Dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dietary nutrient intake of Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify influencing factors, and explore the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and nutritional and disease control indicators. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. A dietary survey was conducted using a three-day dietary record method, and a self-designed diet management software was utilized to calculate the daily intake of dietary nutrients. The nutritional status and disease control indicators were assessed using subjective global assessment, handgrip strength, blood test indexes, and dialysis adequacy. RESULTS: A total of 382 MHD patients were included in this study. Among them, 225 (58.9%) and 233 (61.0%) patients' protein and energy intake did not meet the recommendations outlined in the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease (2020 update). The average protein and energy intake for these patients were 0.99 ± 0.32 g/kg/d and 29.06 ± 7.79 kcal/kg/d, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that comorbidity-diabetes had a negative influence on normalized daily energy intake (nDEI = DEI / ideal body weight) (B = -2.880, p = 0.001) and normalized daily protein intake (nDPI = DPI / ideal body weight) (B = -0.109, p = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that dietary DPI (r = -0.109, p < 0.05), DEI (r = -0.226, p < 0.05) and phosphorus (r = -0.195, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to Kt/V; dietary nDPI (r = 0.101, p < 0.05) and sodium (r = -0.144, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum urea nitrogen; dietary DPI (r = 0.200, p < 0.001), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.129, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.199, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.157, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum creatinine; dietary phosphorus (r = 0.117, p < 0.05) and fiber (r = 0.142, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum phosphorus; dietary nDPI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), DPI (r = 0.135, p < 0.05), nDEI (r = 0.116, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), potassium (r = 0.148, p < 0.001), and phosphorus (r = 0.156, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to subjective global assessment scores; dietary nDPI (r = 0.215, p < 0.001), DPI (r = 0.341, p < 0.001), nDEI (r = 0.142, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.258, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.252, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to handgrip strength in males; dietary fiber (r = 0.190, p < 0.05) intake was statistically correlated to handgrip strength in females. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary nutrient intake of MHD patients need improvement. Inadequate dietary nutrient intake among MHD patients could have a detrimental effect on their blood test indexes and overall nutritional status. It is crucial to address and optimize the dietary intake of nutrients in this patient population to enhance their health outcomes and well-being.

Acupoint Autohemotherapy Attenuates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis and Activates Regulatory T Cells in BALB/c Mice.

Purpose: Acupoint autohemotherapy (A-AHT) has been proposed as an alternative and complementary treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), yet the exact role of its blood component in terms of therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action is still largely unknown. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies and action mechanisms of intramuscular injections of autologous whole blood (AWB) and mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) (autologous or heterologous) at acupoints on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse models. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were measured, as well as mRNA expression levels of Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), IL-10 and IFN-γ in dorsal skin lesions, and IL-10+, IFN-γ+ and FoxP3+CD4+T cells in murine spleen. Results: It showed that repeated acupoint injection of AWB, autologous total IgG (purified from autologous blood in AD mice) or heterologous total IgG (purified from healthy blood in normal mice) effectively reduced the severity of AD symptoms and decreased epidermal and dermal thickness as well as mast cells in skin lesions. Additionally, AWB acupoint injection was found to upregulate FoxP3+, IL-10+ and IFN-γ+ CD4+T cells in murine spleen, suppressing the production of IgE antibodies and increasing that of IgG antibodies in the serum. Furthermore, both AWB and autologous total IgG administrations significantly elevated FoxP3 expression, mRNA levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in dorsal skin lesions. However, acupoint injection of heterologous total IgG had no effect on regulatory T (Treg) and Th1 cells modulation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of A-AHT on AD are mediated by IgG-induced activation of Treg cells.

Heterogeneity of myeloid cells in common cancers: Single cell insights and targeting strategies.

Tumor microenvironment (TME), is characterized by a complex and heterogenous composition involving a substantial population of immune cells. Myeloid cells comprising over half of the solid tumor mass, are undoubtedly one of the most prominent cell populations associated with tumors. Studies have unambiguously established that myeloid cells play a key role in tumor development, including immune suppression, pro-inflammation, promote tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, for example, tumor-associated macrophages promote tumor progression in a variety of common tumors, including lung cancer, through direct or indirect interactions with the TME. However, due to previous technological constraints, research on myeloid cells often tended to be conducted as studies with low throughput and limited resolution. For example, the conventional categorization of macrophages into M1-like and M2-like subsets based solely on their anti-tumor and pro-tumor roles has disregarded their continuum of states, resulting in an inadequate analysis of the high heterogeneity characterizing myeloid cells. The widespread adoption of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in tumor immunology has propelled researchers into a new realm of understanding, leading to the establishment of novel subsets and targets. In this review, the origin of myeloid cells in high-incidence cancers, the functions of myeloid cell subsets examined through traditional and single-cell perspectives, as well as specific targeting strategies, are comprehensively outlined. As a result of this endeavor, we will gain a better understanding of myeloid cell heterogeneity, as well as contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Characterizing the Robustness of Distinct Clinical Assessments in Identifying Dry Eye Condition of Animal Models.

PURPOSE: The study aims to characterize the robustness of distinct clinical assessments in identifying the underlying conditions of dry eye disease (DED), with a specific emphasis on the involvement of conjunctival goblet cells. METHODS: Seven rabbits receiving surgical removal of the lacrimal and Harderian glands were divided into two groups, one with ablation of conjunctival goblet cells by topical soaking of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to the bulbar conjunctiva (n = 3) and one without (n = 4), and the conditions of DED were assessed weekly using Schirmer test, tear breakup time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, and National Eye Institute (NEI) fluorescein staining grading. After 8 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the eyes were enucleated for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis revealed corneal epithelial thinning in both groups. While TCA soaking significantly decreased the density of conjunctival goblet cells, DED rabbits without TCA also showed a partial reduction in goblet cell density, potentially attributable to dacryoadenectomy. Both groups showed significant decreases in Schirmer test and TBUT, as well as an increase in tear osmolarity. In DED rabbits with TCA soaking, tear osmolarity increased markedly, suggesting that tear osmolarity is highly sensitive to loss and/or dysfunction of conjunctival goblet cells. Fluorescein staining was gradually and similarly increased in both groups, suggesting that fluorescein staining may not reveal an early disruption of the tear film until the prolonged progression of DED. CONCLUSION: The Schirmer test, TBUT, tear osmolarity, and NEI fluorescein grading are distinct, yet complementary, clinical assessments for the evaluation of DED. By performing these assessments in definitive DED rabbit models, both with and without ablation of conjunctival goblet cells, the role of these cells in the homeostasis of tear osmolarity is highlighted. Characterizing the robustness of these assessments in identifying the underlying conditions of DED will guide a more appropriate management for patients with DED.

Using machine learning to predict selenium and cadmium contents in rice grains from black shale-distributed farmland area.

Cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) are widely enriched in soil at black shale outcropping areas, with Cd levels exceeding the standard (2.0 mg/kg in 5.5 < pH ≤ 6.5) commonly. The prevention of Cd hazards and the safe development of Se-rich land resources are key issues that need to be urgently addressed. To ensure safe utilization of Se-rich land in the CdSe coexisting areas, 158 rice samples, their corresponding rhizosphere soils, and 8069 topsoil samples were collected and tested in the paddy fields of Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, where black shales are widely exposed. The results showed that 43 % of the topsoil samples were Se-rich soil (Se > 0.4 mg/kg) wherein 79 % and 3 % of Cd concentrations exceeded the screening value and control value, respectively, according to the GB15618-2018 standard. Meanwhile, 63 % of the rice samples were Se rich (Se > 0.04 mg/kg) and the Cd content exceeded the prescribed limit (0.2 mg/kg) in Se-rich rice by 26 %. There was no significant positive correlation between the Se and Cd contents in the rice grains and the Se and Cd contents in the corresponding rhizosphere soil. The factors influencing Se and Cd uptake in rice were SiO2, CaO, P, S, pH, and TFe2O3. Accordingly, an artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression model (MLR) were used to predict Cd and Se bioaccumulation in rice grains. The stability and accuracy of the ANN model were better than those of the MLR model. Based on survey data and the prediction results of the ANN model, a safe planting zoning of Se-rich rice was proposed, which provided a reference for the scientific planning of land resources.

A modified SELEX approach to identify DNA aptamers with binding specificity to the major histocompatibility complex presenting ovalbumin model antigen.

Aptamers have sparked significant interest in cell recognition because of their superior binding specificity and biocompatibility. Cell recognition can be mediated by targeting the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that presents short peptides derived from intracellular antigens. Although numerous antibodies have demonstrated a specific affinity for the peptide-MHC complex, the number of aptamers that exhibit comparable characteristics is limited. Aptamers are usually selected from large libraries via the Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), an iterative process of selection and PCR amplification to enrich a pool of aptamers with high affinity. However, the success rate of aptamer identification is low, possibly due to the presence of complementary sequences or sequences rich in guanine and cytosine that are less accessible for primers. Here, we modified SELEX by employing systemic consecutive selections with minimal PCR amplification. We also modified the analysis by selecting aptamers that were identified in multiple selection rounds rather than those that are highly enriched. Using this approach, we were able to identify two aptamers with binding specificity to cells expressing the ovalbumin alloantigen as a proof of concept. These two aptamers were also discovered among the top 150 abundant candidates, despite not being highly enriched, by performing conventional SELEX. Additionally, we found that highly enriched aptamers tend to contain fractions of the primer sequence and have minimal target affinity. Candidate aptamers are easily missed in the conventional SELEX process. Therefore, our modification for SELEX may facilitate the identification of aptamers for more application in diverse biomedical fields. Significance: we modify the conventional method to improve the efficiency in the identification of the aptamer, a single strand of nucleic acid with binding specificity to the target molecule, showing as a proof of concept that this approach is particularly useful to select aptamers that can selectively bind to cells presenting a particular peptide by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the cell surface. Given that cancer cells may express mutant peptide-MHC complexes that are distinct from those expressed by normal cells, this study sheds light on the potential application of aptamers to cancer cell targeting.

Spatiotemporal Controlled Formation of Synthetic Nanoreactors in Single Living Cells.

Cellular compartments provide confined environments for spatiotemporal control of biological processes and enzymatic reactions. To mimic such compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells, we report an efficient and general platform to precisely control the formation of artificial nanoreactors in single living cells. We introduce an electroosmotic controlled strategy for the synthesis of ZIF-8 at the nanoscale liquid-liquid interface around the tip of a nanopipet, whereby the formed ZIF-8 nanoparticles are driven into a single living cell by the electroosmotic flow. The porous ZIF-8 nanoparticles, as synthetic nanoreactors, are not only able to harvest fluorescent molecules from peripheral cytoplasm but also perform the subsequent photocatalytic degradation, mimicking compartmentalized chemical reactions in eukaryotic cells. Our strategy provides a useful tool for spatiotemporal controlled synthesis of artificial nanoreactors with on-demand functions in single living cells with versatile applications in chemical biology.

The Protective Role of TLR4 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells through the Regulation of the Gut Microbiota in DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The cause of ulcerative colitis (UC) is not yet fully understood. Previous research has pointed towards a potential role for mutations in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) in promoting the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by altering the microbiota of the gut. However, the relationship between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and gut microbiota in IBD is not well understood. To shed light on this, the interaction between TLR4 and gut microbiota was studied using a mouse model of IBD. METHODS: To examine the function of TLR4 signaling in intestinal injury repair, researchers developed Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced colitis and injury models in both wild-type (WT) mice and TLR4 knockout (TLR4-KO) mice. To assess changes in the gut microbiota, 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted on fecal samples from both the TLR4-KO and WT enteritis mouse models. RESULTS: The data obtained depicted a protective function of TLR4 against DSS-induced colitis. The gut microbiota composition was found to vary considerably between the WT and TLR4-KO mice groups as indicated by ß-diversity analysis and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) cluster. Statistical analysis of microbial multivariate variables depicted an elevated abundance of Escherichia coli/Shigella, Gammaproteobacteria, Tenerlcutes, Deferribacteres, Enterobacteria, Rikenellaceae, and Proteobacteria in the gut microbiota of TLR4-KO mice, whereas there was a considerable reduction in Bacteroidetes at five different levels of the phylogenetic hierarchy including phylum, class, order, family, and genus in comparison with the WT control. CONCLUSIONS: TLR4 may protect intestinal epithelial cells from damage in response to DSS-induced injury by controlling the microbiota in the gut.

Epigenetic regulation of pyroptosis in cancer: Molecular pathogenesis and targeting strategies.

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment, leading to durable responses in patients with advanced and metastatic cancers where conventional therapies were insufficient. However, factors like immunosuppressive cells and immune checkpoint molecules within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can suppress the immune system and thus negatively affect the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Pyroptosis, a gasdermin-induced programmed cell death, could transform "cold tumors" to "hot tumors" to improve the milieu of TME, thus enhancing the immune response and preventing tumor growth. Recently, evidence showed that epigenetics could regulate pyroptosis, which further affects tumorigenesis, suggesting that epigenetics-based tumor cells pyroptosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Hence, this review focuses on the pyroptotic mechanism and summarizes three common types of epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, all of which have a role in regulating the expression of transcription factors and proteins involved in pyroptosis in cancer. Especially, we discuss targeting strategies on epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis and provide insights on the future trend of cancer research which may fuel cancer therapies into a new step.

Experimental and Numerical Study of Al2219 Powders Deposition on Al2219-T6 Substrate by Cold Spray: Effects of Spray Angle, Traverse Speed, and Standoff Distance.

Cold spray (CS) is an emerging technology for repairing and 3D additive manufacturing of a variety of metallic components using deformable metal powders. In CS deposition, gas type, gas pressure, gas temperature, and powder feed rate are the four key process parameters that have been intensively studied. Spray angle, spray gun traverse speed, and standoff distance (SoD) are the other three process parameters that have been less investigated but are also important, especially when depositing on uneven substrates or building up 3D freeform structures. Herein, the effects of spray angle, traverse speed, and SoD during CS deposition have been investigated holistically on a single material system (i.e., Al2219 powders on Al2219-T6 substrate). The coatings' mass gain, thickness, porosity, and residual stress have been characterized, and the results show that spray angle and traverse speed exercise much more effects than SoD in determining coatings' buildup. Finite element method (FEM) modeling and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation have been carried out to understand the effects of these three parameters for implementing CS as repairing and additive manufacturing using aluminum-based alloy powders.

Amperometric Identification of Single Exosomes and Their Dopamine Contents Secreted by Living Cells.

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter, which not only participates in the regulation of neural processes but also plays critical roles in tumor progression and immunity. However, direct identification of DA-containing exosomes, as well as quantification of DA in single vesicles, is still challenging. Here, we report a nanopipette-assisted method to detect single exosomes and their dopamine contents via amperometric measurement. The resistive-pulse current measured can simultaneously provide accurate information of vesicle translocation and DA contents in single exosomes. Accordingly, DA-containing exosomes secreted from HeLa and PC12 cells under different treatment modes successfully detected the DA encapsulation efficiency and the amount of exosome secretion that distinguish between cell types. Furthermore, a custom machine learning model was constructed to classify the exosome signals from different sources, with an accuracy of more than 99%. Our strategy offers a useful tool for investigating single exosomes and their DA contents, which facilitates the analysis of DA-containing exosomes derived from other untreated or stimulated cells and may open up a new insight to the research of DA biology.

Discovery of extracellular vesicle-delivered miR-185-5p in the plasma of patients as an indicator for advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate whether extracellular vesicles (EV)-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as biomarkers for advanced adenoma (AA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We detected the changes in the plasma EV-delivered miRNA profiles in healthy donor (HD), AA patient, and I-II stage CRC patient groups using miRNA deep sequencing assay. We performed the TaqMan miRNA assay using 173 plasma samples (two independent cohorts) from HDs, AA patients, and CRC patients to identify the candidate miRNA(s). The accuracy of candidate miRNA(s) in diagnosing AA and CRC was determined using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) values. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of candidate miRNA(s) as an independent factor for the diagnosis of AA and CRC. The role of candidate miRNA(s) in the malignant progression of CRC was explored using functional assays. RESULTS: We screened and identified four prospective EV-delivered miRNAs, including miR-185-5p, which were significantly upregulated or downregulated in AA vs. HD and CRC vs. AA groups. In two independent cohorts, miR-185-5p was the best potential biomarker with the AUCs of 0.737 (Cohort I) and 0.720 (Cohort II) for AA vs. HD diagnosis, 0.887 (Cohort I) and 0.803 (Cohort II) for CRC vs. HD diagnosis, and 0.700 (Cohort I) and 0.631 (Cohort II) for CRC vs. AA diagnosis. Finally, we demonstrated that the upregulated expression of miR-185-5p promoted the malignant progression of CRC. CONCLUSION: EV-delivered miR-185-5p in the plasma of patients is a promising diagnostic biomarker for colorectal AA and CRC. Trial registration The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, China (Ethics No. 2022SL005, Registration No. of China Clinical Trial Registration Center: ChiCTR220061592).

Incidence, prevention, risk factors, and prediction of venous thromboembolism in Chinese patients after colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and serious complication after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Few large-sample studies have reported VTE incidence and management status after CRC surgery in China. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prevention of VTE in Chinese patients after CRC surgery, identify risk factors for developing VTE, and construct a new scoring system for clinical decision-making and care planning. METHODS: Participants were recruited from 46 centers in 17 provinces in China. Patients were followed up for 1 month postoperatively. The study period was from May 2021 to May 2022. The Caprini score risk stratification and VTE prevention and incidence were recorded. The predictors of the occurrence of VTE after surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a prediction model (CRC-VTE score) was developed. RESULTS: A total of 1836 patients were analyzed. The postoperative Caprini scores ranged from 1 to 16 points, with a median of 6 points. Of these, 10.1% were classified as low risk (0-2 points), 7.4% as moderate risk (3-4 points), and 82.5% as high risk (≥5 points). Among these patients, 1210 (65.9%) received pharmacological prophylaxis, and 1061 (57.8%) received mechanical prophylaxis. The incidence of short-term VTE events after CRC surgery was 11.2% (95% CI 9.8-12.7), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (11.0%, 95% CI 9.6-12.5) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.2%, 95% CI 0-0.5). Multifactorial analysis showed that age (≥70 years), history of varicose veins in the lower extremities, cardiac insufficiency, female sex, preoperative bowel obstruction, preoperative bloody/tarry stool, and anesthesia time at least 180 min were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE. The CRC-VTE model was developed from these seven factors and had good VTE predictive performance ( C -statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.68-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a national perspective on the incidence and prevention of VTE after CRC surgery in China. The study offers guidance for VTE prevention in patients after CRC surgery. A practical CRC-VTE risk predictive model was proposed.

Genome-wide association analysis for grain moisture content and dehydration rate on maize hybrids.

For mechanized maize production, a low grain water content (GWC) at harvest is necessary. However, as a complex quantitative trait, understand the genetic mechanism of GWC remains a large gap, especially in hybrids. In this study, a hybrid population through two environments including 442 F1 was used for genome-wide association analysis of GWC and the grain dehydration rate (GDR), using the area under the dry down curve (AUDDC) as the index. Then, we identified 19 and 17 associated SNPs for GWC and AUDDC, including 10 co-localized SNPs, along with 64 and 77 pairs of epistatic SNPs for GWC and AUDDC, respectively. These loci could explain 11.39-68.2% of the total phenotypic variation for GWC and 41.07-67.02% for AUDDC at different stages, whose major effect was the additive and epistatic effect. By exploring the candidate genes around the significant sites, a total of 398 and 457 possible protein-coding genes were screened, including autophagy pathway and auxin regulation-related genes, and five inbred lines with the potential to reduce GWC in the combined F1 hybrid were identified. Our research not only provides a certain reference for the genetic mechanism analysis of GWC in hybrids but also provides an added reference for breeding low-GWC materials. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-022-01349-x.

Regenerative plantlets with improved agronomic characteristics caused by anther culture of tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Objective: As the primary means of plant-induced haploid, anther culture is of great significance in quickly obtaining pure lines and significantly shortening the potato breeding cycle. Nevertheless, the methods of anther culture of tetraploid potato were still not well established. Methods: In this study, 16 potato cultivars (lines) were used for anther culture in vitro. The corresponding relation between the different development stages of microspores and the external morphology of buds was investigated. A highly-efficient anther culture system of tetraploid potatoes was established. Results: It was shown in the results that the combined use of 0.5 mg/L 1-Naphthylacetic acid (NAA), 1.0 mg/L 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 1.0 mg/L Kinetin (KT) was the ideal choice of hormone pairing for anther callus. Ten of the 16 potato cultivars examined could be induced callus with their respective anthers, and the induction rate ranged from 4.44% to 22.67% using this hormone combination. According to the outcome from the orthogonal design experiments of four kinds of appendages, we found that the medium with sucrose (40 g/L), AgNO3 (30 mg/L), activated carbon (3 g/L), potato extract (200 g/L) had a promotive induction effect on the anther callus. In contrast, adding 1 mg/L Zeatin (ZT) effectively facilitated callus differentiation. Conclusion: Finally, 201 anther culture plantlets were differentiated from 10 potato cultivars. Among these, Qingshu 168 and Ningshu 15 had higher efficiency than anther culture. After identification by flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization, 10 haploid plantlets (5%), 177 tetraploids (88%), and 14 octoploids (7%) were obtained. Some premium anther-cultured plantlets were further selected by morphological and agronomic comparison. Our findings provide important guidance for potato ploidy breeding.

Cellular differentiation into hyphae and spores in halophilic archaea.

Several groups of bacteria have complex life cycles involving cellular differentiation and multicellular structures. For example, actinobacteria of the genus Streptomyces form multicellular vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae, and spores. However, similar life cycles have not yet been described for archaea. Here, we show that several haloarchaea of the family Halobacteriaceae display a life cycle resembling that of Streptomyces bacteria. Strain YIM 93972 (isolated from a salt marsh) undergoes cellular differentiation into mycelia and spores. Other closely related strains are also able to form mycelia, and comparative genomic analyses point to gene signatures (apparent gain or loss of certain genes) that are shared by members of this clade within the Halobacteriaceae. Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of non-differentiating mutants suggest that a Cdc48-family ATPase might be involved in cellular differentiation in strain YIM 93972. Additionally, a gene encoding a putative oligopeptide transporter from YIM 93972 can restore the ability to form hyphae in a Streptomyces coelicolor mutant that carries a deletion in a homologous gene cluster (bldKA-bldKE), suggesting functional equivalence. We propose strain YIM 93972 as representative of a new species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Actinoarchaeum halophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is herewith proposed. Our demonstration of a complex life cycle in a group of haloarchaea adds a new dimension to our understanding of the biological diversity and environmental adaptation of archaea.

A water-soluble polysaccharide from Eucommia folium: the structural characterization and anti-tumor activity in vivo.

In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide from Eucommia folium was extracted by hot water and purified using Sephadex G-200 gel columns. The results showed that the purified fraction (EFP) has a molecular weight of 9.98 × 105 Da and consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid (molar ratio: 0.226: 1.739: 2.183: 1: 0.155: 0.321: 0.358: 0.047). The combination of infrared spectroscopy and NMR analysis proved that EFP is an acidic polysaccharide whose main chain consists of α-L-Araf-(1 → , → 3,5)-α-Araf-(1 → , → 3)-ß-Galp-(1 → , → 3,6)-ß-Glcp-(1 → , → 2)-α-D-Manp-(1 → , → 4)-α-GalpA-(1 → , → 2,4)-α-Rhap-(1 → . In addition, the in vivo antitumoral activity of EFP was studied using a H22 tumor-bearing mice model. EFP effectively inhibited tumor growth in mice following intragastric administration. By Combining with the results of the apoptosis assay and JC-1 staining analysis, we confirmed that EFP induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EFP blocks the cell cycle at S phase.

Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from a teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of increasing concern. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibilities of toxigenic C. difficile isolated from IBD patients and to evaluate the risk factors for CDI in IBD population. METHODS: Loose or watery stools from IBD patients were tested for glutamate dehydrogenase, C. difficile toxins A&B and anaerobic culture. Toxigenic C. difficile isolates were characterized by multi-locus sequence typing, ribotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: The prevalence of CDI in IBD patients was 13.6% (43/317). The dominant sequence types (STs) were ST35 (20.9%), ST2 (18.6%) and ST37 (16.3%). The most common ribotypes (RTs) were RT 017 (18.6%), RT 012 (14.0%), and RT 220 (14.0%), whereas RT 027 and RT 078 were not detected in this study. All the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole. The multidrug resistance rate of C. difficile RT 017 was higher (p < 0.01) than that of other RT strains. Recent hospitalization, use of corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors were related to increased risk of CDI in IBD patients; of these, recent hospitalization and proton pump inhibitors use were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with IBD have a relatively high incidence rate of CDI. C. difficile RT 017 is most frequently isolated from IBD patients in this region and warrants more attention to its high resistance rate. Clinicians should pay greater attention to CDI testing in IBD patients with diarrhea to ensure early diagnosis and initiation of effective treatment.

Protective Effect of the Polysaccharides from Taraxacum mongolicum Leaf by Modulating the p53 Signaling Pathway in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice.

Dandelion is an edible plant with a variety of bioactive components. This paper mainly reports the antitumor activity of dandelion polysaccharide DLP120 on H22 tumor-bearing mice. DLP120 is an acidic polysaccharide composed of pectin and arabinogalactan. The results indicate that DLP120 markedly inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner and attenuated and regulated negative effects on organs. In addition, DLP120 not only increased the viability of spleen lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, but also increased the proportion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood. Furthermore, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining showed that tumor tissues and cells exhibited typical pathology features. Annexin V FITC/PI staining and cell cycle distribution results further confirmed apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S and G2 phases. Notably, there was a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Western blotting results demonstrated that the expression of p53 was up-regulated in the DLP120 group. Moreover, the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was up-regulated while the inhibitory-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was down-regulated. In addition, the expression of Fas and FasL, associated with the death receptor pathway, were also up-regulated. Overall, administration of DLP120 in H22 tumor-bearing mice can not only enhance immunity but also directly induce tumor cell apoptosis.