The liver plays a central role in iron metabolism. It is the major storage site for iron and also expresses a complex range of molecules which are involved in iron transport and regulation of iron homeostasis. An incr...The liver plays a central role in iron metabolism. It is the major storage site for iron and also expresses a complex range of molecules which are involved in iron transport and regulation of iron homeostasis. An increasing number of genes associated with hepatic iron transport or regulation have been identified. These include transferrin receptors （TFRI and 2）, a ferrireductase （STEAP3）, the transporters divalent metal transporter-1 （DMT1） and ferroportin （FPN） as well as the haemochromatosis protein, HFE and haemojuvelin （HJV）, which are signalling molecules. Many of these genes also participate in iron regulatory pathways which focus on the hepatic peptide hepcidin. However, we are still only beginning to understand the complex interactions between liver iron transport and iron homeostasis. This review outlines our current knowledge of molecules of iron metabolism and their roles in iron transport and regulation of iron homeostasis.展开更多
Iron is an essential element involved in various biological pathways. When present in excess within the cell, iron can be toxic due to its ability to catalyse the formation of damaging radicals, which promote cellular...Iron is an essential element involved in various biological pathways. When present in excess within the cell, iron can be toxic due to its ability to catalyse the formation of damaging radicals, which promote cellular injury and cell death. Within the liver, iron related oxidative stress can lead to fibrosis and ultimately to cirrhosis. Here we review the role of excessive iron in the pathologies associated with various chronic diseases of the liver. We also describe the molecular mechanism by which iron contributes to the development of hepatic fibrosis.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of light intensity and enhanced nitrogen supply on the growth and photosynthesis of the green-tide macroalga, Ulvaprolifera. Thalli of U. prolifera were grown in na...The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of light intensity and enhanced nitrogen supply on the growth and photosynthesis of the green-tide macroalga, Ulvaprolifera. Thalli of U. prolifera were grown in natural or NH^-enriched seawater under two different light intensities for 7 days, and then the growth rate, pigmentation, and photosynthetic performance of the thalli were evaluated. The results show that the relative growth rate （RGR） was markedly higher under the high light level than under the low light level. Enrichment with NH~ enhanced the RGR under high light intensity, but did not affect RGR under low light intensity. In low light conditions, NH;-enrichment resulted in a marked decrease in the maximal photosynthetic rate （Pro） and the maximum carbon fixation rate （Vmax）, but it did not affect the half saturation constant for carbon （K0.5） or the ratio of Vmax to K0.5, which reflects the carbon acquisition efficiency. In high light conditions, Pm, K05, and the dark respiration rate （Rd） increased under NHI enrichment, but Vmax and the Vmax/Ko5 ratio decreased. Regardless of the light intensity, NH^＋4-enrichment did not affect the apparent photosynthetic efficiency （a）, which reflects the ability of the alga to use light energy at low light levels. Under both low and high light intensities, the chlorophyll a （Chl a）, chlorophyll b （Chl b）, and carotenoids （Car） contents in thalli were higher in NH1-enriched than in natural seawater, except that there was a decrease in the Chl b content of thalli in NH1-enriched seawater under low light intensity. Therefore, NH^＋4 enrichment improved the growth and photosynthetic performance of U. prolifera under high light intensity, but not under low light intensity. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these physiological responses.展开更多
We report a case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome(CCS)associated with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).A 54-year-old woman,diagnosed as MDS the prior year after evaluation of anemia,visited our hospital with the chief compla...We report a case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome(CCS)associated with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).A 54-year-old woman,diagnosed as MDS the prior year after evaluation of anemia,visited our hospital with the chief complaint of epigastric discomfort.She also had dysgeusia,alopecia,atrophic nail change,and pigmentation of the palm,all of which began several months ago.Blood tests revealed severe hypoalbuminemia.Colonoscopy(CS)showed numerous,dense,red polyps throughout the colon and rectum.Biopsy specimens showed stromal edema,infi ltration of lymphocytes,and cystic dilatation of the crypt.Her clinical manifestations and histology were consistent with CCS.We prescribed corticosteroids,which dramatically improved her physical findings,laboratory data,and endoscopic fi ndings.This is the first report of CCS in a patient with MDS.展开更多
Non-HFE hereditary haemochromatosis （HH） refers to a genetically heterogeneous group of iron overload disorders that are unlinked to mutations in the HFE gene. The four main types of non-HFE HH are caused by mutatio...Non-HFE hereditary haemochromatosis （HH） refers to a genetically heterogeneous group of iron overload disorders that are unlinked to mutations in the HFE gene. The four main types of non-HFE HH are caused by mutations in the hemojuvelin, hepcidin, transferrin receptor 2 and ferroportin genes. Juvenile haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder and can be caused by mutations in either hemojuvelin or hepcidin. Ar~ adult onset form of HH similar to HFE-HH is caused by homozygosity for mutations in transferrin receptor 2. The autosomal dominant iron overload disorder ferroportin disease is caused by mutations in the iron exporter ferroportin. The clinical characteristics and molecular basis of the various types of non-HFE haemochromatosis are reviewed. The study of these disorders and the molecules involved has been invaluable in improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of iron metabolism.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between ferritin and steatosis in patients with chronically abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and high ferritin level. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients ...AIM: To investigate the relationship between ferritin and steatosis in patients with chronically abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and high ferritin level. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients with hyperferritinemia (male > 300 ng/mL, female > 200 ng/mL) were evaluated; clinical, biochemical and serological data, iron status parameters, HFE gene mutations and homeostasis model assessment score were obtained. Steatosis was graded by ultrasound as absent or present. Histology was available in 53 patients only. RESULTS: Mean level of ferritin was 881 ± 77 ng/mL in men and 549 ± 82 ng/mL in women. The diagnosis was chronic hepatitis C in 53 (42.7%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in 57 (45.9%), and cryptogenic liver damage in 14 (11.3%). None was diagnosed as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). Hepatic siderosis on liver biopsy was present in 17 of 54 (32%) patients; grade 1 in eight and grade 2 in nine. Overall, 92 patients (74.2%) had steatosis. By logistic regression, ferritin and γ-glutamyltransferase were independent predictors of steatosis. Ferritin levels were signifi cantly related to low platelet count, steatosis and hepatitis C virus infection. CONCLUSION: In a non-obese cohort of non-alcoholic patients with chronically abnormal LFTs without HH, high serum ferritin level is a risk factor for steatosis.展开更多
A cyanophage strain and its host Synechococcus were isolated from the East China Sea. The host Synechococcus sp. S J01 was characterized by its 16S rRNA, ITS, andpsbA gene sequences as well as by its morphological app...A cyanophage strain and its host Synechococcus were isolated from the East China Sea. The host Synechococcus sp. S J01 was characterized by its 16S rRNA, ITS, andpsbA gene sequences as well as by its morphological appearance and pigmentation. The cyanophage, strain S-SJ2, was able to cause a lytic infection of the coastal Synechococcus. TEM of negative-stained specimens showed that the phage isolate has an isometric head with a diameter of 68 nm and a long tail with a length of 280 nm. The cyanophage-Synechococcus system from the East China Sea shares many properties with other marine cyanophage-Synechocoecus systems worldwide.展开更多
Photorhabdus luminescens is a Gram-negative, bioluminescent, pigment producing enteric bacterium, which is pathogenic to insects and has the capability to undergo phase variation. The phase I variant of P. luminescens...Photorhabdus luminescens is a Gram-negative, bioluminescent, pigment producing enteric bacterium, which is pathogenic to insects and has the capability to undergo phase variation. The phase I variant of P. luminescens exists as a mutualistic symbiont where it plays a critical role in the life-cycle of the soil-dwelling nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Both the bacterium and the nematode receive their nutritional requirements from the bioconversion of the insect host which is rich in many macromolecules such as the disaccharide, trehalose. Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide of glucose that is formed by an a-1,1-glycosidic bond and is associated with the physiology of many bacteria, insects and nematodes. Trehalose has been shown to be the most abundant storage sugar found within insect hemolymph （1%-2%）. The physicochemical properties of trehalose allow this carbohydrate to act as a stress protectant where it has been implicated with thermal stress, dehydration, and osmotic protection of many microorganisms. Due to these properties, trehalose may allow culture stability of the phase I variant in vitro and in vivo. Traits of the phase I variant that were studied in this work include bioluminescence and the production of the red anthroquinone-derived pigment. The carbohydrates that were utilized in this study were glucose and trehalose; where shake flask cultures of the phase I variant were cultured at room temperature for up to six days in carbohydrate supplemented basal media with increasing carbohydrate concentrations of 0. 1%, 0.5% and 1.0% （v/v）. Relative luminosity, pigmentation and pH were graphed as a function of time, carbohydrate used, and carbohydrate concentration. Data obtained from this study suggests that the supplementation of 1.0% trehalose, when culturing the phase I variant ofP. luminescens, can maintain bioluminosity and pigmentation over extended periods of time （five days） as compared to basal media and basal media supplemented with 1.0% glucose.展开更多
Juvenile turbot （Scophthalmus maximus） the initial stock densities at 0.28, 0.87, 1.12, 1.16, 2.75 were reared in five different experiment groups in kg/m^2 respectively for the study of the density effect on growth...Juvenile turbot （Scophthalmus maximus） the initial stock densities at 0.28, 0.87, 1.12, 1.16, 2.75 were reared in five different experiment groups in kg/m^2 respectively for the study of the density effect on growth, pigmentation and feed coefficient rate. The experiment lasted for 60 days with final stock densities at 1.91, 6.31, 8.86, 11.97, 17.67 kg/m^2 respectively. Result showed that, in the same experiment condition, the stocking density has a positive effect on growth in low density and negative in high density. The SGR （special growth rate） was 3.189, 3.304, 3.447, 3.341, and 3.087 respectively. The uniformity of weight distributing among experiment groups decreased with increasing density. The stocking density had positive effect on feed coefficient rate. Group 1 had the least feed coefficient rate 0.96, and highest at 1.25 in Group 5, the highest density group. High stocking density inhibited the growth and increased the feed coefficient rate. The stocking density had negative relationship to pigmentation improvement for whitened fish.展开更多
Cd(S1-xSex) pigments (red to yellow) were synthesized by precipitate-hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and hue of the powder were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy ...Cd(S1-xSex) pigments (red to yellow) were synthesized by precipitate-hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and hue of the powder were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and CIE chromaticity. The optimum synthesis conditions were obtained and reaction mechanism was further analyzed as well. The results show that molar ratio of S to Se, pH value and hydrothermal reaction conditions have great effects on the hues of the pigments. Pigments with vivid hues are obtained under the conditions that pH value is about 13.0, hydrothermal reaction condition is at 140 ℃ for 4 h or at 160 ℃ for 6 h. The reaction mechanism is that Se2- of Cd(S1-xSex) substitutes S2- of CdS and then forms a continuous solid solution.展开更多
We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors （GISTs） without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological exam...We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors （GISTs） without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological examination showed that these tumors were GISTs expressing CD34 and CD117. Tumor DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens revealed somatic mutation with a deletion mutation at different codons in exon 11 of c-kit gene after direct sequencing analysis. No germline mutation was detected in DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes obtained from the father and son. We propose that GISTs could be caused by sporadic somatic mutation in a family without germline mutation and hyperpigmentation.展开更多
The potential protective effect of marine green algae （Codium iyengerii） was examined in UV-C treated seedlings of Vigna radiata. The study comprises of three treatments of UV-C radiation （100-290 nm） dose for one...The potential protective effect of marine green algae （Codium iyengerii） was examined in UV-C treated seedlings of Vigna radiata. The study comprises of three treatments of UV-C radiation （100-290 nm） dose for one min in alternative days. This results in deformed morphological parameters, including： decrease in plant height, fresh mass of leaves, shoots and roots, as well as leaf areas, which may be attributed with decreased in the relative growth rate, carbohydrate, amino acids, and protein contents of plant. A drastic effect of UV-C radiation was found on the photosynthetic apparatus where increase in red pigmentations on the leaves surface indicates the presence of UV-C absorbing pigments instead of chloroplast pigments. Visible spectrum of leaves chlorophyll showed reduced concentration of visible absorbing pigments which showed the deleterious effect of these radiations on physiological processes of seedlings. These negative effects of UV-C radiation on plant growth were found to be decreased by the application of green seaweed （Codium iyengerii）, and absorption spectrums of chloroplast contents showed that UV-C radiation inducing damages were appropriately managed by enhanced concentration of seaweeds which significantly increased morphological and physiological parameters like leaf, stem, root biomass, and plant height under UV-C radiation were observed.展开更多
The aim of the present study was to develop a formulated feed for improving skin pigmentation and growth performance of koi carp juveniles. Two experiments were conducted for determination of an optimal dietary astaxa...The aim of the present study was to develop a formulated feed for improving skin pigmentation and growth performance of koi carp juveniles. Two experiments were conducted for determination of an optimal dietary astaxanthin and FM （fish meal） ration for koi carp juveniles. In the first experiment, three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were designed with three different levels of astaxanthin consisted of 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg and a commercial feed served as a control. For the second experiment, four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were formulated with graded inclusions of dietary FM replaced from 0% to 60% at 20% increments by SM （soybean meal）, PBM （poultry by-product meal）, and a CD （control diet）. Obtained results demonstrated that skin pigmentation of koi carp juveniles fed the diet containing 80 mg/kg astaxanthin, 36.02% protein, 7.78% lipid, 4.20 Kcal/g GE （gross energy） were more better than those at the diet with lower estaxanthin content and commercial diet. Moreover, the highest growth and feed utilization of fish were observed at this diet with WG （weight gain）, SGR （specific growth rate） and FCR （feed conversion ratio） were 121.80%, 0.95 （%/day） and 1.6, respectively.展开更多
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by long-term UV （ultraviolet） exposure, hormonal imbalances, skin ageing processes, as well as skin inflammation, skin injuries and accumulation ofhemosiderin. A brightening complex c...Hyperpigmentation can be caused by long-term UV （ultraviolet） exposure, hormonal imbalances, skin ageing processes, as well as skin inflammation, skin injuries and accumulation ofhemosiderin. A brightening complex consisting of niacin, Rumex spp. and biomimetic peptide is supposed to be an efficient alternative for commonly used brightening agents. In-vivo research of night cream （1474） was conducted in order to confirm the safety and efficiency of tri-active brightening cream in treatment of facial skin hyperpigmentation. The research was conducted on a group of 30 female patients, and the night cream was applied once a day for six weeks. The research was done by the use of VISIA system, multifunctional MPA and PRIMOS projection system, which was applied with VISIOSCAN camera. Besides, the research also included a questionnaire. A decrease in melanin by 16% and 25% at 93% and 96% of patients, respectively, was observed after three and six weeks of regular application of the cream. Furthermore, we also noticed reduction oferythema which was accompanied by an increase in the skin moisture. Brightening of changes on hyperpigmented facial skin proved to be efficient after an application of tri-active complex which was a component of the night cream.展开更多
Objective To study the effect of fundus pigment on the response of the retina to transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). Methods The retina were irradiated with 810 nm diode laser in 16 eyes of 8 pigmented rabbits and 12 ...Objective To study the effect of fundus pigment on the response of the retina to transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). Methods The retina were irradiated with 810 nm diode laser in 16 eyes of 8 pigmented rabbits and 12 eyes of 6 albino rabbits. The spot size was 1.2 mm; the duration was 60 s; and powers were 50, 80, 150 and 300 mW for pigmented rabbits and 800, 1 200 and 1 500mW for albino rabbits. All of the eyes were followed up with ophthalmolscope. The fundus was photographed and examined histologically with optic microscope immediately and 1 month after TTT respectively. Results The changes of the fundus and the histological examination were not significant immediately and 1 month after TTT in 50 mW group of pigmented rabbit and 800 mW of albino rabbit. Grey spot on the retina was observed on the fundus in 80 mW group of pigmented rabbit and 1 200 mW of albino rabbit immediately after TTT. The structure of the retina remained intact and subretinal fluid was observed histologically. Grey spot was still visible on the fundus, though the fluid was absorbed after 1 month. As the power of diode laser was increased to 150 mW for pigmented rabbits and 1500 mW for albino rabbit, fundus white spots were observed and the outer retina was destroyed while photoreceptors existed immediately after TTT. Pigmentation was found in white lesions and the fibrous proliferation was found in choroid 1 month after TTT. Prominent white spot was seen on the fundus immediately after laser irradiation of 300 mW in pigmented rabbits and the structure of the retina was obscured. One month after TTT, dense pigmentation appeared at laser lesions. The retina was thinner. There was prominent fibrous proliferation in the choroid. Conclusion The fundus pigment seems to play an important role in the response of the retina to TTT. The reaction of the retina is in proportion to the intensity of laser.展开更多
基金The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia
文摘The liver plays a central role in iron metabolism. It is the major storage site for iron and also expresses a complex range of molecules which are involved in iron transport and regulation of iron homeostasis. An increasing number of genes associated with hepatic iron transport or regulation have been identified. These include transferrin receptors （TFRI and 2）, a ferrireductase （STEAP3）, the transporters divalent metal transporter-1 （DMT1） and ferroportin （FPN） as well as the haemochromatosis protein, HFE and haemojuvelin （HJV）, which are signalling molecules. Many of these genes also participate in iron regulatory pathways which focus on the hepatic peptide hepcidin. However, we are still only beginning to understand the complex interactions between liver iron transport and iron homeostasis. This review outlines our current knowledge of molecules of iron metabolism and their roles in iron transport and regulation of iron homeostasis.
文摘Iron is an essential element involved in various biological pathways. When present in excess within the cell, iron can be toxic due to its ability to catalyse the formation of damaging radicals, which promote cellular injury and cell death. Within the liver, iron related oxidative stress can lead to fibrosis and ultimately to cirrhosis. Here we review the role of excessive iron in the pathologies associated with various chronic diseases of the liver. We also describe the molecular mechanism by which iron contributes to the development of hepatic fibrosis.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41376129)the Public Science and Technology Research Funds Projects of Ocean(Nos.201305005,201305021,201105008-2)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK2011400)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA11020404-1)
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of light intensity and enhanced nitrogen supply on the growth and photosynthesis of the green-tide macroalga, Ulvaprolifera. Thalli of U. prolifera were grown in natural or NH^-enriched seawater under two different light intensities for 7 days, and then the growth rate, pigmentation, and photosynthetic performance of the thalli were evaluated. The results show that the relative growth rate （RGR） was markedly higher under the high light level than under the low light level. Enrichment with NH~ enhanced the RGR under high light intensity, but did not affect RGR under low light intensity. In low light conditions, NH;-enrichment resulted in a marked decrease in the maximal photosynthetic rate （Pro） and the maximum carbon fixation rate （Vmax）, but it did not affect the half saturation constant for carbon （K0.5） or the ratio of Vmax to K0.5, which reflects the carbon acquisition efficiency. In high light conditions, Pm, K05, and the dark respiration rate （Rd） increased under NHI enrichment, but Vmax and the Vmax/Ko5 ratio decreased. Regardless of the light intensity, NH^＋4-enrichment did not affect the apparent photosynthetic efficiency （a）, which reflects the ability of the alga to use light energy at low light levels. Under both low and high light intensities, the chlorophyll a （Chl a）, chlorophyll b （Chl b）, and carotenoids （Car） contents in thalli were higher in NH1-enriched than in natural seawater, except that there was a decrease in the Chl b content of thalli in NH1-enriched seawater under low light intensity. Therefore, NH^＋4 enrichment improved the growth and photosynthetic performance of U. prolifera under high light intensity, but not under low light intensity. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these physiological responses.
文摘We report a case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome(CCS)associated with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).A 54-year-old woman,diagnosed as MDS the prior year after evaluation of anemia,visited our hospital with the chief complaint of epigastric discomfort.She also had dysgeusia,alopecia,atrophic nail change,and pigmentation of the palm,all of which began several months ago.Blood tests revealed severe hypoalbuminemia.Colonoscopy(CS)showed numerous,dense,red polyps throughout the colon and rectum.Biopsy specimens showed stromal edema,infi ltration of lymphocytes,and cystic dilatation of the crypt.Her clinical manifestations and histology were consistent with CCS.We prescribed corticosteroids,which dramatically improved her physical findings,laboratory data,and endoscopic fi ndings.This is the first report of CCS in a patient with MDS.
文摘Non-HFE hereditary haemochromatosis （HH） refers to a genetically heterogeneous group of iron overload disorders that are unlinked to mutations in the HFE gene. The four main types of non-HFE HH are caused by mutations in the hemojuvelin, hepcidin, transferrin receptor 2 and ferroportin genes. Juvenile haemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder and can be caused by mutations in either hemojuvelin or hepcidin. Ar~ adult onset form of HH similar to HFE-HH is caused by homozygosity for mutations in transferrin receptor 2. The autosomal dominant iron overload disorder ferroportin disease is caused by mutations in the iron exporter ferroportin. The clinical characteristics and molecular basis of the various types of non-HFE haemochromatosis are reviewed. The study of these disorders and the molecules involved has been invaluable in improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of iron metabolism.
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between ferritin and steatosis in patients with chronically abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and high ferritin level. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients with hyperferritinemia (male > 300 ng/mL, female > 200 ng/mL) were evaluated; clinical, biochemical and serological data, iron status parameters, HFE gene mutations and homeostasis model assessment score were obtained. Steatosis was graded by ultrasound as absent or present. Histology was available in 53 patients only. RESULTS: Mean level of ferritin was 881 ± 77 ng/mL in men and 549 ± 82 ng/mL in women. The diagnosis was chronic hepatitis C in 53 (42.7%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in 57 (45.9%), and cryptogenic liver damage in 14 (11.3%). None was diagnosed as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). Hepatic siderosis on liver biopsy was present in 17 of 54 (32%) patients; grade 1 in eight and grade 2 in nine. Overall, 92 patients (74.2%) had steatosis. By logistic regression, ferritin and γ-glutamyltransferase were independent predictors of steatosis. Ferritin levels were signifi cantly related to low platelet count, steatosis and hepatitis C virus infection. CONCLUSION: In a non-obese cohort of non-alcoholic patients with chronically abnormal LFTs without HH, high serum ferritin level is a risk factor for steatosis.
文摘A cyanophage strain and its host Synechococcus were isolated from the East China Sea. The host Synechococcus sp. S J01 was characterized by its 16S rRNA, ITS, andpsbA gene sequences as well as by its morphological appearance and pigmentation. The cyanophage, strain S-SJ2, was able to cause a lytic infection of the coastal Synechococcus. TEM of negative-stained specimens showed that the phage isolate has an isometric head with a diameter of 68 nm and a long tail with a length of 280 nm. The cyanophage-Synechococcus system from the East China Sea shares many properties with other marine cyanophage-Synechocoecus systems worldwide.
文摘Photorhabdus luminescens is a Gram-negative, bioluminescent, pigment producing enteric bacterium, which is pathogenic to insects and has the capability to undergo phase variation. The phase I variant of P. luminescens exists as a mutualistic symbiont where it plays a critical role in the life-cycle of the soil-dwelling nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Both the bacterium and the nematode receive their nutritional requirements from the bioconversion of the insect host which is rich in many macromolecules such as the disaccharide, trehalose. Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide of glucose that is formed by an a-1,1-glycosidic bond and is associated with the physiology of many bacteria, insects and nematodes. Trehalose has been shown to be the most abundant storage sugar found within insect hemolymph （1%-2%）. The physicochemical properties of trehalose allow this carbohydrate to act as a stress protectant where it has been implicated with thermal stress, dehydration, and osmotic protection of many microorganisms. Due to these properties, trehalose may allow culture stability of the phase I variant in vitro and in vivo. Traits of the phase I variant that were studied in this work include bioluminescence and the production of the red anthroquinone-derived pigment. The carbohydrates that were utilized in this study were glucose and trehalose; where shake flask cultures of the phase I variant were cultured at room temperature for up to six days in carbohydrate supplemented basal media with increasing carbohydrate concentrations of 0. 1%, 0.5% and 1.0% （v/v）. Relative luminosity, pigmentation and pH were graphed as a function of time, carbohydrate used, and carbohydrate concentration. Data obtained from this study suggests that the supplementation of 1.0% trehalose, when culturing the phase I variant ofP. luminescens, can maintain bioluminosity and pigmentation over extended periods of time （five days） as compared to basal media and basal media supplemented with 1.0% glucose.
基金Supported by the Key Technology Research Program of Ministry of Agriculture (No. 04-11-01B) and the National High-tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (No. 2004AA603320 and 2004AA603330)
文摘Juvenile turbot （Scophthalmus maximus） the initial stock densities at 0.28, 0.87, 1.12, 1.16, 2.75 were reared in five different experiment groups in kg/m^2 respectively for the study of the density effect on growth, pigmentation and feed coefficient rate. The experiment lasted for 60 days with final stock densities at 1.91, 6.31, 8.86, 11.97, 17.67 kg/m^2 respectively. Result showed that, in the same experiment condition, the stocking density has a positive effect on growth in low density and negative in high density. The SGR （special growth rate） was 3.189, 3.304, 3.447, 3.341, and 3.087 respectively. The uniformity of weight distributing among experiment groups decreased with increasing density. The stocking density had positive effect on feed coefficient rate. Group 1 had the least feed coefficient rate 0.96, and highest at 1.25 in Group 5, the highest density group. High stocking density inhibited the growth and increased the feed coefficient rate. The stocking density had negative relationship to pigmentation improvement for whitened fish.
基金Project(2005DFBA028) supported by the International Cooperation of Science and Technology of Ministry of ChinaProject(LA06030) supported by the Undergraduate Innovation Education of Central South University, China
文摘Cd(S1-xSex) pigments (red to yellow) were synthesized by precipitate-hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and hue of the powder were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and CIE chromaticity. The optimum synthesis conditions were obtained and reaction mechanism was further analyzed as well. The results show that molar ratio of S to Se, pH value and hydrothermal reaction conditions have great effects on the hues of the pigments. Pigments with vivid hues are obtained under the conditions that pH value is about 13.0, hydrothermal reaction condition is at 140 ℃ for 4 h or at 160 ℃ for 6 h. The reaction mechanism is that Se2- of Cd(S1-xSex) substitutes S2- of CdS and then forms a continuous solid solution.
文摘We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors （GISTs） without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological examination showed that these tumors were GISTs expressing CD34 and CD117. Tumor DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens revealed somatic mutation with a deletion mutation at different codons in exon 11 of c-kit gene after direct sequencing analysis. No germline mutation was detected in DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes obtained from the father and son. We propose that GISTs could be caused by sporadic somatic mutation in a family without germline mutation and hyperpigmentation.
文摘The potential protective effect of marine green algae （Codium iyengerii） was examined in UV-C treated seedlings of Vigna radiata. The study comprises of three treatments of UV-C radiation （100-290 nm） dose for one min in alternative days. This results in deformed morphological parameters, including： decrease in plant height, fresh mass of leaves, shoots and roots, as well as leaf areas, which may be attributed with decreased in the relative growth rate, carbohydrate, amino acids, and protein contents of plant. A drastic effect of UV-C radiation was found on the photosynthetic apparatus where increase in red pigmentations on the leaves surface indicates the presence of UV-C absorbing pigments instead of chloroplast pigments. Visible spectrum of leaves chlorophyll showed reduced concentration of visible absorbing pigments which showed the deleterious effect of these radiations on physiological processes of seedlings. These negative effects of UV-C radiation on plant growth were found to be decreased by the application of green seaweed （Codium iyengerii）, and absorption spectrums of chloroplast contents showed that UV-C radiation inducing damages were appropriately managed by enhanced concentration of seaweeds which significantly increased morphological and physiological parameters like leaf, stem, root biomass, and plant height under UV-C radiation were observed.
文摘The aim of the present study was to develop a formulated feed for improving skin pigmentation and growth performance of koi carp juveniles. Two experiments were conducted for determination of an optimal dietary astaxanthin and FM （fish meal） ration for koi carp juveniles. In the first experiment, three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were designed with three different levels of astaxanthin consisted of 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg and a commercial feed served as a control. For the second experiment, four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were formulated with graded inclusions of dietary FM replaced from 0% to 60% at 20% increments by SM （soybean meal）, PBM （poultry by-product meal）, and a CD （control diet）. Obtained results demonstrated that skin pigmentation of koi carp juveniles fed the diet containing 80 mg/kg astaxanthin, 36.02% protein, 7.78% lipid, 4.20 Kcal/g GE （gross energy） were more better than those at the diet with lower estaxanthin content and commercial diet. Moreover, the highest growth and feed utilization of fish were observed at this diet with WG （weight gain）, SGR （specific growth rate） and FCR （feed conversion ratio） were 121.80%, 0.95 （%/day） and 1.6, respectively.
文摘Hyperpigmentation can be caused by long-term UV （ultraviolet） exposure, hormonal imbalances, skin ageing processes, as well as skin inflammation, skin injuries and accumulation ofhemosiderin. A brightening complex consisting of niacin, Rumex spp. and biomimetic peptide is supposed to be an efficient alternative for commonly used brightening agents. In-vivo research of night cream （1474） was conducted in order to confirm the safety and efficiency of tri-active brightening cream in treatment of facial skin hyperpigmentation. The research was conducted on a group of 30 female patients, and the night cream was applied once a day for six weeks. The research was done by the use of VISIA system, multifunctional MPA and PRIMOS projection system, which was applied with VISIOSCAN camera. Besides, the research also included a questionnaire. A decrease in melanin by 16% and 25% at 93% and 96% of patients, respectively, was observed after three and six weeks of regular application of the cream. Furthermore, we also noticed reduction oferythema which was accompanied by an increase in the skin moisture. Brightening of changes on hyperpigmented facial skin proved to be efficient after an application of tri-active complex which was a component of the night cream.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (60378042).
文摘Objective To study the effect of fundus pigment on the response of the retina to transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). Methods The retina were irradiated with 810 nm diode laser in 16 eyes of 8 pigmented rabbits and 12 eyes of 6 albino rabbits. The spot size was 1.2 mm; the duration was 60 s; and powers were 50, 80, 150 and 300 mW for pigmented rabbits and 800, 1 200 and 1 500mW for albino rabbits. All of the eyes were followed up with ophthalmolscope. The fundus was photographed and examined histologically with optic microscope immediately and 1 month after TTT respectively. Results The changes of the fundus and the histological examination were not significant immediately and 1 month after TTT in 50 mW group of pigmented rabbit and 800 mW of albino rabbit. Grey spot on the retina was observed on the fundus in 80 mW group of pigmented rabbit and 1 200 mW of albino rabbit immediately after TTT. The structure of the retina remained intact and subretinal fluid was observed histologically. Grey spot was still visible on the fundus, though the fluid was absorbed after 1 month. As the power of diode laser was increased to 150 mW for pigmented rabbits and 1500 mW for albino rabbit, fundus white spots were observed and the outer retina was destroyed while photoreceptors existed immediately after TTT. Pigmentation was found in white lesions and the fibrous proliferation was found in choroid 1 month after TTT. Prominent white spot was seen on the fundus immediately after laser irradiation of 300 mW in pigmented rabbits and the structure of the retina was obscured. One month after TTT, dense pigmentation appeared at laser lesions. The retina was thinner. There was prominent fibrous proliferation in the choroid. Conclusion The fundus pigment seems to play an important role in the response of the retina to TTT. The reaction of the retina is in proportion to the intensity of laser.
