Polysaccharide from Codium fragile Induces Anti-Cancer Immunity by Activating Natural Killer Cells

Natural polysaccharides exhibit beneficial immune modulatory effects, including immune stimulatory and anti-cancer activities. In this study, we examined the effect of Codium fragile polysaccharide (CFP) on natural killer (NK) cell activation, and its effect on tumor-bearing mice. Intravenous CFP treatment of C57BL/6 mice resulted in the upregulation of CD69, which is a marker associated with NK cell activation. In addition, intracellular levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and the cytotoxic mediators perforin and granzyme B were markedly increased in response to the CFP treatment of splenic NK cells. IFN-γ production by NK cells was directly induced by CFP, whereas the upregulation of CD69 and cytotoxic mediators required IL-12. Finally, intraperitoneal treatment with CFP prevented CT-26 (murine carcinoma) tumor cell infiltration in the lungs, without significantly reducing the body weight. In addition, treatment with CFP prevented B16 melanoma cell infiltration in the lung of C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, the anti-tumor effect was diminished by the depletion of NK cells. Therefore, these data suggest that CFP may be used as an NK cell stimulator to produce a phenomenon that contributes to anti-cancer immunity.     

Pacific-Ciguatoxin-2 and Brevetoxin-1 Induce the Sensitization of Sensory Receptors Mediating Pain and Pruritus in Sensory Neurons

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning syndromes are induced by the consumption of seafood contaminated by ciguatoxins and brevetoxins. Both toxins cause sensory symptoms such as paresthesia, cold dysesthesia and painful disorders. An intense pruritus, which may become chronic, occurs also in CFP. No curative treatment is available and the pathophysiology is not fully elucidated. Here we conducted single-cell calcium video-imaging experiments in sensory neurons from newborn rats to study in vitro the ability of Pacific-ciguatoxin-2 (P-CTX-2) and brevetoxin-1 (PbTx-1) to sensitize receptors and ion channels, (i.e., to increase the percentage of responding cells and/or the response amplitude to their pharmacological agonists). In addition, we studied the neurotrophin release in sensory neurons co-cultured with keratinocytes after exposure to P-CTX-2. Our results show that P-CTX-2 induced the sensitization of TRPA1, TRPV4, PAR2, MrgprC, MrgprA and TTX-r NaV channels in sensory neurons. P-CTX-2 increased the release of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the co-culture supernatant, suggesting that those neurotrophins could contribute to the sensitization of the aforementioned receptors and channels. Our results suggest the potential role of sensitization of sensory receptors/ion channels in the induction or persistence of sensory disturbances in CFP syndrome.     

Update on Methodologies Available for Ciguatoxin Determination: Perspectives to Confront the Onset of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Europe []

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) occurs mainly when humans ingest finfish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The complexity and variability of such toxins have made it difficult to develop reliable methods to routinely monitor CFP with specificity and sensitivity. This review aims to describe the methodologies available for CTX detection, including those based on the toxicological, biochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical properties of CTXs. Selecting any of these methodological approaches for routine monitoring of ciguatera may be dependent upon the applicability of the method. However, identifying a reference validation method for CTXs is a critical and urgent issue, and is dependent upon the availability of certified CTX standards and the coordinated action of laboratories. Reports of CFP cases in European hospitals have been described in several countries, and are mostly due to travel to CFP endemic areas. Additionally, the recent detection of the CTX-producing tropical genus Gambierdiscus in the eastern Atlantic Ocean of the northern hemisphere and in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the confirmation of CFP in the Canary Islands and possibly in Madeira, constitute other reasons to study the onset of CFP in Europe [1]. The question of the possible contribution of climate change to the distribution of toxin-producing microalgae and ciguateric fish is raised. The impact of ciguatera onset on European Union (EU) policies will be discussed with respect to EU regulations on marine toxins in seafood. Critical analysis and availability of methodologies for CTX determination is required for a rapid response to suspected CFP cases and to conduct sound CFP risk analysis.     

垄作栽培对冬小麦根系活力和旗叶衰老的影响

为了明确垄作栽培条件下冬小麦根系活力与旗叶衰老的变化规律,采用垄作种植方式与传统平作栽培相比较的方法,研究了2种不同种植方式对2个小麦品种烟农19和济麦19根系活力及旗叶衰老的影响。结果表明,垄作栽培中由于小麦种植在垄顶上,0-60 cm土层根系干重较平作栽培增加12％以上,深层土壤(20-60 cm)根系活力得到极显著提高。在垄作栽培条件下,小麦生育后期旗叶叶绿素含量和光合速率较传统平作均有显著提高。开花15 d后,垄作栽培条件下的SOD、CAT、POD活性及可溶性蛋白质含量等较传统平作栽培均有显著提高,MDA含量显著降低。垄作栽培与传统平作栽培在同等节水条件下有利于提高小麦深层根系活力,延缓旗叶衰老。     

水稻中的磷转运蛋白基因在异源表达系统中的功能分析

为了更好地研究植物在磷素吸收过程中的分子机制以及生物化学过程的变化,将水稻中分离得到的一个磷转运蛋白基因（OsPT6）用于互补实验。互补实验结果表明,OsPT6能够与缺失磷转运功能的酵母突变体实现互补,并在低磷条件下促进酵母突变体对磷的吸收。进一步分析表明OsPT6属于水稻Pht1家族运输蛋白基因,所编码的蛋白对磷酸盐（Pi）的吸收Km值为96 μmol/L,属于高亲和的磷转运蛋白。不同的酵母转化子对不同pH环境的响应实验显示,OsPT6是一个与质子相偶联的磷运输蛋白,其吸收磷素的最佳pH为6.0。对OsPT6在人的胚胎肾细胞（HEK293）中的表达分析表明,该基因能够编码蛋白并定位于细胞膜,证明OsPT6的功能与酵母磷转运子PHO84相似,是一个定位于细胞膜上的具有吸收转运磷素作用的运输蛋白。     

Methyl bromide alternatives for strawberry and tomato pre-plant uses: A meta-analysis

This paper reports the results of a meta-analytic synthesis of information from a large number of horticultural experiments that evaluated the technical feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives as soil fumigants in strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) cultivation in California, Florida, and Spain, and in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivation in Florida. A technically feasible alternative is defined as a treatment that provides pest control and crop yields similar to methyl bromide standard fumigation. We selected papers using five criteria, which jointly ensured inclusion of field experiments that contained usable information on at least three treatments—(1) an untreated control, (2) a methyl bromide treatment, and (3) a treatment that is an alternative to methyl bromide treatment. Because of the differences in regional cropping environments, we performed separate meta-analyses for four crop/region combinations. To explore the potential effects of missing information on past fumigation history and pest pressure on the results, we performed two sensitivity analyses, in which the set of usable field experiments included only those experiments in which the improvement of the methyl bromide treatment yield over the control yield was either 15% or 50%. Finally, the definition of several potential alternative chemical treatments took into account differences in formulations and application rates. The results we obtained do not support the technical superiority of methyl bromide over its alternatives. We found several potential alternatives for which we could not reject the hypothesis of technical feasibility, based on the experimental data for strawberries in California and Spain. In particular, the results on strawberry field experiments in California indicate that the estimated effect size of the treatment using 1,3-dichloropropene/chloropicrin 65:35 formulation (applied at the standard rate) was close to the estimated effect size for methyl bromide. The results from strawberry and tomato field experiments in Florida were inconclusive. However, this does not establish that methyl bromide is technically superior to its alternatives. Given the data-related limitations of the analysis, standard protocols are necessary for conducting and reporting the experiments to allow for more meaningful synthesis of the experimental data.     

Evaluation of harmful algal bloom outreach activities

With an apparent increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) worldwide, healthcare providers, public health personnel and coastal managers are struggling to provide scientifically-based appropriately-targeted HAB outreach and education. Since 1998, the Florida Poison Information Center-Miami, with its 24 hour/365 day/year free Aquatic Toxins Hotline (1–888–232–8635) available in several languages, has received over 25,000 HAB-related calls. As part of HAB surveillance, all possible cases of HAB-related illness among callers are reported to the Florida Health Department. This pilot study evaluated an automated call processing menu system that allows callers to access bilingual HAB information, and to speak directly with a trained Poison Information Specialist. The majority (68%) of callers reported satisfaction with the information, and many provided specific suggestions for improvement. This pilot study, the first known evaluation of use and satisfaction with HAB educational outreach materials, demonstrated that the automated system provided useful HAB-related information for the majority of callers, and decreased the routine informational call workload for the Poison Information Specialists, allowing them to focus on callers needing immediate assistance and their healthcare providers. These results will lead to improvement of this valuable HAB outreach, education and surveillance tool. Formal evaluation is recommended for future HAB outreach and educational materials.     

Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans): A Potential Human Health Threat for Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Tropical Waters

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) have rapidly expanded in the Western Atlantic over the past decade and have had a significant negative impact on reef fish biodiversity, habitat, and community structure, with lionfish out-competing native predators for resources. In an effort to reduce this population explosion, lionfish have been promoted for human consumption in the greater Caribbean region. This study examined whether the geographical expansion of the lionfish into a known ciguatera-endemic region can pose a human health threat for ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). More than 180 lionfish were collected from waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands throughout 2010 and 2011. Ciguatoxin testing included an in vitro neuroblastoma cytotoxicity assay for composite toxicity assessment of sodium-channel toxins combined with confirmatory liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A 12% prevalence rate of ciguatoxic lionfish exceeding the FDA guidance level of 0.1 µg/kg C-CTX-1 equivalents was identified in fish from the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting a potential consumption risk in this region. This study presents the first evidence that the invasive lionfish, pose a direct human health risk for CFP and highlights the need for awareness and research on this food safety hazard in known endemic areas.     

Neurotoxins from marine dinoflagellates: a brief review

Dinoflagellates are not only important marine primary producers and grazers, but also the major causative agents of harmful algal blooms. It has been reported that many dinoflagellate species can produce various natural toxins. These toxins can be extremely toxic and many of them are effective at far lower dosages than conventional chemical agents. Consumption of seafood contaminated by algal toxins results in various seafood poisoning syndromes: paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP), ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (ASP). Most of these poisonings are caused by neurotoxins which present themselves with highly specific effects on the nervous system of animals, including humans, by interfering with nerve impulse transmission. Neurotoxins are a varied group of compounds, both chemically and pharmacologically. They vary in both chemical structure and mechanism of action, and produce very distinct biological effects, which provides a potential application of these toxins in pharmacology and toxicology. This review summarizes the origin, structure and clinical symptoms of PSP, NSP, CFP, AZP, yessotoxin and palytoxin produced by marine dinoflagellates, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action on voltage-gated ion channels.     

How would high priority pests be reported in the Western Australian grains industry?

General surveillance activities have an important role in plant biosecurity for the early detection of pests (includes diseases) and for demonstrating area freedom. Currently general surveillance information for the grains industry in Western Australia is mainly collected though reports of suspect high priority pests to the state Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA). Little information is available on the likelihood that members of the grains industry would report a suspect high priority pest, where and who they report pests to, and the factors that influence their decisions to report pests. This study details a survey of members of the grains industry conducted to determine the reporting practices relating to plant pest and diseases in the grains industry. Results of the study indicate that growers preferentially report to agricultural consultants and the local DAFWA staff; whereas agricultural consultants and researchers are more likely to report to the DAFWA head office. Factors that influenced participants’ reporting of suspect high priority pests included the ability to eradicate the pest or disease, free examination of suspect samples and the desire for more information about high priority pests. The ranking of factors varied with the role the individual had in the grains industry.     

Applied information retrieval and multidisciplinary research: new mechanistic hypotheses in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Background

Collaborative efforts of physicians and basic scientists are often necessary in the investigation of complex disorders. Difficulties can arise, however, when large amounts of information need to reviewed. Advanced information retrieval can be beneficial in combining and reviewing data obtained from the various scientific fields. In this paper, a team of investigators with varying backgrounds has applied advanced information retrieval methods, in the form of text mining and entity relationship tools, to review the current literature, with the intention to generate new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying a complex disorder. As an example of such a disorder the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was chosen. CRPS is a painful and debilitating syndrome with a complex etiology that is still unraveled for a considerable part, resulting in suboptimal diagnosis and treatment.

Results

A text mining based approach combined with a simple network analysis identified Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFκB) as a possible central mediator in both the initiation and progression of CRPS.

Conclusion

The result shows the added value of a multidisciplinary approach combined with information retrieval in hypothesis discovery in biomedical research. The new hypothesis, which was derived in silico, provides a framework for further mechanistic studies into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRPS and requires evaluation in clinical and epidemiological studies.

     

Thermal Characterization of Alkali Treated Kenaf Fibers and Kenaf-Epoxy Composites

Chemical treatment of natural fibers is a well-defined means of mechanical property improvement in natural fiberreinforced composites. An understanding of mechanical and thermal properties in these media is essential for evaluating heat transfer, thermal degradation, and overall performance of these composites over their product lifetime. However, very little information is available illustrating the effect of such treatment on the thermal properties of kenaf composites. Also, no study to date has reported the thermal conductivity of individual kenaf fibers. This study reports the effects of fiber treatment (in 6 % NaOH) on thermal transport in unidirectionally oriented kenaf-epoxy composites and individual kenaf fibers. The effective thermal conductivities and thermal diffusivities of chemically treated fiber composites show a general increase over untreated fiber composites (0.210 to 0.232 W/m/K at 28 °C, 0.206 to 0.234 W/m/K at 200 °C). This improvement may be attributed to improved interfacial contact between the fibers and epoxy matrix shown in microstructural images after chemical treatment. The thermal conductivity of individual fibers was evaluated at room temperature using two techniques. Results from both techniques showed slight increases after chemical treatment (0.58±0.53 to 1.0±0.13 W/m/K and 1.2±0.54 to 1.6±0.28 W/m/K) but lacked statistical significance. Any improvement in surface crystallinity after chemical treatment does not appear to affect overall fiber thermal conductivity. A better understanding of thermal transport in kenaf fibers and composites enables better estimation of the performance of these composites in different applications. Moreover, the thermal conductivities of individual fibers are useful in understanding the fiber’s contribution to conduction in different fiber reinforcement configurations.     

Intelligent geographic information systems and integrated pest management

Research in integrated pest management (IPM) has resulted in the development of an immense knowledge base that requires computer-aided methodologies for integration, interpretation and delivery. Examined in this paper are four issues of concern to decision-making and problem-solving for IPM. First, the IPM enterprise is examined in the context of contemporary landscape ecology principles. The functional unit for IPM is defined to be the ecotope (a term intended to embody concepts of ecosystem functionality in the context of topographical dimension). A landscape consists of a mosaic of interacting ecotopes. The scope of IPM extends beyond forest and farm management and includes issues associated with environmental management. Second, the utility of geographic information systems (GISs) for IPM is considered. GISs add a new dimension to IPM in that they provide a mechanism for dealing with site-specific and spatially referenced data. The addition of methodologies from artificial intelligence expert systems, in particular, permits integration of qualitative knowledge of human experts with quantitative information that is the product of research. The resulting software system is termed an intelligent geographic information system, IGIS. This system allows for automated interpretation within and among landscape data themes. The product is an interpretative map or a tabular report. Third, utility of the IGIS approach is illustrated by an example involving habitat delineation for an endangered species, the Houston toad. In this example a simple rulebase is developed that defines habitat locations that would be suitable for the toad. Fourth, a concept and method for integrating the different types of knowledge available for IPM (published research results and reports, spatial and tabular databases, simulation models, and observations and experiences of human experts) is described. This software system, the knowledge system environment, retains the unique features of an IGIS but is more useful in that it employs the full measure of knowledge available from IPM. With new technology from computer science and concepts from information engineering, it has been possible to formulate a new conceptual model of IPM that incorporates both the information systems needed as well as the activities required for implementation of IPM.     

Characterizing yarn thickness variation by correlograms

The surface evenness and texture are closely related with the irregularity of yarn thickness. Besides, yarn thickness variation has an important role to influence the yarn performance and the textile process efficiency. Thus, the information not only on the yarn thickness, but also on the short- term irregular characteristics that have not been known before is required for enhancing the qualities of textile products. This paper reports the results of a study about the yarn thickness and its variation for various types of yarn on the basis of a new measurement system applying a laser slit beam as a light source. The new method delivers effective information on the irregularity. The analysis of the measured signal confirms that the visual shade created by the yarn doubling and twisting can be measured and the yarn thickness characteristics can be represented by correlograms. Depending on yarn types, correlograms have different shapes and can be approximated to an exponentially decaying function with or without fluctuating magnitude. In addition, the effective information on the yarn irregularity can be influenced by the sampling length interval of the measuring device used for tests.     

Impact of Canopy Destruction from Simulated Hail on Potato Yield and Economic Return

Insurance against hailstorm-inflicted losses to potato crops is crucial for producer risk management. Insurance providers need regionally specific information on which to base estimates of hail damage. The objective of the research reported here was to determine the effects of a range of simulated hail defoliation treatments, low (33%), medium (66%), and high (99%), relative to an untreated control (0%) on yield and grower economic returns from one medium- and one late-maturing potato variety (‘Russet Norkotah TX278’ and ‘Ranger Russet,’ respectively) at three growth stages (tuber initiation, early bulking, and late bulking) in the Columbia Basin of Washington. Plants within the 33% and 66% treatments were defoliated by sweeping a garden rake with 16 solid, curved tines through the canopy of each treatment row several times until plants exhibited the desired defoliation level. Tuber initiation and early bulk plants within the 99% treatment were essentially mowed to ground level. Intensity of defoliation and stage of growth had significant, interacting effects on grower returns. Gross return and yield for both varieties at each growth stage were significantly reduced by 99% defoliation; these effects were mediated by the effects of defoliation on tuber size distribution. Total yield and gross return experienced the largest declines at early bulk compared with tuber initiation and late bulk defoliation in both varieties. When 99% of the early bulk foliage was removed, Russet Norkotah TX278 gross return and yield were reduced to 14% and 38%, respectively, of the values for the non-treated control, and Ranger Russet gross return and yield were reduced to 30% and 51% of control values, respectively. Defoliation of 99% at all growth stages significantly reduced overall market yield compared to controls for both varieties. However, tuber size distribution was most affected by 99% defoliation at early bulk. Severe defoliation (99%) at tuber initiation significantly delayed vine senescence in both varieties. The results of this study suggest that insurance adjusters should take into account the combined influence of growth stage and defoliation level when hail damage occurs.     

Transmission of potato virus Y by aphids trapped in potato crops in southern England

Summary Harrington et al. (1986) assessed the relative efficiency with which different aphid species transmitted potato virus Y (PVY), by trapping flying aphids on a net downwind of a plot of infected potatoes and transferring the aphids to tobacco seedlings. This paper reports the extension of that work over further seasons and identifies three more vector species,Aphis sambuci, Myzus cerasi andDysaphis sp. A method for determining the proportion of those aphids caught on the net that had landed and probed in the crop is suggested. The use of such information to improve a model of virus spread is discussed.     

The structural development and the thermal behaviours in the heat treated poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers

Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers prepared by dry-jet wet spinning processes have a notable response to very brief heat treatment (seconds) under tension. The modulus of the as-spun fiber can be greatly affected by the heat treatment conditions (temperature, tension and duration). The crystallite orientation and the fiber modulus will increase by this short-term heating under tension. The present research reports the heat treatment techniques, devices and its process conditions. It reports in details the structural relationships between the fiber properties which are influenced by the heat treatment process. In particular, focuses deeply on the effect of the crystal orientation changes of the fibers, on the mechanical properties and, also, investigates the thermal degradation steps & behaviours of the heat treated fibers. The heat treated PPTA fibers have a molecular orientation higher than that for the as-spun one.     

A study of metal oxide on antimicrobial effect of plasma pre-treated cotton fabric

Cotton, a natural fibre that consists of cellulose, is highly popular because it is sweat-absorbing and comfortable to wear. However, cotton fabrics provide an excellent environment for microorganisms to grow, owing to their ability to retain moisture. Therefore, numerous chemicals have been used to enhance anti-microbial activity of cotton textiles. This paper reports results of use of silver oxide (Ag₂O) or zinc oxide (ZnO) as a catalyst in the antimicrobial formulation (halogenated phenoxy compound (Microfresh, MF)) and a binder (Microban, MB) for improved treatment of cotton fabrics and minimisation of side effects of the treatment. In addition, from the morphological study, plasma technology was employed to roughen the surface of the materials to improve loading of metal oxides on the surface. Moreover, the characteristic infra-red bands related to plasma-treated cotton produced results different from untreated fabric, implying plasma treatment can improve hydrophilicity of the fabric. Mechanical strength of the specimens was also increased by plasma treatment. Meanwhile, the research showed that the control fabric slightly inhibited the growth of S. aureus because of the bleach residues on fabric surface. On the other hand, anti-bacterial activity of MF-MB-treated specimen, especially in the presence of metal oxide catalyst, was enhanced, providing a slightly larger zone of inhibition. Moreover, plasma gas contains reactive oxygen species that can enter the cell, eventually causing its death. The hydrophilic nature of carbonyl groups present in oxygen plasma pre-treated specimens also increased the anti-microbial activity after treatment with MF-MB.     

环境监测机构实验室资质认定

简述环境监测机构实验室资质认定要素和建立实验室质量体系目的、方针、目标及质量体系的编制、宣贯、运行和改进，提出环境监测机构实验室运行与管理的重点，以保障实验室资质认定工作取得成功。