Role of mitogen activated protein kinase cascade pathway and anti-stress response in liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway and anti-stress response of hepatocytes after liver transplantation. METHODS: Ten normal liver specimens and 18 punctured donor liver specimens were divided into 3 groups: A (control: 10), B (no rejection: 10) and C (acute rejection:8). MAPK, Ras, Jun and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were tested immunohistochemically while Ras and HSP70 were tested by in situ hybridization. All sections were subjected to image analysis. RESULTS: Protein expressions of MAPK, Ras and Jun were increased by an ascending order of groups A, B and C. The protein expression of HSP70 was the highest in group B but lower in group C. Expressions of Ras and HSP7O mRNA were consistent with those of protein. CONCLUSIONS: The changes of the MAPK cascade pathway and anti-stress response of hepatocytes after liver transplantation are one of regulation mechanisms for protecting the hepatocytes from damage after liver transplantation. This mechanism is active to support individual survival.

Evaluation of Post-operative Anti-stress Response of Dexmedetomidine in Dogs

The stress response, caused by postoperative pain, may have adverse effects on physiological functions of bodies. And, it has been a research priority in veterinary anesthesia that is a method of minimizing the postoperative stress response. The paper aimed to explore the protective effect of dexmedetomidine on stress induced by surgical trauma by studying the effect of dexmedetomidine on the blood glucose, serum cortisol （Cor） and adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH） levels in the model of canine stress induced by surgical trauma. Therefore, 32 local healthy female dogs with similar physical conditions, aged from 11.3±2.4 months and meanbody mass （±SD） （7.7±2.2） kg, were randomly divided into four groups： control group DZ （10 min after administration of intramuscular injection of 2 mL normal saline）, group SQY （10 min before administration of intramuscular injection of 20 μg ？ kg-1 dexmedetomidine）, group SHY （10 min after administration of intramuscular injection of 20 μg ？ kg-1 dexmedetomidine） and group DLD （10 min after administration of intramuscular injection of 0.1 mL ？ kg-1 tilidine）. The corresponding drug was sucked out and diluted to 2 mL by saline. The four groups were all excised the uterus and ovaries and established surgical trauma stress model, then given the prescribed dose of the drug on the day of operation, the next day and the 3rd day. Besides, the dogs should be fasted during the days of drug administration. Blood samples were separated and taken to measure, blood glucose, serum Cor and ACTH concentration. The concentration of blood glucose was significantly lower in group SHY than that in group DZ on the day of surgery and the day after surgery （p〈0.05）, besides, it was not obviously different from other two groups. While, the concentration of Cor in group SHY had no significant differences from other three groups （p〉0.05） and was closer to the preoperative values; ACTH concentration in group SHY was significantly different from other three groups on the day of operation （p〈0.05）, and there existed significant difference （p〈0.05） with group DZ on the 2nd day after the operation. The results of analyses showed that 20 μg ？ kg-1dexmedetomidine could decrease the levels of Cor and ACTH in dog serum after operation, which played the role of anti-stress response stimulated by operations.

An efficient conversion model between acceleration and pseudo-acceleration response spectra considering effects of magnitude,distance,and site class

Both acceleration and pseudo-acceleration response spectra play important roles in structural seismic design.However,only one of them is generally provided in most seismic codes.Therefore,many studies have attempted to develop conversion models between the acceleration response spectrum(SA)and the pseudo-acceleration response spectrum(PSA).Our previous studies found that the relationship between SA and PSA is affected by magnitude,distance,and site class.Subsequently,we developed an SA/PSA model incorporating these effects.However,this model is suitable for cases with small and moderate magnitudes and its accuracy is not good enough for cases with large magnitudes.This paper aims to develop an efficient SA/PSA model by considering influences of magnitude,distance,and site class,which can be applied to cases not only with small or moderate magnitudes but also with large ones.For this purpose,regression analyses were conducted using 16,660 horizontal seismic records with a wider range of magnitude.The magnitude of these seismic records varies from 4 to 9 and the distances vary from 10 to 200 km.These ground motions were recorded at 338 stations covering four site classes.By comparing them with existing models,it was found that the proposed model shows better accuracy for cases with any magnitudes,distances,and site classes considered in this study.

Vibration response of Euler-Bernoulli-damped beam with appendages subjected to a moving mass

This paper addresses the problem of a viscoelastic Euler-Bernoulli beam under the influence of a constant velocity moving mass and different types of appendages.Four types of boundary conditions are considered:pinned-pinned,fixed-pinned,fixed-free(or cantilever),and fixed-fixed.Appendages considered include lumped masses,dampers,and springs.The modal decomposition method is employed to derive the equation of motion of the beam,for which an analytical closed-form expression of the dynamic vibration response is generated.The proposed method enables the study of the effect of a single appendage or a combination of the three types of appendages on the non-dimensional dynamic response of the beam.Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effects of these appendages and compare them to the reference cases of a beam with no appendages.The results demonstrate the importance of considering these parameters in the design of structures.The proposed method is compared to other techniques in the literature and found to be advantageous due to its direct approach.The method also offers a versatile tool for investigating various configurations,aiding in engineering design and structural analysis for which establishing a precise prediction of beam vibrations is crucial.

Analysis of vibration response characteristics of subway station and superstructure with hard combination

The vibration response and noise caused by subway trains can affect the safety and comfort of superstructures.To study the dynamic response characteristics of subway stations and superstructures under train loads with a hard combination,a numerical model is developed in this study.The indoor model test verified the accuracy of the numerical model.The influence laws of different hard combinations,train operating speeds and modes were studied and evaluated accordingly.The results show that the frequency corresponding to the peak vibration acceleration level of each floor of the superstructure property is concentrated at 10–20 Hz.The vibration response decreases in the high-frequency parts and increases in the lowfrequency parts with increasing distance from the source.Furthermore,the factors,such as train operating speed,operating mode,and hard combination type,will affect the vibration of the superstructure.The vibration response under the reversible operation of the train is greater than that of the unidirectional operation.The operating speed of the train is proportional to its vibration response.The vibration amplification area appears between the middle and the top of the superstructure at a higher train speed.Its vibration acceleration level will exceed the limit value of relevant regulations,and vibration-damping measures are required.Within the scope of application,this study provides some suggestions for constructing subway stations and superstructures.

Comparison of biomechanical indices measured by ocular response analyzer between children and elderly:a systematic review

Biomechanical study of the visual system by ocular response analyzer investigates the inter-structural biological relationships,mechanics,and function of the visual system.This review aimed to investigate the changes in corneal biomechanical parameters with age and sex.The articles published in PubMed between 2000 and 2021 were investigated and critiqued,and valid scientific evidence was collected,reviewed and concluded according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Most studies showed that corneal biomechanical changes occur infrequently in children up to the age of 20y,and with increasing age and wider age range,there was a significant decrease in corneal biomechanical indices,especially corneal hysteresis.In children and adults,most studies have shown that these biomechanical indicators,especially corneal resistance factor,were higher in females.Although hormonal changes may contribute to this finding,the role of axial length and other biometric indicators should not be ignored.The axial length,the intraocular pressure,and the corneal thickness are other factors associated with biomechanical parameters that should be taken into account in clinical diagnosis and management especially for patients undergoing refractive surgery as well as keratoconus patients.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of putative effectors in Heterodera schachtii that suppress plant immune response

The sugar beet cyst nematode(Heterodera schachtii) is one of the most destructive pathogens in sugar beet production, which causes serious economic losses every year. Few molecular details of effectors of H. schachtii parasitism are known. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome data of H. schachtii and identified multiple potential predicted proteins. After filtering out predicted proteins with high homology to other plant-parasitic nematodes, we performed functional validation of the remaining effector proteins. 37 putative effectors of H. schachtii were screened based on the Nicotiana benthamiana system for identifying the effectors that inhibit plant immune response, eventually determines 13 candidate effectors could inhibit cell death caused by Bax. Among the 13 effectors, nine have the ability to inhibit GPA2/RBP1-induced cell death. All 13 effectortriggered immunity(ETI) suppressor genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR and confirmed to result in a significant downregulation of one or more defense genes during infection compared to empty vector. For in situ hybridization,13 effectors were specifically expressed and located in esophageal gland cells. These data and functional analysis set the stage for further studies on the interaction of H. schachtii with host and H. schachtii parasitic control.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy using indocyanine green attenuates postoperative inflammatory response for hepatocellular carcinoma:A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND Improving the intraoperative and postoperative performance of laparoscopic hepatectomy was quite a challenge for liver surgeons.AIM To determine the benefits of indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy during and after surgery.METHODS We retrospectively collected the clinicopathological data of 107 patients who successfully underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy at Zhongshan Hospital(Xiamen),Fudan University from June 2022 to June 2023.Whether using the ICG fluorescence imaging technique,we divided them into the ICG and non-ICG groups.To eliminate statistical bias,a 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was conducted.The comparison of perioperative outcomes,including inflammationrelated markers and progression-free survival,was analyzed statistically.RESULTS Intraoperatively,the ICG group exhibited lower blood loss,a shorter surgical time,lower hepatic inflow occlusion(HIO)frequency,and a shorter total HIO time.Postoperatively,the participation of ICG resulted in a shorter duration of hospitalization(6.5 vs 7.6 days,P=0.03)and postoperative inflammatory response attenuation(lower neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio on the first day after surgery and platelet-lymphocyte ratio on the third day,P<0.05).Although the differences were not significant,the levels of all inflammation-related markers were lower in the ICG group.The rates of postoperative complications and the survival analyses,including progression-free and overall survivals showed no significant difference between the groups.CONCLUSION The involvement of ICG fluorescence imaging may lead to improved perioperative outcomes,especially postoperative inflammatory response attenuation,and ultimately improve HCC patients’recovery after surgery.

Effect of Modulen vs budesonide on clinical response and mucosal healing in Crohn’s patients

BACKGROUND Mucosal healing has become an important goal of Crohn’s disease(CD)treat-ments.Modulen,enriched with transforming growth factor-beta 2,and budeso-nide are commonly accepted treatments for mild-moderate CD.However,their effects on the small bowel(SB)mucosa remain underexplored.AIM To prospectively assess clinical and mucosal responses to Modulen vs budesonide in adults with CD,using SB capsule endoscopy.METHODS Thirty patients were divided into two groups:Modulen+home-based diet(21 patients)and budesonide(9 patients)for an eight-week intervention followed by four weeks of follow-up.Clinical,laboratory,and endoscopic responses were evaluated.The mucosal changes were assessed through SB capsule endoscopy.RESULTS Results indicated significant clinical improvement in the Modulen group with reduced CD activity index(P=0.041)and improved inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire score(P=0.016).Moreover,Modulen was associated with a signifi-cant SB mucosal improvement,evidenced by a decrease in Lewis score(P=0.027).No significant changes were observed in calprotectin or other laboratory parame-ters.Conversely,budesonide exhibited more modest clinical effects,but it improved calprotectin,hemoglobin,and C-reactive protein levels(P=0.051,P=0.014,and P=0.038,respectively).The capsule endoscopy did not reveal a significant mucosal response in the budesonide group.CONCLUSION Both interventions have a role in CD treatment.Yet,their effects differ and may complement each other:Modulen yields clinical and mucosal improvements,while budesonide primarily leads mainly to laboratory improvements.

Genetic factors that predict response and failure of biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)represents a significant disease burden marked by chronic inflammation and complications that adversely affect patients’quality of life.Effective diagnostic strategies involve clinical assessments,endoscopic evaluations,imaging studies,and biomarker testing,where early diagnosis is essential for effective management and prevention of long-term complications,highlighting the need for continual advancements in diagnostic methods.The intricate interplay between genetic factors and the outcomes of biological therapy is of critical importance.Unraveling the genetic determinants that influence responses and failures to biological therapy holds significant promise for optimizing treatment strategies for patients with IBD on biologics.Through an indepth examination of current literature,this review article synthesizes critical genetic markers associated with therapeutic efficacy and resistance in IBD.Understanding these genetic actors paves the way for personalized approaches,informing clinicians on predicting,tailoring,and enhancing the effectiveness of biological therapies for improved outcomes in patients with IBD.

LncRNA pol-lnc78 as a ceRNA regulates antibacterial responses via suppression of pol-miR-n199-3p-mediated SARM down-regulation in Paralichthys olivaceus

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)function as key modulators in mammalian immunity,particularly due to their involvement in lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)crosstalk.Despite their recognized significance in mammals,research on lncRNAs in lower vertebrates remains limited.In the present study,we characterized the first immune-related lncRNA(pol-lnc78)in the teleost Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Results indicated that pol-lnc78 acted as a ceRNA for pol-miR-n199-3p to target the sterile alpha and armadillo motif-containing protein(SARM),the fifth discovered member of the Toll/interleukin 1(IL-1)receptor(TIR)adaptor family.This ceRNA network regulated the antibacterial responses of flounder via the Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway.Specifically,SARM acted as a negative regulator and exacerbated bacterial infection by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Pol-miR-n199-3p reduced SARM expression by specifically interacting with the 3’untranslated region(UTR),thereby promoting SARM-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression and protecting the host against bacterial dissemination.Furthermore,pol-lnc78 sponged pol-miR-n199-3p to ameliorate the inhibition of SARM expression.During infection,the negative regulators pol-lnc78 and SARM were significantly down-regulated,while pol-miR-n199-3p was significantly up-regulated,thus favoring host antibacterial defense.These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying fish immunity and open new horizons to better understand ceRNA crosstalk in lower vertebrates.

A theory for three-dimensional response of micropolar plates

Through combined applications of the transfer-matrix method and asymptotic expansion technique,we formulate a theory to predict the three-dimensional response of micropolar plates.No ad hoc assumptions regarding through-thickness assumptions of the field variables are made,and the governing equations are two-dimensional,with the displacements and microrotations of the mid-plane as the unknowns.Once the deformation of the mid-plane is solved,a three-dimensional micropolar elastic field within the plate is generated,which is exact up to the second order except in the boundary region close to the plate edge.As an illustrative example,the bending of a clamped infinitely long plate caused by a uniformly distributed transverse force is analyzed and discussed in detail.

Thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical responses of a reservoir-induced landslide tracked by high-resolution fiber optic sensing nerves

Thermo-poro-mechanical responses along sliding zone/surface have been extensively studied.However,it has not been recognized that the potential contribution of other crucial engineering geological interfaces beyond the slip surface to progressive failure.Here,we aim to investigate the subsurface multiphysics of reservoir landslides under two extreme hydrologic conditions(i.e.wet and dry),particularly within sliding masses.Based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating(UWFBG)technology,we employ specialpurpose fiber optic sensing cables that can be implanted into boreholes as“nerves of the Earth”to collect data on soil temperature,water content,pore water pressure,and strain.The Xinpu landslide in the middle reach of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China was selected as a case study to establish a paradigm for in situ thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical monitoring.These UWFBG-based sensing cables were vertically buried in a 31 m-deep borehole at the foot of the landslide,with a resolution of 1 m except for the pressure sensor.We reported field measurements covering the period 2021 and 2022 and produced the spatiotemporal profiles throughout the borehole.Results show that wet years are more likely to motivate landslide motions than dry years.The annual thermally active layer of the landslide has a critical depth of roughly 9 m and might move downward in warmer years.The dynamic groundwater table is located at depths of 9e15 m,where the peaked strain undergoes a periodical response of leap and withdrawal to annual hydrometeorological cycles.These interface behaviors may support the interpretation of the contribution of reservoir regulation to slope stability,allowing us to correlate them to local damage events and potential global destabilization.This paper also offers a natural framework for interpreting thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical signatures from creeping reservoir bank slopes,which may form the basis for a landslide monitoring and early warning system.

Computed tomography radiomic features and clinical factors predicting the response to first transarterial chemoembolization in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:According to clinical practice guidelines,transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the standard treatment modality for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Early prediction of treatment response can help patients choose a reasonable treatment plan.This study aimed to investigate the value of the radiomic-clinical model in predicting the efficacy of the first TACE treatment for HCC to prolong patient survival.Methods:A total of 164 patients with HCC who underwent the first TACE from January 2017 to September 2021 were analyzed.The tumor response was assessed by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors(mRECIST),and the response of the first TACE to each session and its correlation with overall survival were evaluated.The radiomic signatures associated with the treatment response were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO),and four machine learning models were built with different types of regions of interest(ROIs)(tumor and corresponding tissues)and the model with the best performance was selected.The predictive performance was assessed with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves.Results:Of all the models,the random forest(RF)model with peritumor(+10 mm)radiomic signatures had the best performance[area under ROC curve(AUC)=0.964 in the training cohort,AUC=0.949 in the validation cohort].The RF model was used to calculate the radiomic score(Rad-score),and the optimal cutoff value(0.34)was calculated according to the Youden’s index.Patients were then divided into a high-risk group(Rad-score>0.34)and a low-risk group(Rad-score≤0.34),and a nomogram model was successfully established to predict treatment response.The predicted treatment response also allowed for significant discrimination of Kaplan-Meier curves.Multivariate Cox regression identified six independent prognostic factors for overall survival,including male[hazard ratio(HR)=0.500,95%confidence interval(CI):0.260–0.962,P=0.038],alpha-fetoprotein(HR=1.003,95%CI:1.002–1.004,P<0.001),alanine aminotransferase(HR=1.003,95%CI:1.001–1.005,P=0.025),performance status(HR=2.400,95%CI:1.200–4.800,P=0.013),the number of TACE sessions(HR=0.870,95%CI:0.780–0.970,P=0.012)and Rad-score(HR=3.480,95%CI:1.416–8.552,P=0.007).Conclusions:The radiomic signatures and clinical factors can be well-used to predict the response of HCC patients to the first TACE and may help identify the patients most likely to benefit from TACE.

Prediction of treatment response to antipsychotic drugs for precision medicine approach to schizophrenia:randomized trials and multiomics analysis

Background:Choosing the appropriate antipsychotic drug(APD)treatment for patients with schizophrenia(SCZ)can be challenging,as the treatment response to APD is highly variable and difficult to predict due to the lack of effective biomarkers.Previous studies have indicated the association between treatment response and genetic and epigenetic factors,but no effective biomarkers have been identified.Hence,further research is imperative to enhance precision medicine in SCZ treatment.Methods:Participants with SCZ were recruited from two randomized trials.The discovery cohort was recruited from the CAPOC trial(n=2307)involved 6 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,Quetiapine,Aripiprazole,Ziprasidone,and Haloperidol/Perphenazine(subsequently equally assigned to one or the other)groups.The external validation cohort was recruited from the CAPEC trial(n=1379),which involved 8 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,and Aripiprazole groups.Additionally,healthy controls(n=275)from the local community were utilized as a genetic/epigenetic reference.The genetic and epigenetic(DNA methylation)risks of SCZ were assessed using the polygenic risk score(PRS)and polymethylation score,respectively.The study also examined the genetic-epigenetic interactions with treatment response through differential methylation analysis,methylation quantitative trait loci,colocalization,and promoteranchored chromatin interaction.Machine learning was used to develop a prediction model for treatment response,which was evaluated for accuracy and clinical benefit using the area under curve(AUC)for classification,R^(2) for regression,and decision curve analysis.Results:Six risk genes for SCZ(LINC01795,DDHD2,SBNO1,KCNG2,SEMA7A,and RUFY1)involved in cortical morphology were identified as having a genetic-epigenetic interaction associated with treatment response.The developed and externally validated prediction model,which incorporated clinical information,PRS,genetic risk score(GRS),and proxy methylation level(proxyDNAm),demonstrated positive benefits for a wide range of patients receiving different APDs,regardless of sex[discovery cohort:AUC=0.874(95%CI 0.867-0.881),R^(2)=0.478;external validation cohort:AUC=0.851(95%CI 0.841-0.861),R^(2)=0.507].Conclusions:This study presents a promising precision medicine approach to evaluate treatment response,which has the potential to aid clinicians in making informed decisions about APD treatment for patients with SCZ.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(https://www.chictr.org.cn/),18 Aug 2009 retrospectively registered:CAPOC-ChiCTR-RNC-09000521(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9014),CAPEC-ChiCTRRNC-09000522(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9013).

Probiotics: Shaping the gut immunological responses

Probiotics are live microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host’s health when administered in adequate amounts.Among the most popular and adequately studied probiotics are bacteria from the families Lactobacillaceae,Bifidobacteriaceae and yeasts.Most of them have been shown,both in vitro and in vivo studies of intestinal inflammation models,to provide favorable results by means of improving the gut microbiota composition,promoting the wound healing process and shaping the immunological responses.Chronic intestinal conditions,such as inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),are characterized by an imbalance in microbiota composition,with decreased diversity,and by relapsing and persisting inflammation,which may lead to mucosal damage.Although the results of the clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on patients with IBD are still controversial,it is without doubt that these microorganisms and their metabolites,now named postbiotics,have a positive influence on both the host’s microbiota and the immune system,and ultimately alter the topical tissue microenvironment.This influence is achieved through three axes:(1)By dis-placement of potential pathogens via competitive exclusion;(2)by offering protection to the host through the secretion of various defensive mediators;and(3)by supplying the host with essential nutrients.We will analyze and discuss almost all the in vitro and in vivo studies of the past 2 years dealing with the possible favorable effects of certain probiotic genus on gut immunological responses,highlighting which species are the most beneficial against intestinal inflammation.

Time-domain dynamic constitutive model suitable for mucky soil site seismic response

Soil nonlinear behavior displays noticeable effects on the site seismic response.This study proposes a new functional expression of the skeleton curve to replace the hyperbolic skeleton curve.By integrating shear modulus and combining the dynamic skeleton curve and the damping degradation coefficient,the constitutive equation of the logarithmic dynamic skeleton can be obtained,which considers the damping effect in a soil dynamics problem.Based on the finite difference method and the multi-transmitting boundary condition,a 1D site seismic response analysis program called Soilresp1D has been developed herein and used to analyze the time-domain seismic response in three types of sites.At the same time,this study also provides numerical simulation results based on the hyperbolic constitutive model and the equivalent linear method.The results verify the rationality of the new soil dynamic constitutive model.It can analyze the mucky soil site nonlinear seismic response,reflecting the deformation characteristics and damping effect of the silty soil.The hysteresis loop area is more extensive,and the residual strain is evident.

Inflammation: Complexity and significance of cellular and molecular responses

Inflammation is a multifaceted cellular and molecular response triggered by injury,infection,or various pathological conditions.Serving as a protective defense mechanism,the inflammatory response involves clinical signs like redness,swelling,pain,and increased body temperature.Immune cells,notably neutrophils and macrophages,play key roles in orchestrating this response.The delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators,including cytokines and chemokines,regulates the inflammatory cascade.While acute inflammation is crucial for tissue repair,chronic inflammation may indicate an imbalance,contributing to conditions like autoimmune diseases.Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies and managing chronic diseases.

Identif ication of a hypersensitive response core peptide of HrpZ and its role in increasing grape downy mildew resistance

Harpins play a key role in inducing disease resistance in crops,and identifying their core functional regions and establishing a system for their efficient expression would be very valuable.In this study,large amounts of soluble fusion proteins of harpin HrpZ and its subpeptides were obtained via the optimized induction conditions(28℃ with 0.5 mmol·L^(-1) IPTG for 6 h)in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3).Hypersensitive response(HR)assays demonstrated that the C-terminal 66 aa of HrpZ(HrpZ_C_2_2)elicited a strong HR in tobacco(Nicotiana benthamiana)and grape(Flame Seedless)leaves.Additionally,treatment with HrpZ,and particularly HrpZ_C_2_2,significantly reduced the disease incidence and severity index of field vine leaves and those inoculated with downy mildew.The determination of the physiological parameters indicated that HrpZ,and especially HrpZ_C_2_2,improved the photosynthesis-and chlorophyll fluorescence-related parameters,enhanced the activity of defense-related enzymes,including SOD,POD,CAT and PAL,and increased the H_(2)O_(2) level.Collectively,we efficiently expressed a core peptide of HrpZ and elucidated its strong ability to elicit a HR and resistance to downy mildew.This research provides insight into understanding the structure and function of HrpZ and will advance the application of HrpZ_C_2_2 to increase the resistance of grapevine to downy mildew.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.