Significance of hepatitis B virus surface antigen, hepatitis C virus expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and pericarcinomatous tissues

AIM： To investigate the correlation between hepatitis B virus surface antigen （HBsAg）, hepatitis C virus （HCV） expression in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, the HAI score of the noncancerous region of the liver and the serum Alpha fetoprotein （AFP） level. METHODS： The patterns of HBsAg and HCV in 100 cases of HCC and their surrounding liver tissues were studied on paraffin-embedded sections with immunohistochemistry, the histological status was determined by one pathologist and one surgeon simultaneously using the hepatitis activity index （HAIl score, and AFP was detected by radioimmunity. The study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for HCC. Based on HBsAg and HCV expression, the patients were classified into 4 groups： patients positive for HBsAg （HBsAg group）, patients positive for HCV （HCV group）, patients negative for both HCV and HBsAg （NBNC group） and patients positive for both HBsAg and HCV （BC group）. RESULTS： The BC group had significantly higher HAI scores than the other three groups. （BC 〉 HCV 〉 HBsAg 〉 NBNC）. HBV and HCV virus infection was positively correlated with HAI （rs = 0.39, P = 0.00011. The positive rate of AFP （85.7%） and the value of AFP （541.2 ng/mL） in the group with HBV and HCV co-infection were the highest among the four groups. The positive rate （53.3%） of AFP and the value of AFP （ 53.3 ng/mL） in the group with none-infection of HBV and HCV were the lowest. HBV and HCV virus infection was positively correlated with AFP（rs = 0.38, P = 0.0001）. CONCLUSION： The AFP increase in patients with liver cancer was positively correlated with the infection of HBV and HCV. The-serum AFP elevation by the infection of HBV and HCV is one of mechanisms which lead to hepatocarcinogenesis, and the antivirus intervening treatment of hepatitis is significant for the prognosis of liver cancer. From our Spearman＇s rank correlation analysis, we can conclude that the severity of virally induced inflammation is correlated with HBsAg and HCV expression in HCC tissues and noncancerous tissues. Prior co-infection of HBV in HCV patients may be an adverse risk factor for intrahepatic inflammation.

The Cymbidium genome reveals the evolution of unique morphological traits

The marvelously diverse Orchidaceae constitutes the largest family of angiosperms.The genus Cymbidium in Orchidaceae is well known for its unique vegetation,floral morphology,and flower scent traits.Here,a chromosomescale assembly of the genome of Cymbidium ensifolium(Jianlan)is presented.Comparative genomic analysis showed that C.ensifolium has experienced two whole-genome duplication(WGD)events,the most recent of which was shared by all orchids,while the older event was the t event shared by most monocots.The results of MADS-box genes analysis provided support for establishing a unique gene model of orchid flower development regulation,and flower shape mutations in C.ensifolium were shown to be associated with the abnormal expression of MADS-box genes.The most abundant floral scent components identi fied included methyl jasmonate,acacia alcohol and linalool,and the genes involved in the floral scent component network of C.ensifolium were determined.Furthermore,the decreased expression of photosynthesis-antennae and photosynthesis metabolic pathway genes in leaves was shown to result in colorful striped leaves,while the increased expression of MADS-box genes in leaves led to perianth-like leaves.Our results provide fundamental insights into orchid evolution and diversi fication.

Interactive effect of hot air roasting processes on the sensory property,allergenicity,and oil extraction of sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)seeds

Sesame seeds are a healthy food ingredient and an oil crop for sesame oil production;however,it has recently been recognized as an essential allergenic food by FAO/WHO.This research investigated the relationship between the hot air roasting process(at 120,150,and 180℃ for 10,20,and 30 min)and several quality attributes of sesame seeds since roasting is the key process for preparing sesame seeds for both consumption and oil production.The hot air process followed the central composite design.The changes of sesame in terms of color,sensory properties(odor,texture,color,and taste),allergenicity caused by oleosins(ses i 4 and ses i 5),as well as oil extraction and quality were monitored using a colorimeter,sensory evaluation panelists,ELISA,as well as oil yield and acid value,respectively.Roasting temperature influenced the product quality more than roasting time,although the two processing parameters significantly interacted with each other(P<0.001).Sensory evaluation indicated medium roasting generated attractive flavor,order,appearance,and crispy texture.Allergenicity was high in sesame seeds after high-temperature roasting,according to IgE binding capacity test.Sesame oil extraction was favored by high-temperature roasting,which,however,adversely affected the oil quality.The optimal roasting conditions were 150.5℃ for 15 min for optimized sesame seeds quality in terms of sensory properties and allergenicity,while roasting at 158℃ for 10 min was optimal for sesame oil production.The finding will benefit the sesame seed industry.

Antidiabetic effects of chitooligosaccharides on pancreatic islet cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, release of insulin and 2 h plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS: In vitro, the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells and release of insulin was detected with optical microscopy, colorimetric assay, and radioimmunoassay respectively. In vivo, the general clinical symptoms, 2 h plasma glucose, urine glucose, oral glucose tolerance were examined after sixty days of feeding study to determine the effect of chitooligosaccharides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: Chitooligosaccharides could effectively accelerate the proliferation of pancreatic islet cells. Chitooligosaccharides (100 mg/L) had direct and prominent effect on pancreastic β cells and insulin release from islet cells. All concentrations of chitooligosaccharides could improve the general clinical symptoms of diabetic rats, decrease the 2 h plasma glucose and urine glucose, and normalize the disorders of glucose tolerance.CONCLUSION: Chitooligosaccharides possess various biological activities and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The absorption kinetics of Antarctic krill oil phospholipid liposome in blood and the digestive tract of healthy mice by single gavage

Antarctic krill(Euphausia superba)oil has been gaining increasing attention due to its nutritional and functional potentials.Krill oil usually contains a high concentration(about 50%)of phospholipids(AKOP)rich in DHA and EPA accompanied with 30%–40%triacylglycerols.Phospholipids can be made into liposomes without emulsifiers due to its amphiphilic characteristics.However,the absorption kinetics of AKOP liposome in vivo is not clear,which restrict the molecular mechanism analysis related to its distinct bioactivities.The lipid analysis in serum,small intestinal content and wall was carried out after oral administration of AKOP liposome to illustrate its absorption kinetics in blood and the digestive tract of healthy mice by single gavage.The major type of the obtained AKOP was phosphatidylcholine,and the total contents of the DHA and EPA were 29.31%.AKOP liposome was almost completely digested in the small intestine in 1 h and the hydrolysis products could be quickly absorbed by intestinal enterocytes.The DHA in serum peaked at 2 h after administration of AKOP liposome.AKOP liposome could be quickly digested and absorbed in vivo.The obtained results might provide a scientific basis for the molecular mechanism analysis related to distinct bioactivities of Antarctic krill oil phospholipid.

Performance Comparison Between Logistic and Generalized Surplus-Production Models Applied to the Sillago sihama Fishery in Pakistan

The catch and effort data of Sillago sihama fishery in Pakistani waters were used to investigate the performance of two closely related stock assessment models: logistic and generalized surplus-production models. Compared with the generalized production model, the logistic model produced more reasonable estimates for parameters such as maximum sustainable yield. The Akaike's Information Criterion values estimated at 4.265 and -51.152 respectively by the logistic and generalized models. Simulation analyses of the S. sihama fishery showed that the estimated and observed abundance indices for the logistic model were closer than those for the generalized production model. Standardized residuals were distributed closer for logistic model, but exhibited a slightly increasing trend for the generalized model. Statistical outliers were seen in 1989 and 1993 for the logistic model, and in 1981 and 1999 for the generalized model. Simulated results revealed that the logistic estimates were close to the true value for low CVs (coefficients of variation) but widely dispersed for high CVs. In contrast, the generalized model estimates were loose for all CV levels. The estimated production model curve parameter was not reasonable at all the tested levels of white noise. With the increase in white noise R2 for the catch per unit effort decreased. Therefore, we conclude that the logistic model performs more reasonably than the generalized production model.

Sphingolipid inhibitor response gene GhMYB86 controls fiber elongation by regulating microtubule arrangement

Although the cell membrane and cytoskeleton play essential roles in cellular morphogenesis,the interaction between the membrane and cytoskeleton is poorly understood.Cotton fibers are extremely elongated single cells,which makes them an ideal model for studying cell development.Here,we used the sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor,fumonisin B1(FB1),and found that it effectively suppressed the myeloblastosis(MYB)transcription factor GhMYB86,thereby negatively affecting fiber elongation.A direct target of GhMYB86 is GhTUB7,which encodes the tubulin protein,the major component of the microtubule cytoskeleton.Interestingly,both the overexpression of GhMYB86 and GhTUB7 caused an ectopic microtubule arrangement at the fiber tips,and then leading to shortened fibers.Moreover,we found that GhMBE2 interacted with GhMYB86 and that FB1 and reactive oxygen species induced its transport into the nucleus,thereby enhancing the promotion of GhTUB7 by GhMYB86.Overall,we established a GhMBE2-GhMYB86-GhTUB7 regulation module for fiber elongation and revealed that membrane sphingolipids affect fiber elongation by altering microtubule arrangement.

Reverse immune suppressive microenvironment in tumor draining lymph nodes to enhance anti-PD1 immunotherapy via nanovaccine complexed microneedle

The maturation of dendritic cells(DCs)and infiltration effector T cells in tumor-draining lymph node(tdLN)and tumor tissue are crucial for immunotherapy.Despite constructive progresses have been made with anti-programmed death-1(anti-PD1)checkpoint blockade for immunotherapy,the efficacy of PD1/PD-L1 therapy deserves to be improved.Here,we constructed a novel transfersomes based nanovaccine complexed microneedles to enhance anti-PD1 immunotherapy via transdermal immunization for skin tumor therapy.Transfersomes were functionalized with DCs targeting moietyαCD40,co-encapsulated with antigens and adjuvant poly I:C.Moreover,transdermal administration promoted accumulation in tumor-draining lymph nodes(tdLN),which could facilitate cellular uptake,activate DCs maturation and enhance Th1 immune responses.Using a mouse melanoma model,combined therapy of such nanovaccine complexed microneedles with pembrolizumab(αPD1)was able to enhance cytotoxic T lymphocytes activation,promote infiltration and reduce regulatory T cells frequency in tdLN and tumor tissues,which achieved reversion of the immunosuppressive microenvironment into immune activation.This study highlighted the potential of transfersomes based nanovaccines complexed microneedles as an attractive platform for tumor immunotherapy.

Recent advances in amino acid sensing and new challenges for protein nutrition in aquaculture

From the conventional knowledge of protein nutrition to the molecular nutrition of amino acids, our understanding of protein/amino acid nutrition is rapidly increasing. Amino acids control cell growth and metabolism through two amino acid-sensingpathways, i.e. target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) signaling pathway.In the amino acid-abundant status, TORC1 dominates intracellular signaling and increases protein synthesis and cell growth.In contrast, amino acid deprivation actives GCN2 resulting in repression of general protein synthesis but facilitates the aminoacid transport and synthesis process. By integrating and coordinating nutrition and hormone signaling, TORC1 and GCN2control the switch of the catabolism and anabolism phase in most eukaryotes. Now, we appreciate that the availability ofindividual amino acids is sensed by intracellular sensors. These cutting-edge findings expand our knowledge of amino acidnutrition. Although the TORC1 and GCN2 were discovered decades ago, the study of molecular amino acid nutrition inaquaculture animals is still at its infancy. The aquaculture industry is highly dependent on the supply of fishmeal, which isthe major protein source in aquacultural animal diets. Some concerted efforts were conducted to substitute for fishmeal dueto limited supply of it. However, the concomitant issues including the unbalanced amino acid profile of alternative proteinsources limited the utilization of those proteins. Continued study of the molecular nutrition of amino acid in aquacultureanimals may be expected in the immediate future to expand our knowledge on the utilization of alternative protein sources.

Synthesis of functionalized 3,2’-pyrrolidinyl spirooxindoles via domino 1,6-addition/annulation reactions of para-quinone methides and 3-chlorooxindoles

A highly efficient base-mediated diastereoselective[4+1]cycloaddition of ortho-tosylaminophenyl-substituted p-QMs with 3-chlorooxindoles has been developed to afford 3,2’-pyrrolidinyl spirooxindoles in high yields with high diastereoselectivity through a domino 1,6-addition/cyclization sequence.This reaction exhibits broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance.

Phosphatidylmannoside prevents obesity induced by high-fat feeding

Emerging evidence suggests that dietary D-mannose,enriched naturally in many plants and fruits,show benefits in patients with bacterial urinary tract infection,diabetes,and obesity.However,it is noteworthy that the physiological level of D-mannose in the blood is relatively low.Based on the study that D-mannose could be a safe and beneficial dietary supplement to obese,here phosphatidylation of mannose was proposed as a way to increase the physiological level of D-mannose and enhance the modulatory effect of mannose on obesity.In this study,phosphatidylmannoside(PtdMan)was synthesized via the approach of phospholipase D mediated transphosphatidylation.In vivo,we show that phosphatidylation of mannose enhanced the physiological level of mannose in blood.The benefits of PtdMan and D-mannose in high-fat diet-induced obesity were then investigated.Compared with D-mannose supplementary,increased physiological level of PtdMan enhanced the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in liver and PPARγtargeted genes in adipose tissue,thus protecting from high-fat diet induced obesity,glucose tolerance,and insulin sensitivity.Together,our findings reveal the possibility that phosphatidylation of mannose could be used as a dietary approach to prevent obesity-associated diseases via its enhanced mannose bioavailability.

Diastereoselective construction of structurally diverse 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one scaffolds via redox neutral cascade[1,7]-hydride transfer/cyclization

The pharmaceutically significant 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one scaffolds were constructed diastereoselectively and facilely via redox-neutral cascade Knoevengel condensation/[1,7]-hydride transfer/cyclization/transesterification in DCE from readily available methyl 2-aminobenzoacetate and diverse aldehydes,which features novel and highly valuable product structures.

Marine life science and technology (MLST): a new journal highlighting all aspects of marine biology and biotechnology research

The majestic nature of the oceans and their charismaticflora and fauna clearly justify the study of marine life, espe・cially to the general public. Consequently, the explorationof marine biota has provided both insights and highlightedchallenges, leading to the appreciation that marine biologyand its supporting technology must be at the forefront of 21stcentury science. Still, this field is not progressing as fast orin as much detail as might be expected, or needed. Possiblythe most notable gap is the lack of academic journals thatcover cross-disciplinary topics.

The ornithine-urea cycle involves fumaric acid biosynthesis in Aureobasidium pullulans var.aubasidani,a green and eco-friendly process for fumaric acid production

The current petroleum chemical methods for fumaric acid production can cause heavy pollution and global warming.In this study,the engineered strains of A.pullulans var.aubasidani were found to be suitable for green fumaric acid producer.Removal and complementation of the relevant genes showed only the ornithine-urea cycle(OUC)was involved in high level fumarate biosynthesis which was controlled by the Ca^(2+)signaling pathway.Removal of both the GOX gene encoding glucose oxidase and the PKS1 gene encoding the polyketide synthase for 3,5-dihydroxydecanoic acid biosynthesis and overexpression of the PYC gene encoding pyruvate carboxylase made the strain e-PYC produce 88.1±4.3 g/L of fumarate at flask level and 93.9±0.8 g/L of fumarate during the fed-batch fermentation.As a yeast-like fungal strain,it was very easy to cultivate A.pullulans var.aubasidani DH177 and their mutants in the bioreactor and to edit its genomic DNAs to enhance fumarate production.It was found that 2 mol of CO_(2) could be fixed during a maximal theoretical yield of 2 mol of fumarate per mole of glucose consumed in the OUC.Therefore,the OUC-mediated fumarate biosynthesis pathway in A.pullulans var.aubasidani was a green and eco-friendly process for the global sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

Early life history affects fish size mainly by indirectly regulating the growth during each stage:a case study in a demersal fish

The complex life histories of demersal fishes are artificially separated into multiple stages along with changes in morphology and habitat.It is worth exploring whether the phenotypes expressed earlier and later during the life cycle are related or decoupled.The life stages of first year Pacific cod(Gadus macrocephalus)were tracked over different hatch years and regions to test whether the early life history had a long-lasting effect on subsequent growth.We further explored the contribution of growth in the early and subsequent life history stages to body size at the end of each stage.In addition to the accessory growth centre and the first annual ring,the other two checks on the otolith possibly related to settlement and entering deeper waters were identified in 75 Pacific cod individuals.The direct and indirect relationships among the life history stages was interpreted based on path analysis.The results showed that growth prior to the formation of the accessory growth centre had a significant effect on the absolute growth of the fish before and after settlement and migration to deep water.However,there was no or moderate evidence that early growth affected the body size at each stage,which was mainly regulated by growth during the stage.This study supports the lasting effect of early growth and clarifies that it affects size mainly by indirectly regulating staged growth.Quantifying the phenotype relationships and identifying the internal mechanisms form the basis for assessing population dynamics and understanding the processes behind the changes.

Early-Life Gut Microbiota Governs Susceptibility to Colitis via Microbial-Derived Ether Lipids

Localized intestine inflammation could induce short-term increases in colonic oxygenation and leads to increases in the aerobic bacteria population and reduction in the anaerobic bacteria population by changing the intestinal environment.However,the mechanisms involved and the associated functions of intestinal anaerobes in gut health still remain unclear.Here,we found that early-life depletion of gut microbiota exacerbated later colitis,while mid-life microbiota depletion showed partially reduced colitis.Notably,we observed that early-life gut microbiota depletion confers susceptibility to ferroptosis in colitis.In contrast,restitution of early-life microbiota conferred protection against colitis and inhibited ferroptosis triggered by gut microbiota dysbiosis.Similarly,colonization with anaerobic microbiota from young mice suppressed colitis.These results may attribute to high abundance of plasmalogen-positive(plasmalogen synthase[PlsA/R]-positive)anaerobes and plasmalogens(one of the common ether lipids)in young mice but reduced abundance in the development of inflammatory bowel disease.Early-life anaerobic bacteria elimination also resulted in the aggravation of colitis,while this aggravation phenotype was reverted by plasmalogen administration.Interestingly,plasmalogens inhibited ferroptosis triggered by microbiota dysbiosis.We further find that the alkenyl-ether group of plasmalogens was critical to colitis prevention and ferroptosis inhibition.These data point to one of the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota controls susceptibility to colitis and ferroptosis early in life via microbial-derived ether lipids.

Theoretical analyses of the performance of a concentrating photovoltaic/thermal solar system with a mathematical and physical model, entropy generation minimization and entransy theory

In this paper, the performance of a concentrating photovoltaic/thermal solar system is numerically analyzed with a mathematical and physical model. The variations of the electrical efficiency and the thermal efficiency with the operation parameters are calculated. It is found that the electrical efficiency increases at first and then decreases with increasing concentration ratio of the sunlight, while the thermal efficiency acts in an opposite manner. When the velocity of the cooling water increases, the electrical efficiency increases. Considering the solar system, the surface of the sun, the atmosphere and the environment, we can get a coupled energy system, which is analyzed with the entropy generation minimization and the entransy theory. This is the first time that the entransy theory is used to analyze photovoltaic/thermal solar system. When the concentration ratio is fixed, it is found that both the minimum entropy generation rate and the maximum entransy loss rate lead to the maximum electrical output power,while both the minimum entropy generation numbers and the maximum entransy loss coefficient lead to the maximum electrical efficiency. When the concentrated sunlight is not fixed, it is shown that neither smaller entropy generation rate nor larger entransy loss rate corresponds to larger electrical output power. Smaller entropy generation numbers do not result in larger electrical efficiency, either. However, larger entransy loss coefficient still corresponds to larger electrical efficiency.

Evaluating multispecies survey designs using a joint species distribution model

Survey designs should be efficient as marine survey programs are usually expensive and time-consuming;however,surveys have rarely been evaluated for multiple species.In the present study,we evaluated multispecies fisheries surveys with respect to three influential factors,i.e.,sampling methods,estimation methods and sample size.A joint species distribution model(JSDM)developed in north Yellow Sea,China was used as the operating model to simulate the spatial distribution of multiple species simultaneously.We examined the precision of multispecies abundance estimation using diverse sampling methods[random sampling(RDS),systematic sampling(SYS),stratified random sampling(SRS),generalized random-tessellation stratified sampling(GRT)and spatial coverage sampling(SPC)],estimation methods[arithmetic mean(Arm),universal kriging(Ukr),multivariate distribution model(Mvd),and boral model(Brm)],and a range of sample sizes(from 30 to 300).The results showed significant differences in estimation among sampling methods,where GRT and SYS yielded less relative absolute bias(RAB)over all and RDS showed the least precision.Regarding estimation methods,Mvd and Arm showed the best performances and Brm yielded the least precision.Significant interactions existed between sampling and estimation methods.Arm worked best with GRT,likewise Mvd with SYS and Ukr with SPC.SPC and Mvd showed the best performances for a small sample size(N=30),and all sampling and estimation methods provided similar results for a large sample size(N=300).Generally,doubling sample size resulted in a decrease of RAB by 0.097 on average,a rate depending on species,sampling and estimation methods.This study contributed to an integrative framework for evaluating designs of multispecies fisheries surveys.

Isolation of fucoxanthin from Sargassum thunbergii and preparation of microcapsules based on palm stearin solid lipid core

The objective of this study was to isolate fucoxanthin from Sargassum thunbergii and develop microcapsules with palm stearin as the solid lipid core for stability and efficient oral delivery of fucoxanthin. The microcapsules had smooth surfaces with the volume weighted mean diameter （d4.3） of 19.19 μm. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of microcapsules with fucoxanthin were 98.3% and 0.04%, respectively. Moreover, the fucoxanthin in microcapsules presented higher stability than free fucoxanthin against light, humidity and temperature. Especially, the retention rates of fucoxanthin encapsulated in microcapsules reached 97.20% at 4℃, 92.60% at 25℃, 92.32% with the relative humidity of 33% and 92.60% in the dark. The cumulative amount of fucoxanthin released from microcapsules was 22.92% in simulated gastric fluid （SGF） and 56.55% in simulated intestinal fluid （SIF）.

Bacteriostatic effect of lipopeptides from Bacillus subtilis N-2 on Pseudomonas putida using soybean meal by solid-state fermentation

Bacillus subtilis N-2 which was isolated from natto,produced lipopeptides using soybean meal as a substrate.This work aimed to purify,identify,and determine the antibacterial mechanism of lipopeptides produced by B.subtilis N-2.The fermented product obtained by solid-state fermentation was subjected to water extraction,acid precipitation,and methanol extraction.Fractions were separated and collected using a two-step ultrafiltration method and then identified by LC-MS/MS.Mass spectrometry characterization revealed the presence of four variants of iturin A that differed according to the p-amino fatty acid chain from C14 to C17 as well as the amino acid positions.A new lipopeptide(m/z 1070.3)was identified and its structure was different from the previously reported lipopeptides.The lipopeptides were shown to inhibit the growth of an isolate of Pseudomonas putida,a common pathogen in decaying fish,by changing membrane permeability.These results suggest that the lipopeptides from B.subtilis N-2 could be used as a biocontrol agent in aquaculture.