surfactant (PS) by transeardrum approach, ABR threshold and histomorphological changes of eustachian tube mucosa of guinea pigs were examined by light microscopy and scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Five days following inoculation of HKB serous effusion were present in the middle ear cavity of guinea pigs, but disappearance of light cone. Response (mean +/- s) threshold raised from (14.0 +/- 3.1) dB to (45.0 +/- 5.7) dB. The eustachian tube mucosa was thickened and lined eosin-stained structureless matter over mucosa, while cilia of eustachian tube mucosa irregularly arranged. Seven days after being treated by PS, serous effusion of tympanum was reduced or disappeared, and response threshold decreased from (45.0 +/- 5.7) dB to (23.5 +/- 6.3) dB. There was significantly difference between them (P < 0.001). Eustachian tube mucosa was thinned, Cilia of eustachian tube mucosa regularly arranged to the nasopharynx. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary surfactant plays a important role in otitis media with effusion of guinea pigs.