Abstract Background It has been reported that solute carrier family 26 members 4 antisense RNA 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) is highly related to cardiac hypertrophy. Objective This research aims to investigate the role and specific mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 in cardiac hypertrophy, providing a novel marker for cardiac hypertrophy treatment. Methods Angiotensin II (AngII) was infused into neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein levels were evaluated via western blot. Functional assays analyzed the role of SLC26A4-AS1. The mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 was assessed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. The P value <0.05 was identified as statistical significance. Student’s t-test evaluated the two-group comparison. The difference between different groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results SLC26A4-AS1 is upregulated in AngII-treated NMVCs and promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy. SLC26A4-AS1 regulates its nearby gene solute carrier family 26 members 4 (SLC26A4) via functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to modulate the microRNA (miR)-301a-3p and miR-301b-3p in NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via upregulating SLC26A4 or sponging miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. Conclusion SLC26A4-AS1 aggravates AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via sponging miR-301a-3p or miR-301b-3p to enhance SLC26A4 expression.

Resumo Fundamento Foi relatado que o RNA 1 antisenso 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) do membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 está altamente relacionado à hipertrofia cardíaca. Objetivo Esta pesquisa visa investigar o papel e o mecanismo específicos de SLC26A4-AS1 na hipertrofia cardíaca, fornecendo um novo marcador para o tratamento da hipertrofia cardíaca. Métodos Angiotensina II (AngII) foi infundida em cardiomiócitos ventriculares (NMVCs) de camundongos neonatos para induzir hipertrofia cardíaca. A expressão gênica foi detectada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real (RT-qPCR). Os níveis de proteína foram avaliados por western blot. Ensaios funcionais analisaram o papel de SLC26A4-AS1. O mecanismo de SLC26A4-AS1 foi avaliado por imunoprecipitação de proteína de ligação a RNA (RIP), pull-down de RNA e ensaios de luciferase repórter. O valor de p < 0,05 foi identificado como significância estatística. O teste t de Student avaliou a comparação dos dois grupos. A diferença entre os diferentes grupos foi analisada por análise de variância (ANOVA) de uma via. Resultados SLC26A4-AS1 é regulado para cima em NMVCs tratados com AngII e promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII. SLC26A4-AS1 regula o membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 (SLC26A4) por meio do funcionamento como um RNA endógeno competitivo (ceRNA) para modular o microRNA (miR)-301a-3p e o miR-301b-3p em NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via regulação para cima de SLC26A4 ou absorção de miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. Conclusão SLC26A4-AS1 agrava a hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via absorção de miR-301a-3p ou miR-301b-3p para aumentar a expressão de SLC26A4.

Abstract Introduction: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized. Methods and results: Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation. Conclusions: A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.

Abstract The correlation between the grain thickness and the yield and quality of brown rice was studied using 9 japonica rice varieties harvested in Jilin Province in 2019. The results showed that there were significant differences between the grain thickness of different varieties. The grading of different grain thickness had a great influence on the grains per panicle and the seed setting rate in the yield components. Further, there was no significant correlation between grain thickness and grain type (aspect ratio), while a strong and significant negative correlation was identified between grain-thickness grading (< 2.0 mm) and processing quality. In addition, grain thickness was found to have a positive effect on the quality of taste. In conclusion, grain length, width, and thickness are independent genetic traits. The ratio of thicker grain-thickness-grading would increase with an improvement in the yield and processing quality, and an increase in the thinner grain-thickness-grading ratio would lead to degradation with regard to appearance and taste. The grain thickness of brown rice has an important impact on the quality of the rice.

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic mycotoxin that enters the human body through the food chain and poses a serious threat to human health. In this paper, polydopamine (PDA)-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA MNPs) were prepared by the co-precipitation method to enrich aflatoxin from edible oil. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were used to characterize the Fe3O4@PDA MNPs. Using the obtained Fe3O4@PDA MNPs as an adsorbent, a simple method for enriching AFB1 from samples by magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) combined with fluorescence rapid detection was developed. The effects of the ratio of Fe3O4 MNPs to PDA, adsorption dosage, sample volume, adsorption time, and elution time on enrichment of AFB1 were investigated to determine the optimal experimental conditions. This method has good intraday and daytime precision.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

Breast cancer (BC) is a commonly diagnosed cancer in females. MicroRNA-660-5p (miR-660-5p) has been reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of BC. However, the regulatory network of miR-660-5p in BC has not been fully addressed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the enrichment of miR-660-5p and tet-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) in BC tissues and cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to measure cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The target relationship between miR-660-5p and TET2 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Protein expression was measured by western blot. The expression of miR-660-5p was elevated in BC, and high expression of miR-660-5p was closely related to lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and vascular invasion of BC tumors. miR-660-5p silencing inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis, but induced apoptosis of BC cells. TET2 was identified as a direct target of miR-660-5p, and the interference of TET2 partly reversed the suppressive effects of miR-660-5p silencing on the malignant potential of BC cells. miR-660-5p promoted BC progression partly through modulating TET2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. miR-660-5p/TET2 axis might be a promising target for BC treatment.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the main pathogenic bacteria that causes nosocomial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and sepsis. Therefore, the rapid and accurate detection of K. pneumoniae is important for the timely treatment of infectious patients. This study aimed to establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the rapid and sensitive detection of K. pneumoniae-specific gene ureR_1 (Gene ID: 11847803). The ureR_1 gene was obtained through local and online BLAST, and the specific primers were designed for its detection. Positive reactions were observed on all 140 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates while all the 82 non-K. pneumoniae clinical isolates were negative. Plasmids with the specific gene and the mouse blood with K. pneumoniae were used for sensitivity analysis. The detection limit of the LAMP was 1 bacterium/reaction. The results showed that the LAMP targeted to ureR_1 is a fast, specific, sensitive, inexpensive, and suitable method for the detection of K. pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the preoperative imaging manifestation and therapeutic effect of laparoscopic simple enucleation (SE) for localized chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 36 patients who underwent laparoscopic SE of localized chRCC at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative renal protocol CT (unenhanced, arterial, venous, and delayed images). CT scan characteristics were evaluated. After intraoperative occlusion of the renal artery, the tumor was free bluntly along the pseudocapsule and enucleated totally. The patients were followed up regularly after the operation. Results: Mean tumor diameter was 3.9±1.0 cm, 80% of tumors were homogeneous and all the tumors had complete pseudocapsule. The attenuation values were slightly lower than normal renal cortex and degree of enhancement of the tumors were significantly lower than normal renal cortex. Mean operation time was 104.3±18.2 min. Mean warm ischemia time (WIT) was 21.3±3.5 min. Mean blood loss was 78.6±25.4 mL. No positive surgical margin was identified. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.3±1.5 d. Hematuria occurred in 3 patients and all disappeared within 3 days. After a mean follow-up of 32.1±20.6 months, no patient had local recurrence or metastatic progression. Conclusion: Localized chRCCs have a great propensity for homogeneity and complete pseudocapsule. The attenuation values were slightly lower than normal renal cortex and small degree of enhancement. Laparoscopic SE is a safe and effective treatment for localized chRCC. The oncological results were satisfactory.

ABSTRACT Soil microbial biomass plays a significant role in soils, and it is often used as an early indicator of change in soil quality. Soil microbial biomass is affected by different fertilization management practices. Therefore, the impact of different long-term fertilization management practices on the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), as well as the soil microbial quotient (SMQ) in the tilled layer (0.00-0.20 m) were studied in the present paper, together with grain yield, in a double-cropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) system. The experiment in NingXiang county of Hunan Province, China, begin in 1986, and the experiment included five fertilization treatments: without fertilizer input (CK), mineral fertilizer alone (MF), rice straw residues and mineral fertilizer (RF), 30 % organic matter and 70% mineral fertilizer (LOM), and 60% organic matter and 40 % mineral fertilizer (HOM). The results showed that there is no significant difference in effect on SOC, SMBC, and SMBN contents and on the SMQ in the paddy field with MF treatment compared with the CK treatment at the main growth stages of early and late rice. The SOC, SMBC, SMBN contents, and the SMQ in the paddy field were highest in the LOM and HOM treatments, followed by the RF treatment, at the main growth stages of early and late rice. The results indicated that grain yields of early and late rice with the LOM, HOM, and RF treatments were higher than the yields under the MF and CK treatments. As a result, combined application of organic matter or rice straw residues with mineral fertilizer is a practice available for increasing SOC and microbial biomass contents in double-cropping rice paddy soils.

We aimed to explore the imbalance between the T helper 17 γδT cells (γδT17) and the regulatory γδT cells (γδTreg) in asthmatic mice. Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into the normal control group and the asthmatic model group. The asthmatic model group mice were intraperitoneally injected with the mixture of ovalbumin (OVA)/Al(OH)3 and then activated by exposure of the animals to OVA atomization. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was determined by a non-invasive lung function machine. Hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining were done for histopathological analysis. Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-35 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by ELISA. The percentage of IL-17+ γδT cells and Foxp3+ γδT cells in spleen cells suspension were detected and the transcription levels of RORγt and Foxp3 in the lung tissue were determined. Compared with the normal control, the severity of airway inflammation and AHR were higher in the asthmatic mice. Furthermore, mice in the asthmatic group displayed significant increases of IL-17+ γδT cells, expression of IL-17A, and RORγt, whereas control mice displayed marked decreases of Foxp3+ γδT cells, expression of IL-35, and transcription factor Foxp3. In addition, the mRNA expression of RORγt was positively correlated with the percentage of IL-17+γδT cells, and the mRNA level of Foxp3 was positively correlated with the percentage of Foxp3+ γδT cells. The imbalance of γδT17/γδTreg in the asthmatic mice may contribute to the pathogenesis of OVA-induced asthma.

Objective: To investigate the breeding rate and breeding density of Carpoglyphus lactis in stored Fructus Jujubae in Anhui, China in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention of Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis) from spoiling the dried fruit of such category. Methods: By the breeding nature of C. lactis, we collected samples of Fructus Jujubae, which were kept over 6 months in general, from the dried fruit shop and (or) Chinese herbal medicine warehouse, and isolated C. lactis from those samples. The mite specimens were prepared, and microscopically and morphologically identified. Results: C. lactis was identified in 19 of the 300 samples, with breeding density and breeding rate of 6.52 heads/g and 6.33%. Constitute ratio at distinct developmental phase was associated with adult (including nymph, 85.71%), larva (12.27%), hypopus (0.56%) and egg (1.45%), respectively. The richness index, diversity index and evenness index was 1.644, 1.644 and 0.923, respectively. Conclusion: Carpoglyphus lactis appears infesting in large quantity in the Fructus Jujubae stored in the above places in Anhui province, and the density is higher. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent C. lactis from spreading over other dried products stored in the same room and potential human intestinal acariasis as a result of the biological contamination.

Objetivo: investigar la tasa de reproducción y densidad de cría de Carpoglyphus lactis en productos almacenados de Fructus jujubae en Anhui, China, con el fin de proporcionar una base científica para prevenir el deterioro de la fruta desecada de dicha categoría. Métodos: para la cría de C. lactis hemos recogido muestras de Fructus jujubae, que se mantuvieron a temperatura ambiente durante 6 meses, en la tienda de frutas secas o en elalmacén de hierbas medicinales y se aislaron C. lactis de esas muestras. Se prepararon los especímenes del ácaro y se identificaron microscópica y morfológicamente. Resultados: C. lactis fue identificado en 19 de las 300 muestras, con densidad de cría y reproducción índice de 6,52 cabezas/g y 6,33%. La proporción de ácaros en las distintas fases de desarrollo fue: adultos (incluida la ninfa, 85,71%), larva (12,27%), hypopus (0,56%) y huevo (1,45%). El índice de riqueza, el índice de diversidad y el índice de uniformidad fue de 1,644, 1,644 y 0,923, respectivamente. Conclusión: el ácaro Carpoglyphus lactis infesta en gran cantidad los almacenes de Fructus jujubae de la provincia de Anhui (China). Por lo tanto, es urgente tomar medidas eficaces para prevenir la propagación del ácaro sobre productos secos almacenados en la misma habitación y la posible acariasis intestinal humana como consecuencia de la contaminación biológica.

ABSTRACT Residue management in cropping systems may improve soil quality. However, there are few studies on the effects of residue management on soil aggregation and carbon content in the humin (C-HUM), humic acid (C-HAF) and fulvic acid (C-FAF) fractions in South China. Therefore, the effects on soil aggregation and on the C-HUM, C-HAF, C-FAF from incorporating winter cover crop residues in a double-cropped rice (Oryza sativa L.) system in South China fields were studied. The experiment has been conducted since winter 2004. Five winter cropping systems were used: rice-rice-ryegrass (Ry-R-R), rice-rice-Chinese milk vetch (Mv-R-R), rice-rice-potato (Po-R-R), rice-rice-rape (Ra-R-R) and rice-rice with winter fallow (Fa-R-R). The results indicated that the organic C content in the paddy soil under the Ry-R-R, Mv-R-R, Po-R-R, and Ra-R-R systems was significantly higher than the content in the Fa-R-R system at the early rice and late rice maturity stages. The different sizes of aggregates under the five treatments showed similar trends. The Po-R-R systems had the highest percentage of soil aggregates in each size class and the Fa-R-R systems had the lowest percentage of soil aggregates in each size class in the 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m soil depth at the early rice and late rice maturity stages. The C-HUM, C-HAF, and C-FAF increased through long-term application of winter cover crop residues. Statistical analysis showed that the C-HAF under the Ra-R-R systems was significantly higher than that in the Fa-R-R systems at the early rice and late rice maturity stages. The C-FAF and C-HUM under the Mv-R-R systems was significantly higher than the C-FAF and C-HUM in the Fa-R-R systems at the early rice and late rice maturity stages. As a result, the soil organic C content, the soil aggregates in each size class, and the C-HUM, C-HAF, and C-FAF increased from application of winter cover crop residues in double-cropped rice systems.

Objective: to investigate the species and breeding density of acaroid mites in stored fruit-derived Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui province. Methods: samples of stored fruit-derived Chinese medicinal materials were collected from 30 herb stores and storehouses in 17 Anhui cities, where the breeding acaroids mites were detected. Results: 20 species of acaroids mites were found in 33 samples, belonging to 15 genus, 5 families of the acaridae respectively, among which T. putrescentiae, A. farinae, C. lactis, and C. berlesei are predominant species. Conclusion: stored fruit-derived Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui areas suffer from serious acaroid mites pollution. Therefore, proactive measures should be taken to control acaroid mites from breeding in an effort to reduce the harm on medicinal materials.

Objetivo: investigar las especies y la densidad de reproducción de ácaros en productos medicinales chinos almacenados derivados de la fruta en la provincia de Anhui. Métodos: muestras de productos medicinales chinos almacenados derivados de la fruta fueron recogidos a partir de 30 herbolarios y almacenes en 17 ciudades de Anhui, donde se detectó la reproducción de ácaros. Resultados: se detectaron 20 especies de ácaros en 33 muestras, pertenecientes a 15 géneros, 5 familias de ácaros respectivamente, entre los cuales T. putrescentiae, A. farinae, C. lactis y C. berlesei son las especies predominantes. Conclusión: los productos medicinales chinos almacenados derivados de la fruta en la zona de Anhui sufren una grave contaminación por ácaros. Por lo tanto, se deben tomar medidas dinámicas para controlar la reproducción de ácaros en un esfuerzo por reducir los daños en los productos medicinales.