•Genistein exerts neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in LPS-induced PD rat model.•Genistein inhibits LPS-induced activation of MAPKs and NF-κB pathways and reduces neuroinflammation in ...substantia nigra.•GPER and IGF-1R signaling pathways might be involved in the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of genistein.
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Genistein is an estrogen-like phytoestrogen that can exert biological effects via the crosstalk of estrogen receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). The present study aimed to evaluate the involvement of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and IGF-1R in the anti-inflammatory effects of genistein against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nigrostriatal injury in ovariectomized rats. Our results showed that genistein treatment could ameliorate the apomorphine-induced rotational behavior in LPS-induced inflammatory PD rat model. Genistein attenuated LPS-induced decrease of the contents of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in striatum as well as the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the lesioned side, which could be blocked by GPER antagonist G15 or IGF-1R antagonist JB1. Meanwhile, G15 or JB1 could attenuate the anti-inflammatory effects of genistein in LPS-induced microglial activation and production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, genistein could inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK and IκB in the lesioned side of SN and these effects could also be blocked by G15 or JB1. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence that genistein can inhibit the increase of microglia and protect dopaminergic neurons at least in part via GPER and IGF-1R signaling pathways in ovariectomized PD rat model.
•Carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) and soy protein isolate (SPI) were used.•Blended films of CMKGM and SPI were prepared.•Hydrogen bonding and Maillard reactions explain CMKGM and SPI ...interations.•Biopolymer interactions led to improved properties of the blended films.•Tensile strength and elongation at break were greater in the blended films.
To elucidate biopolymer interactions between carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) and soy protein isolate (SPI) in different ratios on physicochemical properties of the blended films, biodegradable CMKGM/SPI films were prepared and characterized.
The results showed that CMKGM and SPI are highly compatible in blended film formation, and that Maillard reactions and hydrogen bonds interactions between CMKGM and SPI occurred. The water adsorption of the CMKGM/SPI films progressively decreased with increasing CMKGM level, the surface wettability of the blended films was improved with increasing CMKGM content; the CMKGM/SPI blend films had enhanced tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) compared to pure CMKGM and SPI films; the oxygen permeability of blend films was decreased; the roughness was decreased with increasing CMKGM content. Moreover, the CMKGM/SPI film was biocompatible and biodegradable.
This study examined the effect of mixed fermentation of non-Saccharomyces (Torulaspora delbrueckii ZYMAFLORE AlphaTD n. Sacch and Metschnikowia pulcherrima JS22) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts ...(D254 and EC1118) on the production of cherry wines, in comparison with commonly used mono-culture. Results obtained during AF demonstrated that negligible inhibitory effect was observed in S. cerevisiae/Alpha pair, whereas a strong antagonistic effect was detected between MJS22 and S. cerevisiae strain, resulting in an early death of MJS22. For volatile components determined, S. cerevisiae/MJS22 couple was found to significantly boost the production of most detected compounds, more particularly in higher alcohols, esters, acids and terpenes; while the characteristic of S. cerevisiae/Alpha pair is an increase in fruity esters, higher alcohols and decrease in acid production. Sensory evaluation revealed that S. cerevisiae/MJS22 pair reinforced sweet, green and fatty notes to the cherry wines, and S. cerevisiae/Alpha trial enhanced the fruity odour and reduced green note.
•This is the first report on the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts for cherry wine production.•MJS22 significantly boosted the production of most detected volatile compounds.•Saccharomyces cerevisiae/Alpha resulted in increase of volatile esters and alcohols and decrease of acid.•S. cerevisiae/MJS22 pair reinforced sweet, green and fatty notes.•S. cerevisiae/Alpha trials enhanced the fruity odor and reduced the green descriptor.
Nitrogen removal via nitrite is an energy-saving method for high-strength ammonia wastewater treatment. A better understanding of the formation of granular sludge dominated by aerobic ...ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) could facilitate the improved use of rapid sludge granulation for nitritation. In this study, AerAOB-dominated activated sludge (NAS) and granular sludge (NGS) produced different
N
-scyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs).
N
-(3-oxohexanoyl)-
l
-homoserinelactone (OHHL), only released from NGS, was shown to accelerate sludge aggregation by increasing the biomass growth rate, microbial activity, extracellular protein, and AerAOB biomass. For both NAS and NGS, sludge cells were glued together by inner extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) with similar components to form microcolony. Different from the characterized negative effect of NAS’s outer-EPS on cell adhesion, the outer-EPS of NGS played a positive role in the attached growth of AerAOB-dominated sludge and contained more tryptophan-like substances. More interesting, OHHL enhanced the yields of tryptophan-like substances after mixing with the outer-EPS of NGS, enhancing cell adhesion. In a word, OHHL and more tryptophan-like substances were produced in the process of granulation under the selective sludge discharge condition, which was proved to be able to accelerate NAS granulation. Therefore, the sludge granulation process for nitritation can be improved by increasing the levels of OHHL and tryptophan in the initial startup stage. The appropriate engineering strategy should be further studied to facilitate the actual application of granular sludge for nitrogen removal on a large scale.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, benign neoplasm with a predilection for children that predominantly involves the craniofacial region. Here we report 2 cases of MNTI ...involving epididymis, placing emphasis on the sonographic features. Both appeared to be hypoechoic, regular shaped masses with abundant blood supplies. The unique sonographic features and age of predilection make it possible to diagnose MNTI within the scrotum by ultrasonography.
Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) is an excellent and widely used host for recombinant protein production. Many variant hosts were developed from BL21 (DE3), but improving the expression of specific ...proteins remains a major challenge in biotechnology. In this study, we found that when BL21 (DE3) overexpressed glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), a significant industrial enzyme, severe cell autolysis was induced. Subsequently, we observed this phenomenon in the expression of 10 other recombinant proteins. This precludes a further increase of the produced enzyme activity by extending the fermentation time, which is not conducive to the reduction of industrial enzyme production costs. Analysis of membrane structure and messenger RNA expression analysis showed that cells could underwent a form of programmed cell death (PCD) during the autolysis period. However, blocking three known PCD pathways in BL21 (DE3) did not completely alleviate autolysis completely. Consequently, we attempted to develop a strong expression host resistant to autolysis by controlling the speed of recombinant protein expression. To find a more suitable protein expression rate, the high‐ and low‐strength promoter lacUV5 and lac were shuffled and recombined to yield the promoter variants lacUV5‐1A and lac‐1G. The results showed that only one base in lac promoter needs to be changed, and the A at the +1 position was changed to a G, resulting in the improved host BL21 (DE3‐lac1G), which resistant to autolysis. As a consequence, the GDH activity at 43 h was greatly increased from 37.5 to 452.0 U/ml. In scale‐up fermentation, the new host was able to produce the model enzyme with a high rate of 89.55 U/ml/h at 43 h, compared to only 3 U/ml/h achieved using BL21 (DE3). Importantly, BL21 (DE3‐lac1G) also successfully improved the production of 10 other enzymes. The engineered E. coli strain constructed in this study conveniently optimizes recombinant protein overexpression by suppressing cell autolysis, and shows great potential for industrial applications.
The high‐ and low‐strength promoter lacUV5 and lac were shuffled and recombined for controlling the speed of recombinant protein expression. Results demonstrate that the new strain BL21 (DE3‐lac1G) can effectively avoid cell lysis and successfully improved the production of over 10 enzymes, which will make it a popular host for protein production, especially for proteins requiring a longer fermentation time or maturation with post‐processing.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic ...regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi-positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi), which is one of the most common microsporidia, has been identified as an important obligate intracellular pathogen that commonly colonizes in a variety of ...animal species and humans worldwide, including humans. In this study, the statistical analyses of E. bieneusi infection and prevalence were performed to clarify the relationship between different genotypes in different countries. The databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect were used for data collection. The research data were subjected to subgroup, univariate regression, and correlation, to reveal factors related to the high prevalence of E. bieneusi. A total of, 34 of the 498 articles published before April 2022 met the inclusion criteria. The global prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs was 37.69% (5175/12672). The prevalence of E. bieneusi in nursery pigs was 58.87% (588/946). In developing countries and Asia, the highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs were 37.62% (4752/11645) and 40.14% (4715/11345), respectively. Moreover, humans and pigs have been found to be infected with the same genotype of E. bieneusi in some cases, as evidenced by the consolidation of genotype information. The results showed that pigs are susceptible to E. bieneusi during the nursery period. The prevalence of E. bieneusi is high in developing countries, and its genotype prevalence varies in each country. Thus, it is essential to strengthen the health inspection of vulnerable groups and customs quarantine inspection.
•A total of 34 papers containing 12672 pigs from 12 countries were analyzed, and the prevalence was 37.69%.•The prevalence of E. bieneusi pigs in developing countries is higher than that in developed countries.•Higher positive rates were observed in pigs raised in scale farms.•A total of 265 ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi were found in investigated pigs•Pig is one of the important potential sources of E. bieneusi infection in humans.
Oxaliplatin can cause severe peripheral neurotoxicity, which is an important reason for clinical oxaliplatin reduction and cessation of treatment. Oxaliplatin induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN) ...can cause paresthesia and dysesthesia, even affect the quality life of patients. So far, there are no recognized and effective measures to prevent OIPN. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction is a classical prescription of ancient Chinese medicine recorded in "the synopsis of the Golden Chamber," which can be used in the treatment of various neurotoxicity. However, there is a lack of large-scale and high-quality clinical studies on the prevention of OIPN by Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction on preventing OIPN.
This study is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, and multicenter clinical trial. Three hundred sixty patients will be randomly assigned into Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction group and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction mimetic agent group. Patients will receive chemotherapy with FOLFOX of 8 cycles of 3 weeks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for 6 months and 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome measure is the differences in the incidence of chronic neurotoxicity of grade 2 and above during and after treatment. The secondary outcome measure is the improvement in other symptoms associated with chemotherapy. Four methods will be used to evaluate the efficacy of neurotoxicity, including oxaliplatin specific toxicity grading standard (Levi classification); CTCAE4.02 version; EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 scale, EORTC QLQ C30 scale, and EORTC QLQ-CR29 scale are used at the same time; Electromyography.
This study will provide objective evidences to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction on preventing OIPN.
Clinical Trials.gov (Identifier: NCT04261920).
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