Dietary Flaxseed Oil Prevents Western-Type Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Apolipoprotein-E Knockout Mice

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has dramatically increased globally during recent decades. Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3), is believed to be beneficial to the development of NAFLD. However, little information is available with regard to the effect of flaxseed oil rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3), a plant-derived n-3 PUFA, in improving NAFLD. This study was to gain the effect of flaxseed oil on NAFLD and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. Apolipoprotein-E knockout (apoE-KO) mice were given a normal chow diet, a western-type high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (WTD), or a WTD diet containing 10% flaxseed oil (WTD + FO) for 12 weeks. Our data showed that consumption of flaxseed oil significantly improved WTD-induced NAFLD, as well as ameliorated impaired lipid homeostasis, attenuated oxidative stress, and inhibited inflammation. These data were associated with the modification effects on expression levels of genes involved in de novo fat synthesis (SREBP-1c, ACC), triacylglycerol catabolism (PPARα, CPT1A, and ACOX1), inflammation (NF-κB, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1), and oxidative stress (ROS, MDA, GSH, and SOD)

Tunable Supramolecular Ag+-Host Interactions in Pillar[n]arene[m]quinones and Ensuing Specific Binding to 1-Alkynes

We developed an improved, robust synthesis of a series of pillar[6]arenes with a varying number (0-3) of quinone moieties in the ring. This easy-to-control variation yielded a gradually less electron-rich cavity in going from zero to three quinone units, as shown from the strength of host-guest interactions with silver ions. Such macrocycle-Ag2 complexes themselves were shown to display an unprecedented, sharp distinction between terminal alkynes, which strongly bound to such complexes, and internal alkynes, internal alkenes and terminal alkenes, which do hardly bind

Mouse Rad1 deletion enhances susceptibility for skin tumor development

Cells are constantly exposed to stresses from cellular metabolites as well as environmental genotoxins. DNA damage caused by these genotoxins can be efficiently fixed by DNA repair in cooperation with cell cycle checkpoints. Unrepaired DNA lesions can lead to cell death, gene mutation and cancer. The Rad1 protein, evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans, exists in cells as monomer as well as a component in the 9-1-1 protein complex. Rad1 plays crucial roles in DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint control, but its contribution to carcinogenesis is unknown. To address this question, we constructed mice with a deletion of Mrad1. Matings between heterozygous Mrad1 mutant mice produced Mrad1+/+ and Mrad1+/- but no Mrad1-/- progeny, suggesting the Mrad1 null is embryonic lethal. Mrad1+/- mice demonstrated no overt abnormalities up to one and half years of age. DMBA-TPA combinational treatment was used to induce tumors on mouse skin. Tumors were larger, more numerous, and appeared earlier on the skin of Mrad1+/- mice compared to Mrad1+/+ animals. Keratinocytes isolated from Mrad1+/- mice had significantly more spontaneous DNA double strand breaks, proliferated slower and had slightly enhanced spontaneous apoptosis than Mrad1+/+ control cells. These data suggest that Mrad1 is important for preventing tumor development, probably through maintaining genomic integrity. The effects of heterozygous deletion of Mrad1 on proliferation and apoptosis of keratinocytes is different from those resulted from Mrad9 heterozygous deletion (from our previous study), suggesting that Mrad1 also functions independent of Mrad9 besides its role in the Mrad9-Mrad1-Mhus1 complex in mouse cells

Population genetics analysis of the black rockfish <em>Sebastes schlegelii</em> in Northern China based on 2b-RAD simplified genome sequencing

The black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii is an important fishery species in Japan, South Korea, and China. Overfishing has severely depleted the natural resources of S. schlegelii in recent years, leading to the initiation of programs aimed at enhancing fish stock. However, the genetic structure of northern populations remains elusive, posing challenges in collecting and preserving germplasm resources. In this study, a total of 191 S. schlegelii individuals from seven populations, including one cultured population (Changdao: CDYZ) and six wild populations (Lianyungang: LYG; Qingdao: QD; Weihai: WH; Changdao: CDYS; Beidaihe: BDH) sequenced by 2b-RAD method and their population genetics was analyzed using 27,064 SNPs obtained. The results indicated low genetic diversity in both wild and cultured populations (PIC Ho: 0.174-0.273, He: 0.173-0.234), with the cultured population exhibiting higher diversity than the wild ones. Moderate genetic differentiation existed between the cultured population and six wild populations (0.05 Fst Fst Nm > 1). This study provides a theoretical basis for conserving and rationalizing germplasm resources for S. schlegelii

Critical Evaluation and Thermodynamic Optimization of the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se Binary Systems

ABSTRACT: In our study, a complete review of the literature, critical evaluation and thermodynamic assessment of the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se binary systems were carried out. The modified quasi-chemical model (MQM) was applied to describe the Gibbs energy of the liquid phase. The Gibbs energies of all intermetallic compounds and terminal solid solutions were described using the compound energy formalism (CEF) model. The re-optimization of the Cu-Zn binary system was carried out by considering the ordered bcc_B2 crystal structure of the β’ phase. Moreover, the β and δ phases in the Cu-Zn binary system with the same bcc_A2 crystal structure were modeled as one single phase in the present work. A self-consistent thermodynamic database was constructed for the Cu-Zn, Cu-Se and Zn-Se binary systems, work that formed part of a comprehensive thermodynamic database development project researching zinc-based biodegradable materials

Case report: Successful management of primary hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma in nasopharynx: a report of 2 cases and system analysis

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinomas (HCCCs) are infrequent, malignant tumors characterized by their low-grade nature. They typically originate from minor salivary glands. However, these tumors can potentially emerge in any location with minor salivary glands, including the nasopharynx. This report presents two cases of HCCC in females aged 61 and 72 years, with both tumors approximately 4 cm in size. In the first case, a 72-year-old female presented with recurrent bilateral epistaxis. Imaging studies revealed a nasopharyngeal mass, surgically excised, and histopathological analysis confirmed HCCC. Postoperatively, the patient received combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, achieving a recurrence-free status 2.5 years later. The second case involves a 61-year-old female with a two-year history of bloody nasal discharge. Imaging studies identified a nasopharyngeal lesion, surgically removed, and histopathological examination confirmed HCCC. This patient underwent radiotherapy followed by combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, displaying no signs of recurrence upon reevaluation after 10 months. These cases highlight the successful management of HCCC through a comprehensive, multimodal approach, integrating surgical intervention and adjuvant therapy. The favorable outcomes emphasize the significance of a thorough treatment strategy for HCCC in the nasopharynx, providing valuable insights for clinicians. Further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of this rare entity and refine treatment protocols for optimized patient outcomes

Identification of Austwickia chelonae as cause of cutaneous granuloma in endangered crocodile lizards using metataxonomics

The crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus Ahl, 1930) is an endangered reptile species, and in recent years many have died from diseases, especially the rescued and breeding individuals. However, pathogens underlying these diseases are unclear. In this study, we report our effort in rapidly identifying and isolating the pathogen that causes high mortality in crocodile lizards from Guangdong Luokeng Shinisaurus crocodilurus National Nature Reserve. The typical symptom is cutaneous granuloma in the infected crocodile lizards. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a comprehensive approach for sequence-based identification of pathogenic microbes. In this study, 16S rDNA based mNGS was used for rapid identification of pathogens, and microscopy and microbe isolation were used to confirm the results. Austwickia chelonae was identified to be the dominant pathogen in the granuloma using 16S rDNA based mNGS. Chinese skinks were used as an animal model to verify the pathogenicity of A. chelonae to fulfill Koch’s postulates. As expected, subcutaneous inoculation of A. chelonae induced granulomas in the healthy Chinese skinks and the A. chelonae was re-isolated from the induced granulomas. Therefore, A. chelonae was the primary pathogen that caused this high mortality disease, cutaneous granuloma, in crocodile lizards from Guangdong Luokeng Shinisaurus crocodilurus National Nature Reserve. Antibiotics analysis demonstrated that A. chelonae was sensitive to cephalothin, minocycline and ampicillin, but not to kanamycin, gentamicin, streptomycin and clarithromycin, suggesting a possible treatment for the infected crocodile lizards. However, surgical resection of the nodules as early as possible was recommended. This study is the first report of pathogenic analysis in crocodile lizards and provides a reference for disease control and conservations of the endangered crocodile lizards and other reptiles. In addition, this study indicated that mNGS of lesions could be used to detect the pathogens in animals with benefits in speed and convenient