Catalase associated with antagonistic changes of abscisic acid and gibberellin response, biosynthesis and catabolism is involved in eugenol-inhibited seed germination in rice

KEY MESSAGE

The inhibitory effect of eugenol on rice germination is mediated by a two-step modulatory process: Eugenol first regulates the antagonism of GA and ABA, followed by activation of catalase activity. The natural monoterpene eugenol has been reported to inhibit preharvest sprouting in rice. However, the inhibitory mechanism remains obscure. In this study, simultaneous monitoring of GA and ABA responses by the in vivo GA and ABA-responsive dual-luciferase reporter system showed that eugenol strongly inhibited the GA response after 6 h of imbibition, whereas eugenol significantly enhanced the ABA response after 12 h of imbibition. Gene expression analysis revealed that eugenol significantly induced the ABA biosynthetic genes OsNCED2, OsNCED3, and OsNCED5, but notably suppressed the ABA catabolic genes OsABA8ox1 and OsABA8ox2. Conversely, eugenol inhibited the GA biosynthetic genes OsGA3ox2 and OsGA20ox4 but significantly induced the GA catabolic genes OsGA2ox1 and OsGA2ox3 during imbibition. OsABI4, the key signaling regulator of ABA and GA antagonism, was notably induced before 12 h and suppressed after 24 h by eugenol. Moreover, eugenol markedly reduced the accumulation of H2O2 in seeds after 36 h of imbibition. Further analysis showed that eugenol strongly induced catalase activity, protein accumulation, and the expression of three catalase genes. Most importantly, mitigation of eugenol-inhibited seed germination was found in the catc mutant. These findings indicate that catalase associated with antagonistic changes of ABA and GA is involved in the sequential regulation of eugenol-inhibited seed germination in rice.

Systemic and Local Disease Manifestations Following COVID-19 Vaccination

Introduction/Objective

COVID-19 vaccine-related lymphadenopathy, particularly in the ipsilateral axilla, is a relatively well-known side effect of mRNA vaccines with many reports in radiology, but less is known regarding histopathology and additional sites of lymphadenopathy, as well as other localized potential vaccine-related mass manifestations. In addition to a case of minimal change disease, we report two cases here with associated systemic and local pathologic changes related to COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods/Case Report

In case #1, a 17-year-old male presented with a 2.4 cm left postauricular mass. He had originally noticed the mass six months prior and thought that it had recently been growing. The mass was soft, nonfluctuant, and nontender to palpation. Given the risk of malignancy, a resection was performed. Histology showed an enlarged lymph node composed of mixed inflammatory cell components consistent with lymphoid hyperplasia and no evidence of malignancy. On further chart review, the patient had received his second COVID-19 vaccination just prior to noticing the mass enlarging. A SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike IgG assay was as high as 24,396 AU/ml, suggesting that this benign lymphadenopathy was most likely related to his vaccination. For case #2, a 47-year-old male developed a painless right deltoid mass shortly after receiving his vaccination at the same area that subsequently increased in size over seven months to 6.5 cm. Imaging showed a heterogeneous mass within the deltoid muscle concerning for malignancy and a biopsy was performed. Sections showed wavy, bland spindle cells with nuclei staining diffusely positive for beta-catenin, consistent with fibromatosis at his vaccination site.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA.

Conclusion

In summary, these case reports show potential systemic and local reactive effects in response to COVID-19 vaccination.

Low-temperature synthesis of high-quality graphene by controlling the carbon-hydrogen ratio of the precursor

A furnace-free inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-PECVD) system, which does not require sample heating, was used to grow graphene at a temperature below 300 °C. This studies have found that under low-temperature PECVD growth conditions, liquid precursors are more suitable for preparing low-temperature graphene precursors than gaseous precursors.​​​​ Hence, benzene is used as a carbon precursor to obtain a sheet resistance of approximately 1.24 kΩ sq−1. In this research, it was discovered that the carbon-hydrogen ratio of the precursor molecule is an important factor while using PECVD to grow graphene. This factor affects the quality of graphene and the sheet resistance value —when the carbon–hydrogen ratio for the precursor molecule is 1:1, graphene has the high quality and lowest sheet resistance; when it is less than 1:2, the graphene that cannot be deposited has the worst quality and sheet resistance. Furthermore, we found that methane, a precursor often used to deposit graphene, will etch graphene under low-temperature conditions, and that acetylene can be used as a precursor to deposit graphene. It was further proven that the carbon–hydrogen ratio of the precursor molecules in the PECVD process caused the reduction in the graphene temperature.

The Influence of Helium Dielectric Barrier Discharge Jet (DBDjet) Plasma Treatment on Bathocuproine (BCP) in p-i-n-Structure Perovskite Solar Cells

A bathocuproine (BCP) layer is typically used as the hole-blocking layer in p-i-n-structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs) between PC61BM and Ag electrodes. Before evaporating the Ag, we used a low-temperature (<40 °C) atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge jet (DBDjet) to treat the BCP with different scan rates. The main purpose of this was to change the contact resistance between the BCP layer and the Ag electrodes through surface modification using a DBDjet. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.11% was achieved at a DBDjet scan rate of 2 cm/s. The He DBDjet treatment introduced nitrogen to form C-N bonds and create pits on the BCP layer. This deteriorated the interface between the BCP and the follow-up deposited-Ag top electrode. Compared to the device without the plasma treatment on the BCP layer, the He DBDjet treatment on the BCP layer reduced photocurrent hysteresis but deteriorated the fill factor and the efficiency of the PSCs.

[The safety and efficacy of combined hepatic artery resection in treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined hepatic artery resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: We searched Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Data Resource System, Vip-Chinese Sci-tech Journal System Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database, and collected the randomized controlled studies or retrospective studies on the safety and efficacy of combined hepatic artery resection and non-hepatic artery resection in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The search period is from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2019. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyze the extracted data indicators. Results: A total of 14 articles were collected, and a total of 2 374 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were included in the study. Meta-analysis results showed that the perioperative mortality in the hepatic artery resection (HAR) group was higher than that of the control group (OR=1.70, 95%CI=0.02-2.90, P=0.05), and the total postoperative morbidity rate was higher than that of the control group (OR=1.28, 95%CI= 0.93-1.76, P=0.13), both of which were not statistically significant compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of liver failure (OR=1.15, 95%CI= 0.73-1.82, P=0.54), biliary fistula (OR=1.20, 95%CI= 0.78-1.84, P=0.40), and abdominal infection in the two groups (OR=0.98, 95%CI= 0.53-1.83, P=0.95) was without significant difference. The R0 resection rate of the HAR group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (OR=1.08, 95%CI=0.66-1.75, P=0.77). The rates of lymph node metastasis in the HAR group were higher than that in the control group (OR= 2.48, 95%CI= 1.05-5.84, P=0.04). One-year(OR=0.48, 95%CI= 0.32-0.72, P=0.000 5), 3-year (OR= 0.51, 95%CI=0.36-0.72, P=0.000 1), and 5-year (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.35-0.70, P<0.000 1) survival rates of HAR group were lower than those of the control group. The survival rates of patients in HAR group treated with combined chemotherapy drugs after operation were significantly improved (OR= 7.33, P=0.02). Conclusions: The safety of combined HAR treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is acceptable, but poor postoperative survival may be related to the high lymph node metastasis rate. Therefore, it is still necessary to be cautious in carrying out this operation. Combined with adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery may improve survival.

[Mental health survey of medical staff in a tertiary infectious disease hospital for COVID-19]

Objective: To investigate the mental health of clinical first-line medical staff in COVID-19 epidemic and provide theoretical basis for psychological intervention. Methods: The mental health status of the first-line medical staff was investigated by Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Self- rating Scale (PTSD-SS). From February 7 to 14, 2020, 246 medical staff participated in the treatment of COVID-19 were investigated using cluster sampling, and received 230 responses, with a recovery rate of 93.5%. Results: The incidence of anxiety in medical staff was 23.04% (53/230) , and the score of SAS was(42.91±10.89). Among them, the incidence of severe anxiety, moderate anxiety and mild anxiety were 2.17%(5/230) , 4.78%(11/230) and 16.09%(37/230) , respectively. The incidence of anxiety in female medical staff was higher than that in male [25.67%(48/187) vs 11.63%(5/43) , Z=-2.008, P=0.045], the score of SAS in female medical staff was higher than that in male [(43.78±11.12) vs (39.14±9.01) , t=-2.548, P=0.012]. The incidence of anxiety in nurses was higher than that in doctors[26.88% (43/160) vs 14.29% (10/70) , Z=-2.066, P=0.039], and the score of SAS in nurses was higher than that in doctors [ (44.84±10.42) vs (38.50±10.72) , t=-4.207, P<0.001]. The incidence of stress disorder in medical staff was 27.39% (63/230) , and the score of PTSD-SS was (42.92±17.88) . The score of PTSD-SS in female medical staff was higher than that in male[ (44.30±18.42) vs (36.91±13.95) , t=-2.472, P=0.014]. Conclusion: In COVID-19 epidemic , the incidence of anxiety and stress disorder is high among medical staff. Medical institutions should strengthen the training of psychological skills of medical staff. Special attention should be paid to the mental health of female nurses.

H2O2-Based Method for Rapid Detection of Transgene-Free Rice Plants from Segregating CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Edited Progenies

Genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have been widely used in crop functional genomics and improvement. To efficiently deliver the guide RNA and Cas9, most studies still rely on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, which involves a selection marker gene. However, several limiting factors may impede the efficiency of screening transgene-free genome-edited plants, including the time needed to produce each life cycle, the response to selection reagents, and the labor costs of PCR-based genotyping. To overcome these disadvantages, we developed a simple and high-throughput method based on visual detection of antibiotics-derived H₂O₂ to verify transgene-free genome-edited plants. In transgenic rice containing hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), H₂O₂ content did not change in the presence of hygromycin B (HyB). In contrast, in transgenic-free rice plants with 10-h HyB treatment, levels of H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde, indicators of oxidative stress, were elevated. Detection of H₂O₂ by 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining suggested that H₂O₂ could be a marker to efficiently distinguish transgenic and non-transgenic plants. Analysis of 24 segregating progenies of an HPT-containing rice plant by RT-PCR and DAB staining verified that DAB staining is a feasible method for detecting transformants and non-transformants. Transgene-free genome-edited plants were faithfully validated by both PCR and the H₂O₂-based method. Moreover, HyB induced overproduction of H₂O₂ in leaves of Arabidopsis, maize, tobacco, and tomato, which suggests the potential application of the DAB method for detecting transgenic events containing HPT in a wide range of plant species. Thus, visual detection of DAB provides a simple, cheap, and reliable way to efficiently identify transgene-free genome-edited and HPT-containing transgenic rice.

Effects of light intensity and plant growth regulators on callus proliferation and shoot regeneration in the ornamental succulent Haworthia

BACKGROUND

Haworthia are desert succulents belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Haworthia species are cultivated commercially as ornamentals and some rare species are quite valuable at retail market but growth slowly and difficult to propagation. However, an efficient micropropagation protocol was remained insufficient.

RESULTS

The organogenic cultures obtained from inflorescence explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) under a light intensity of 10 μmol m^-2 s^-1 or 45 μmol m^-2 s^-1. The highest callus proliferation index (93.15%) with 1.0 mg L^-1 BA + 0.1 mg L^-1 NAA under a light intensity of 10 μmol m^-2 s^-1. The best shoot proliferation rates were on media with either 1 mg L^-1 BA + 0-0.4 mg L^-1 NAA (65.57-81.01%) under a light intensity of 45 μmol m^-2 s^-1. The highest root length (15.57 mm) and the highest rooting frequency (17 roots per shoot) were obtained when adventitious shoots were inoculated on MS medium with 0.4 mg L^-1 NAA + 0.4 mg L^-1 IBA. The survival rate of the transplanted plantlets was about 100%. The efficient micropropagation protocol proliferated Haworthia regenerate plants from inflorescence within 11 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study determined the best combination of light intensity and plant growth regulators (PGRs) for improved organogenesis of Haworthia during propagation by tissue culture. This optimized protocol showed light intensity is an important factor for efficient callus or shoot regeneration. These results indicate that it will be useful to optimize the light conditions for future commercial cultivation, germplasm conservation, genetic engineering and molecular biology research of this ornamental plant.

[The effect of estrogen level on Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effect of estrogen level on Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Immunohistochemical method was used to detect estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β expression in 38 cases of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 cases of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma.Hepatoma cells of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma were exposed to different concentrations of Estrogen for 48 hours. Tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetry was used to analyze cell proliferation activities; cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM); cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and Casepase-3 activity was measured after induced by adriamycin(ADM). Results: The positive rate of estrogen receptor-α expression in the tissues of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma was 71.05%, which was higher than that (32%)in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma tissue evidently (P<0.01). The positive rate of estrogen receptor-β expression in the tissues of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma was 68.4%, which was higher than that (26%)in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma tissue evidently (P<0.01). With the concentrations of estrogen increasing, MTT Assays showed that estrogen level increased the cell proliferation activities of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma. The number of cells at stage S and G2/M were significantly increased and cells at stage G0/G1 were reduced with the increasing concentrations of estrogen. After being incubated under the different concentrations of estrogen for 48 h, the apoptosis rates decreased gradually and the Casepase-3 activity was significantly reduced with the increasing concentration of estrogen. Conclusions: Estrogenreceptor expression may have an important influence on hepatocellular carcinoma cell biology difference between Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma and HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma. Estrogen level can promote cell proliferation and cell cycle, and inhibit the apoptosis of hepatoma cells of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro, and these effects were increased with the increasing of estrogen level.

[Chorionic villus cell culture and karyotype analysis in 1 983 cases of spontaneous miscarriage]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between spontaneous miscarriage and embryonic chromosome abnormalities, and to evaluate the clinical application of karyotype analysis by chorionic villus cell culture. Methods: The chorionic villus karyotype of 1 983 cases of miscarriage from January 2010 to July 2016 in Guangzhou Women and Children's Mecical Center were analyzed retrospectively. The miscarried chorionic villi were obtained by curettage under sterilized condition. The chromosome specimens were prepared after chorionic villus cell culture. Karyotype analysis was performed by G-banding technique. Results: In the 1 983 samples, successful karyotype analysis was performed in 1 770 cases, with the successful rate of 89.98%. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 1 038 cases (58.64%, 1 038/1 770). Chromosomal structural abnormalities were found in 37 cases. The numeral abnormalities were more common than structural abnormalities, and most of the numeral abnormalities were aneupoidies. In turn, they were trisomy 16, 45,X, trisomy 22, trisomy 2, trisomy 21, trisomy 15. The most common structural abnormality was balanced translocation, including Robersonian translocation. Female embryoes accounted for 61.02% (1 080/1 770) miscarriages and for 57.4%(596/1 770) of chromosomal abnormalities, while male embroyes acoounted for 61.02% (1 080/1 770) , 57.4% (596/1 770) respectively. The proportion of female embryoes was higher than male embryoes. The median age of the patients was 30 years old (16-46 years old) . As the maternal age increased, the proportion chromosomal abnormalities increased. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the advanced age group (≥35 years) was 68.38% (240/351) , which was significantly higher than that in the younger group (56.24%, 798/1 419; χ(2)=17.10, P<0.01). Conclusions: Embryonic chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of early spontaneous miscarriage. The abnormalities centralize in some karyotypes. There is certain relationship between maternal age and the incidence of miscarriage, as well as the embryonic gender. Chorionic villus cell culture and karyotype analysis are helpful in finding the cause of miscarriage and counsel the patients.

[Occupational exposure investigation and protective measures in a tertiary infectious disease hospital]

Objective: To investigate the cause of occupational exposure among 136 nurses in a tertiary infectious disease hospital, and puts forward the prevention strategy. Methods: A total of 136 nurses exposed to occupational exposure between 2014 and 2016 were included in the study. Analysis was conducted from the years of work of nurses, exposure routes, and the pathogens. Results: The nurses suffer from the highest risk of occupational exposures (73.91%) .Nurses working for less than 5 years and interns are most likely to suffer occupational exposure (45.59% and 35.29% respectively) . Occupational exposure was mainly caused by needle injuries, in which infusion was the main route of occupational exposure (36.76%) . The improper treatment of needle pulling after infusion is the main link of needle puncture (36.76%) . Occupational exposure pathogens were mainly HBV (63.24%) . Conclusion: Nursing staff is the high-risk group of occupational exposure. Irregular operation, lack of awareness of protection, improper disposal after the needle withdrawal and poor safety assessment of the operating environment are the main causes of occupational exposure. It is suggested to strengthen the training of occupational safety and protection, enhance clinical nurses occupational safety protection consciousness, standardize medical operation, so as to prevent the occurrence of occupational exposure.

Distribution and quantitative analysis of CIDEa and CIDEc in broiler chickens: accounting for differential fat deposition between strains

1. Differences in the expression of CIDEa and CIDEc in 20 different tissues were examined. Both CIDEa and CIDEc mRNA transcripts were predominantly but variably expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT) but were also expressed at moderate levels in the kidney and liver and at lower levels in the ovary. Interestingly, among WAT types, both CIDEa and CIDEc were expressed at the lowest levels in heart coronary WAT. 2. To better understand the roles of CIDEa and CIDEc in the fat deposition of broiler chickens, the differences in lipid droplet (LD) size and mRNA levels of CIDEa and CIDEc between lean-type and fat-type broiler chicken lines were studied. LD sizes were larger in fat-type broiler lines, and CIDEa and CIDEc mRNA levels in white adipose, kidney and liver tissues were significantly higher in fat-type broiler lines than in their lean counterparts. 3. Developmental expression patterns of CIDEa and CIDEc mRNA were analysed in different tissue types (WAT, liver and kidney) in Arbor Acres broiler chickens, and CIDEa and CIDEc mRNA expression levels increased during sequential developmental stages, achieving peak expression levels at week 6. 4. These observations suggest that the functions of CIDEa and CIDEc reflect inherent characteristics of lipid metabolism that contribute to the differences in fat deposition between strains. The results in this study contribute to a more robust understanding of the tissue distribution and expression patterns of CIDEa and CIDEc mRNA and facilitate further research concerning the molecular mechanism underlying fat deposition in broiler chickens.

Cisplatin plus norcantharidin alter the expression of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of cisplatin plus norcantharidin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smads signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep3B) were divided into four groups: control group, cisplatin 2.0 μg/ml group, norcantharidin 10 μg/ml group, and cisplatin 2.0 μg/ml plus norcantharidin 10 μg/ml group. All cells were incubated for 24 hours. Cells proliferation was assessed using cell counting kit-8. Relative mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad4 and Smad7 were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 were investigated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Cisplatin, norcantharidin and cisplatin plus norcantharidin significantly inhibited the proliferation of cells, significantly attenuated both the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad7, and significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Smad4 in Hep3B (all p < 0.05), and cisplatin plus norcantharidin exhibited powerful effects than cisplatin and norcantharidin.

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin, norcantharidin and cisplatin plus norcantharidin can significantly alter the expression of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and inhibit the proliferation of Hep3B cells. Cisplatin plus norcantharidin exhibited powerful effects than cisplatin and norcantharidin (Fig. 4, Ref. 23).

Atomically smooth hybrid crystalline-core glass-clad fibers for low-loss broadband wave guiding

We demonstrate direct evidence for the first realization of atomically smooth sapphire crystalline fiber cores with a surface variation of only ~1.9 Å. The hybrid glass-clad crystalline cores were grown by a laser-based fiber drawing technique. Because of the improvement in crystal fiber quality, we were able, for the first time, to comprehensively and quantitatively elucidate the correlation between fiber nanostructure and optical loss. We also experimentally demonstrated that high-temperature treatment has a significant impact on defect relaxation and promotes excellent crystallinity, and hence enables low-loss optical wave guiding. The experimentally measured propagation losses in the order of 0.01-0.1 dB/cm are the lowest ever reported among conventional Ti:sapphire channel waveguides and ultrafast-laser-inscribed waveguides, and agree well with the theory. Through experiments and numerical calculation, we have demonstrated that low threshold and high efficiency of Ti:sapphire crystal fiber lasers are possible with the atomic-level roughness, low-loss propagation, and high crystallinity of the Ti:sapphire crystalline core.

The genome and transcriptome of Phalaenopsis yield insights into floral organ development and flowering regulation

The Phalaenopsis orchid is an important potted flower of high economic value around the world. We report the 3.1 Gb draft genome assembly of an important winter flowering Phalaenopsis ‘KHM190’ cultivar. We generated 89.5 Gb RNA-seq and 113 million sRNA-seq reads to use these data to identify 41,153 protein-coding genes and 188 miRNA families. We also generated a draft genome for Phalaenopsis pulcherrima ‘B8802,’ a summer flowering species, via resequencing. Comparison of genome data between the two Phalaenopsis cultivars allowed the identification of 691,532 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In this study, we reveal that the key role of PhAGL6b in the regulation of labellum organ development involves alternative splicing in the big lip mutant. Petal or sepal overexpressing PhAGL6b leads to the conversion into a lip-like structure. We also discovered that the gibberellin pathway that regulates the expression of flowering time genes during the reproductive phase change is induced by cool temperature. Our work thus depicted a valuable resource for the flowering control, flower architecture development, and breeding of the Phalaenopsis orchids.

[Soft tissue sarcoma of larynx: a case report]

The clinical manifestation was gradually hoarseness for half a year, with aggravation of dyspnea in three days. Physical examination and laryngoscopy showed laryngeal neoplasm, the glottis was not exposed, pedicle, no adhesion with the surrounding. CT scan showed glottic soft-tissue, density, unclear boundary. Enhanced CT showed anterior commissure thickening and tumor invasion of supraglottic region. Preoperative biopsy results: fibroblasts and fibrocyte were arranged in a crisscross pattern. Postoperative pathology showed laryngeal soft tissue sarcoma.

MicroRNA-217, down-regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and associated with lower survival, suppresses cell proliferation and migration

Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently correlated with a variety of human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we determined the expression patterns of miR-217 in ccRCC, and tested its effect on cancer cell proliferation and migration. The expression levels of miR-217 were determined in 54 ccRCC samples using Real-Time qPCR. 786-O and ACHN cells were transfected with miR-217 mimics or miRNA mimics control. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by MTT assay and scratch-wound assay, respectively. We found that miR-217 was down-regulated in ccRCC compared to paired normal tissue. Lower miR-217 expression levels were associated with higher tumor grade and stage. All patients with high miR-217 expression survived 5 years, while with low miR-217 expression, only 40% survived. Cell proliferation inhibition and decreased motility were observed in cells transfected with the miR-217 mimics. In conclusion, miR-217 plays a tumor suppressor role in ccRCC.

Distinct behavioural and network correlates of two interneuron types in prefrontal cortex

Neurons in prefrontal cortex exhibit diverse behavioural correlates^1–4, an observation that has been attributed to cell-type diversity. To link identified neuron types with network and behavioural functions, we recorded from the two largest genetically-defined inhibitory interneuron classes, the perisomatically-targeting parvalbumin (Pv) and the dendritically-targeting somatostatin (Som) neurons^5–8 in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of mice performing a reward foraging task. Here we show that Pv and a subtype of Som neurons form functionally homogeneous populations showing a double dissociation between both their inhibitory impact and behavioural correlates. Out of a number of events pertaining to behaviour, a subtype of Som neurons selectively responded at reward approach, while Pv neurons responded at reward leaving encoding preceding stay duration. These behavioural correlates of Pv and Som neurons defined a behavioural epoch and a decision variable important for foraging (whether to stay or to leave), a crucial function attributed to ACC^9–11. Furthermore, Pv neurons could fire in millisecond synchrony exerting fast and powerful inhibition on principal cell firing, while the inhibitory impact of Som neurons on firing output was weak and more variable, consistent with the idea that they respectively control the outputs of and inputs to principal neurons^12–16. These results suggest a connection between the circuit-level function of different interneuron-types in regulating the flow of information, and the behavioural functions served by the cortical circuits. Moreover these observations bolster the hope that functional response diversity during behaviour can in part be explained by cell-type diversity.

Molecular characterization of the Oncidium orchid HDR gene encoding 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl 4-diphosphate reductase, the last step of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway

Two pathways are used by higher plants for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors: the mevalonate pathway in the cytosol and a 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastids, with 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl 4-diphosphate reductase (HDR) catalyzing the last step in the MEP pathway. In order to understand the contribution of MEP pathway in isoprenoid biosynthesis of Oncidium orchid, a full-length cDNA corresponding to HDR from the flower tissues of Oncidium Gower Ramsey was cloned. The deduced OncHDR amino acid sequence contains a plastid signal peptide at the N-terminus and four conserved cysteine residues. RT-PCR analysis of HDR in Oncidium flowering plants revealed ubiquitous expression in organs and tissues, with preferential expression in the floral organs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evolutionary conservation of the encoding HDR protein sequence. The genomic sequence of the HDR in Oncidium is similar to that in Arabidopsis, grape, and rice in structure. Successful complementation by OncHDR of an E. coli hdr(-) mutant confirmed its function. Transgenic tobacco carrying the OncHDR promoter-GUS gene fusion showed expression in most tissues, as well as in reproductive organs, as revealed by histochemical staining. Light induced strong GUS expression driven by the OncHDR promoter in transgenic tobacco seedlings. Taken together, our data suggest a role for OncHDR as a light-activated gene.

A ZnO nanorod inorganic/organic heterostructure light-emitting diode emitting at 342 nm

An inorganic/organic heterostructure light-emitting diode consisting of the hole-transporting layer N, N'-di(naphth-2-yl)- N, N'-diphenylbenzidine (NPB) and n-type ZnO nanorods fabricated by hydrothermal decomposition is reported. Poly(methyl methacrylate) was used to form a smooth surface on top of ZnO nanorod array with ZnO nanorod tops exposed for subsequent NPB deposition. An unusual ultraviolet emission at 342 nm was observed in the electroluminescence spectrum. Compared to band gap energy of ZnO (3.37 eV), the excitonic emission is blue-shifted and broadened. The mechanism of the blue shift is discussed in terms of the energy band diagram of the heterostructure.

MEMS-based flow cytometry: microfluidics-based cell identification system by fluorescent imaging

This study utilizes MEMS technology to realize a novel low-cost microfluidics-based biochip system for flow-type cell handling. Powered by vacuum pump, the microfluidic driving system enables cells to move in order one by one in the biochip by an effect of sheath flow prefocus. Then, cells are guided to a fluorescent inspection region where two detection tasks such as cell image identification and cell counting are conducted. Currently, the glass-based biochip has been manufactured and all the related devices have been well set up in our laboratory. With this proposed prototype system, typical results about cell separation of yeast cell and PC-3 cell are available and their separated images are also presented, respectively.

Gene expression analysis in aggressive NHL

The mRNA expression profile of a tumor reflects the unique genetic alterations present and is predictive of the clinical and biological characteristics of the tumor. Novel techniques have been developed to determine the global gene expression pattern of normal and neoplastic tissues. A cDNA microarray uniquely suitable for the analysis of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL) has been developed and preliminary analysis on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been performed. These studies indicate that: 1) it is feasible to determine the gene expression profiles of archival lymphoma samples frozen and stored in a clinical setting, 2) the expression profile of these 3 types of lymphoproliferative disorders are distinctive, 3) DLBCL can be divided into at least 2 major subgroups according to their pattern of expression of B-cell associated genes and 4) the gene expression patterns in DLBCL appear to have prognostic significance. A larger study of DLBCL is currently underway to confirm and extend our findings. Gene expression profiles will be correlated with cytogenetic and clinical data to identify distinctive profiles that are of clinical and biological significance and to delineate key genetic lesions that determine these profiles. The new information will allow the design of a simpler and less expensive array for clinical use. The diagnostic array could provide rapid molecular characterization of every B-NHL at presentation for optimal treatment decisions and prognostication. It is anticipated that this project will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the neoplastic transformation of B-lymphoid cells and the new insights will help to identify promising molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

Phosphorylation of synthetic peptides by a CDPK and plant SNF1-related protein kinase. Influence of proline and basic amino acid residues at selected positions

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaf sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) can be inactivated by phosphorylation of Ser-158 by calmodulin-like domain protein kinases (CDPKs) or SNF1-related protein kinases (SnRK1) in vitro. While the phosphorylation site sequence is relatively conserved, most of the deduced sequences of SPS from dicot species surrounding the Ser-158 regulatory phosphorylation site contain a Pro residue at P-4 (where P is the phosphorylated Ser); spinach is the exception and contains an Arg at P-4. We show that a Pro at P-4 selectively inhibits phosphorylation of the peptide by a CDPK relative to a SnRK1. The presence of a Pro at P-4, by allowing a tight turn in the peptide substrate, may interfere with proper binding of residues at P-5 and beyond. Both kinases had greater activity with peptides having basic residues at P-6 and P+5 (in addition to the known requirement for an Arg at P-3/P-4), and when the residue at P-6 was a His, the pH optimum for phosphorylation of the peptide was acid shifted. The results are used to predict proteins that may be selectively phosphorylated by SnRK1s (as opposed to CDPKs), such as SPS in dicot species, or may be phosphorylated in a pH-dependent manner.

The tumor cells in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease are clonally related to the large cell lymphoma occurring in the same individual. Direct demonstration by single cell analysis

Large cell lymphoma (LCL) sometimes occurs concurrently or subsequently in patients with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease (NLPHD). Although there is evidence of a clonal relationship between LCL and NLPHD, there has been no direct demonstration that the lymphocytic and histiocytic (L&H) cells in NLPHD are related to the tumor cells in LCL. We identified 2 cases of NLPHD with an associated LCL. Single L&H cells, the Reed-Sternberg cell variants in NLPHD, were isolated from immunostained tissue sections by micromanipulation, and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) complementarity determining region (CDR) III of the cells was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products were compared with those obtained from microdissected LCL cells using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nucleotide sequencing. The IgH CDRIII sequences from the L&H cells were related to each other, but also showed nucleotide substitutions, consistent with a germinal center origin. The sequences from the L&H cells also were related to those from the corresponding LCL cells. We have provided direct evidence through sequence analysis of the IgH CDRIII that the L&H cells are clonally related to the corresponding LCL arising in 2 cases of NLPHD.

Identification of a novel phosphorylation motif for CDPKs: phosphorylation of synthetic peptides lacking basic residues at P-3/P-4

The Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are members of a large subfamily of protein kinases in plants that have been implicated in the control of numerous aspects of plant growth and development. One known substrate of the CDPKs is the ER-located ACA2 calcium pump, which is regulated by phosphorylation of Ser(45). In the present study, a synthetic peptide based on the known regulatory phosphorylation site (RRFRFTANLS(45)KRYEA) was efficiently phosphorylated in vitro by CDPKs but not a plant SNF1-related protein kinase. Phosphorylation of the Ser(45)-ACA2 peptide was surprising because the sequence lacks basic residues at P-3/P-4 (relative to the phosphorylated Ser at position P) that are considered to be essential recognition elements for CDPKs. We demonstrate that phosphorylation of the Ser(45)-ACA2 peptide is dependent on the cluster of basic residues found N-terminal (P-6 to P-9) as well as C-terminal (P + 1/P + 2) to the phosphorylated Ser. The results establish a new general phosphorylation motif for CDPKs: [Basic-Basic-X-Basic]-phi-X(4)-S/T-X-Basic (where phi is a hydrophobic residue). The motif predicts a number of new phosphorylation sites in plant proteins. Evidence is presented that the novel motif may explain the phosphorylation by CDPKs of Ser271 in the aquaporin PM28A.

[A study on biological characteristics of normal adult human nasal septal chondrocytes cultured in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of normal adult human nasal chondrocytes cultured in vitro.

METHOD

The adult human nasal septal chondrocytes were cultured in vitro. The changes of cellular morphology from primary to subculture were investigated; to observe the proliferation of chondrocytes by the growth curve and the survive rate of chondrocytes; and to determine the biologic synthesis of the chondrocytes by toluidine blue, alkaline phosphatase staining and type II collagen immunohistochemistry reaction. The survive rate of the nasal septal chondrocytes was observed after being frozen (-196 degrees C).

RESULT

The morphology of the primary chondrocytes maintained the spherical shape, and some became polygonal shape after 4 days. Most of the chondrocytes transformed into the shape of the fibroblast cell since the fifth generation. The number of the chondrocytes (2th generation) after being cultured in vitro for 5 days was approximately 4 fold of that of the plating. The phenotype of the chondrocytes was maintained in the first 4 generation, the survive rate of the chondrocytes suscitating from being frozen (-196 degrees C) was 93%.

CONCLUSION

The normal adult nasal septal chondrocytes cultured in monolayer in vitro maintained the specific chondrocytes phenotype in the first 4 generation, the growth was normal, and could survive in the condition of deep-frozen.

Mutations in the gene encoding gap junction protein beta-3 associated with autosomal dominant hearing impairment

Hearing impairment is the most commonly occurring condition that affects the ability of humans to communicate. More than 50% of the cases of profound early-onset deafness are caused by genetic factors. Over 40 loci for non-syndromic deafness have been genetically mapped, and mutations in several genes have been shown to cause hearing loss. Mutations in the gene encoding connexin 26 (GJB2) cause both autosomal recessive and dominant forms of hearing impairment. To study the possible involvement of other members of the connexin family in hereditary hearing impairment, we cloned the gene (GJB3) encoding human gap junction protein beta-3 using homologous EST searching and nested PCR. GJB3 was mapped to human chromosome 1p33-p35. Mutation analysis revealed that a missense mutation and a nonsense mutation of GJB3 were associated with high-frequency hearing loss in two families. Moreover, expression of Gjb3 was identified in rat inner ear tissue by RT-PCR. These findings suggest that mutations in GJB3 may be responsible for bilateral high-frequency hearing impairment.

Study on characteristics of blast-fragment combined injury in dogs

It is known that blast wave and fragments are the primary causes of casualties from explosive weapons. To study the characteristics of blast-fragment combined injuries, functional and morphological changes were investigated in three groups of anesthetized dogs with blast injury, high velocity fragment extremity injury, and combined injuries of both types. The same parameters were also examined in a control group. Several of the functions investigated were systemic pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), oxygenic partial pressure of arterial blood (Po2), thromboxane B2(TXB2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF alpha). The morphologic study included gross, light microscopic, and transmission electronic microscopic observations. In the blast injury group, Po2 decreased and PAP, levels of blood plasma 6-keto-PGF alpha and level of TXB2 increased after injury, whereas PAP and level of 6-keto-PGF alpha decreased 24 hours after injury. The levels of 6-keto-PGF alpha and TXB2, in lung tissues, lung/body weight index were higher than those of the control group 24 hours after injury. The TXB2/6-keto-PGF alpha level in blood plasma increased slightly after injury, but showed no difference in lung tissue 24 hours after injury compared with the control group. The morphological changes showed that most of the animals sustained moderate lung injury. In the fragment injury group, Po2 decreased slightly and PAP increased slightly after injury; the levels of 6-keto-PGF alpha, TXB2 and TXB2/6-keto-PGF alpha in blood plasma increased after injury and were higher in lung tissue than in the control group 24 hours after injury. The lung/body weight index was nearly equal to that of control group. The morphological changes showed that only a few animals suffered from mild lung injury. In the combined injury group, Po2 and PAP changed in a manner similar to those of the other two injury groups but were more significantly. The level of blood plasma 6-keto-PGF alpha decreased gradually, whereas that of TXB2 increased permanently; thus, the levels of TXB2/6-keto-PGF alpha obviously increased after injury and were much higher than those in the other injury groups. The level of TXB2 in lung tissue was higher than that of the control group 24 hours after injury, but that of 6-keto-PGF alpha showed no change compared with that of the control group, and the level of TXB2/6-keto-PGF alpha was higher than in the other three groups. The morphological changes showed that most of animals sustained severe lung injury. It is concluded that extremity injury from high velocity fragment will aggravate lung blast injury. Changes in the levels of PGI2 and TXA2, can be used to determine the extent of injury in the three kinds of wounds. This may be useful for early diagnoses and rational treatment of the victims of explosion.

[Comparison between kinetics of positive inotropism of ibopamine and ouabain]

AIM

To compare the kinetics of positive inotropism between ibopamine (Ibo) and ouabain (Oua).

METHODS

The isolated right papillary muscle of cat was used to assess the positive inotropic effects by cummulative concentrations of Ibo and Oua. The maximal effects was recognized as the contraction just before the appearance of spontaneous contraction. A Hill equation was developed by using lg [E/(Emax-E)] vs lg C.

RESULTS

The S value of Ibo was smaller than that of Oua, causing C95/C5 (ratio of concentrations producing 95%/5% of Emax) of Ibo (264) elevenfold as large as Oua (22.9). Comparing with Oua, concentrations of Ibo initiating effects were lower, the slope was smaller, and higher concentrations were required for producing maximal effect. During drug concentration declining, the effect-concentration curve of Ibo showed a counter-hysteresis loop, more remarkable than Oua.

CONCLUSION

The changes in positive inotropism of Ibo against drug concentrations were less than those of Oua.

Outline of control practice of endemic fluorosis in China

Endemic fluorosis is prevalent in China covering 29 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The endemically affected areas can be divided, according to the sources of fluoride, into three types: high fluoride water, pollution from coal burning, and drinking brick tea in excess. Since the 1960's, several pilot surveys of the disease have been made and control programmes carried out in some of the areas. An Expert Consultation Committee on Endemic Fluorosis Control of the Ministry of Public Health was formally established in 1979. A national survey programme and series of working criteria for the disease were drawn up at the First National Congress of Endemic Fluorosis Control in 1981. Under the Central Government of China, administrative organizations and institutions concerned at all levels have been set up, forming a nation-wide network of control. Cooperation and coordination among such departments as health, water conservancy, geology and finance have been achieved in the planning and implementation of control programmes. Since 1980, many projects for improving drinking water quality through de-fluoridation have been completed. At the same time, new methods and technologies for improving stove and grain baking have become widely used in some of the areas where environmental fluoride pollution exists from burning coal. After all the control programmes had been introduced, the incidence of the illness was reduced with some patients making a complete recovery.

Role of the two-component leader sequence and mature amino acid sequences in extracellular export of endoglucanase EGL from Pseudomonas solanacearum

The egl gene of Pseudomonas solanacearum encodes a 43-kDa extracellular endoglucanase (mEGL) involved in wilt disease caused by this phytopathogen. Egl is initially translated with a 45-residue, two-part leader sequence. The first 19 residues are apparently removed by signal peptidase II during export of Egl across the inner membrane (IM); the remaining residues of the leader sequence (modified with palmitate) are removed during export across the outer membrane (OM). Localization of Egl-PhoA fusion proteins showed that the first 26 residues of the Egl leader sequence are required and sufficient to direct lipid modification, processing, and export of Egl or PhoA across the IM but not the OM. Fusions of the complete 45-residue leader sequence or of the leader and increasing portions of mEgl sequences to PhoA did not cause its export across the OM. In-frame deletion of portions of mEGL-coding sequences blocked export of the truncated polypeptides across the OM without affecting export across the IM. These results indicate that the first part of the leader sequence functions independently to direct export of Egl across the IM while the second part and sequences and structures in mEGL are involved in export across the OM. Computer analysis of the mEgl amino acid sequence obtained from its nucleotide sequence identified a region of mEGL similar in amino acid sequence to regions in other prokaryotic endoglucanases.

In vivo interactions of the NahR transcriptional activator with its target sequences. Inducer-mediated changes resulting in transcription activation

The nahR gene from the NAH7 naphthalene degradation plasmid encodes a LysR-type transcriptional activator of the nah and sal promoters (Pnah and Psal, respectively) that responds to the inducer salicylate. In vivo methylation protection experiments with dimethyl sulfate showed that in the absence of inducer, NahR interacts in a similar manner with its target sites at Psal and Pnah. Both target sites also have very similar sequences comprised of a 4-base pair interrupted dyad containing two symmetrical guanines (-73 and -64 of Pnah; -71 and -62 of Psal), each located in adjacent major grooves on the same helical face, and both strongly protected by NahR. When inducer was present, several additional guanines of Pnah (-35, -45, and -58) and Psal (-42 and -40) became protected from methylation, while a guanine at -52 of Pnah became markedly enhanced for methylation, indicating that inducer and NahR-dependent interactions with these downstream sites of each promoter are quite different. Deletion of Psal sequences downstream of -30 did not affect its methylation patterns suggesting that NahR alone is responsible for the altered reactivities of these nucleotides. Similar in vivo methylation analyses with inducer-insensitive or inducer-independent NahR mutants also suggested that all alterations in methylation sensitivity are directly caused by NahR. It is more probable that the salicylate-induced reactivity changes result from direct NahR-guanine contacts which are required for, but not sufficient for transcription activation; however, they could also result from NahR-induced DNA contortions caused by upstream protein-DNA contacts.

Evidence that extracellular export of the endoglucanase encoded by egl of Pseudomonas solanacearum occurs by a two-step process involving a lipoprotein intermediate

Pseudomonas solanacearum is an important phytopathogen that produces a variety of extracellular enzymes. Previous reports suggested that one of these, a 43-kDa beta-1,4-endoglucanase (EGL), is initially synthesized with a 45-residue leader sequence that is removed during export. Experiments with globomycin presented here also suggest that the primary precursor of EGL (ppEGL) has a 45-residue leader sequence but that only the first 19 residues of the leader sequence are removed by signal peptidase II during initial export across the inner membrane. Further analysis suggested that the resultant 46-kDa intermediate precursor (pEGL) is a transient fatty acylated lipoprotein and is located on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane of P. solanacearum. Although Escherichia coli could synthesize ppEGL, modify it with palmitate, and remove the first 19 residues of the leader sequence during export across the inner membrane, only P. solanacearum could export pEGL across the outer membrane and remove the remaining 26 residues of the leader sequence producing the mature, extracellular EGL. The second step of the export process requires export machinery not present in E. coli. To our knowledge this represents the first example of a leader sequence with two distinct parts, one removed during export across the inner membrane and the other removed during export across the outer membrane.

[Influence of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin on toxicity and pharmacodynamics of cyclophosphamide]

When 40 mg/kg of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (DMOC) was given (ip) 15 min before sc cyclophosphamide (Cy), the LD50/7 d of Cy would be raised from 166 +/- 9 (100-245) to 294 +/- 4 (250-346) mg/kg (dose reduction factor 1.78) in Wistar rat. The 7 d survival rate of mice intoxicated by Cy was raised to 26.7%. To give 100 mg/(kg.d) of DMOC for 5 or 24 days, it prevented the chronic toxicity of Cy prolonged the life-span, elevated the 30 d survival rate of rats intoxicated by Cy to 45.3 and 42.5%, respectively. DMOC increased the WBC, weight of thymus and body of rats and mice intoxicated by Cy; raised colony-forming unit and reduced high plasma corticosterone of mice intoxicated by Cy. It also increased the RNA and DNA of bone marrow, liver and spleen. DMOC in combination with Cy did not reduce the antitumor effect of Cy.

Excretion of the egl gene product of Pseudomonas solanacearum

Pseudomonas solanacearum is an important phytopathogen which excretes a variety of extracellular enzymes. Pulse-chase experiments showed that one of these enzymes, a beta-1,4-endoglucanase (EGL) encoded by the egl gene, is synthesized as a higher-molecular-weight precursor polypeptide (pEGL) which is subsequently excreted into the extracellular medium as a 43-kilodalton mature protein. S1 nuclease transcript mapping and DNA sequence analysis were used to identify the transcription start site and the possible translation start site of egl. Pulse-chase experiments and comparison of the putative NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of pEGL with the actual NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of mature excreted EGL suggested that pEGL has a 45-residue leader sequence preceding the N terminus of EGL which is proteolytically cleaved during export to the extracellular environment. The first 20 residues of the leader sequence resembled a typical lipoprotein signal peptide. The excretion of EGL by P. solanacearum apparently requires a membrane potential since it was blocked by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone.