2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromophenyl ether (BDE-153) causes abnormal insulin secretion and disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice.

BACKGROUND: Environmental polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure may be associated with diabetes and obesity. 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-153) is one of the most abundant and widely distributed homologs of PBDEs detected in humans. This study investigated the effects of BDE-153 on the expression of adipokines and glucose and lipid metabolism. METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five BDE-153 groups and one control group. After BDE-153 exposure for 4 weeks, the levels of biochemical indexes and the mRNA and protein expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, peroxisome proliferators activated receptors gamma (PPARγ), and AMPKα were measured. The histomorphological changes of liver and pancreas tissues were observed. RESULTS: After BDE-153 exposure, the weight of mice in the medium-high-dose group at different exposure times was lower than that in the control group ( p all <0.05), and the body weight decreased slightly with the increase of the dose of BDE-153. BDE-153 caused the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice, the weight of liver and pancreas increased, lipid droplets accumulated in liver cells, and the positive rate of insulin staining increased in a dose-dependent manner. BDE-153 also interfered with the expression of PPARγ, AMPKα, and adipokines. The results of restrictive cubic splines (RCS) showed that there were a nonlinear dose-response relationship between the exposure dose of BDE-153 and the expression levels of PPARγ, AMPKα, and adipokines. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that BDE-153 may interfere with the expression of adipokines and the secretion of insulin by affecting the expression of PPARγ and AMPKα, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to the occurrence of glucose and lipid metabolism disorder.

K antigen serological screening results in 20 354 population from Qingdao area / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To perform serological screening of K antigen in Qingdao area and analyze the results. 【Methods】 From March to June 2023, 16 201 samples of patients treated in our hospital and applied for blood grouping, and 4 153 samples of blood donors sent to the clinic by Blood Transfusion Department during the same period were detected for Rh and K antigen by Ortho BioVue System Rh/K Cassette. 【Results】 A total of 18 out of 16 201 patient samples and 8 out of 4 153 blood donor samples were positive for K antigen, with the positive rate at 0.127 7%. 【Conclusion】 There was K antigen in Qingdao population, and the positive frequency of K antigen was different from previous reports. It is of great significance to construct rare blood group bank in this area and formulate reasonable blood donation and transfusion strategy for population with K antigen, so as to avoid unexpected antibody production of Kell blood group system, prevent hemolytic disease of newborn and ensure the safety of blood use.

Can Priming Multiple Identities Enhance Divergent Thinking for Middle School Students?

Previous studies have found that promoting multiple identities can improve children's creative performance (divergent thinking). The present study employed a priming paradigm to design two experiments and investigate whether promoting a sense of multiple identities in middle school students could enhance their divergent thinking, a key component of creativity. In Experiment 1, 77 junior high school students were divided into multiple identities and physical trait condition groups. They were instructed to think about a child with multiple identities or physical traits. The results showed that there were no differences in divergent thinking (DT) scores between the two groups. In Experiment 2, we modified the priming method by asking participants to think about and write a description of the various identities or physical traits and employed a subjective top-scoring method to make up for shortcomings in the traditional scoring method when applied to originality. The results still showed no significant difference in scores between the identity and physical trait groups. Thus, the results of this study contradict those of previous research, which found that the identity group demonstrated significantly higher scores on a creativity test than did those in the physical trait group. Several potential factors affect this outcome, but it seems that priming to enhance divergent thinking is not particularly effective. Thus, the social priming effect should be pursued with caution regarding both replicability and generalizability.

Decabromodiphenyl ether causes insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in mice.

BACKGROUND: Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is the most commonly used brominated flame retardant. Recently, BDE-209 has been suspected of being an environmental risk factor for metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. AIM: To investigate the effects of BDE-209 on IR and glucose and lipid metabolism in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, and low dose BDE-209 groups, and a control group (n = 6 per group), which received 1000, 800, 600, 450, 300, and 0 mg/kg BDE-209, respectively. After BDE-209 exposure for 60 d, the mice were fasted overnight, and then sacrificed to obtain tissues. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect fasting serum insulin (FINS), leptin (LEP), and adiponectin (Adp) levels; a blood glucose meter was used to detect fasting blood glucose (FBG). Morphological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels, respectively, of LEP, Adp, and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in mouse liver and adipose tissues. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the weight of mice in each group after 45 and 60 d of exposure (P < 0.05). After 60 d of exposure, the weight of liver and adipose tissues in the exposure groups were greater than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The liver tissue structure was disordered and the liver tissues were accompanied by local inflammatory cell infiltration in the high, medium-high, and medium dose BDE-209 groups. The levels of FINS, insulin sensitivity index, Adp, and HDL-C were decreased in the BDE-209 group compared with the control group, as were the mRNA and protein levels of Adp in liver and adipose tissues (P < 0.05). Serum level of FBG and LEP were higher in the BDE-209 group than in controls. TC, TG, and LDL-C levels as well as the mRNA and protein expression of LEP and PPARγ in liver and adipose tissues were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Homeostatic assessment model of IR was higher in the medium and medium-low dose BDE-209 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BDE-209 increases the body weight, fat and liver tissue weight, TC, TG, and LDL-C, reduces HDL-C, and causes IR in mice, which may be related to activating the PPARγ receptor.

Presentation of gallbladder torsion at an abnormal position: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder torsion is a rare acute abdominal condition that requires emergency surgery. It occurs more commonly in elderly people and in women in the adult population. Diagnosis is a challenge as non-specific symptoms and signs have been reported on ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Prompt cholecystectomy can decrease the mortality and morbidity of perforation due to gallbladder torsion. CASE SUMMARY: An 82-year-old woman with upper-right quadrant pain and associated nausea and vomiting was diagnosed with ectopic acute calculus cholecystitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed a V-shaped distortion of the extrahepatic bile ducts and a particularly extended twisted cystic duct, which indicated the presence of gallbladder torsion. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy confirmed the diagnosis and the patient recovered without incident. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder torsion can be diagnosed pre-operatively by MRCP. The specific signs are a V-shaped distortion of the extrahepatic bile ducts and a particularly extended twisted cystic duct which can be called twisting signs.

Preadipocyte promotes cell invasion of prostate cancer by CAMKK2 / 中国医师杂志

Objective:Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CAMKK2) is activated in prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of our study is to identify the effects of preadipocyte and CAMKK2 on the PCa cell invasion.Methods:The coculture system between PCa cells and preadipocyte cells (3T3L1) was established and then Transwell assay was used to determine the invasive effect after coculture. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to investigate the CAMKK2 expression in the coculture system.Results:The 3T3L1 cells promoted the invasion of PCa cells (DU145 and 22RV1; P<0.01). Meanwhile, the 3T3L1 cells can increased expression of CAMKK2 in PCa cells ( P<0.01). CAMKK2 reversed the invasive effects of preadipocyte cells on the PCa cells. Conclusions:Our study demonstrates that the preadipocyte may promote the PCa cell invasion possibly by mediating the CAMKK2 expression.

Anticoagulation treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a patient with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is relatively common in patients with liver cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation (LT). Anticoagulation is an important non-invasive treatment strategy for patients with cirrhosis and PVT. PATIENT CONCERNS: This is the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis associated with ascites. Computed tomography (CT) and Doppler ultrasonography (US) showed a partially obstructive thrombus of the portal vein (Yerdel Grade II). DIAGNOSIS: Portal vein thrombosis (Yerdel Grade II); liver cirrhosis. INTERVENTIONS: The PVT was completely recanalized after 4 months of treatment with the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) medication enoxaparin but discontinuation of anticoagulants led to PVT recurrence. The patient's condition deteriorated, even though re-treating the anticoagulation with enoxaparin significantly reduced the PVT. OUTCOMES: The thrombus was removed by a thrombectomy and LT was performed successfully without any vascular complications. LESSONS: Patients with cirrhosis and PVT who are waiting LT can be effectively treated with LMWH anticoagulants. Careful use of anticoagulation is generally safe. Early initiation of anticoagulation treatment may be associated with a high rate of portal vein recanalization.

A multigene phylogentic analysis of Potato virus Y and its application in strain identification.

The objective of this study is to develop a rapid and accurate multigene phylogenetic analysis to identify Potato virus Y (PVY) strains. The phylogenetic relationships of strains within the PVY species were evaluated with isolate-strain association using five datasets of concatenated sequences from the P1, HC-pro, VPg and CP genes to determine the best dataset for PVY strain identification. Results from phylogenetic analyses and Bayesian tip-association significance (BaTS) tests indicated that the major PVY strains could be distinguished using the P1, VPg and CP concatenated sequences datasets but not the remaining concatenated sequence datasets. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed from the concatenated sequences of P1, VPg and CP genes revealed that the ML and NJ trees had broadly similar topologies and that both were better than the maximum clade credibility tree (MCC). Additionally, the full genome of HLJ26, one isolate randomly selected for the multigene phylogenetic analysis, was clustered with high confidence among members of the PVYNTN-NW (SYR-Ⅱ) strain, which includes isolates of SYR-Ⅱ-2-8, SYR-Ⅱ-Be1 and SYR-Ⅱ-DrH. This suggests that it was a PVYNTN-NW (SYR-Ⅱ) isolate. Recombination analysis of this isolate identified four putative recombination joints in the P1, HC-pro/P3, VPg and the 5'-terminus of CP. This pattern is similar to that observed in the genomic structure of PVYNTN-NW (SYR-I), supporting the classification of this isolate as the PVYNTN-NW strain (SYR-Ⅱ). Simultaneously, two expected fragments of approximately 1 000 and 400 bp in size were also amplified from the isolate by a multiplex RT-PCR, consistent with the expected band pattern of the PVYNTN-NW (SYR-Ⅱ) strain. This further supports the utility of the multigene phylogenetic method in identifying PVY strains. We propose that the major PVY strains could be distinguished accurately using multigene phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences from the P1, VPg and CP genes.

Natural fatty acid synthase inhibitors as potent therapeutic agents for cancers: A review.

Context Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is the only mammalian enzyme to catalyse the synthesis of fatty acid. The expression level of FAS is related to cancer progression, aggressiveness and metastasis. In recent years, research on natural FAS inhibitors with significant bioactivities and low side effects has increasingly become a new trend. Herein, we present recent research progress on natural fatty acid synthase inhibitors as potent therapeutic agents. Objective This paper is a mini overview of the typical natural FAS inhibitors and their possible mechanism of action in the past 10 years (2004-2014). Method The information was collected and compiled through major databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI. Results Many natural products induce cancer cells apoptosis by inhibiting FAS expression, with fewer side effects than synthetic inhibitors. Conclusion Natural FAS inhibitors are widely distributed in plants (especially in herbs and foods). Some natural products (mainly phenolics) possessing potent biological activities and stable structures are available as lead compounds to synthesise promising FAS inhibitors.

[Isolation and Identification of Antagonistic Endophytic Actinomycetes Against Root Rot Disease in Ligusticum chuanxiong].

Objective: To get an understanding of the microflora of endophytic actinomycetes in Ligusticum chuanxiong,and to obtain the resource of antagonistic strains against Ligusticum chuanxiong root rot disease. Methods: Actinomycetes in stem nodes and rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong were isolated and purified by a series of means,namely tissue block method, homogenate technique and plat streaking method. Further, dual culture and inhibition zone method were employed to test the antagonistic activity of these strains. To identify strains with potential precisely,both microscopic observation and DNA sequencing were conducted. Results: 83 strains of Ligusticum chuanxiong endophytic actinomycetes were identified, which consisted of 13 species groups. Among all of them,species identified as Streptomyces scopuliridis( KF600747. 1), Streptomyces griseorubiginosus( AB706352. 1) and Streptomyces agglomeratus( LC055413. 1) showed antagonistic activities against four kinds of pathogenic fungi of Ligusticum chuanxiong root rot disease. Conclusion: Actinomycetes which belong to Griseorubroviolaceus groups of streptomyce are potential biocontrol microbes to Ligusticum chuanxiong root rot,showing importance to the production of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.

Investigation of long-term care needs and its influencing factors among old people with chronic diseases in nursing homes in rural area of Liaoning / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate long-term care needs and its influencing factors among old people with chronic diseases in nursing homes in rural area of Liaoning. Methods A total of 502 elderly with chronic diseases were recruited using convenience sampling method from eight nursing homes in rural area of Liaoning, and were investigated with the general information questionnaire, Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) and long-term care needs questionnaire from March 2015 to January 2016. Results Logistic regression analyses were used to identify that age (P=0.000), old patients′ disease condition (P=0.008), marriage (P=0.013) and quality of life (P=0.000) were major factors affecting long-term care needs. The top three highest percentage services were seeing the doctor 85.26% (428/502), assisting with taking the medicine 80.28% (403/502), assisting with bathing 70.32% (353/502). Conclusions This study suggests that we should improve the quality of services of long-term care needs based on the demands of old people with chronic diseases in nursing homes in rural area.

[Identification of Pathogens Causing Root Rot Disease on Ligusticum chuanxiong in Sichuan].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pathogens causing root rot disease on Ligusticum chuanxiong from the main producing areas in Sichuan, and to provide gist of management of this disease in the future. METHODS: The diseased rhizomes of Ligusticurn chuanxiong with root rot symptom were sampled in two main producing areas in Sichuan. According to Koch's postulate, the pathogenicity on Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizomes of the isolates was confirmed. The representative isolates were identified based on their morphological characteristics and ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer(rDNA-ITS) sequences. RESULTS: The isolates(f2-16, 3-2, f4-19 and f5-7)which caused root rot disease held high homology reached 99%, 99%, 100% and 100% respectively, when compared with GenBank sequences GQ229075, JQ796755, JN232136 and FJ481024. CONCLUSION: The causing agents of root rot disease on Ligusticum chuanxiong belong to Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Plectosphaerella cucumerina and Phoma glomerata. Pathogens from different regions are varied.

[Comparative analysis of population genetic structure of Potato virus Y from different hosts].

Nucleotide sequences of P3 and pipo genes of Potato virus Y (PVY) from potato and tobacco were compared to investigate the effect of hosts on the population genetic structure. Meanwhile, mutation, natural selection and gene flow were evaluated to determine evolutionary forces responsible for the population genetic dynamics. The fixation indices of population differentiation (FST) of PVY from tobacco and potato were 0.116 and 0.120, respectively with significant difference, suggesting a moderate genetic differentiation between the two populations. Genetic variation analysis showed that nucleotide identities in P3 and pipo genes among the viral isolates from tobacco were respectively in the range of 85.2%-100% and 76.5%-100% while that from potato were respectively in the range of 95.7%-100% and 93.0%-100%, indicating higher genetic variation in PVY from tobacco than that from potato. Moreover, purifying selection was detected on the majority of polymorphic sites within P3 gene, suggesting that most of mutations in the gene were harmful and consequently being eliminated by natural selection. Conversely, positive selection was detected on two polymorphic sites, suggesting that these two mutations were beneficial to PVY. Neither purifying nor positive selection was detected in pipo gene, indicating neutral evolution of the gene. The values of gene flow (Nm) between PVY populations from tobacco and potato in P3 and pipo genes were 1.91 and 1.83, respectively, suggesting strong gene flow also contributes significantly to the population genetic dynamics of PVY population. In summary, this study indicates there was a significant genetic variation in PVY hosted by tobacco and potato, and mutation, natural selection and gene flow all contribute to the genetic diversity and population dynamic of the virus.

An investigation on transmission risk of avian influenza A (H7 N9)virus in farm product market / 预防医学

Objective TounderstandandevaluatethetransmissionriskofavianinfluenzaA(H7N9)virusinlivepoultry markets(LPMs).Methods Atotalof31LPMsfromJiaxingcitywereselectedusingrandomsamplingmethodand hygienicinvestigationonthespotwascarriedout.Results All31farmproductmarketshadlivepoultrytradewhile29 (83.87%)of them had live poultry slaughter spots,and 3 of them were not in the trade zone.The situation of sanitary, isolation,disinfection and personal protection in live poultry trading spot was not satisfied and only one LPM set a compartment.The LPMs whose distance exceeding 10 meters between live poultry slaughter spot and trading spot were accountedfor41.38%.Conclusion ThetransmissionriskofavianinfluenzaA(H7N9)virusinfarmproductmarketis high.To close the live poultry market during the epidemic period and strengthen surveillance activities are suggested.

[Sequence variation and protein structure of pipo gene in Potato virus Y].

The objectives of this study were to understand the sequence variation and the putative protein structure of pipo gene in the Potato virus Y (PVY) collected from Solanum tuberosum. The pipo gene in PVY was cloned using a pair of degenerate primers designed from its conserved region and its sequences were used to re-construct phylogenetic tree in Potyvirus genera by a Bayesian inference method. An expected fragment of 235 bp was amplified in all 20 samples by RT-PCR and the pipo genes in the 20 samples assayed shared more than 92% nucleotide sequence similarity with the published sequences of PVY strains. Among the 20 pipo gene sequences, 13 polymorphic sites were detected, including 4 parsimony informative sites and 9 singleton variable sites. These results indicate that PVY pipo gene is highly conserved but some sequence variations exist. Further analyses suggest that the pipo gene encodes a hydrophilic protein without signal peptide and transmembrane region. The protein has theoretical isoelectric points (pI) ranging from 11.26 to 11.62 and contains three highly conserved regions, especially between aa 10 and 59. The protein is likely located in the mitochondria and has a-helix secondary structure. Bayesian inference of phylogenetic trees reveals that PVY isolates are clustered in the same branch with high posterior probability, while Sunflower chlorotic mottle virus (SoCMoV) and Pepper severe mosaic virus (PepSMV) are closely related, consisting with the classification of Potyvirus genera using other approaches. Our analyses suggest that the pipo gene can be a new marker for phylogenetic analysis of the genera. The results reported in this paper provide useful insights in the genetic variation and the evolution of PVY and can stimulate further research on structure and function of the PIPO protein.

[Population genetics of plant pathogens].

Comparing to natural ecosystems, the evolution of plant pathogens in agricultural ecosystems is generally faster due to high-density monocultures, large-scale application of agrochemicals, and international trade in agricultural products. Knowledge of the population genetics and evolutionary biology of plant pathogens is necessary to understand disease epidemiology, effectively breed and use resistant cultivars, and control plant diseases. In this article, we outlined the aims of population genetic studies in plant pathogens, discuss contributions of five evolutionary forces (i.e., mutation, gene flow, recombination, random genetic drift, and natural selection) to origin, maintenance, and distribution of genetic variation in time and space, and gave an overview of current research status in this field.

Marginal land-based biomass energy production in China.

Fast economic development in China has resulted in a significant increase in energy demand. Coal accounts for 70% of China's primary energy consumption and its combustion has caused many environmental and health problems. Energy security and environmental protection requirements are the main drivers for renewable energy development in China. Small farmland and food security make bioenergy derived from corn or sugarcane unacceptable to China: the focus should be on generating bioenergy from ligno-cellulosic feedstock sources. As China cannot afford biomass energy production from its croplands, marginal lands may play an important role in biomass energy production. Although on a small scale, marginal land has already been used for various purposes. It is estimated that some 45 million hm(2) of marginal land could be brought into high potential biomass energy production. For the success of such an initiative, it will likely be necessary to develop multipurpose plants. A case study, carried out on marginal land in Ningnan County, Sichuan Province with per capita cropland of 0.07 ha, indicated that some 380,000 tons of dry biomass could be produced each year from annual pruning of mulberry trees. This study supports the feasibility of producing large quantities of biomass from marginal land sources.