ABSTRACT Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is economically important in Xinjiang, China, for many years; Verticillium wilt, arid climate, and soil salinization reduce cotton production, which has inhibited development of the cotton economy. Thus, creating a microbial agent specifically for cotton to resisting environmental stress is crucial. In this study, water dispersible granules strains (Bacillus tequilensis C-9 and B. sphingosporium A1) were screened for antagonistic bacteria of Verticillium dahliae from the rhizosphere soil of Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen, and screened for carrier and auxiliary that could enhance the survival of strains A1+C-9. To test the efficacy and practicality of the water dispersible granules, their growth-promoting effect was examined. Meanwhile, bursts of reactive oxygen species and changes in the physiological indicators related to cotton growth were detected after the application of these granules to cotton that had been subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses to study the ability of the water dispersible granules to induce immunity in cotton. It was found that the treated group could increase the above-ground and below-ground fresh weight of cotton by 20.06% and 22.71% relative to the control group, and the biocontrol effect on cotton was increased by 46.55%. In salt and drought stress, catalase activity could be increased by 14.61% and 15.52%, respectively, relative to the control group. Comprehensive analyses showed that the application of water dispersible granules that contained A1+C-9 helped the cotton to grow and develop, inhibited V. dahliae from infecting cotton plants, reduced the damage from drought and salt stress, and increased the resilience of cotton to stress.

Resumo Magnolia biondii Pamp é uma importante espécie de árvore ornamental muito cultivada e utilizada como porta-enxerto na propagação de diferentes variedades de Magnolia. Nos estudos atuais, hormônios anatômicos, fisiológicos e endógenos foram estudados para verificar o efeito do AIB na dose de 750 mg / L no enraizamento adventício e fornecer suporte teórico e técnico para a propagação de M. biondii Pamp por meio de estacas. Duas mil estacas foram preparadas e divididas em dois grupos, ou seja, tratadas com AIB e controle de água. Para a avaliação das atividades das enzimas antioxidantes e dos níveis de hormônios endógenos, as amostras foram coletadas no dia do plantio e a cada 5 dias, enquanto as demais etapas foram realizadas em laboratório de acordo com os protocolos e os devidos cuidados. Para as observações anatômicas, as amostras foram coletadas no 13º, 15º e 17º dias para estacas tratadas com AIB e no 21º, 23º e 25º dias para o controle. As amostras coletadas foram preservadas em solução FAA, e outras observações foram realizadas em laboratório. Observações anatômicas mostraram a necessidade de 13 dias para a diferenciação dos primórdios radiculares até o aparecimento de raízes adventícias jovens em estacas tratadas com AIB e de 21 dias para o desenvolvimento dos primórdios no controle. As atividades das enzimas antioxidantes envolvidas nas ROS foram significativamente maiores nas estacas tratadas com AIB em comparação com o controle. A POD apresentou pico no 13º dia antes da emergência das raízes nas estacas tratadas com AIB, enquanto no 21º dia apresentou pico no controle. A PPO teve pico no 21º dia nas estacas tratadas com AIB e no 29º dia no controle. A SOD apresentou pico no 17º dia nas estacas tratadas com AIB e no 25º dia no controle. A aplicação exógena de AIB aumentou os níveis endógenos de IAA e GA3 em relação ao controle, enquanto reduziu os níveis de ABA continuamente no momento do enraizamento e, em seguida, aumentou gradativamente. Inclusive, nosso estudo sugere que o AIB na dose de 750 mg / L é eficiente para o enraizamento de estacas de M. biondii Pamp, visto que potencializou o processo de atividades de enzimas antioxidantes e os níveis de hormônios endógenos, além de reduzir o tempo de formação de raízes, o que fica evidente nas observações anatômicas.

Abstract Magnolia biondii Pamp is an important ornamental tree species widely grown and used as a rootstock in the propagation of different Magnolia varieties. In the current studies, anatomical, physiological and endogenous hormones were studied to check the effect of IBA 750 mg/L on the adventitious rooting and to provide theoretical and technical support for the propagation of Magnolia biondii Pamp through stem cuttings. Two thousand stem cuttings were prepared and divided into two groups i.e., IBA treated cuttings and water control. For the evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activities, and endogenous hormones levels, samples were collected on the day of planting and each 5th day and further steps were carried out in the laboratory according to the protocols and proper precautions. For the anatomical observations, samples were collected on the 13th, 15th, and 17th day for IBA treated cuttings while 21st, 23rd, and 25th day for control. Collected samples were preserved in the FAA solution and further observations were carried out in the laboratory. Anatomical observations showed that it took 13 days for the differentiation of root primordia to the appearance of young adventitious roots in IBA treated cuttings, while it took 21 days to develop primordia in the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities involved in ROS were significantly higher in the IBA treated cuttings compared to control. POD showed a peak on the 13th day before the emergence of roots in IBA treated cuttings while it showed a peak on the 21st day in the control. PPO showed a peak on the 21st day in the IBA treated cuttings while it showed a peak on the 29th day in the control. SOD showed a peak on the 17th day in IBA treated cuttings, while it showed a peak on the 25th day in the control. Exogenous application of IBA enhanced the endogenous IAA and GA3 levels compared to CK, while it reduced the levels of ABA continuously at the time of rooting and then increased gradually. Inclusively, our study suggests that IBA 750 mg/L is efficient for the rooting of Magnolia biondii Pamp cuttings, as it enhanced the process of antioxidant enzyme activities, endogenous hormones levels and reduced the time of root formation which is evident from the anatomical observations.

Resumo As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 → 20cm> 20 → 40cm> 40 → 60cm ≥ 60 → 80cm ≥ 80 → 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Abstract Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 0→20cm > 20→40cm > 40→60cm ≥ 60→80cm ≥ 80→100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

Resumo A mosca-branca é uma das pragas agrícolas mais difundidas no mundo. Os óleos essenciais podem ser usados para controlar esse inseto de forma ambientalmente responsável. A atividade fumigante, repelente e antioviposição de óleos essenciais extraídos com etanol de Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans e Murraya koenigii contra Bemisia tabaci foi investigada neste estudo. No experimento, foram utilizadas três concentrações de óleo essencial (2,5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL e 10 mg/mL). Trachyspermum ammi teve a maior porcentagem de morte de mosca-branca em experimentos de laboratório devido à sua toxicidade fumigante; a mesma tendência foi encontrada na toxicidade de contato e efeito repelente. A porcentagem de mortalidade aumenta à medida que a concentração de óleo essencial aumenta com o tempo do bioensaio. À medida que a concentração de óleo essencial cresce com o tempo de bioensaio, o mesmo acontece com a taxa de mortalidade. A maioria das moscas-brancas adultas escapou da estufa das plantas tratadas devido à maior concentração de óleo essencial. A maior repelência foi encontrada com óleo essencial de Trachyspermum ammi a 10 mg/mL. O óleo essencial apresentou a maior eficácia antioviposição contra moscas-brancas. Trachyspermum ammi teve o mais potente impedimento antioviposição, seguido por Withania coagulans em segundo lugar. Murraya koenigii terminou em terceiro com antioviposição moderada, o que afeta o número de ovos produzidos em relação ao controle. Como consequência, esses três óleos podem ser usados como um bioinseticida eficaz e ambientalmente aceitável para controlar B. tabaci.

Abstract Whitefly is one of the most widespread agricultural pests in the world. Essential oils might be used to control this insect in an environmentally responsible way. The fumigant, repellent, and anti-oviposition activity of ethanol-extracted essential oils of Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans, and Murraya koenigii against Bemisia tabaci was investigated in this study. In the experiment, three essential oil concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) were used. Trachyspermum ammi had the highest percentage of whitefly death in laboratory experiments due to its fumigant toxicity; the same tendency was found in contact toxicity and repellent effect. Mortality percent rises as the concentration of essential oil increases with bioassay time. As the concentration of essential oil grows with bioassay time, so does the mortality rate. The most adult whiteflies escaped from the treated plants' greenhouse due to the highest essential oil concentration. The greatest repellency was found with Trachyspermum ammi essential oil at 10 mg/mL. The essential oil had the greatest anti-oviposition efficacy against whiteflies. Trachyspermum ammi possessed the most potent anti-oviposition deterrent, followed by Withania coagulans in second place. Murraya koenigii finished third with moderate anti-oviposition, which affects the number of eggs produced in comparison to the control. As a consequence, these three oils might be used as an effective and environmentally acceptable bio-insecticide to control B. tabaci.

Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is considered one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births. Testing for SMA has been recommended for inclusion in neonatal screening (NBS) panels since there are several therapies available and there is evidence of greater efficacy when introduced in the pre/early symptomatic phases. In Brazil, the National Neonatal Screening Program tests for six diseases, with a new law issued in 2021 stating that it should incorporate more diseases, including SMA. In the present study, dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected by the Reference Services of Neonatal Screening of RS and SP, to perform the conventional test were also screened for SMA, using real-time PCR, with SALSA MC002 technique. A total of 40,000 samples were analyzed, enabling the identification of four positive cases of SMA, that were confirmed by MLPA. Considering our sampling, Brazil seems to have an incidence comparable to the described in other regions. This work demonstrated that the use of the MC002 technique in samples routinely collected for the conventional NBS program is suitable to screen for SMA in our conditions and can be included in the expansion of the neonatal screening programs.

Abstract: Blumea balsamifera is a very famous medicinal plant and functional tea in many countries of Asia. Ainaxiang tablets are a preparation consisting of flavonoids from B. balsamifera. Today, a high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for simultaneous quantification of 15 flavonoids in Ainaxiang Tablets. The analysis was performed on a Kromasil C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a binary gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.2% aqueous acetic acid. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, stability, precision and accuracy. It was found that this method had linearity with R2 at 0.9992- 0.9999 in the test range of 0.15-276.40 µg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for 15 tested reference compounds were 0.01-0.28µg/mL and 0.02 - 0.55µg/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD%) for intra-day and inter-day repeatability were not more than 3.18%. The analyzed samples were stable for at least 18 h. The spike recoveries for 15 analyzed samples were 106.17 - 95.02%. The results suggested that this newly developed HPLC method could be used for quantitative analysis of flavonoids in Ainaxiang Tablets and its raw materials.

Early and accurate diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is crucial for the prognosis of patients. This study identified a potential biomarker for the severity of aGVHD after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT). We included 20 healthy subjects and 57 patients who underwent haplo-PBSCT. Of these patients, 22 developed aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT. The results showed that patients with aGVHD had significantly increased levels of Tim-3+/Perforin+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells, but significantly decreased Galectin-9. The differences in Galectin-9 and Tim-3+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells between grade I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD were also significant. In vitro, the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells from aGVHD patients was significantly increased after Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway activation, which decreased Granzyme B secretion. As revealed by univariate analysis, the level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells was a risk factor for severe aGVHD. ROC analysis demonstrated that high levels of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells had a significant diagnostic value for severe aGVHD, with an area under the curve of 0.854 and cut-off value of 14.155%. In conclusion, the binding of Tim-3 with exogenous Galectin-9 can promote apoptosis of CD8+ T cells and affect the secretion of Granzyme B. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have the potential to serve as immunological markers for assessing the severity of aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT and identifying patients at a higher risk for severe aGVHD.

Abstract Blumea balsamifera (Sembung) is a very famous ethnic medicinal herbs and functional tea in many countries of Asia. Phytochemical investigations showed that B. balsamifera contains various type chemical components, including volatile oil, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, polysaccharides, etc. B. balsamifera has many pharmacological activities such as antioxidation, antibiosis, antitumor, liver protection, anti-inflammation, analgesia, and wound healing. This paper reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of B. balsamifera for the further research, development, and utilization of B. balsamifera. Sembung (Sembung Asia B components oil flavonoids terpenoids phenylpropanoids polysaccharides etc antioxidation antibiosis antitumor protection antiinflammation, antiinflammation anti inflammation, inflammation anti-inflammation analgesia healing research development

RESUMO Introdução: O Diabetes Gestacional é um grupo de desordens metabólicas que resultam na intolerância à glicose durante a gravidez, dentre o leque de tratamentos está a dieta, o uso continuo de medicamentos, e acompanhamento psicológico. Por ser um tratamento multidisciplinar, é importante que haja um protocolo adequado para um desfecho favorável. Há questionamentos quanto aos benefícios de atividades físicas como terapia complementar. Objetivo: Verificar o impacto da adição de exercícios ao protocolo hospitalar para pacientes com diabetes gestacional, tanto nos riscos de diabetes tipo 2 em grávidas quanto na obesidade de seus descendentes. Métodos: Sessenta mulheres grávidas que foram diagnosticadas com Diabetes Gestacional foram aleatoriamente divididas em grupos controle e intervenção. Ambos grupos receberam tratamento e intervenção específicos e o grupo experimental praticou atividade física de intensidade moderada controlada (125-146bpm). Amostras de sangue em jejum matinal foram coletados em ambos os grupos para verificar níveis de glicose e insulina em jejum, indicadores de metabolismo lipídico, colesterol lipoproteico de baixa e alta densidade, apolipoproteína B. Verificou-se também o nível de fadiga pela escala Brog, ruptura prematura de bolsa, hemorragia pós-parto, asfixia neo-natal, macrossomia entre outros. Resultados: Os níveis de colesterol total no sangue periférico foram de 5,93, 5.38, os níveis de colesterol lipoproteico de baixa densidade foram 2,95 antes contra 2,64 depois e os níveis de apolipoproteína B foram 1,84 contra 1,59 no grupo controle, o conteúdo de colesterol lipoproteico de alta densidade aumentou de 1,74 para 1,88, os níveis de colesterol, e apolipoproteína B sanguíneos depois da intervenção no grupo experimental foram menores que os do grupo controle, com elevação do colesterol lipoprotéico de alta densidade. Conclusão: O exercício aeróbico mostrou-se mais adequado para pacientes com diabetes gestacional nos estágios posteriores da gravidez, podendo ser adaptado inclusive para as pacientes acamadas refratárias aos fármacos tradicionais. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gestational Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders that result in glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Among the range of treatments are diet, continuous use of medication, and psychological monitoring. Since it is a multidisciplinary treatment, a proper protocol is vital for a favorable outcome. In addition, there are questions about the benefits of physical activity as a complementary therapy. Objective: To verify the impact of adding exercise to the hospital protocol for patients with gestational diabetes, both on the risks of type 2 diabetes in pregnant women and on the obesity of their offspring. Methods: Sixty pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Both groups received specific treatment and intervention, and the experimental group practiced controlled moderate-intensity physical activity (125-146bpm). Morning blood samples were collected from both groups to check fasting glucose and insulin levels, indicators of lipid metabolism, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B. The Brog scale measured the fatigue level. In addition, the premature rupture of membranes, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal asphyxia, macrosomia, and others was checked. Results: The peripheral blood total cholesterol levels were 5.93, 5. 38, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 2.95 before versus 2.64 after, and apolipoprotein B levels were 1.84 versus 1.59 in the control group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content increased from 1.74 to 1.88, blood cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels after the intervention in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, with an elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise proved to be more appropriate for patients with gestational diabetes in the later stages of pregnancy and may also be adapted for bedridden patients refractory to traditional drugs. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Resumen Introducción: La diabetes gestacional es un grupo de trastornos metabólicos que dan lugar a una intolerancia a la glucosa durante el embarazo. Entre la gama de tratamientos se encuentra la dieta, el uso continuado de medicamentos y el seguimiento psicológico. Al tratarse de un tratamiento multidisciplinar, es importante contar con un protocolo adecuado para obtener un resultado favorable. Existen dudas sobre los beneficios de la actividad física como terapia complementaria. Objetivo: Comprobar el impacto de añadir el ejercicio al protocolo hospitalario para pacientes con diabetes gestacional, tanto en los riesgos de diabetes tipo 2 en las mujeres embarazadas como en la obesidad de su descendencia. Métodos: Sesenta mujeres embarazadas a las que se les diagnosticó diabetes gestacional fueron divididas aleatoriamente en grupos de control y de intervención. Ambos grupos recibieron un tratamiento y una intervención específicos y el grupo experimental practicó una actividad física controlada de intensidad moderada (125-146bpm). Se tomaron muestras de sangre en ayunas por la mañana de ambos grupos para comprobar los niveles de glucosa e insulina en ayunas, los indicadores del metabolismo de los lípidos, el colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja y alta densidad, la apolipoproteína B. También se comprobó el nivel de fatiga según la escala de Brog, la rotura prematura de bolsa, la hemorragia posparto, la asfixia neonatal y la macrosomía, entre otros. Resultados: Los niveles de colesterol total en sangre periférica fueron de 5,93, 5. 38, los niveles de colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad eran de 2,95 antes frente a 2,64 después y los niveles de apolipoproteína B eran de 1,84 frente a 1,59 en el grupo de control, el contenido de colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad aumentó de 1,74 a 1,88, el colesterol en sangre y los niveles de apolipoproteína B después de la intervención en el grupo experimental fueron inferiores a los del grupo de control, con una elevación del colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad. Conclusión: El ejercicio aeróbico resultó ser más apropiado para las pacientes con diabetes gestacional en las últimas fases del embarazo, y puede adaptarse incluso a las pacientes encamadas y refractarias a los fármacos tradicionales. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Abstract Objectives This study was to compare the effects of different local analgesia protocols on osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Medical records of 148 osteoarthritis patients who underwent unilateral TKA between October 2016 and October 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All these patients were divided into three groups according to the pain management protocol (morphine, morphine + cocktail [100 mg ropivacaine, 10 mg morphine, and 30 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution containing 2 mL betamethasone (4 mg)], or cocktail). The postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, muscle strength, and complications were compared between the groups. Results At 6 and 12 hours post-operation, the VAS score in group C was significantly higher than that in group A or group B. In addition, the muscle (quadriceps femoris) strength score of group C (3.7 ± 2.8) was significantly higher than that in groups A and B at 6 and 12 hours post-operation. The VAS score and muscle strength score showed no significant differences among the three groups at 24 and 36 hours post-operation. The time of postoperative first void of group C was significantly shorter than that of groups A and B. Groups A or B had a significantly higher incidence of nausea and emesis compared with group C. The incidence of pruritus was higher in groups A or B than that in group C. Conclusion Epidural anesthesia combined with local analgesic cocktail injection is a preferable effective multimodal analgesia for TKA.

RESUMO Porcos tibetanos são caracterizados por diferenças fenotípicas significativas em relação aos porcos de planície. Nosso estudo anterior demonstrou que os genes CRYAB e CTGF eram expressos diferentemente nos tecidos do coração entre os porcos tibetanos (raça das terras altas) e Yorkshire (raça das terras baixas), indicando que eles poderiam participar da adaptação à hipoxia. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) e CTGF (fator de crescimento do tecido conjuntivo) também foram relatados como estando associados ao desenvolvimento pulmonar. Entretanto, os padrões de expressão do CRYAB e CTGF nos tecidos pulmonares em diferentes altitudes e sua caracterização genética não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, o qRT-PCR e a mancha ocidental de tecido pulmonar revelou níveis de expressão de CRYAB mais elevados em porcos tibetanos e Yorkshire de altitude e média altitude do que em seus pares de planície. Com um aumento na altitude, o nível de expressão do CTGF aumentou nos porcos tibetanos, enquanto diminuiu nos porcos Yorkshire. Além disso, foram identificados dois novos polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo na região flanqueadora de CRYAB (g.39644482C>T e g.39644132T>C) e CTGF (g.31671748A>G e g.31671773T>G). O polimorfismo pode contribuir parcialmente com as diferenças nos níveis de expressão entre grupos a uma mesma altitude. Estas descobertas proporcionam novos conhecimentos sobre as adaptações de hipoxia a alta altitude dos porcos tibetanos.

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

Abstract We aimed to establish a method for the rapid identification of three common Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Micrococcus luteus) associated with foodborne diseases. MALDI-TOF-MS was used to determine the effects of sample pretreatment, culture medium, and culture time on the identification results. Then, MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS was used to establish an optimized method and further explore the effects of culture time on secondary proteins. Among the three sample pretreatment methods, formic acid extraction outperformed direct transfer and extended direct transfer, resulting in more protein peaks and higher peak intensity in B. cereus culture samples. However, with different culture times (1–7 d), ion peaks of all bacterial proteins were relatively stable according to MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS data. The protein peaks of B. cereus (1430 m/z), L. monocytogenes (2100 m/z), and M. luteus (2140 m/z) were split into small ion peaks at 1162, 1465, and 1625 m/z, respectively. After 7 d of culture, the secondary spectra, peak intensities, and peak values of formic acid-treated samples were relatively stable, indicating that secondary protein peaks were less affected by culture time. It provides a new approach for the routine identification and market supervision of food safety in China.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the allelopathic intensity of four Asteraceae invasive plant species (IPS), including Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq., Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Bidens pilosa (L.), and Aster subulatus Michx., by testing the effect of leaf extracts on the seed germination and seedling growth (SGe and SGr) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in combination with two particle sizes of silver nanoparticles. These four IPS decreased the germination of lettuce seeds but increased the growth of lettuce seedlings. The allelopathic intensity of the four IPS decreased in the following order: B. pilosa > C. canadensis > E. annuus > A. subulatus. Silver nanoparticles decreased the SGe and SGr of lettuce. The 20 nm silver nanoparticles affected the competition intensity for water and the absorption of inorganic salts by lettuce more intensively than the 80 nm nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles intensify the allelopathic intensity of the four invasive plant species on the SGe and SGr of lettuce. The allelopathic intensity of B. pilosa was higher than that of the other three IPS when they were polluted with silver nanoparticles. Thus, silver nanoparticles could facilitate the invasion process of the four IPS, particularly B. pilosa, via an increase in the intensity of allelopathy.

Abstract Bacillus thuringiensis based microbial pesticide is a potential alternative to fumigants. However, the effect of this entomopathogenic bacteria on stored-product pests, and the molecular mechanisms of insect response remain to be investigated. In this study, we showed that B. thuringiensis exhibited toxicity against Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) larvae. The 50% and 95% lethal concentrations in response to B. thuringiensis were 1.08 × 107 and 4.27 × 107 spores, respectively. We established a transcriptome to identify differential expressed genes. The predicted unigenes were categorized into 62 GO terms. A total of 187 DEGs were identified according to RNA-seq analysis, which 73 were downregulated and 114 were upregulated. And we preformed RT-qPCR assays to validate RNA-seq results. Both RNA-seq and RT-qPCR indicated that L-lactate dehydrogenase and glycoside hydrolase were inhibited in response to B. thuringiensis, while antimicrobial peptide, GST, and heat shock 90 were induced, suggesting that these genes might be involved in B. thuringiensis insecticidal effect for storage pests. A better understanding of molecular response to B. thuringiensis will facilitate us to develop a viable strategy method to control stored-product pests.

Abstract To investigate effect and mechanism of maternal exposure to trace cadmium on the differentiation and development in testis of male offspring rats. Thirty-two pregnant female SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: CdCl2 treated group (group A) was intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg.d); DES group(group B) was subcutaneously injected with DES (100 μg/kg.d); CdCl2 +TMX group(group C) was treated with CdCl2 (same as above)+TMX (50 mg/kg.d); control group (group D) was treated with the same dose normal saline instead of CdCl2. On day 30th after parturition, the weight and sex ratio of off-spring male rats were recorded; Offspring testes were used for ultrastructural observation. Ultrastructural changes including swollen mitochondria and expanded endoplasmic reticulum in Sertoli cells, gonocyte and Leydig cells, moreover, lipid droplets cumulated in Leydig cells were observed in group A and group B, and so changes in group C were slightly more than those in group A or group B. The expression of StAR and inhibin-B in Leydig cells decreased significantly in group A and group B (p < 0.05), but there were no difference between group C and group D (P > 0.05). Cadmium has similar effect as estrogen which would affect gonadal differentiation and development in male fetal rats.