Resting cell formation in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana.

Resting cells represent a survival strategy employed by diatoms to endure prolonged periods of unfavourable conditions. In the oceans, many diatoms sink at the end of their blooming season and therefore need to endure cold and dark conditions in the deeper layers of the water column. How they survive these conditions is largely unknown. We conducted an integrative analysis encompassing methods from histology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics to reveal the biological mechanism of resting-cell formation in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Resting-cell formation was triggered by a decrease in light and temperature with subsequent catabolism of storage compounds. Resting cells were characterised by an acidic and viscous cytoplasm and altered morphology of the chloroplast ultrastructure. The formation of resting cells in T. pseudonana is an energy demanding process required for a biophysical alteration of the cytosol and chloroplasts to endure the unfavourable conditions of the deeper ocean as photosynthetic organisms. However, most resting cells (> 90%) germinate upon return to favorable growth conditions.

otpb functions in a Lef1-dependent transcriptional network required for expression of the stress response inhibitor crhbp in the zebrafish hypothalamus.

The vertebrate hypothalamus regulates physiological and behavioral responses to environmental stimuli through the function of evolutionarily-conserved neuronal subpopulations. Our previous work found that mutation of zebrafish lef1 , which encodes a transcriptional mediator of the Wnt signaling pathway, leads to the loss of hypothalamic neurons and behavioral phenotypes that are both associated with stress-related human mood disorders However, the specific Lef1 target genes that link neurogenesis to behavior remain unknown. One candidate is otpb , which encodes a transcription factor with known roles in hypothalamic development. Here we show that otpb expression in the posterior hypothalamus is Lef1-dependent, and that like lef1 , its function is required for the generation of crhbp + neurons in this region. Transgenic reporter analysis of a crhbp conserved noncoding element suggests that otpb participates in a transcriptional regulatory network with other Lef1 targets. Finally, consistent with a role for crhbp in inhibiting the stress response, zebrafish otpb mutants exhibit decreased exploration in a novel tank diving assay. Together our findings suggest a potential evolutionarily-conserved mechanism for the regulation of innate stress response behaviors through Lef1-mediated hypothalamic neurogenesis.

POMCPs with Novel Two Water-Assisted Proton Channels Accommodated by MXenes for Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

To develop high-performance supercapacitors, the negative electrode is at present viewed as one of the most challenging tasks for obtaining the next-generation of energy storage devices. Therefore, in this study, a polyoxometalate-based coordination polymer [Zn(itmb)3 H2 O][H2 SiW12 O40 ]·5H2 O (1) is designed and prepared by a simple hydrothermal method for constructing a high-capacity negative electrode. Polymer 1 has two water-assisted proton channels, which are conducive to enhancing the electrical conductivity and storage capacity. Then, MXene Ti3 C2 Tx is chosen to accommodate coordination polymer 1 as the interlayer spacers to improve the conductivity and cycling stability of 1, while preventing the restacking of MXene. Expectedly, the produced composite electrode 1@Ti3 C2 Tx shows an excellent specific capacitance (1480.1 F g-1 at 5 A g-1 ) and high rate performance (a capacity retention of 71.5% from 5 to 20 A g-1 ). Consequently, an asymmetric supercapacitor device is fabricated using 1@Ti3 C2 Tx as the negative electrode and celtuce leaves-derived carbon paper as the positive electrode, which demonstrates ultrahigh energy density of 32.2 Wh kg-1 , and power density 2397.5 W kg-1 , respectively. In addition, the ability to illuminate a red light-emitting diode for several minutes validates its feasibility for practical application.

Robot-assisted distal training improves upper limb dexterity and function after stroke: a systematic review and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and more than half of stroke patients face distal upper extremity dysfunction. Considering that robot-assisted training may be effective in improving distal upper extremity function, the review evaluated the effect of robot-assisted distal training on motor function, hand dexterity, and spasticity after stroke. METHODS: Eleven databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from inception until Aug 28, 2021. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to investigate the overall effect and source of heterogeneity, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials involving 758 participants were included in this systematic review. The overall effect of robot-assisted distal training on the motor function of the wrists and hands was significant improvement (MD = 3.92; 95% CI, 3.04-4.80; P < 0.001). The robot-assisted training had a significantly beneficial effect on other motor functions (MD = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.54-4.14; P < 0.001); dexterity (MD = 9.01; 95% CI, -12.07--5.95; P < 0.001), spasticity, upper extremity strength (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.07-0.78; P = 0.02) and activities of daily living (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.29-1.23; P < 0.001). A series of subgroup analyses showed preferable design and effective regime of training. Meta-regression indicated the statistically significant effect of the year of trial, country, and duration on the effectiveness of training. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted distal training has a significant effect on motor function, dexterity and spasticity of the upper extremity, compared to conventional therapy.

Evaluation of the effect of low molecular weight heparin in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing miscarriage of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss remains controversial. In order to explore the effect of LMWH therapy in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, we conducted this meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched four databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov (up to February 2020) for the randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of LMWH on the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. We used Stata software to perform a meta-analysis. Moreover, we performed analyses of sensitivity and predefined subgroups based on the definition of recurrent miscarriage (e.g. 2 or more miscarriages or 3 or more miscarriages) to search the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: 5 studies met the selection criteria, involving 1452 participants. LMWH reduce the risk of miscarriage of women suffering ≥3 miscarriages (RR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.35-0.61, p = .00), but the risk of miscarriage of women suffering ≥2 miscarriages was not decreased by LMWH (RR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.57-0.86, p = .26). No substantial influence was found on Live birth rate (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.99-1.43), Preterm birth (RR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.65-1.38), Preeclampsia (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.45-1.76), Small for gestational age (RR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.64-1.51). CONCLUSION: LMWH treatment may decrease the miscarriage rate in women suffering a history of 3 or more miscarriages, but not reduce the incidence of miscarriage in women suffering a history of 2 or more miscarriages. We need more RCTs to provide robust and reliable results.

Characteristics and outcomes analysis of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs): analysis of 15 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Because of limited information of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), the objective aimed to describe clinical parameters, management and treatment results of SLCTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 15 cases with SLCTs, who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between 2009 and 2020. Data of clinical parameters and treatment was studied. RESULTS: The age ranged 25-69 years. Elevated testosterone was observed in 4 patients. FIGO-stage: 14 were at Ia(10 moderately differentiated, 3 poorly differentiated, 5 retiform pattern).1 was at Ic. Patients with retiform pattern were more likely to exhibit endocrine function (p = 0.019, w = 0.61) and tumor diameter was significantly bigger in no endocrine function (p = 0.012, d = 1.52). All patients received surgical treatment. 8 received postoperative chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 66 months (20-112 months). 1 patient relapsed within 36 months and received cytoreductive surgery. She survived without disease after recurrence treatment. Of 5 patients who performed fertility sparing surgeries with the desire of childbirth, 3 had full-term pregnancy and 1 experienced a miscarriage. Another one has not tried to conceive. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of SLCTs is good. Our data showed patients with retiform pattern were more likely to exhibit endocrine function. The diameter of tumor was significantly bigger in no endocrine function. Conservative surgery is the preferred option for patients with the desire of fertility at stage Ia. Postoperative chemotherapy is advised to cases with high-risk factors, but the most effective chemotherapy regimen is still uncertain.

Synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in arsenic (+3) methyltransferase of the Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and its gene expression among field populations.

Naturally occurring arsenic is toxic at extremely low concentrations, yet some species persist even in high arsenic environments. We wanted to test if these species show evidence of evolution associated with arsenic exposure. To do this, we compared allelic variation across 872 coding nucleotides of arsenic (+3) methyltransferase (as3mt) and whole fish as3mt gene expression from three field populations of Gambusia affinis, from water sources containing low (1.9 ppb), medium-low (3.3 ppb), and high (15.7 ppb) levels of arsenic. The high arsenic site exceeds the US EPA's Maximum Contamination Level for drinking water. Medium-low and high populations exhibited homozygosity, and no sequence variation across all animals sampled. Eleven of 24 fish examined (45.8%) in the low arsenic population harbored synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons 4 and/or 10. SNP presence in the low arsenic population was not associated with differences in as3mt transcript levels compared to fish from the medium-low site, where SNPs were noted; however, as3mt expression in fish from the high arsenic concentration site was significantly lower than the other two sites. Low sequence variation in fish populations from sites with medium-low and high arsenic concentrations suggests greater selective pressure on this allele, while higher variation in the low population suggests a relaxed selection. Our results suggest gene regulation associated with arsenic detoxification may play a more crucial role in influencing responses to arsenic than polymorphic gene sequence. Understanding microevolutionary processes to various contaminants require the evaluation of multiple populations across a wide range of pollution exposures.

Game-based brain training for improving cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Given that increasing aging is associated with a natural decline in cognitive function, identifying effective interventions that can help to prevent cognitive decline in older adults is a research priority. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the best evidence to assess the effectiveness of game-based brain training in improving cognitive function and to evaluate the preferred design features of the intervention. METHODS: Twelve databases, trial registries, and gray literature resources were systematically searched for in randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis and random-effects meta-regression were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software 3.0. Overall effect was measured using Hedges's g and determined using Z-statistics. Cochran's Q test and I2 were used to investigate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess overall quality of evidence. RESULTS: Fifteen trials among 759 older adults were conducted. Meta-analysis revealed that game-based brain training significantly improved processing speed (g = 0.23), selective attention (g = 0.40), and short-term memory (g = 0.35) versus a control group. Our subgroup analyses emphasized that non-time pressure games, multiplayer, computer platform, provider support, sessions ≤ 3 times per week for ≤ 60 min. each comprised a preferable design. Meta-regression identified game design (ß = 0.211, p = 0.008) that had statistically significant effects on processing speed. Egger's regression asymmetry test (p = 0.293) suggested no publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Game-based brain training can be considered a supplementary intervention for improving cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. Future trials should use well-designed trials with large sample sizes.

A High-Capacity Negative Electrode for Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on a PMo12 Coordination Polymer with Novel Water-Assisted Proton Channels.

The development of a negative electrode for supercapacitors is a critical challenge for the next-generation of energy-storage devices. Herein, two new electrodes formed by the coordination polymers [Ni(itmb)4 (HPMo12 O40 )]·2H2 O (1) and [Zn(itmb)3 (H2 O)(HPMo12 O40 )]·4H2 O (2) (itmb = 1-(imidazo-1-ly)-4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method, are described. Compounds 1 and 2 show high capacitances of 477.9 and 890.2 F g-1 , respectively. An asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled using 2 which has novel water-assisted proton channels as negative electrode and active carbon as positive electrode shows ultrahigh energy density and power density of 23.4 W h kg-1 and 3864.4 W kg-1 , respectively. Moreover, the ability to feed a red light emitting diode (LED) also demonstrates the feasibility for practical use. The results allow a better elucidation of the storage mechanism in polyoxometalate-based coordination polymers and provide a promising direction for exploring novel negative materials for new-generation high-performance supercapacitors.

Detection of human cytomegalovirus in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and its impacts on survival.

BACKGROUND: The cause of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is not elucidated. Viral infection may induce chronic inflammatory infection and play a role in the pathogenesis of cancers. Some viruses are considered to be oncomodulatory, modulating cellular pathways such as cell proliferation, tumor progression, vascular disease development, and immune evasion. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in several types of cancers including ovarian cancer. However, the role of HCMV in ovarian carcinogenesis remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of HCMV infection in EOC, we evaluated the prevalence of HCMV proteins in EOC tissue and its impacts on patients' survival. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 66 patients with EOC and 30 patients with benign ovarian cystadenoma were studied. Specimens were analyzed for expression of HCMV immediate early protein (IE) and HCMV tegument protein (pp65) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: HCMV-IE protein expression was detected in 82% of EOC and 36% of benign tumors; pp65 was detected in 97% of EOC and 63% of benign tumors. Extensive HCMV-IE protein expression was associated with higher stage of EOC. Reactivation of latent HCMV within the tumor at interval debulking surgery may be induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Extensive HCMV-IE expression was associated with shorter median overall survival than focal or negative expression (39 versus 41 months, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis indicated that HCMV-IE expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrate a high prevalence of HCMV proteins in tissue sections from patients with EOC. HCMV infection can be potential risk factor for EOC development. Extensive HCMV-IE expression indicated a poor prognosis. The relationship between HCMV and clinical outcomes highlight the need for further researches on the oncomodulatory role of HCMV in ovarian cancer.

A coordination polymer based on dinuclear (pyrazinyl tetrazolate) copper(ii) cations and Wells-Dawson anions for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.

A new coordination polymer, (H2bpe)(Hbpe)2{[Cu(pzta)(H2O)][P2W18O62]}·5H2O (1) (pztaH = 5-(2-pyrazinyl) tetrazolate, bpe = bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene), was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by the SEM, EDS, BVS, FTIR, and PXRD techniques. In 1, the [P2W18O62]6- (P2W18) clusters as bidentate connectors link [Cu(pzta)(H2O)]24+ dinuclear copper(ii) complexes to form inorganic-organic chains. These chains and the [H2bpe]2+ counter-cations are fused together via hydrogen bonding to form a 3D supramolecular architecture. While 1 was employed as the electrode in a supercapacitor, the cycling stability (90.7% capacitance retention after 1000 circles) and specific capacitance (168 F g-1 at a current density of 5 A g-1) of the 1-based electrode are better than those of the parent α-K6P2W18O62-based electrode, demonstrating more outstanding electrochemical performances of 1. Besides, the 1-based electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activities towards the reduction of H2O2 and KIO3.

Three-dimensional porous ZnCo(2)O(4) sheet array coated with Ni(OH)(2) for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor.

Hierarchical ZnCo2O4@Ni(OH)2 sheet composite structures on Ni foam were rationally designed and successfully synthesized. The ZnCo2O4 micro-sheets grown on Ni foam served as the skeleton to improve the electrical conductivity of redox active Ni(OH)2 materials, providing more electroactive sites for the faradaic reaction, and solidify the Ni(OH)2 materials onto Ni foam as a current collector. The electrode of ZnCo2O4@Ni(OH)2 showed an ultrahigh areal capacitance of 4.6F/cm2 at a current density of 2mA/cm2. A lightweight and small asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was successfully fabricated using the ZnCo2O4@Ni(OH)2 and carbonized filter paper (CFP) as positive and negative electrode, respectively. The ASC could work in a large potential window of 0-1.8V and achieve a high energy density of 49Wh/kg at 428W/kg.

The risk factors, etiology, and drug resistance of infection after plastic surgery, and corresponding measures.

BACKGROUND: Explore the risk factors, etiology, and drug resistance of infection after plastic surgery, and present corresponding measures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 980 patients who underwent head and facial plastic surgery from January 2013 to December 2015. Postoperative infection occurred in 169 patients. We analyzed the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in patients undergoing plastic surgery, reviewed the drug resistance of Gram negative (G-) bacteria and Gram positive (G+) bacteria, and analyzed the effects of surgical duration, prophylactic use of antibacterial agents, length of stay (LOS), and preoperative hair removal on infection after plastic surgery. RESULTS: G+ bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) accounted for 45.6%, while G- bacteria (mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) accounted for 54.4% of total pathogenic bacteria in patients undergoing plastic surgery. The most commonly resistant antibacterial agents of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and cefotaxime; the most commonly resistant antibacterial agents of Klebsiella pneumoniae were sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. The most commonly resistant antibacterial agents of Staphylococcus aureus were penicillin G, ampicillin, and sulfamethoxazole; for coagulase-negative staphylococcus, the most commonly resistant antibacterial agents were also penicillin G, ampicillin, and sulfamethoxazole. Both Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococcus were sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that surgical duration >3 hours, no prophylactic use of antibacterial agents, and LOS>7 days were independent risk factors for postoperative infection. CONCLUSIONS: G- bacteria were more prevalent in infections after plastic surgery, and most bacteria were sensitive to imipenem and meropenem. Strict control of surgical duration, short LOS, intraoperative prophylactic use of antibacterial agents, and no preoperative hair removal were important for reducing postoperative infection.

[Changes in the expression of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons after electrical injury in rats' sciatic nerves and its influence on sensory conduction function].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in the expression of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons after electrical injury in rats' sciatic nerves and its influence on sensory conduction function. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-six adult SD rats were divided into normal control group, sham electrical injury group, and 75, 100, 125 V electrical injury groups according to the random number table, with 8 rats in normal control group and 32 rats in each of the rest 4 groups. Rats in normal control group were routinely fed without any treatment. Blunt dissection of the sciatic nerves of left hind leg of rats was performed in sham electrical injury group, while sciatic nerves of left hind leg of rats in electrical injury groups were electrically injured with corresponding voltage. Eight rats of normal control group fed for one week, and 8 rats from each of the rest four groups on post injury day (PID) 3 and in post injury week (PIW) 1, 2, 3 respectively were collected to detect the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT). In addition, rats of 100 V electrical injury group in PIW 1 were collected and intrathecally injected with NS1619 after former PWMT detection, and PWMT was detected per 30 minutes within three hours post injection. The rats in each group at each time point were sacrificed after PWMT detection. The DRG of L4 to L6 segments of spinal cord was sampled to observe the BKCa channels distribution with immunohistochemical staining and to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of BKCa channels with Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance of factorial design, and SNK test. RESULTS: (1) The PWMT values of rats in 75 and 100 V electrical injury groups on PID 3 and in PIW 1, 2, 3 were (5.8±0.6), (5.0±0.8), (4.2±0.3), (5.9±1.1) g; (5.3±1.3), (5.9±2.0), (4.5±2.7), (4.3±1.3) g, respectively, which were significantly lower than the value (s) in normal control group [(11.2±2.0) g] and sham electrical injury group [respectively (11.3±2.1), (12.0±2.0), (11.1±1.6), (10.3±2.1) g, with P values below 0.05]. The PWMT values of rats in 125 V electrical injury group decreased obviously on PID 3 and in PIW 1 [(6.1±1.6) and (5.7±1.7) g] as compared with the value (s) in normal control group and sham electrical injury group, and they were obviously increased in PIW 2 and 3 [(26.7±3.3) and (21.7±3.4) g] as compared with the value (s) of the rest 4 groups (with P values below 0.05). The PWMT of 100 V electrical injury group in PIW 1 firstly increased and then decreased within three hours post injection, which increased significantly at post injection minutes 30, 60, 90, 120 as compared with that before intervention [respectively (8.5±0.8), (9.7±1.2), (11.0±1.5), (8.6±0.8) g, with P values below 0.05]. (2) The positive expression of BKCa channels in large amount was observed in the cytoplasm and cytomembrane of neurons on the DRG of rats in normal control group and sham electrical injury group at each time point. The positive expression of BKCa channels in the cytoplasm and cytomembrane of neurons on the DRG of rats decreased over time in electrical injury groups, which was most obvious in 125 V electrical injury group. (3) There were no statistically significant differences in the protein expression of BKCa channels in DRG of rats among the five groups on PID 3 (with P values above 0.05). Compared with those in normal control group (0.477±0.027, 0.521±0.034, 0.475±0.022) and sham electrical injury group (0.511±0.025, 0.489±0.025, 0.483±0.032) in PIW 1, 2, 3, the protein expressions of BKCa channels in DRG of rats in 75, 100, 125 V electrical injury groups were decreased significantly (0.274±0.026, 0.202±0.019, 0.285±0.033; 0.253±0.022, 0.233±0.024, 0.203±0.017; 0.092±0.017, 0.095±0.021, 0.087±0.016, with P values below 0.05). The protein expressions of BKCa channels in DRG of rats in 125 V electrical injury group in PIW 1, 2, 3 were obviously lower than those in 75 and 100 V electrical injury groups (with P values below 0.05). (4) The mRNA expression levels of BKCa channels in DRG of rats in 75, 100, 125 V electrical injury groups on PID 3 and in PIW 1, 2, 3 were 0.326±0.021, 0.238±0.019, 0.291±0.022, 0.364±0.018; 0.264±0.020, 0.293±0.017, 0.243±0.023, 0.295±0.021; 0.134±0.023, 0.089±0.017, 0.074±0.018, 0.087±0.020, respectively, significantly decreased as compared with the level (s) in normal control group (0.581±0.051) and sham electrical injury group (0.603±0.045, 0.586±0.032, 0.614±0.045, 0.572±0.038), with P values below 0.05. The mRNA expression levels of BKCa channels in DRG of rats in 125 V electrical injury group at each time point were lower than those in 75 and 100 V electrical injury groups (with P values below 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The electrical injury in sciatic nerves results in reduction of the BKCa channels expression in rat's DRG of corresponding spinal segments, which plays a role in the pathological process of sensory conduction dysfunction.

Transcriptome Analysis for Identification of Genes Related to Gonad Differentiation, Growth, Immune Response and Marker Discovery in The Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

BACKGROUND: Turbot Scophthalmus maximus is an economically important species extensively aquacultured in China. The genetic selection program is necessary and urgent for the sustainable development of this industry, requiring more and more genome background knowledge. Transcriptome sequencing is an excellent alternative way to identify transcripts involved in specific biological processes and exploit a considerable quantity of molecular makers when no genome sequences are available. In this study, a comprehensive transcript dataset for major tissues of S. maximus was produced on basis of an Illumina platform. RESULTS: Total RNA was isolated from liver, spleen, kidney, cerebrum, gonad (testis and ovary) and muscle. Equal quantities of RNA from each type of tissues were pooled to construct two cDNA libraries (male and female). Using the Illumina paired-end sequencing technology, nearly 44.22 million clean reads in length of 100 bp were generated and then assembled into 106,643 contigs, of which 71,107 were named unigenes with an average length of 892 bp after the elimination of redundancies. Of these, 24,052 unigenes (33.83% of the total) were successfully annotated. GO, KEGG pathway mapping and COG analysis were performed to predict potential genes and their functions. Based on our sequence analysis and published documents, many candidate genes with fundamental roles in sex determination and gonad differentiation (dmrt1), growth (ghrh, myf5, prl/prlr) and immune response (TLR1/TLR21/TLR22, IL-15/IL-34), were identified for the first time in this species. In addition, a large number of credible genetic markers, including 21,192 SSRs and 8,642 SNPs, were identified in the present dataset. CONCLUSION: This informative transcriptome provides valuable new data to increase genomic resources of Scophthalmus maximus. The future studies of corresponding gene functions will be very useful for the management of reproduction, growth and disease control in turbot aquaculture breeding programs. The molecular markers identified in this database will aid in genetic linkage analyses, mapping of quantitative trait loci, and acceleration of marker assisted selection programs.

[HPLC fingerprint study on Chaenomelis fructus and comparative study on different processed products].

OBJECTIVE: To establish HPLC fingerprint of Chaenomelis Fructus and compare HPLC fingerprints of different processed products. METHODS: The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-methanol (7:3) (A) and 0.03% phosphoric acid(B) in a gradient mode. Flow rate was 0.8 mL/min. The wavelength was set at 300 nm and column temperature was 30 degrees C. The HPLC chromatograms were analyzed by the "traditional Chinese medicine fingerprint similarity calculation software". RESULTS: The results of methodological study met technical requirements of HPLC fingerprint. Ten batches of samples were divided into three groups by hierarchical cluster analysis and the similarities exceeded 0.90. The HPLC fingerprints of different processed products had obvious differences in area of common peaks but less differences in number of common peaks. CONCLUSION: The HPLC fingerprint method is stable, accurate and reliable and can be used for scientific quality control of Chaenomelis Fructus. The processing temperature and processing materials have effect on the dissolution of chemical compositions in Chaenomelis Fructus.