Gut microbiota: Implications in pathogenesis and therapy to cardiovascular disease (Review).

The gut microbiota refers to the diverse bacterial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent data indicate a strong correlation between alterations in the gut microbiota composition and the onset of various diseases, notably cardiovascular disorders. Evidence suggests the gut-cardiovascular axis signaling molecules released by the gut microbiota play a pivotal role in regulation.

Continuous artificial light at night exacerbates diisononyl phthalate-induced learning and memory impairment in mice: Toxicological evidence.

Previously, we reported that exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DINP) resulted in cognitive deficits and anxiety in mice (https://doi.org/10.1038/srep14676).

Diisodecyl phthalate aggravates the formaldehyde-exposure-induced learning and memory impairment in mice.

Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) is a new type of phthalate used in the coating of pharmaceutical pills and in plastic food wrappers. This research was conducted to investigate whether DIDP could cause learning and memory impairment in mice, using formaldehyde (FA) to construct a positive control. Behavioral analysis showed that oral administration of 15 mg kg·d DIDP combined with inhalation of 1 mg m FA led to learning and memory impairment in mice.

PPAR-α acutely inhibits functional activity of ASICs in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), a lipid activated transcription factor of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, can relieve pain through a rapid-response mechanism. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. Herein, we report that PPAR-α activation acutely inhibits the functional activity of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), key sensors for extracellular protons, in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.

Formaldehyde-induced paxillin-tyrosine phosphorylation and paxillin and P53 downexpression in Hela cells.

Formaldehyde (FA) is an environmental pollutant and an endogenous product believed to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the underlying mechanism of observed FA effects has not been clearly defined. Paxillin is a focal adhesion protein that may play an important role in several signaling pathways.

[Study on manufacturing materials of imitation snails].

Objective: To make imitation snails by using substances with chemotaxis to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia.

Methods: The imitation snails were made by using Fe3+, gelatin and agar. The modified comparison method of Roberts was used to observe the chemotaxis of imitation snails and snail conditioned water (SCW) to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia.

Mathematical modelling and control of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province, China.

Hubei Province, along with four other provinces in the central and eastern China where schistosomiasis is endemic (Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi), is located in the lake and marshland regions along the Yangtze River. High population density, large numbers of farm cattle, and huge areas of snail habitat are the main characteristics that maintain the persistence of the disease and the transmission of the parasite Schistosoma japonicum in these regions. Based on the schistosomiasis infection data from Hubei province, we propose a mathematical model for the human-cattle-snail transmission of schistosomiasis.

[Studies on mechanism of protective immunity against infection of Schistosoma japonicum induced by Sj26 gene transfected dendritic cell].

Objective: To explore the mechanism of protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum infection induced by Sj26 gene transfected dendritic cell (DC).

Methods: 48 BALB/c mice were divided randomly into 4 groups with 12 each. The mice were injected through auricle for three times with Sj26 gene transfected DC (Group A), pcDNA3 transfected DC (Group B), untreated DC (Group C) and RPMI-1640 (Group D) respectively, and challenged with 40+/-2 cercariae of S.

Comparison of the role of dendritic cells and macrophages in inducing protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum.

Objective: To compare a potential role of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in inducing protective immunity against infection with Schistosoma japonicum.

Methods: DCs and macrophages were pulsed in vitro with soluble egg antigen (SEA) of S. japonicum.