The evolution of Nyctereutes (Carnivora: Canidae) in the Nihewan Basin,Hebei, northern China

The occurrence of Nyctereutes during the Plio-Pleistocene has long been reported in northern China, with the highest abundance in the Nihewan Basin. However, due to site dispersal, the coexistence of different taxa, and lack of a precise stratigraphic constraint, the evolutionary process of this genus remains enigmatic. In this study, we re-examined the available Nyctereutes materials recovered from the Nihewan Basin housed in IVPP and Tianjin Natural History Museum, in addition to a newly recovered specimen from our latest excavation. Furthermore, we compared these materials with Nyctereutes fossils recovered from the Pleistocene Zhoukoudian sites near Beijing and the extant species N. procyonoides. Our analysis of the upper molar morphometry reveals the variations in size and dietary characteristics within different species of Nyctereutes during the late Plio-Pleistocene. The examination of molars indicates an increase in the size of Nyctereutes sinensis compared to early Pliocene N. tingi as well as changes in the molar teeth morphology. Subsequently, changes in diet or environmental factors possibly caused the decrease of body size in the late Pleistocene. We also estimate an age constraint for the fossils of N. sinensis from the Xiashagou section by relocating Licent's localities and referring of updated magnetostratigraphic data.     

SKIL facilitates tumorigenesis and immune escape of NSCLC via upregulating TAZ/autophagy axis

Immune escape is an important mechanism in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate roles of SKIL in tumorigenesis and immune escape of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SKIL expression levels in NSCLC cell line, clinical sample, and adjacent normal tissue were measured by quantitative PCR, western blot, or immunohistochemistry. Lentivirus was used to overexpress/silence SKIL or TAZ expression. Malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells were evaluated by colony formation, transwell, and MTT assays, and in xenograft mice model. Syngeneic mice model and flow cytometry were used to evaluate T cell infiltration. Quantitative PCR and western blot were applied to evaluate relevant mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation was applied to unveil the interaction between SKIL and TAZ. SKIL expression was higher in NSCLC tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue. Silencing of SKIL inhibited malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells and promoted T cell infiltration. SKIL-knockdown inhibited autophagy and activated the STING pathway in NSCLC cells through down-regulation of TAZ. Silencing of TAZ cancelled the effects of SKIL overexpression on malignant phenotypes and autophagy of NSCLC cells. Inhibition of autophagy reversed the effects of SKIL/TAZ overexpression on the STING pathway. In conclusion, SKIL promoted tumorigenesis and immune escape of NSCLC cells through upregulation of TAZ/autophagy axis and inhibition on downstream STING pathway.Subject terms: Immunology, Cancer     

Development and evaluation of Trichoderma asperellum preparation for control of sheath blight of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Sheath blight, which is caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a disease that majorly impacts rice production. A biocontrol agent used for control rice sheath blight must be sprayed on the stem at specific times during rice growth, a process that is labour-intensive and renders the antagonist vulnerable to environmental factors. In this study, Trichoderma asperellum T12 was used to produce preparation by solid-state fermentation using a surface-response method. Rice hull was selected as a carrier based on its ability to sustain the T12 floating in the water and protect T12 from ultraviolet irradiation. The production of a T12-based preparation required 32% wheat bran, 7% inoculum, 2.3 g kg^?1 (NH₄)₂SO₄ and 65% water content, with fermentation at 27.5°C for 30 days and agitation every six days. The preparation demonstrated 90% biocontrol efficacy and significantly (P > 0.05) increased the seed-set rate and 1000-grain weight as compared with the pathogen treatment. The population of Trichoderma on the surface of rice leaf sheath in the treatment applied with T12 preparation increased from 232 cfu (colony forming units) g^?1 fw (fresh weight) to 436 cfu g^?1 fw during rice growth stage, which was significantly (P > 0.05) higher than pathogen treatment. The population of R. solani on the leaf sheath increased from 41 cfu g^?1 fw to 271 cfu g^?1 fw in the pathogen treatment, while remained stable (P > 0.05) at level of 10–23 cfu g^?1 fw in T12 preparation applied treatment. Biocontrol of sheath blight by the addition of the preparation to the soil is effective and decreases the costs of agro-industrial waste disposal.     

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) are commonly used to lessen symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). However, the effects of PPI therapy on the gastrointestinal microbiota in GERD patients remain unclear. We examined the association between the PPI usage and the microbiota present in gastric mucosal and fecal samples from GERD patients and healthy controls(HCs) using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. GERD patients taking PPIs were further divided into short-term and long-term PPI user groups. We showed that PPI administration lowered the relative bacterial diversity of the gastric microbiota in GERD patients. Compared to the non-PPIuser and HC groups, higher abundances of Planococcaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Sphingomonadaceae were found in the gastric microbiota from the PPI-user group. In addition, the Methylophilus genus was more highly abundant in the long-term PPI user group than in the short-term PPI-user group. Despite the absence of differences in alpha diversity, there were significant differences in the fecal bacterial composition of between GERD patients taking PPIs and those not taking PPIs. There was a higher abundance of Streptococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Acidaminococcaceae,Micrococcaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae present in the fecal microbiota from the PPI-user group than those from the non-PPI-user and HC groups. Additionally, a significantly higher abundance of Ruminococcus was found in GERD patients on long-term PPI medication than that on shortterm PPI medication. Our study indicates that PPI administration in patients with GERD has a significant effect on the abundance and structure of the gastric mucosal microbiota but only on the composition of the fecal microbiota.     

RACK1对硼替佐米诱导的多发性骨髓瘤细胞凋亡及MAPK/ERK通路的影响

目的:探讨蛋白激酶C受体(Receptor for activated C kinase1,RACK1)对硼替佐米(Bortezomi,Bor)诱导的多发性骨髓瘤(Multiple myeloma,MM)细胞凋亡及MAPK/ERK通路的影响。方法:选取6例岳阳市第一人民医院收治的MM患者及6名正常体检者,用实时荧光定量PCR检测血浆及人MM细胞系中RACK1 m RNA的表达。将MM细胞分为3组:对照组(不干预)、Bor组(75n M的Bor干预12 h)和Bor+siRACK1组(RACK1 si RNA转染24 h后再行Bor干预)。CCK-8法检测各组细胞中的细胞存活率,Hoechest 33342染色检测细胞凋亡,Western Blot检测MAPK/ERK通路相关蛋白表达。结果:与正常体检者相比,MM患者血浆及MM细胞系中RACK1 m RNA表达显著增加(P0.05)。Bor作用12 h、24 h和48 h可显著降低MM细胞的存活率(P0.05)。与对照组相比,Bor组和Bor+siRACK1组细胞存活率显著降低,Bor+siRACK1组细胞存活率明显高于Bor组(P0.05)。Hoechest 33342染色显示对照组细胞核染色均一,未见凋亡小体,Bor组见少量凋亡小体,而Bor+siRACK1组细胞见大量凋亡小体,表现为核固缩或碎块状;与对照组相比,Bor组和Bor+siRACK1组细胞中多发性骨髓瘤细胞凋亡率显著增加(P0.05),Bor+siRACK1组多发性骨髓瘤细胞凋亡率明显高于Bor组(P0.05)。三组间多发性骨髓瘤细胞凋亡率对比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。与对照组相比,Bor组和Bor+siRACK1组细胞中p-P38和p-ERK的表达显著降低,而Bor+siRACK1组p-P38和p-ERK的表达低于Bor组(P0.05),3组间P38和ERK的表达对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:RACK1沉默可增强Bor诱导的MM细胞凋亡及生长抑制,其机制可能与MAPK/ERK途径抑制有关。     

燃煤污染型氟中毒患者氟暴露、骨相损伤程度与骨形成标志物的关系

慢性氟暴露是世界范围内的公共卫生问题之一.为研究燃煤污染型氟中毒患者中氟暴露、骨相损伤程度与骨形成标志物血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙素(BGP)之间的相关关系,以贵州省织金县荷花村(燃煤污染型地方性氟中毒病区)和安顺市张官村(非氟暴露村)为调查点,采集环境样品,采用氟离子选择电极法测定环境介质及食物中的氟含量.在知情同意的原则下,对295例氟暴露和85例非氟暴露调查对象进行氟斑牙、氟骨症诊断;收集其尿液及外周血,测定尿氟(UF)浓度、ALP活性和BGP含量.结果表明: 病区环境中大米、辣椒、玉米、饮水、黏土、菜土、煤以及室内外空气氟含量均明显高于对照区,但较以往报道数据降低;随着尿氟浓度的升高,ALP活性、BGP含量显著升高,氟骨症病情差异有统计学意义,氟斑牙病情差异无统计学意义;氟骨症病情与ALP活性、BGP含量呈正相关.表明燃煤污染型低氟暴露可引起人群的骨相损害,且ALP、BGP可用于评估氟骨症患者骨转换情况,在氟骨症的辅助诊断、疗效评估中有着一定的应用价值.     

复方扁咽宁对急性咽炎大鼠疗效及其机制

目的:观察复方扁咽宁对急性咽炎大鼠的治疗作用及其作用机理,为其临床应用提供依据。方法:采用氨水直接喷雾法复制大鼠急性咽炎模型,将其随机分为模型组、复方扁咽宁高、中、低剂量组,另取正常大鼠作为对照,每组10只,高、中、低剂量组剂量(g/kg)分别按28.8、14.4、7.2(生药量计)灌胃药物水提液,正常组与模型组给予等量蒸馏水,观察并记录各组大鼠的症状表现;于末次给药24 h后,腹主动脉采血,ELISA法检测血清中IL-1β及TNF-α的含量,采用HE染色法观察各组大鼠肺组织及肺支气管组织形态,透射电镜法观察气管纤毛形态。结果:模型组急性咽炎表现明显:咽部红肿、充血,气管及肺组织出现病理改变,血清中IL-1β及TNF-α的含量显著升高(与正常组比较,P＜0.05),提示造模成功;与模型组相比,复方扁咽宁低、中、高剂量组急性咽炎的症状如咽部红肿、充血等现象得到明显缓解,肺组织及肺支气管组织形态得到明显的改善,血清中IL-1β及TNF-α的含量显著下降,中剂量组和高剂量组疗效更显著。结论:复方扁咽宁可加速急性咽炎的康复进程,改善支气管及肺的组织形态,其作用机制可能与抑制血清IL-1β和 TNF-α的释放等有关。     

基于Maxent的大洋臀纹粉蚧和南洋臀纹粉蚧在中国的适生区分析

大洋臀纹粉蚧Planococcus minor Maskell和南洋臀纹粉蚧P.lilacinus Cockerell是我国有重要检疫意义的有害生物。这两种粉蚧从东盟进口水果口岸检疫中频繁截获,且已在广东、海南、云南等地发现大洋臀纹粉蚧入侵,这对我国热带、亚热带的水果和观赏植物等已构成严重威胁。本研究以大洋臀纹粉蚧和南洋臀纹粉蚧在国内外的分布数据为基础,利用Maxent生态位模型和Arc GIS对两种粉蚧在中国的潜在适生区进行预测。预测结果表明,大洋臀纹粉蚧和南洋臀纹粉蚧的适生区主要分布在长江流域以南地区,其适生区面积分别占全国面积的22.14%、18.17%,其中高度适生区域集中分布在广西、广东、云南、福建、四川、台湾、海南等地区,与我国热带水果的主要种植区域具有高度的一致性。大洋臀纹粉蚧已成功入侵,一旦南洋臀纹粉蚧传入便可迅速扩散蔓延,并对我国热带水果生产造成严重危害。因此,各口岸应加强对东盟进口水果的检验检疫,预防其新的进入和扩散。     

Performance of the Plusoptix A09 Photoscreener in Detecting Amblyopia Risk Factors in Chinese Children Attending an Eye Clinic

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of the Plusoptix A09 photoscreener in detecting amblyopia risk factors in children and determine referral criteria when using Plusoptix A09 for a large-scale vision screening.

Methods

Pediatric patients attending our eye clinic underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination that included photorefraction, orthoptic examination, anterior segment assessment, fundus examination and cycloplegic retinoscopy. The measurements were collected for statistical analyses.

Results

One hundred and seventy-eight children (mean age ± SD: 6.2±2.4 years, range: 2.2 to 14.1 years) were included in the study. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) obtained using Plusoptix A09 (P_SE) was 0.57 D lower than that obtained from cycloplegic retinoscopy (CR_SE) (P = 0.00). However, there was no statistically significant difference of Jackson cross cylinder J₀ and J₄₅ between Plusoptix A09 (P_J) and cycloplegic retinoscopy (CR_J) (P = 0.14, P = 0.26). The relationship of SE obtained from Plusoptix A09 and SE obtained from cycloplegic retinoscopy was presented as the equation: CR_SE = 0.358 + 0.776 P_SE + 0.064 P_SE ² + 0.011 P_SE ³. Based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, the Plusoptix A09 had an overall sensitivity of 94.9% and specificity of 67.5% for detecting refractive amblyopia risk factors. The sensitivity and specificity of the Plusoptix A09 for detection of strabismus were 40.7% and 98.3%, respectively; detection of amblyopia and/or strabismus was 84.7% and 63.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The Plusoptix A09 photoscreener underestimated hyperopia and overestimated myopia according to SE when compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy. The accuracy of the Plusoptix A09 in detecting amblyopia risk factors in children could be improved by the regression equation and optimized criteria for refractive amblyopia risk factors developed in the present study. Moreover, the Plusoptix A09 photoscreener is not suitable for a large-scale strabismus screening when it is applied solely.