Genome analysis of three Pneumocystis species reveals adaptation mechanisms to life exclusively in mammalian hosts.

Pneumocystis jirovecii is a major cause of life-threatening pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients including transplant recipients and those with HIV/AIDS, yet surprisingly little is known about the biology of this fungal pathogen. Here we report near complete genome assemblies for three Pneumocystis species that infect humans, rats and mice. Pneumocystis genomes are highly compact relative to other fungi, with substantial reductions of ribosomal RNA genes, transporters, transcription factors and many metabolic pathways, but contain expansions of surface proteins, especially a unique and complex surface glycoprotein superfamily, as well as proteases and RNA processing proteins.

Selenium Alleviates Aflatoxin B₁-Induced Immune Toxicity through Improving Glutathione Peroxidase 1 and Selenoprotein S Expression in Primary Porcine Splenocytes.

Selenium (Se) is generally known as an essential micronutrient and antioxidant for humans and animals. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a frequent contaminant of food and feed, causing immune toxicity and hepatotoxicity. Little has been done about the mechanisms of how Se protects against AFB1-induced immune toxicity.

Hierarchical heterostructures based on prickly Ni nanowires/Cu2O nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Metal-semiconductor-based photocatalysts show high efficiencies and catalytic activities in the photocatalysis process. Herein, the magnetic and one-dimensional Ni-Cu2O heteronanowires have been fabricated via in situ reduction of pre-adsorbed Cu(2+) on the surface of prickly Ni nanowires in an ethanol solution for photocatalysis application. The resultant Ni-Cu2O heteronanowires show higher photocatalytic ability than pure Cu2O nanoparticles in the degradation of methyl orange.

A double-negative feedback loop between EZH2 and miR-26a regulates tumor cell growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Accumulating evidence demonstrates the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor development and progression. miR-26a has been reported to be downregulated in several types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, but the underlying mechanism of how miR-26a is repressed remains largely unknown. In the present study, we performed western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to investigate the relationship between miR-26a and the enhancer of zest homologue 2 (EZH2).

A Review on Graphene-Based Gas/Vapor Sensors with Unique Properties and Potential Applications.

Graphene-based gas/vapor sensors have attracted much attention in recent years due to their variety of structures, unique sensing performances, room-temperature working conditions, and tremendous application prospects, etc. Herein, we summarize recent advantages in graphene preparation, sensor construction, and sensing properties of various graphene-based gas/vapor sensors, such as NH, NO, H, CO, SO, HS, as well as vapor of volatile organic compounds. The detection mechanisms pertaining to various gases are also discussed.

Reciprocal negative feedback loop between EZH2 and miR-101-1 contributes to miR-101 deregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Although the tumor suppressive role of miR-101 is well documented in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), how the expression of miR-101 itself is regulated remains elusive. In the present study, we demonstrated that the miR-101 precursor pre-miR-101-1 could be regulated by an important epigenetic regulator, the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Reporter gene assays revealed that ectopic expression of EZH2 inhibited the transcriptional activities of miR-101-1 promoter.

Nephropathy and hepatopathy in weaned piglets provoked by natural ochratoxin A and involved mechanisms.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination is a worldwide problem in pig industry. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the toxicity of natural OTA in weaned piglets and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. Totally, 36 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) piglets were randomly divided into 3 groups (three replicates per group, 4 piglets per replicate), and fed a basal diet (Con group) and basal diets added with 0.

Serum miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 as potential biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the expressions of serum miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their diagnostic value.

Methods: Serum levels of miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 52 HCC patients, 42 chronic hepatitis (CH) patients and 43 healthy controls. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value.

From tunable core-shell nanoparticles to plasmonic drawbridges: Active control of nanoparticle optical properties.

The optical properties of metallic nanoparticles are highly sensitive to interparticle distance, giving rise to dramatic but frequently irreversible color changes. By electrochemical modification of individual nanoparticles and nanoparticle pairs, we induced equally dramatic, yet reversible, changes in their optical properties. We achieved plasmon tuning by oxidation-reduction chemistry of Ag-AgCl shells on the surfaces of both individual and strongly coupled Au nanoparticle pairs, resulting in extreme but reversible changes in scattering line shape.

High Chromaticity Aluminum Plasmonic Pixels for Active Liquid Crystal Displays.

Chromatic devices such as flat panel displays could, in principle, be substantially improved by incorporating aluminum plasmonic nanostructures instead of conventional chromophores that are susceptible to photobleaching. In nanostructure form, aluminum is capable of producing colors that span the visible region of the spectrum while contributing exceptional robustness, low cost, and streamlined manufacturability compatible with semiconductor manufacturing technology. However, individual aluminum nanostructures alone lack the vivid chromaticity of currently available chromophores because of the strong damping of the aluminum plasmon resonance in the visible region of the spectrum.

Tang-Tong-Fang Confers Protection against Experimental Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Reducing Inflammation.

Tang-tong-fang (TTF) is a Chinese herbal formula that has been shown to be beneficial in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication secondary to diabetic microvascular injury. However, the underlying mechanism of protection in nerve ischemia provided by TTF is still unclear. We hypothesized that TTF alleviates DPN via inhibition of ICAM-1 expression.

Rock2 stabilizes β-catenin to promote tumor invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer.

Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 (Rock2) is an effector for the small GTPase Rho and plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the effect of Rock2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) still remains unclear. In this study, we found that Rock2 expression was markedly increased in clinical CRC tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues.

Hydrophilic and blue fluorescent N-doped carbon dots from tartaric acid and various alkylol amines under microwave irradiation.

The desired control of particle size, doping element composition, and surface structure of carbon dots (CDs) are vital for understanding the fluorescence mechanism and exploring their potential applications. Herein, nitrogen-doped CDs (N-doped CDs) have been synthesized with tartaric acid and various alkylol amines (monoethanolamine, biethanolamine and triethanolamine) under microwave irradiation. A systematic investigation was performed to characterize the N-doped CDs.

microRNA-22 downregulation of galectin-9 influences lymphocyte apoptosis and tumor cell proliferation in liver cancer.

Galectin-9 (Gal-9) plays an important role in both the immune response and tumor progression, while microRNAs act as tumor regulators to mediate tumorigenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between Gal-9 and microRNA-mediated regulation in liver cancer.

Photoluminescence of a Plasmonic Molecule.

Photoluminescent Au nanoparticles are appealing for biosensing and bioimaging applications because of their non-photobleaching and non-photoblinking emission. The mechanism of one-photon photoluminescence from plasmonic nanostructures is still heavily debated though. Here, we report on the one-photon photoluminescence of strongly coupled 50 nm Au nanosphere dimers, the simplest plasmonic molecule.

Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Proteins that Bind to the Identical Ligand in Supported Lipid Bilayers.

Herein, we developed a new separation-based detection method that is capable of simultaneously identifying multiple competitively binding proteins for the same ligand on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). This strategy used unlabeled target analyte proteins that bind to fluorescently tagged, lipid-conjugated ligands within the SLB. The protein-ligand binding complexes were then focused under an applied potential to different locations within the SLB based on each protein's size and charge.

Characterization of chemokine and chemokine receptor expression during Pneumocystis infection in healthy and immunodeficient mice.

We examined gene expression levels of multiple chemokines and chemokine receptors during Pneumocystis murina infection in wild-type and immunosuppressed mice, using microarrays and qPCR. In wild-type mice, expression of chemokines that are ligands for Ccr2, Cxcr3, Cxcr6, and Cxcr2 increased at days 32-41 post-infection, with a return to baseline by day 75-150. Concomitant increases were seen in Ccr2, Cxcr3, and Cxcr6, but not in Cxcr2 expression.

Glutamine starvation enhances PCV2 replication via the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, as promoted by reducing glutathione levels.

Glutamine has a positive effect on ameliorating reproductive failure caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). However, the mechanism by which glutamine affects PCV2 replication remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of glutamine on PCV2 replication and its underlying mechanisms in vitro.

Isoniazid conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide): long-term controlled drug release and tissue regeneration for bone tuberculosis therapy.

Bone tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common extrapulmonary TB. Effective integration of chemotherapy and bone regeneration is an optimal solution for bone TB therapy. Herein, we produce a composite scaffold drug delivery system fabricated with an isoniazid conjugated star poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-INH4) and β-TCP.

ROCK2 promotes HCC proliferation by CEBPD inhibition through phospho-GSK3β/β-catenin signaling.

Rho-associated kinase 2 (Rock2) is known to promote tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD) functions as a tumor suppressor. In this study, we found that the expression of Rock2 and CEBPD are inversely correlated.

Surfactant-free synthesis of Cu2O hollow spheres and their wavelength-dependent visible photocatalytic activities using LED lamps as cold light sources.

A facile synthesis route of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) hollow spheres under different temperatures without the aid of a surfactant was introduced. Morphology and structure varied as functions of reaction temperature and duration. A bubble template-mediated formation mechanism was proposed, which explained the reason of morphology changing with reaction temperature.

Rock2 promotes the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modifying MMP2 ubiquitination and degradation.

Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 (Rock2) is a downstream effector of Rho that plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is a master regulator of tumor metastasis. In this study, we investigated the collections of Rock2 and MMP2 in HCCs and determined the potential role and molecular mechanism of Rock2 in MMP2-mediated invasiveness and metastasis.

Facile synthesis of soluble functional graphene by reduction of graphene oxide via acetylacetone and its adsorption of heavy metal ions.

The synthesis of graphene (GR) from graphene oxide (GO) typically involves harmful chemical reducing agents that are undesirable for most practical applications. Here we report a green and facile synthesis method for the synthesis of GR that is soluble in water and organic solvents and that includes the additional benefit of adsorption of heavy metal ions. Acetylacetone, as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer, was used to prepare soluble GR from GO.

An evaluation of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of melamine in combination with cyanuric acid at three mass ratios.

Melamine in combination with cyanuric acid has been considered to be more toxic than either melamine or cyanuric acid alone. The objective of this study was designed to evaluate the combined genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of melamine (M) and cyanuric acid (C) at three mass ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1). MC (1:1), MC (1:2), and MC (2:1) were evaluated for their potential genotoxic risk, at gene level by Ames test, and at chromosomal level by micronucleus test.

Selenium-enriched probiotics improve antioxidant status, immune function, and selenoprotein gene expression of piglets raised under high ambient temperature.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium-enriched probiotics (SP) on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune function, and selenoprotein gene expression of piglets under natural high ambient temperature in summer. Forty-eight crossbred weanling piglets randomly allocated to four groups were fed for 42 days ad libitum a basal diet without (Con, 0.16 mg Se/kg) and with supplementation of probiotics (P, 0.