Aletris simpliciflora sp. nov. (Nartheciaceae) from southwest Xizang,China

Aletris simpliciflora R. Li & S. D. Zhang, a new species of Nartheciaceae from southwest Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar, and apparently closely related, to A. nana S. C. Chen, but differs by having usually solitary flower, pubescent bract and bracteole, and distinct filaments ca 1.2 mm long.     

Biodegradation of Benazolin-Ethyl by Strain Methyloversatilis sp. cd-1 Isolated from Activated Sludge

Benazolin-ethyl has been used on a wide range of weeds present in various crops since 1964. Because benazolin-ethyl is a potential hazard to the environment and human health, it is important to remove this herbicide from the environment. However, to the best of our knowledge, no report is available in the literature regarding the microbial degradation of benazolin-ethyl by bacteria. In this study, one strain named cd-1, which is capable of degrading benazolin-ethyl, was isolated from benazolin-ethyl wastewater treatment pool. The isolate was identified as Methyloversatilis sp. according to its morphological, physiological, biochemical properties, and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. This strain utilizes benazolin-ethyl as the sole carbon source. and degrades 100?mg?l^?1 benazolin-ethyl to non-detectable level within 48?h. Three metabolites were identified as benazolin, 7-chloro-3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-one, and 2-chloro-6-(methyleneamino)benzenethiol based on the MS/MS and GC/MS analyses. The first step involved in the degradation of benazolin-ethyl was the cleavage of the ester bond to form benazolin. Benazolin was subsequently subjected to demethylation for decomposition into 7-chloro-3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-one and methanol. The last step was to form 2-chloro-6-(methyleneamino)benzenethiol.     

A study of the Distribution and Density of the VEGFR-2 Receptor on Glioma Microvascular Endothelial Cell Membranes

The purpose of the study was to examine the nanoscale distribution and density of the VEGFR-2 membrane receptor on the endothelial cell surface of glioma microvasculature. Immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy combined with immunogold labeling techniques were used to characterize and determine the position of the glioma microvasculature endothelial cell surface receptor VEGFR-2. We aimed to indirectly detect the distribution of VEGFR-2 on the cell membrane at the nanoscale level and to analyze VEGFR-2 quantitatively. Immunofluorescence imaging showed a large amount of VEGFR-2 scattered across the endothelial cell surface; atomic force microscopy imaging also showed two globular structures of different sizes scattered across the endothelial cell surface. The difference between the average diameter of the small globular structure outside the cell surface (43.67 ± 5.02 nm) and that of IgG (44.61 ± 3.19 nm) was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The three-dimensional morphologies of the small globular structure outside the cell surface and IgG were similar. The difference between the average diameter of the large globular structure outside the cell surface (74.19 ± 9.10 nm) and that of IgG-SpA-CG (74.54 ± 15.93 nm) was also not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The three-dimensional morphologies of this large globular structure outside the cell surface and IgG-SpA-CG were similar. The total density of these two globular structures within the unit area was 92 ± 19 particles μm(2). No globular structures were seen on the cell surface in the control group. The large globular structure on the surface of glioma microvascular endothelial cells was categorized as a VEGFR-2-IgG-SpA-CG immune complex, whereas the small globular structure was categorized as a VEGFR-2-IgG immune complex. The positions of the globular structures were the same as the positions of the VEGFR-2 molecules. A large amount of VEGFR-2 was scattered across glioma microvascular endothelial cell surfaces; the receptor density was about 92 per square micron.     

Indications that live poultry markets are a major source of human H5N1 influenza virus infection in China

Human infections of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus have continued to occur in China without corresponding outbreaks in poultry, and there is little conclusive evidence of the source of these infections. Seeking to identify the source of the human infections, we sequenced 31 H5N1 viruses isolated from humans in China (2005 to 2010). We found a number of viral genotypes, not all of which have similar known avian virus counterparts. Guided by patient questionnaire data, we also obtained environmental samples from live poultry markets and dwellings frequented by six individuals prior to disease onset (2008 and 2009). H5N1 viruses were isolated from 4 of the 6 live poultry markets sampled. In each case, the genetic sequences of the environmental and corresponding human isolates were highly similar, demonstrating a link between human infection and live poultry markets. Therefore, infection control measures in live poultry markets are likely to reduce human H5N1 infection in China.     

Molecular pathogenesis of subarachnoid haemorrhage

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) results from leakage of blood into the subarachnoid space and carries high morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited understanding to date, of the risk factors, cellular, intermediate biochemical and genetic traits predisposing to SAH. Nevertheless, in conjunction with improved methods of diagnostic imaging and less invasive approaches to preventing aneurysmal rupture, there may be utility in gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis and in identifying pre-disease markers. Additionally, it is not impossible that drugs of value (e.g. matrix or endothelial modifiers) could become available. Several different clinical subtypes can be recognised, distinguished by arterial or venous involvement, presence of unruptured arterial aneurysms, and apparently "sporadic" and "familial" occurrences. Epidemiological risk factors include alcohol consumption and smoking: hypertension is a risk factor for rupture. About 10% seem to reflect strong family history and this subset may be particularly illuminating with respect to the molecular pathogenesis. Haemodynamic stress and poor vascular structure may be the main mechanisms of pathogenesis. The epidemiological and statistical evidence for familial megaphenic genes and modifier genes is reviewed. This review focuses on the pathogenesis, as opposed to inflammatory response to SAH. It sets in context the roles of specific genes and their protein products, such as polycystin (PKD1), fibrillin (FBN1), collagen III (COL3A1), elastin (ELN), collagen IV, protease inhibitor or alpha1-antitrypsin (PI) and proteases. These considerations illustrate the shortfalls in current knowledge, the needs of future biochemical and cellular research and their potential implications for future prevention of this often fatal condition.     

Staphylococcus epidermidis in the human skin microbiome mediates fermentation to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes: implications of probiotics in acne vulgaris

Increasing evidence demonstrates that commensal microorganisms in the human skin microbiome help fight pathogens and maintain homeostasis of the microbiome. However, it is unclear how these microorganisms maintain biological balance when one of them overgrows. The overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a commensal skin bacterium, has been associated with the progression of acne vulgaris. Our results demonstrate that skin microorganisms can mediate fermentation of glycerol, which is naturally produced in skin, to enhance their inhibitory effects on P. acnes growth. The skin microorganisms, most of which have been identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), in the microbiome of human fingerprints can ferment glycerol and create inhibition zones to repel a colony of overgrown P. acnes. Succinic acid, one of four short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) detected in fermented media by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, effectively inhibits the growth of P. acnes in vitro and in vivo. Both intralesional injection and topical application of succinic acid to P. acnes-induced lesions markedly suppress the P. acnes-induced inflammation in mice. We demonstrate for the first time that bacterial members in the skin microbiome can undergo fermentation to rein in the overgrowth of P. acnes. The concept of bacterial interference between P. acnes and S. epidermidis via fermentation can be applied to develop probiotics against acne vulgaris and other skin diseases. In addition, it will open up an entirely new area of study for the biological function of the skin microbiome in promoting human health.     

Problems in seawater industrial desalination processes and potential sustainable solutions: a review

Seawater desalination has significantly developed towards membrane technology than phase change process during last decade. Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) in general is the most familiar process due to higher water recovery and lower energy consumption compared to other available desalination processes. Despite major advancements in SWRO technology, desalination industry is still facing significant amount of practical issues. Therefore, the potentials and problems faced by current SWRO industries and essential study areas are discussed in this review for the benefit of desalination industry. It is important to consider all the following five components in SWRO process i.e. (1) intake (2) pre-treatment (3) high pressure pumping (4) membrane separation (performance of membranes and brine disposal) and (5) product quality. Development of higher corrosion resistant piping materials or coating materials, valves, and pumps is believed to be in higher research demand. Furthermore, brine management, that includes brine disposal and resource recovery need further attention. Pre-treatment sludge management and reduced cleaning in place flush volume will reduce the capital costs associated with evaporation ponds and the maintenance costs associated with disposal and transportation reducing the unit cost of water.