Transcriptome Sequencing for Sugar and Flavonoid Metabolism in Prunus persica‘Jinxiangyu’

In this study,high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing were used to study the changes in soluble sugar components and flavonoids in Prunus persica‘Jinxiangyu’at different developmental stages(20–90 d after flowering)and screen the key genes regulating the formation of soluble sugar and flavonoids in the fruits.The results showed that 60–85 d after flowering was the key stage of quality formation of Prunus persica‘Jinxiangyu’,and the content of soluble sugar,soluble solid,fructose,and sucrose in the fruit increased significantly during this period.The sugar content of ripe fruits was mainly fructose and sucrose.The content of kaempferol glycoside was low in the fruit.Quercetin glycoside content was higher in the young fruit stage and decreased with fruit maturity.There were no anthocyanin compounds in the fruit.The expression levels of genes involved in flavonoid metabolism(ANS,DFR,F3H,FLS,4CL1,etc.)were low in the fruit.A total of 181 differentially expressed genes were identified during fruit development to participate in five sugar metabolism pathways,among which the SDH gene had a higher expression level,which continuously rised in the later stage of fruit development.It mainly promoted the accumulation of fructose content in the later stage of fruit development.The expression levels of SPS1,SS,and SS1 genes were continuously up-regulated,which played a key role in sucrose regulation.The higher expression levels of SUS3 and INVA genes in the early stage of fruit development promoted the degradation of sucrose.

Effect of pyrite, elemental sulfur and ferrous ions on EPS production by metal sulfide bioleaching microbes

Extracellular polymeric substances （EPS） produced by acidophilic bioleaching microorganisms play an important role in the production of acid mine drainage and metal sulfide bioleaching. EPS mediate the contact between microbial cells and growth substrates, having a pivotal role in organic film formation and bacterium-substratum interactions. The production and chemical composition of EPS produced by seven bioleaching strains grown with different substrates were studied. Analysis of the EPS extracted from these strains indicated that the EPS consisted of carbohydrates, proteins and galacturonic acid. The contents of EPS, carbohydrates, proteins and galacturonic acid of EPS were largely related to the kind of strain used and culture condition. The results show that EPS productions of microbes grown with pyrite were significantly higher than those of microbes grown with sulfur or FeSO4·7H2O. The highest EPS production of the seven acidiphilic strains was （159.43±3.93） mg/g, which was produced by Leptospirillum ferriphilum CBCBSUCSU208015 when cultivated with pyrite.

The effect of exogenous sugar solution and high concentration of CO_2 on the contents of sugar and protein of Betula platyphylla leaves

The content of total sugar, sucrose, fructose and protein in the leaves of3-yr.-old Betula platyphylla was measured after the treatment by three exogenous sugar solutions(sucrose, fructose, glucose) and three high concentrations of CO_2 (700, 1 400, 2 100 μL/L·L^(-1))for about a month in 1998. The results showed that spraying three exogenous sugar solutionsincreased markedly the content of sugar and protein of leaves under 700 μL·L^(-1) and 1 400μL·L^(-1) CO_2 The effect of spraying exogenous sucrose solution was the best among the threeexogenous sugars. The treatment of spraying exogenous sugar solution and 2 100 μL·L^(-1) CO_2constrained the accumulation of total sugar and protein of leaves. There was no difference inprotein content of leaves when spraying glucose and fructose solutions under 700 μL·L^(-1) and 1400 μL·L^(-1) CO_2. The treatment of 2 100 μL·L^(-1) CO_2 concentration significantly increasedthe contents of total sugar, sucrose, fructose, and protein of leaves compared with that of the 700μL·L^(-1) and 1 400 μL·L^(-1) CO_2 except the plants spraying fructose solution. There waspositive correlation between the content of sugar of leaves and CO_2 concentration when sprayingsame exogenous sugar solution.

Antagonistic Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Different Growth Stages of Cotton for the Control of Cotton Verticillium wilt

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the combined control effects of endophytic bacteria at different growth stages against cotton Verticfllium wilt and pro- vide a new strategy for the biocontrol of other soil-borne diseases. [Method] Endophytic bacteria with high resistance against Verticillium wilt were isolated from seedling, squaring and boll-setting cotton vascular, respectively. Their 16S rDNA se- quences were detected for comparative analysis. Three biocontrol strains were se- lected and identified, whose colonization roles in cotton plants were explored. The control efficiency was determined with indoor and field experiments. [Result] Accord- ing to the 16S rDNA sequence homology, the three strains were identified as Paeni- bacillus polyrnyxa YUPP-8, Paenibacillus xylanilyticus YUPP-1 and Bacillus subtilis YUPP-2, respectively. Results of colonization assessment showed that three strains all could be successfully colonized in cotton vascular. However, application amount had a positive effect on the number of colonized biocontrol bacteria in cotton, strain YUPP-8 had the largest number of colonized biocontrol bacteria in seedling period, strain YUPP-1 had the largest number of colonized biocontrol bacteria in squaring period, and strain YUPP-2 had the largest number of colonized biocontrol bacteria in boll-setting period. Indoor pot experiment showed that cotton plants in combined bio- control bacteria treatment group were not infected in flowing period, while Verticillium wilt morbidity rate of cotton treated with single strain in seedling period were 6.7% （YUPP-8）, 6.7% （YUPP-1） and 13.3% （YUPP-2）; however, Verticillium wilt morbidity rate wilt of the control reached 80%. Field experiment conducted during 2010-2011 showed that the combined application of three strains had better effect than separate application; specifically, Verticillium wilt morbidity rate and disease index of cotton in boll-setting period with combined application of three strains in 2010 were 9.4% and 6.5, respectively, while those in control group were 47.5% and 32.8; results in 2011 were similar to 2010, with higher disease severity. These results indicate that com- bined application of endophytic bacteria at different growth stages has great applica- tion potential in control of cotton Verticillium wilt. [Conclusion] This study preliminarily overcomes the defects in the application of biocontrol bacteria and provided reference for the prevention and treatment of other soil-borne diseases.

Expression of a Wheat S-like RNase (WRN1) cDNA During Natural-and Dark-induced Senescence

An S-like RNase cDNA had been isolated from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L). The transcription of WRN1 mRNA was down-regulated by natural- and dark-induced senescence. But it was not senile-tissue-specific. As the two key histidine residues were replaced, WRN1 may not be active as RNase. Southern blotting analysis showed that WRN1 exists as one of a small gene family in common wheat genome.

Effect of Potato Extract on its Phenolic Metabolism,SAGs Accumulation and Allelopathic Autotoxicity

[Objective] The paper was to study the effect of potato extract on its phenolic metabolism,SAGs accumulation and allelopathic autotoxicity.[Method] With water treatment as control,the effects of aqueous extracts of potato bud,leaf-stem and tuber on its morphological characteristics,phenolic metabolism,glycoside alkaloids accumulation and allelopathic autotoxicity were studied.[Result] After the treatment of aqueous extract,the germination rate of potato reduced,germination was delayed,the plants became smaller,and the growth of root slowed down;the content of phenolic substances in roots,stems and leaves of potato increased,glycoside alkaloids accumulated,the activity of PPO and PAL increased.The effects of aqueous extract treatment on germination,growth,phenolic metabolism,glycoside alkaloid content and allelopathic autotoxicity successively were bud extractleaf-stem extracttuber extractcontrol.Treatment of aqueous extract did not affect the distribution of phenolic substances and glycosidic alkaloid in potato.[Conclusion] Phenolic substances and glycosidic alkaloid involved in the allelopathic autotoxicity of aqueous extract of potato,which had inhibition effect on germination and growth of potato.

Neural pathway for fever generation

Fever is an adaptive host response coordinated by the central nervous system （CNS） during systemic immune challenge. Recent research shed light on the mechanism of fever generation, particularly the underlying neural pathways. In this review, we first briefly summarize current views on the mechanism of sensing microbial infection by the nervous system, and the roles of prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） and its receptors in fever; then we focus on the neural circuits underlying fever generation, particularly their relationship with the distribution of PGE2 receptors within the CNS. At the end, an overall neurochemical model of fever generation is presented, pointing to the direction for future studies.

Uptake of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and expression of tumor necrosis factor α mRNA in isolated rat intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells *

AIM To study the uptake of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and expression of tumor necrosis factor α mRNA (TNF α mRNA) with cultured rat intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells.

Content Variation of Active Components in Mulberry Fruit During Ripening Process

Ten mulberry species were taken as materials to detect contents of DNJ,polysaccharide and flavonoid.The results indicated that the three active components differed significantly upon species.Hongguo 2 and Shushen 1,which are of high contents of active components,were selected as materials to measure contents change of active components in fresh fruits during ripening process after full-bloom stage.The research suggested that DNJ mass fractions of Hongguo 2 and Shushen 1 on the 3rd d in full-bloom stage were 0.074 1% and 0.072 5%;DNJ declined gradually with growth of the fruit and DNJ contents in the two cultivars decreased by 49.80% and 58.90% on the 31st d in full-bloom stage,compared with the 3rd d.As mulberry grew,polysaccharide contents in Hongguo 2 and Shushen 1 were increasing and achieved peaks on the 27th d in full-bloom stage at 9.570% and 10.276%,respectively.For total flavonoids,the contents in Hongguo 2 and Shushen 1 were both of two peaks on 11th d and 27th d.The mass fractions were 0.313%,0.444%,and 0.264%,0.326%,accordingly.In addition,DNJ contents in ripe seeds of Hongguo 2 and Shushen 1 were significantly higher than those in fruit,but total flavonoid contents were lower.Polysaccharide was not detected.It can be concluded that mulberry fruits growing for 27 d can be either as excellent food or for medicine.

Long-term irritable bowel syndrome symptom control with reintroduction of selected FODMAPs

To investigate the long-term effect of dietary education on a low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). METHODSParticipants with IBS (Rome III) were randomized to two groups. Group I commenced a low FODMAP diet at baseline. At three months, group II, so far a comparator group, crossed over to a low FODMAP diet while group I started re-challenging foods. All patients completed the IBS SSS (IBS symptom severity scoring system, 0-500 points increasing with severity), IBS QoL questionnaire (0-100 increasing with QoL), a FODMAP specific food frequency questionnaire and provided a stool sample at baseline, three and six months for microbiome analysis. RESULTSFifty participants were enrolled into group I (n = 23) or group II (n = 27). Participants in both groups were similar in baseline values but with more men in group I. There was a significantly lower IBS SSS (275.6 ± 63.6 to 128.8 ± 82.5 vs 246.8 ± 71.1 to 203.6 ± 70.1) (P < 0.0002) and increased QoL (68.5 ± 18.0 to 83 ± 13.4 vs 72.9 ± 12.8 to 73.3 ± 14.4) (P < 0.0001) in group I vs group II at 3 mo. The reduced IBS SSS was sustained at 6 mo in group I (160 ± 102) and replicated in group II (124 ± 76). Fiber intake decreased on the low FODMAP diet (33 ± 17 g/d to 21 ± 8 g/d) (P < 0.01) and after re-introducing FODMAP containing foods increased again to 27 ± 9 g/d. There was no change seen in the intestinal microbiome when participants adopted a low FODMAP diet. CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that a reduction in FODMAPs improves symptoms in IBS and this improvement can be maintained while reintroducing FODMAPs.

Enzyme-like Activities of Algal Polysaccharide-Cerium Complexes

Water-soluble algal polysaccharides (APS) (alginic acid, fucoidan and laminaran) possess many pharmacological activities. The results of this study showed that the APS- Ce4+ complexes have some enzyme-like activities. Fucoidan and its complex with Ce4+ have activities similar to those of SOD. The activities of laminaran, alginic acid and their complexes are not measurable. The APS do not show measurable activities in the digestion of plasmid DNA. In contrast, the APS- Ce4+ complexes show these measurable activities under the comparable condition when APS bind Ce4+ and form homogenous solu-tions. The laminaran- Ce4+ complex shows the most obvious activity in the digestion of plasmid DNA, pNPP and chloropy-rifos under neutral conditions.

Screening for celiac disease in Down's syndrome patients revealed cases of subtotal villous atrophy without typical for celiac disease HLA-DQ and tissue transglutaminase antibodies

A1M： To investigate the prevalence of celiac disease （CD） as well as CD marker antibodies and susceptibility HLA-DQ haplotypes in 134 karyotyped Down＇s syndrome （DS） patients. METHODS： Immunoglobulin A （IgA） and G （IgG） type anti-gliadin antibodies （AGA）, IgA type anti-tissue transglutaminase （tTG） antibodies （anti-tTG） with antigen of guinea pig and human source were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and endomysium antibodies （EHA） by indirect immunofiuoresence test. HLA-DQA1＊0501/DQB1＊0201 （DQ2） was revealed by polymerase chain reaction. Celiac disease was diagnosed by revised ESPGHAN criteria. RESULTS： 41% of DS patients had AGA, 6.0% IgA anti-tTG with guinea pig antigen, and 3.0 % [gA EMA （all positive for anti-tTG with human tTG）. Subtotal villous atrophy was found in 5 out of 9 DS patients who had agreed to small bowel biopsy. One of them had DQA1＊0S01/DQB1＊0201 and anti-tTG and EMA i.e. typical for CD markers （this case also fulfilled the ESPGHAN diagnostic criteria）, but other four lacked these markers. Three non-biopsied DS patients had also most probably CD because DQA1＊0S01/DQB1＊0201 and IgA anti-tTG （EMA） were detected. Thus, the prevalence of CD among our DS patients population is 3.0 % （95 % of confidence interval [CI]： 0.1-5.9 %）. CONCLUSION： We confirm the increased frequency of CD among DS patients. In addition, we have revealed a subgroup of patients with subtotal villous atrophy but without characteristic for CD immunological and genetic markers. Whether these cases represent CD （with atypical immunopathogenesis） or some other immune enteropathy, requires further investigations.

Comparison of intra peritoneal anti-adhesive polysaccha rides derived from Phellinus mushrooms in a rat peritonitis model

AIM: To assess the adhesion- and abscess-reducing capacities of various concentrations of polysaccharides derived from fungus, Phellinus gilvus (PG) or Phellinus linteus (PL) in a rat peritonitis model.METHODS: In 96 SD rats, experimental peritonitis was induced using the cecal ligation and puncture model (CLP).Rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups; Ringer's lactate solution (RL group), hyaluronic acid (HA group), 0.025%,0.25%, and 0.5% polysaccharides from PG (PG0.025, 0.25,and 0.5 groups), and PL (PL0.025, 0.25, and 0.5 groups).Adhesions and abscesses were noted at 7 d after CLP.RT-PCR assay was performed to assess the cecal tissue.RESULTS: Adhesion formation was significantly reduced in PG0.25, 0.5, PL0.25, 0.5, and HA groups (2.5±0.7,2.4±0.7, 3.8±1.0, 3.6±0.8, and 2.7±1.1, P＜0.05). The incidence of abscesses was significantly reduced in all treated groups compared to RL group (58%, P＜0.05). The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) gene expression was greatly up-regulated by increasing the concentration of polysaccharides. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA were highly expressed in PG0.25, 0.5, PL0.25, and 0.5groups.CONCLUSION: We concluded that 0.5% polysaccharide derived from PG and PL was the optimal concentration in preventing adhesion and abscess formation and may act by modulating activity of uPA and TNF-α in a rat peritonitis model.

Microwave Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Different Pentose Carbohydrates as Reducing Agents

A fast, green and readily reproducible microwave-based method for the production of high quality silver nanoparticles （AgNPs） in high yield is presented. Starch is used as a stabilizing agent with few pentose different reducing carbohydrates as D-ribose, D-arabinose and L-arabinose. From the UV-vis peak profile spectra of the solutions of the silver nanoparticles, the authors have investigated the size of the NPs together with the average diameter, shape, and aggregation state of the colloidal AgNPs. TEM measurements and EDX analysis have confirmed the morphology of our AgNPs.

Serum carbohydrate antigen-125 is elevated in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

Objective： To determine whether CA-125 is elevated in medically stable patients with chronic atrial fibrillation （AF） compared with patients without AF and to examine whether levels of CA-125 are associated with demographic and clinical variables in a sample of patients under study. Methods： 55 patients with chronic AF and 58 control patients in sinus rhythm were included into the study. Patients with acute heart failure （HF）, chronic inflammatory or neoplastic disease were excluded from the study. Circulating levels of CA-125 were assessed; all patients underwent clinical examination, assessment and medical records including demographic data, history of comorbid conditions, current use of cardiac medications, and the results of cardiac tests including electrocardiograms. Results： The mean age of the study sample was 53.2±6.5 years and 48% were men. Patients with sinus rhythm were significantly more likely to have lower heart rates, smaller dimensions of left atrium, and to be treated with aspirin. Coumadin, coumadin and digoxin were more often prescribed in patients with chronic AF. The CA-125 levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic AF than in patients in sinus rhythm （48.5±7.65 U/ml and 28.43±5.48 U/ml, P〈0.005）. An inverse relation was found between CA-125 levels and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （r=-0.48, P〈0.001）. CA-125 was significantly related to the left atrium （LA） diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD）, left ventricular end-systolic diameter （LVESD） and brain natriuretic peptide （BNP）. There was no significant correlation between CA-125 and age. Conelusion： In subjects with chronic AF, CA-125 levels are increased; CA-125 was significantly related to the LA diameter, LVEDD, LVESD and BNP.

Protective Effect of Rhubarb on Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury

To approach the mechanism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in causing acute lung injury (ALI) and the protective effect of rhubarb and dexamethasone, lung specimens were examined with macroscopy, microscopy, electron microscopy and the biological markers of ALI including lung wet/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils and protein content in the pulmonary alveolar lavage fluid, pulmonary capillary permeability and pulmonary alveolar permeability index were observed. The mechanism of the ALI is mainly due to direct injury of alveolar epithelium and pulmonary vascular endothelium. Rhubarb and dexamethasone could significantly reduce the edema of the lung tissue, decrease the red blood cell exudation, neutrophil infiltration and plasma protein exudation in the alveoli and all the biological markers in comparison with the ALI model rats, indicating they have protective action on vascular endothelium and alveolar epithelium.

Actions of NO and INOS on Endotoxin Induced rat Acute Lung Injury and Effect of Rhubarb on Them

This study is to explore the actions of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) induced rat acute lung injury (ALI) and effect of Rhubarb on them. LPS was injected into the sublingual vein of male Wistar rats to prepare ALI animal models. The rats were divided into 4 groups: LPS, control, Rhubarb, and dexamethasone. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the lung specimens were performed and the biological indexes of lung, including wet weight/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils and protein content in the pulmonary alveolar lavage fluid, pulmonary vascular permeability and pulmonary alveolar permeability were observed. In the mean time, the contents of serum NO and the activities of lung tissue homogenate iNOS were measured. The results showed that in the LPS group, the injury and celluar infiltration in the pulmonary stroma and alveoli were more prominent than that in the control group. Lung wet weight/dry weight, the rate of neutrophils, protein content, pulmonary alveolar permeability, pulmonary vascular permeability were significantly increased (P<0.01); NO and iNOS were also markedly elevated (P<0.01). In the groups of dexamethasone and Rhubarb, the histopathological changes were significantly milder, and all the above biological indexes of lung injury and the contents of NO and the activities of iNOS were correspondingly decreased (P<0.05). The above data demonstrate that NO and the activities of iNOS play an important role in the onset of ALI; dexamethasone and Rhubarb interfering treatment can ameliorate lung injury and decrease the concentrations of NO and iNOS, showing that through inhibiting the levels of NO and the activities of iNOS, these 2 agents exert protective effect on ALI induced LPS.

Pharmacokinetics of Aminoglycosides

The Pharmacokinetics informations of aminoglycosides, their monograph and clinical Pharmacokinetics parameters are reported in this review. The Aminoglycosides are highly polarity and in reserve for serious infections caused by aerobic gram negative bacteria and some gram positive bacteria but their toxicity are major limitations in clinical use.

Macroalage as a source of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were screened from organic solvent extracts of macroalgae by a spec- trophotometrical method with p-nitrophenyl-D-glucopyranosidase as the substrate. The result indicates that or- ganic crude extracts from some macroalgae such as Rhodomela confervoides (Huds.) Silva, Gracilaria textorii (Suringar) DeToni, Plocamium telfairiae Harv., Dictyopteris divaricata (Okam.) Okam, Ulval pertusa and En- teromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link et al. show strong inhibitory activity of alpha-glucosidase at concentration of 79.6 μg/ml.