Efficient Conversion of Phenylpyruvic Acid to Phenyllactic Acid by Using Whole Cells of Bacillus coagulans SDM

Background: Phenyllactic acid (PLA), a novel antimicrobial compound with broad and effective antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi, can be produced by many microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria. However, the concentration and productivity of PLA have been low in previous studies. The enzymes responsible for conversion of phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) into PLA are equivocal. Methodology/Principal Findings: A novel thermophilic strain, Bacillus coagulans SDM, was isolated for production of PLA. When the solubility and dissolution rate of PPA were enhanced at a high temperature, whole cells of B. coagulans SDM could effectively convert PPA into PLA at a high concentration (37.3 g l 21) and high productivity (2.3 g l 21 h 21) under optimal conditions. Enzyme activity staining and kinetic studies identified NAD-dependent lactate dehydrogenases as the key enzymes that reduced PPA to PLA. Conclusions/Significance: Taking advantage of the thermophilic character of B. coagulans SDM, a high yield and productivity of PLA were obtained. The enzymes involved in PLA production were identified and characterized, which makes possible the rational design and construction of microorganisms suitable for PLA production with metaboli

Receptor usage and cell entry of bat coronavirus HKU4 provide insight into bat-to-human transmission of MERS coronavirus

A constant and long-term threat to human health is cross-species transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from bats to humans. However, this process is poorly understood. Examining the cross-species transmissibility of bat coronavirus HKU4, which is genetically related to MERS-CoV, can provide critical information about the likely causes of MERS-CoV infections in humans. Here we investigate the receptor usage and cell entry mechanism of HKU4 compared with MERS-CoV. Our results reveal that MERS-CoV has adapted to use human receptor and cellular proteases for efficient human cell entry, whereas HKU4 can potentially follow-up and also infect human cells. These findings are critical for evaluating emerging disease potentials of bat coronaviruses and for preventing and controlling their spread in humans

A Novel Whole-Cell Biocatalyst with NAD+ Regeneration for Production of Chiral Chemicals

Background: The high costs of pyridine nucleotide cofactors have limited the applications of NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductases on an industrial scale. Although NAD(P)H regeneration systems have been widely studied, NAD(P) + regeneration, which is required in reactions where the oxidized form of the cofactor is used, has been less well explored, particularly in whole-cell biocatalytic processes. Methodology/Principal Findings: Simultaneous overexpression of an NAD + dependent enzyme and an NAD + regenerating enzyme (H2O producing NADH oxidase from Lactobacillus brevis) in a whole-cell biocatalyst was studied for application in the NAD +-dependent oxidation system. The whole-cell biocatalyst with (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase as the catalyzing enzyme was used to produce (3R)-acetoin, (3S)-acetoin and (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol. Conclusions/Significance: A recombinant strain, in which an NAD + regeneration enzyme was coexpressed, displayed significantly higher biocatalytic efficiency in terms of the production of chiral acetoin and (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol. The application of this coexpression system to the production of other chiral chemicals could be extended by using differen

Generation of Genetically Modified Mice by Oocyte Injection of Androgenetic Haploid Embryonic Stem Cells

SummaryHaploid cells are amenable for genetic analysis. Recent success in the derivation of mouse haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) via parthenogenesis has enabled genetic screening in mammalian cells. However, successful generation of live animals from these haESCs, which is needed to extend the genetic analysis to the organism level, has not been achieved. Here, we report the derivation of haESCs from androgenetic blastocysts. These cells, designated as AG-haESCs, partially maintain paternal imprints, express classical ESC pluripotency markers, and contribute to various tissues, including the germline, upon injection into diploid blastocysts. Strikingly, live mice can be obtained upon injection of AG-haESCs into MII oocytes, and these mice bear haESC-carried genetic traits and develop into fertile adults. Furthermore, gene targeting via homologous recombination is feasible in the AG-haESCs. Our results demonstrate that AG-haESCs can be used as a genetically tractable fertilization agent for the production of live animals via injection into oocytes.PaperCli

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Deficiency Attenuates Experimental Colitis-Induced Adipose Tissue Lipolysis

Aims. Nutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Adipose tissue plays a critical role in regulating energy balance. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important endocrine metabolic regulator with emerging beneficial roles in lipid homeostasis. We investigated the impact of FGF21 in experimental colitis-induced epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) lipolysis. Methods. Mice were given 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) ad libitum for 7 days to induce colitis. The role of FGF21 was investigated using antibody neutralization or knockout (KO) mice. Lipolysis index and adipose lipolytic enzymes were determined. In addition, 3T3-L1 cells were pretreated with IL-6, followed by recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) treatment; lipolysis was assessed. Results. DSS markedly decreased eWAT/body weight ratio and increased serum concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol, indicating increased adipose tissue lipolysis. eWAT intracellular lipolytic enzyme expression/activation was significantly increased. These alterations were significantly attenuated in FGF21 KO mice and by circulating FGF21 neutralization. Moreover, DSS treatment markedly increased serum IL-6 and FGF21 levels. IL-6 pretreatment was necessary for the stimulatory effect of FGF21 on adipose lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that experimental colitis induces eWAT lipolysis via an IL-6/FGF21-mediated signaling pathway

Non-Sterilized Fermentative Production of Polymer-Grade L-Lactic Acid by a Newly Isolated Thermophilic Strain Bacillus sp. 2–6

-lactic acid is another limitation for PLA polymers to compete with conventional plastics.-lactic acid concentration of 182.0 g/liter was obtained from 30-liter fed-batch fermentation with an average productivity of 3.03 g/liter/h and product optical purity of 99.4%.-lactic acid production from renewable resources

NAD-Independent L-Lactate Dehydrogenase Is Required for L-Lactate Utilization in Pseudomonas stutzeri SDM

BACKGROUND: Various Pseudomonas strains can use L-lactate as their sole carbon source for growth. However, the L-lactate-utilizing enzymes in Pseudomonas have never been identified and further studied. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An NAD-independent L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-iLDH) was purified from the membrane fraction of Pseudomonas stutzeri SDM. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of L-lactate to pyruvate by using FMN as cofactor. After cloning its encoding gene (lldD), L-iLDH was successfully expressed, purified from a recombinant Escherichia coli strain, and characterized. An lldD mutant of P. stutzeri SDM was constructed by gene knockout technology. This mutant was unable to grow on L-lactate, but retained the ability to grow on pyruvate. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: It is proposed that L-iLDH plays an indispensable function in Pseudomonas L-lactate utilization by catalyzing the conversion of L-lactate into pyruvate

Lethaeus taprobanes Kirkaldy 1908

<i>Lethaeus taprobanes</i> Kirkaldy, 1908 New Record for China <p>(Figs. 1, 11, 12, 15)</p> <p> <i>Lethaeus taprobanes</i> Kirkaldy, 1908: 11 –12; Slater, 1964: 834; Slater & O’Donnell, 1995: 98.</p> <p>This species was originally described from Sri Lanka and reported from China (Hainan and Yunnan) for the first time in this paper.</p> <p> <b>Complementary description.</b> Measurements. Length head 0.89(0.88–1.0), width 1.35(1.28–1.45), interocular space 0.75(0.68–0.85); Length antennal segments I 0.66(0.63–0.70), II 1.36(1.25–1.43), III 0.95(0.90–1.10), IV 0.95(0.90–1.10); Length pronotum 1.38(1.25–1.45), width anterior pronotal margin 1.09(1.03–1.13), width posterior pronotal margin 2.56(2.45–2.77); Length scutellum 1.70(1.68–1.73), width 1.56(1.38–1.60); Midline distance apex clavus–apex corium 2.85(2.70–3.0), midline distance apex corium–apex membrane 1.90(1.80–2.0); Total body length male 7.0–7.7, female 7.0–8.2. Five specimens were measured of this species</p> <p>Male genitalia (paramere and sperm reservoir) as shown in Figs. 1, 11, 12</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> CHINA, Hainan: 1 female, Mt. Jianfeng, 24.IV.1985, light trap. Yunnan: 4 males 8 females, Simao, alt. 700 m, 17.V.2001, leg. Jun Li, light trap; 1 male 2 females, as the former, leg. Wenjun Bu; 1 male 1 female, as the former, 18.V.2001, leg. Jun Li.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> China (Hainan, Yunnan); Sri Lanka.</p>Published as part of <i>Li, Junlan, Gao, Cuiqing & Bu, Wenjun, 2011, Review of the tribe Lethaeini Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae) from China, with a key to Chinese genera and species, pp. 28-38 in Zootaxa 3126</i> on page 36, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/204798">10.5281/zenodo.204798</a&gt

Lamproceps antennatus Scott 1874

<i>Lamproceps antennatus</i> (Scott, 1874) New Record for China <p>(Figs. 3, 6, 7, 8, 20)</p> <p> <i>Tropistethus antennatus</i> Scott, 1874, Ann.Mag.Nat.His. 14(4): 429;</p> <p> <i>Lamproceps antennatus</i> Scudder, 1962: 768; Slater, 1964: 823; Slater & O’Donnell, 1995: 97; Péricart, 2001: 157. <i>Diniella yinae</i> Zheng & Liu, 1992: 257. <b>New synonymy.</b></p> <p> <b>Complementary description.</b> Measurements. Length head 0.38, width 0.63, interocular space 0.41; Length antennal segments I 0.31(0.28–0.36), II 0.40(0.38–0.42), III 0.33(0.30–0.35), IV 0.44(0.39–0.49); Length pronotum 0.63, width anterior pronotal margin 0.57(0.56–0.59), width posterior pronotal margin 1.03(1.0–1.06); Length scutellum 0.60(0.56–0.65), width 0.58(0.51–0.63); Midline distance apex clavus–apex corium 1.02(0.94–1.09), midline distance apex corium–apex membrane 0.60(0.56–0.65); Total body length male 2.5–3.0, female 2.5–3.4. Five specimens were measured of this species</p> <p>Male genitalia: Parameres, pygophore, and sperm reservoir as Figs. 3, 6, 7, 8 shown.</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> CHINA, Hainan: 2 males, Mt. Jianfeng, 22.IV.1985, leg. Zheng Leyi, light trap; 1 male, 1 female, as the former, 21.IV.1985; 1 female, as the former, 18.IV.1985; 1 male, as the former, 24.IV.1985; 1 female, Mt. Jianfeng, 15.IV.1980, leg. Zheng Leyi, light trap. Zhejiang: 1 male (Paratype of <i>Diniella yinae</i> Zheng & Liu), Mt. Tianmu, 5.IX.1989.</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> China (Hainan, Zhejiang); Japan.</p> <p> <b>Biology.</b> Most specimens were collected by light trap, indicating nocturnal activity of this species.</p> <p> <b>Notes.</b> <i>Diniella yinae</i> was originally described by Zheng & Liu in 1992 based on two males and one female collected in province Zhejiang. We examined a paratype (male), as well as additional specimens from province Hainan, and found it to had typical diagnostic characters of <i>Lamproceps</i> rather than <i>Diniella,</i> such as: body clothed with semierect hairs; antennae with the fourth segment whitish yellow; pronotum flat, anterior margin straight and lacking a collar–like area; corium with lateral margins parallel. Furthermore, like <i>Lamproceps indicus</i> in O’Donnell, 1991, <i>Diniella yinae</i> has “V” shaped holding sclerites in sperm reservoir, and holding sclerites are absent in <i>Diniella</i>. Therefore, we determined that this species belongs to the genus <i>Lamproceps</i> Reuter, and it completely fits the description of <i>Lamproceps antennatus</i> (Scott 1874); for this reason we treat <i>Diniella yinae</i> Zheng & Liu as a new synonym of <i>Lamproceps antennatus</i> (Scott).</p>Published as part of <i>Li, Junlan, Gao, Cuiqing & Bu, Wenjun, 2011, Review of the tribe Lethaeini Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae) from China, with a key to Chinese genera and species, pp. 28-38 in Zootaxa 3126</i> on page 35, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/204798">10.5281/zenodo.204798</a&gt

Diniella sevosa Distant 1901

<i>Diniella sevosa</i> (Distant, 1901) <p>Figs. 9, 10, 19</p> <p> <i>Dinia sevosus</i> Distant, 1901: 497 –498.</p> <p> <i>Diniella sevosa</i> Distant, 1904: 73 –74; Slater, 1964: 819; Slater & O’Donnell, 1995: 97; Hua, 2000: 188–190 (misspell as <i>Diniella servosa</i>); Péricart, 2001: 157.</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> CHINA, Guizhou: 1 female, 1 male, Chishui County, alt. 500–600m, 23.IX.2000, leg. Li Chuanren; 1 male, Sishui County, alt. 1000m, 26.IX.2000, leg. Li Chuanren; 1 female, as the former, 28.IX.2000, leg. Ren Guodong; 1female, Huishui County, alt. 1200m, 11.IX.2000, leg. Li Chuanren. Hubei: 1 female, Maoba Town, Lichuan City, alt. 750m, 29.VII.1999, leg. Zheng Leyi; 2 males, 1 female, Mt. Xingdou, alt. 840–900, 30.VII.1999, leg. Li Chuanren. Jiangxi: 4 females, 4 males, Mt. Guan, Yifeng county, 1.VIII.2002, leg. Xue Huaijun.</p> <p> <b>Distribution,</b> China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, <b>Guizhou</b>, <b>Hubei,</b> Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan); Sri Lanka.</p> <p> <b>Notes.</b> Sperm reservoir (Figs. 9, 10): Vesica seminal duct without sleeve, arcuate extension oval in dorsal view, curved at apex in lateral view, wings dumbbell-shaped, corrugations and holding sclerites absent.</p> <p>Province Hubei (Maoba town, Lichuan city) (N. 30º) is the northmost distribution record for this species.</p>Published as part of <i>Li, Junlan, Gao, Cuiqing & Bu, Wenjun, 2011, Review of the tribe Lethaeini Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae) from China, with a key to Chinese genera and species, pp. 28-38 in Zootaxa 3126</i> on page 31, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/204798">10.5281/zenodo.204798</a&gt