Diagnostic value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for predicting the pathological grade of prostate cancer

This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of relevant parameters of 18F-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT in predicting the pathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Briefly, a prospective analysis was performed on 53 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by systematic puncture biopsy, followed by 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination prior to treatment within 10 d. The patients were grouped in accordance with the Gleason grading system revised by the International Association of Urology Pathology (ISUP). They were divided into high-grade group (ISUP 4-5 group) and low-grade group (ISUP 1-3 group). The differences in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), intraprostatic PSMA-derived tumor volume (iPSMA-TV), and intraprostatic total lesion PSMA (iTL-PSMA) between the high- and low-grade group were statistically significant (p < .001). No significant difference was found for mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) between the high- and low-grade groups (Z =  -1.131, p = .258). Besides, binary multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were independent predictors of the pathological grading, for which the odds ratios were 18.821 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.040-173.614, p = .010] and 0.758 (95% CI: 0.613-0.938, p = .011), respectively. The area under the ROC of this regression model was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.958-1.00, p < .001). Only iTL-PSMA was a significant parameter for distinguishing ISUP-4 and ISUP-5 groups (Z =  -2.043, p = .041). In a nutshell, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has good application value in predicting the histopathological grade of primary prostate cancer. Three-dimensional volume metabolism parameters iPSMA-TV and iTL-PSMA were found to be independent predictors for pathological grade.

[The association between portal vein thrombosis and rebleeding after non-urgent endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric varices]

Objective: To investigate the association between portal vein thrombosis and rebleeding after non-urgent endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric varices. Methods: The cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric varices diagnosed in the People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to March 2023 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into thrombotic group and non-thrombotic group according to the presence or absence of portal vein thrombosis. The failure rate of endoscopic treatment and rebleeding rate in different periods were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to select the best cutoff value of gastric varicose diameter that affected total rebleeding during follow-up in both groups. The influencing factors of rebleeding within 12 and 36 months in both groups were analyzed, and the influencing factors of rebleeding within 36 months in thrombus group were further analyzed. Results: A total of 106 patients were enrolled, including 53 patients in the thrombotic group [male 37, female 16, aged 18-78 (54±13) years] and 53 patients in the non-thrombotic group [male 37, female 16, aged 27-83 (55±12) years]. The follow-up time of the two groups were (20±15) and (25±15) months, respectively. The total rebleeding rate in the thrombotic group was higher than that in the non-thrombotic group [30.2% (16/53) vs 13.2% (7/53), P˂0.05]. The rebleeding rates within 6, 12, 24 and 36 months in the thrombotic group were higher than those in the non-thrombotic group [18.9% (10/53) vs 5.7% (3/53), 18.9% (10/53) vs 5.7% (3/53), 28.3% (15/53) vs 9.4% (5/53), 30.2% (16/53) vs 11.3% (6/53), all P˂0.05]. The best cut-off value of the diameter of gastric varices that affects the total rebleeding in the two groups was 10.4 mm (10 mm was selected as the best cut-off value for the convenience of practical clinical application). Hemoglobin ˂ 85 g/L (HR=0.202, 95%CI: 0.043-0.953, P=0.043), 10 mm ˂ the diameter of GV ≤ 15 mm (HR=5.321, 95%CI: 1.161-24.390, P=0.031) and endoscopic variceal ligation combined with endoscopic tissue adhesive injection (EVL+ETAI) (HR=7.172, 95%CI: 1.910-26.930, P=0.004) were the risk factors for the first gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding within 12 months after non-urgent endoscopic treatment. EVL+ETAI (HR=3.811, 95%CI: 1.441-10.084, P=0.007) and portal vein thrombosis (HR=4.026, 95%CI: 1.483-10.932, P=0.006) were the risk factors for the first gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding within 36 months after non-urgent endoscopic treatment. The study found that, 10 mm ˂ the diameter of GV ≤ 15 mm (HR=7.503, 95%CI: 1.568-35.890, P=0.012) was the risk factor for rebleeding within 36 months in the thrombotic group. Conclusion: Portal vein thrombosis is a risk factor for rebleeding after non-urgent endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric varices.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus causes diarrhea by activating EGFR to regulates NHE3 activity and mobility on plasma membrane

As part of the genus Enteropathogenic Coronaviruses, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is an important cause of early diarrhea and death in piglets, and one of the most difficult swine diseases to prevent and control in the pig industry. Previously, we found that PEDV can block Na+ absorption and induce diarrhea in piglets by inhibiting the activity of the sodium-hydrogen ion transporter NHE3 in pig intestinal epithelial cells, but the mechanism needs to be further explored. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been proved to be one of the co-receptors involved in many viral infections and a key protein involved in the regulation of NHE3 activity in response to various pathological stimuli. Based on this, our study used porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) as an infection model to investigate the role of EGFR in regulating NHE3 activity after PEDV infection. The results showed that EGFR mediated viral invasion by interacting with PEDV S1, and activated EGFR regulated the downstream EGFR/ERK signaling pathway, resulting in decreased expression of NHE3 and reduced NHE3 mobility at the plasma membrane, which ultimately led to decreased NHE3 activity. The low level of NHE3 expression in intestinal epithelial cells may be a key factor leading to PEDV-induced diarrhea in newborn piglets. This study reveals the importance of EGFR in the regulation of NHE3 activity by PEDV and provides new targets and clues for the prevention and treatment of PEDV-induced diarrhea in piglets.

[Expressions and Clinical Significance of Notch1 and Hes1 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and their correlations with clinical features.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on DLBCL samples (54 cases) and lymphadenitis tissues (20 cases) to evaluate the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1, and analyze their correlations with clinical characteristics of patients. Based on Oncomine database, the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA and DNA were also explored.

RESULTS

IHC result showed that the positive expression rates of Notch1 and Hes1 in DLBCL patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). In DLBCL patients, the expression of Notch1 was closely associated with B symptoms, Ann Arbor stage, lymphocyte count and the level of lactate dehydrogenase (P <0.05), while the expression level of Hes1 was significantly higher in patients with B symptoms (P <0.05). Notch⁺/Hes1⁺ expression was found in 21 DLBCL tissues (38.9%), and there was a correlation between Notch1 and Hes1 expression (r =0.296, P <0.05). Bioinformatics analysis (Oncomine database) showed that the mRNA expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in the Brune dataset were significantly higher than those in the control tissues (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in DLBCL are significantly higher than those in lymphadenitis, and correlated with B symptoms and Ann Arbor stage, suggesting that Notch1 and Hes1 play important roles in the occurrence and development of DLBCL.

Bioinformatic analysis of the S protein of human respiratory coronavirus

The present study aimed to apply bioinformatic methods to analyze the structure of the S protein of human respiratory coronaviruses, including severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), and severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We predicted and analyzed the physicochemical properties, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, transmembrane regions, signal peptides, phosphorylation and glycosylation sites, epitopes, functional domains, and motifs of the S proteins of human respiratory coronaviruses. All four S proteins contain a transmembrane region, which enables them to bind to host cell surface receptors. All four S proteins contain a signal peptide, phosphorylation sites, glycosylation sites, and epitopes. The predicted phosphorylation sites might mediate S protein activation, the glycosylation sites might affect the cellular orientation of the virus, and the predicted epitopes might have implications for the design of antiviral inhibitors. The S proteins of all four viruses have two structural domains, S1 (C-terminal and N-terminal domains) and S2 (homology region 1 and 2). Our bioinformatic analysis of the structural and functional domains of human respiratory coronavirus S proteins provides a basis for future research to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, vaccines, and antibodies.

Sleep benefit in patients with Parkinson's disease is associated with the dopamine transporter expression in putamen

PURPOSE

Sleep benefit (SB) is a well-known phenomenon in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether the SB phenomenon in PD patients is associated with dopamine transporter (DAT) expression levels in the striatum.

METHODS

The data of 125 PD patients were collected and divided into SB (n = 61) and non-SB (nSB) groups (n = 54) depending on whether they had SB or not. DAT expression on both sides of the striatum in PD patients was measured using 2b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-trimethylstannylphenyl) tropane (11C-CFT) positron emission tomography imaging. The clinical variables, sleep scores, and striatum 11C-CFT uptake index of PD patients between the SB and nSB groups were compared. The associations of clinical variables, sleep scores, and striatum 11C-CFT uptake index with the SB variable were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the striatum 11C-CFT uptake index in distinguishing SB patients from nSB patients.

RESULTS

The tremor subtype ratio (P = 0.011), levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency score (P = 0.025), habitual sleep efficiency (P = 0.012), and night sleep duration (P = 0.005) in the SB group were significantly different from those in the nSB group. The 11C-CFT uptake index in both the contralateral and ipsilateral striata in the SB group was significantly higher than that in the nSB group (P < 0.05). The binary logistic regression showed that SB variables were significantly and independently associated with tremor subtype (P = 0.048), LEDD (P = 0.021), sleep duration at night (P = 0.035), 11C-CFT uptake index in the contralateral (P = 0.013) and ipsilateral (P = 0.019) putamen in PD patients after correction for important clinical confounders. ROC analysis showed that the 11C-CFT uptake index on the onset side of the putamen had a high capacity (AUC: 0.916) to distinguish SB patients from nSB patients with high sensitivity (83.33 %) and specificity (88.89 %).

CONCLUSION

DAT expression in the putamen was associated with the SB phenomenon in PD patients, and the putamen DAT expression level could predict the SB phenomenon in PD patients.

Decreased NHE3 activity in intestinal epithelial cells in TGEV and PEDV-induced piglet diarrhea

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) are highly transmissible intestinal infections caused by transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), respectively. They are clinically associated with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in piglets. An imbalance in Na⁺ uptake by intestinal epithelial cells causes TGEV/PEDV-induced diarrhea. However, the mechanism by which TGEV/PEDV-infection in piglets causes Na⁺ imbalance diarrhea has not been elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrated that specific inhibition of NHE3 activity caused small intestinal bulging, intestinal wall thinning and severe diarrhea in piglets, consistent with the signs of TGEV/PEDV infection. This study further elucidated the role of NHE3 in TGEV/PEDV-induced diarrhea. In this study, small intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were used as a model of infection. The results showed that TGEV/PEDV infection reduced NHE3 activity and Na⁺ uptake in IPEC-J2 cells. Further studies revealed that the use of NHE3-specific inhibitors could reduce the amount of cell membrane NHE3, thereby decreasing Na⁺ uptake and ultimately leading to diarrhea. Transcriptomic studies performed on obtained jejunal tissues were also consistent with pre-laboratory results. This study will provide a basis for understanding Na⁺ imbalance diarrhea caused by TGEV/PEDV, as well as for elucidating the diarrheal pathogenesis of other members of α-animal coronaviruses.

[Risk factors and nutritional status analysis in patients with liver cirrhosis and concomitant chronic periodontitis]

Objective: To study and explore the prevalence, characteristics, preliminary risk factors, as well as their relationship with nutritional scores in liver cirrhotic patient with chronic periodontitis. Methods: 163 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in the Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine at Tianjin Third Central Hospital from June to September 2018 were enrolled as the case group, while the control group consisted 140 healthy individuals enrolled during the same period. Periodontal examination, biochemical examination and oral hygiene habits were investigated. The prevalence of periodontitis in the two groups was compared, and the risk factors of severe periodontitis were conducted by multivariate regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than healthy control population, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The prevalence of severe periodontitis and full edentulous jaws was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Compared with the healthy control group, the depth of periodontal pocket and the degree of attachment loss were significantly increased in the liver cirrhosis group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that liver cirrhosis was the independent risk factors for both groups of patients with severe periodontitis (χ (2) = 11.046, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that toothbrushing frequency, nutritional risk score, prealbumin level and Child-Pugh grade were independent risk factors for occurrence of severe periodontitis in liver cirrhotic patient (χ (2) = 5.252, P = 0.022; χ (2) = 24.162, P < 0.001; χ (2) = 4.159, P = 0.041; χ (2) = 9.249, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The prevalence of periodontitis is significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than healthy individuals, and liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of severe periodontitis. Toothbrushing frequency, nutritional risk score, prealbumin level and Child-Pugh grade are risk factors for severe periodontitis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

[Role of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in liver lipid metabolism induced by methionine-choline-deficient diet in rats]

Objective: To investigate the role of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1.25(OH) (2)D(3)] in liver lipid metabolism so as to provide the clues for elucidating the mechanism of non-alcoholic fatty liver. Methods: 26 SD rats were randomly divided into control group (methionine-choline-sufficient diet, MCS), model group (methionine-choline-deficiency diet, MCD) and intervention group [MCD+1.25(OH) (2)D(3)]. The intervention, control, and model group was given 3 ng/100 g 1.25(OH) (2)D(3) peanut oil solution per day by gavage according to body mass. After 4 weeks the experiment was ended up, and the blood was collected from the inferior vena cava to detect alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The liver tissue was collected to observe the liver morphological and pathological changes (oil red O and HE staining). The changes in the level of liver total triglyceride (TG) content and liver lipid metabolism-related genes [fatty acid transfer protein (FAT/CD36), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC1)] mRNA and protein were detected. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the means between groups. Results: Oil red O staining and HE staining showed that lipid droplet-vacuoles were significantly increased in the liver tissue of the model group than that of the intervention group. The liver TG content (2.23 ± 0.98) μmol/g of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the model group (3.53 ± 1.06) μmol/g (F = 5.930, P = 0.035). The ALT content of the intervention group (35.99±9.54) U/L was significantly lower than that of the model group (57.65 ± 19.42) U/L (F = 13.790, P = 0.034). The AST content of the intervention group (16.9 ± 3.73) U/L was significantly lower than that of the model group (27.81 ± 13.31) U/L (F = 3.084, P = 0.046). The relative expression levels of mRNA and protein (mRNA: 1.21 ± 0.61, protein: 1.54 ± 0.75) of FAT/CD36 in the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the model group (mRNA: 2.31 ± 0.81, protein: 2.83 ± 1.42) (mRNA: F = 8.370, P = 0.001, protein: F = 7.212, P = 0.043). The relative expression level of mRNA and protein of ACC1 (mRNA: 0.89 ± 0.54, protein: 0.28 ± 0.11) were also significantly lower than those in model group (mRNA: 1.39 ± 0.19, protein: 0.47 ± 0.24) (mRNA: F = 3.948, P = 0.036, protein: F = 10.933, P = 0.048). Conclusion: 1.25(OH) (2)D(3) can reduce liver fat deposition in rats fed with MCD by inhibiting the expression of fat / CD36 and ACC1.

[Progress of researches on the interaction between parasitic infections and host cell autophagy]

Autophagy, a conserved intracellular degradation system, is a specific life phenomenon in eukaryocytes. Autophagy is widely accepted as a pathway that double-membrane autophagosomes envelop and sequester intracellular cytoplasmic components and then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, which degrade their contents to regenerate nutrients. Autophagy may be triggered by starvation and a diverse range of pathogens, including parasites. Following infection with intracellular parasites, host cells may eliminate parasites by autophagy. However, parasites may develop self-defense mechanisms, and promote the self-growth and -development by host cell autophagy. This review describes the advances in the interplay between parasitic infections and host cell autophagy. Understanding autophagy is of great significance for the management of parasitic infections and the development of antiparasitic drugs.

Reduction in inappropriate MRI knee studies after implementation of an appropriateness checklist: Experience at a tertiary care centre

PURPOSE

To evaluate reduction in inappropriate knee MRI requests following implementation of a mandatory knee MRI appropriateness checklist.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed at a single tertiary care centre. A knee MRI appropriateness checklist was developed based on the ACR Appropriateness Criteria and adherence from referring physicians was mandatory. Reports from 200 consecutive knee MRI studies one year prior to implementation were compared to 200 consecutive knee MRI studies following implementation. The presence of moderate or greater osteoarthritis on MRI reports was used as a marker for inappropriate knee MRIs. Patient demographics, wait times, number of knee MRIs, and number of all MRIs at our centre over a six month period post-intervention and pre-intervention were recorded. Differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention presence of moderate or greater osteoarthritis, patient demographics, wait times, and number of MRIs analyzed.

RESULTS

A significant decrease was found in moderate or greater grade osteoarthritis following intervention, decreasing from 36.5% to 20.5% (73 studies versus 41 studies, p = 0.023). Of these, the most profound decrease occurred in studies with severe osteoarthritis, with an 80 % decrease (35 studies versus 7 studies, p < 0.001). Post intervention, 48 % fewer knee MRIs were performed in the same time interval (652 studies pre-intervention versus 336 studies post intervention, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the patient demographics.

CONCLUSION

Mandatory knee MRI appropriateness checklists are associated with a significant reduction in the number of inappropriate studies performed. Follow up studies will be required to assess long-term impact in a larger population.

[Short-term effects of air pollution on lung function of school-age children in Hangzhou]

A total of 1 685 school-age children selected from Hangzhou received lung function testing to evaluate the short-term effects of air pollution on their lung function. The results showed that in every 10 μg/m(3) increase of average concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) on the day of the test and the day before the test,peak expiratory flow (PEF) decreased 0.039 (95%CI: 0.012-0.067) L/s and 0.031 (95% CI:0.011-0.051) L/s,respectively. When the average concentration of SO(2) increased 10 μg/m(3) on the day of test and the day prior to the test, PEF and 75% of the forced vital capacity that has not been exhaled (MEF(75)) decreased 0.437 (95%CI: 0.217-0.658) L/s and 0.396 (95%CI: 0.180-0.613) L/s. After being adjusted for NO(2),with every 10 μg/m(3) increase of average concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) on the day of the test and the day before the test,PEF and MEF(75) decreased 0.056 (95%CI: 0.028-0.085), 0.053(95%CI: 0.027-0.081) and 0.047 (95%CI: 0.026-0.068) L/s,0.044 (95%CI: 0.023-0.065) L/s on the day before the test, respectively. The results indicate that air pollution have short-term and lag effects on lung function of school-age children in Hangzhou.

Drug-resistance reversal in colorectal cancer cells by destruction of flotillins, the key lipid rafts proteins

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) of tumor cells attenuates the efficacy of anticancer drugs and has become the main reason for chemotherapy failure. It is indispensable to establish an effective way to reverse multi-drug resistance. Our previous work has shown that down-regulation of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway activity can reverse the drug-resistance of resistant cells. Further-more, the effect of signal transduction is strongly associated with lipid rafts. The drug-resistance is reversed successfully after lipid rafts are destroyed by heptakis(2, 6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). However, the reversal of the drug-resistance is not associated with down-regulation of the expression of ERK1/2. Cell membrane permeability may increase when lipid rafts are destroyed by MβCD, causing the reversal of drug-resistance due to an increase in accumulation of the drugs in the cytoplasm. To minimize the influence of MβCD on the cell membrane structure, we selected flotillin, a marker protein of lipid rafts, as the target molecule, to further investigate the mechanism of changes in drug resistance after destruction of the lipid rafts. The effect of flotillin on the reversal of the drug resistance was examined using an RNA interference (RNAi) in a retrovirus system in human drug-resistant strains of colorectal cancer cell line HCT-15. The results demonstrate that flotillin-1 downregulation by RNAi (Flot1-RNAi) reduced the drug resistance, caused cell cycle arrest and decreased the expression of ERK1/2; however, apoptosis was not significantly affected. Knockdown of flotillin-2 by RNAi (Flot2-RNAi) had effects similar to those of Flot1-RNAi except that the effects on expression of ERK1/2 and apoptosis were different. Screening of multiple pathways indicated that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was closely related. This experiment demonstrates the association between PI3K and drug resistance through the activation of PI3K and suggests that PI3K may play a key role during the development of resistance in CRC. The results reveal that the levels of IRS-1 and PI3K proteins in the Flot1-RNAi and Flot2-RNAi groups were significantly down-regulated. Knockdown of flotillins by RNAi reduced the resistance of HCT-15/ADM cells; the results investigations of the Akt pathway indicate a decrease in resistance after lipid raft destruction. These data confirm that knockdown of flotillin reduces the resistance of HCT-15/ADM cells, and the mechanism may be relevant to the PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, flotillin may be used as a potential target for chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

[Correlation between prognosis and laboratory parameters of complete deafness in patients with sudden deafness]

Objective: To study the correlation between the prognosis of sudden deafness and laboratory indicators, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical evaluation of prognosis and selection of appropriate interventions.Method: A retrospective analysis of 123 cases of total deafness was conducted(all frequencies decreased with 250-8 000 Hz average hearing threshold ≥ 81 dB HL). All patients admitted to the hospital received laboratory test within 24 hours and underwent a unified treatment: alprostadil + mecobalamin + citicoline sodium phosphate + Ginkgo biloba extract + batroxobin + methylprednisolone (patients with hypertension or diabetes were given retro-auricular injection). After 2 weeks of comprehensive treatment, the pure tone audiometry was reviewed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into the healing group, the marked effective group, the effective group and the ineffective group. The laboratory indicators included: white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NHR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood lipid, red blood cell count, hemoglobin(Hb), plasma fibrinogen content(FIB). Result: There were no significant differences in white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, NHR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood lipid index and red blood cell count between different prognosis groups(all P>0.05). The differences of FIB and Hb were statistically significant(P<0.05). The overall prognosis was negatively correlated with FIB and positively correlated with Hb. Patients with vertigo had a worse prognosis and a higher plasma FIB level than those without vertigo(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference of Hb between patients with and without vertigo(P>0.05). Conclusion: FIB and Hb can be used as correlative indexes to evaluate the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness, and the effects of vertigo and other associated symptoms on the prognosis should be comprehensively analyzed. .

[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of four-implants supported mandibular overdentures using two different attachments]

Objective: To compare the biomechanical characteristics of four-implants mandibular overdentures supported by Locator attachment or bar-clip attachment under different mechanical loads using three-dimensional finite element analysis method. Methods: Two different models of four-implants supported mandibular overdentures using Locator attachment and bar-clip attachment (hereinafter called Locator model and bar-clip model) were established. Each model was subjected to five different mechanical loading conditions: 100 N vertical loading in central incisor (vertical load of incisor), 100 N vertical loading or oblique loading in canine (vertical or oblique loads of canines), 100 N vertical or oblique loading in mandibular first molar (vertical or oblique loads of mandibular first molar). The stress distributions in implants, peri-implant bone and mucosa were recorded under the above five conditions to evaluate the effects of different attachments on the biomechanical properties of implant-supported mandibular overdentures. Results: Regardless of loading conditions and types of attachments, the stress concentration in implants were located at the neck of implants, and the stress concentration in peri-implant bone was located in the cortical bone. The stress values in mucosa were always much smaller than those in implants and cortical bone. Regardless of loading positions (on canine or on mandibular first molar), the maximum stress at the bone interface around the implant under lateral loading was much higher than that under vertical loading. Under various loading conditions, the stress in implants and cortical bone of the Locator model (the highest von Mise stress value was respectively 79.5 and 22.3 MPa) were lower than that of bar-clip model (the highest von Mise stress value was 110.3 and 28.7 MPa respectively) while the maximum compressive stress in mucosa (0.198 MPa) in Locator model was slightly higher than that in the bar-clip model (0.137 MPa). Conclusions: In clinical practice, the lateral force applied to the implant-retained overdenture should be minimized to avoid complications caused by pathological loads. Under the same loading condition, the stress distributions in overdenture using Locator attachment are more dispersed, which is more conducive to long-term stability of implants.

Arginine bioavailability and endothelin-1 system in the regulation of vascular function of umbilical vein endothelial cells from intrauterine growth restricted newborns

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major risk factor for perinatal morbidity and mortality, leading to long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms in IUGR-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were derived from IUGR or normal newborns. We found that the proliferation of IUGR-derived HUVECs was accelerated compared to those from normal subjects. Gene profiles related to vascular function including vasomotion, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis were dysregulated in IUGR-HUVECs. Compared with HUVECs from normal newborns, nitric oxide (NO) production was reduced, with imbalance between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and arginase-2 (Arg-2) in IUGR. Meanwhile, intracellular asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level was elevated with diminished dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) expression in IUGR-HUVECs. Furthermore, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression were increased, and endothelin receptor type-B (ET_BR) was reduced in the IUGR group. IUGR-HUVECs exposed to hypoxia increased the ratio of ADMA to l-arginine, HIF-1α and protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) expression compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that the reduction of NO bioavailability and release results from elevated Arg-2, accumulation of intracellular ADMA, and imbalance of ET-1 and ET_BR, further leading to IUGR-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction. Our study provides novel evidence on the mechanism underlying fetal programming associated with IUGR, which will serve as potential therapeutic targets in the prevention of adverse cardiovascular consequences in adulthood.

[Progress of sino-nasal IgG4-related disease]

IgG4-related disease is a newly recognized systemic fibro inflammatory disorder that affects the sino-nasal region. It is a rare and emerging entity that can present with bony and soft-tissue invasion,the final diagnosis of this disease mainly depends on pathological examination and majority of patients receiving corticosteroids responded very well to treatment. Thus,Our goal was to highlight the sino-nasal presentation of this unique disease and to review previously reported cases from 2010 to 2016.We hope that clinical physicians to enhance understanding of the disease in order to ensure early diagnosis and early intervention to prevent serious injury and fibrosis of organs.

Identification of a potential functional single nucleotide polymorphism for fatness and growth traits in the 3'-untranslated region of the PCSK1 gene in chickens

Prohormone convertase 1/3 is a serine endoprotease belonging to the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family that is encoded by the () gene, and its major function is the processing and bioactivation of the proproteins of many kinds of neuroendocrine hormones, including insulin, cholecystokinin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The results of our previous genomewide association study indicated that the gene might be an important candidate gene for fatness traits in chickens. The objectives of this study were to investigate the tissue expression profiles of gene and to identify functional variants associated with fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results indicated that mRNA was widely expressed in various tissues, especially neuroendocrine and intestinal tissues. Of these 2 tissue types, mRNA expression in lean males was significantly higher than in fat males. A SNP in the 3' untranslated region of (c.*900G > A) was identified. Association analysis in the Arbor Acres commercial broiler population and Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) population showed that the SNP c.*900G > A was associated with abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat percentage, BW, metatarsus length, and metatarsal circumference. In the 5th to 19th generation (G to G) of NEAUHLF, the allele frequency of c.*900G > A changed along with selection for abdominal fat content. At G, allele G of c.*900G > A was predominate in the lean line, whereas allele A was predominate in the fat line. Functional analysis demonstrated that allele A of c.*900G > A reduced mRNA stability and consequently downregulated gene expression. These results suggested that c.*900G > A was a functional SNP for fatness and growth traits in the chicken. The results of this study provide basic molecular information for the role of gene in avian growth and development, especially obesity.

Eucheuma cottonii Sulfated Oligosaccharides Decrease Food Allergic Responses in Animal Models by Up-regulating Regulatory T (Treg) Cells

In the present study, the anti-food allergy activity of Eucheuma cottonii sulfated oligosaccharide (ESO) was investigated. ESO was obtained by enzymatic degradation and purified by column chromatography. RBL-2H3 cells and BALB/c mouse model were used to test the anti-food allergy activity of ESO. The effects of ESO on the regulatory T (Treg) cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were investigated by flow cytometry. The results of in vivo assay showed that ESO decreased the levels of mast cell protease-1 and histamine and inhibited the levels of specific IgE by 77.7%. In addition, the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 was diminished in the ESO groups compared to the non-ESO-treated group. Furthermore, ESO could up-regulate Treg cells by 22.2-97.1%. In conclusion, ESO decreased the allergy response in mice by reducing basophil degranulation, up-regulating Treg cells via Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), and releasing IL-10. ESO may have preventive and therapeutic potential in allergic disease.

An innovative SNP genotyping method adapting to multiple platforms and throughputs

An innovative genotyping method designated as semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR (STARP) was developed for genotyping individual SNPs with improved accuracy, flexible throughputs, low operational costs, and high platform compatibility. Multiplex chip-based technology for genome-scale genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has made great progress in the past two decades. However, PCR-based genotyping of individual SNPs still remains problematic in accuracy, throughput, simplicity, and/or operational costs as well as the compatibility with multiple platforms. Here, we report a novel SNP genotyping method designated semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR (STARP). In this method, genotyping assay was performed under unique PCR conditions using two universal priming element-adjustable primers (PEA-primers) and one group of three locus-specific primers: two asymmetrically modified allele-specific primers (AMAS-primers) and their common reverse primer. The two AMAS-primers each were substituted one base in different positions at their 3' regions to significantly increase the amplification specificity of the two alleles and tailed at 5' ends to provide priming sites for PEA-primers. The two PEA-primers were developed for common use in all genotyping assays to stringently target the PCR fragments generated by the two AMAS-primers with similar PCR efficiencies and for flexible detection using either gel-free fluorescence signals or gel-based size separation. The state-of-the-art primer design and unique PCR conditions endowed STARP with all the major advantages of high accuracy, flexible throughputs, simple assay design, low operational costs, and platform compatibility. In addition to SNPs, STARP can also be employed in genotyping of indels (insertion-deletion polymorphisms). As vast variations in DNA sequences are being unearthed by many genome sequencing projects and genotyping by sequencing, STARP will have wide applications across all biological organisms in agriculture, medicine, and forensics.

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activity of sulfated polysaccharide from Porphyra haitanensis

The immunoregulatory activity of sulfated polysaccharide from Porphyra haitanensis (PHPS) was investigated in a RAW264.7 macrophages cell model and a BALB/c murine model. The subpopulation of dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) from PHPS-treated mice splenocytes were also measured by flow cytometry. Consistent with previous reports, we showed that PHPS increased the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 macrophages, and enhanced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Meanwhile, PHPS induced the production of nitric oxide via the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the Janus kinase (JAK2) signaling pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, PHPS promoted the proliferation of mice lymphocytes, inducing the generation of TNF-α and IL-10 in vivo, as well as the subpopulation of CD4+ splenic T lymphocytes, DCs, and Tregs. These results indicated that PHPS plays key roles in immunoregulation and may be apply to develop new health foods.

Sandwich-type silicotungstate modified TiO2 microspheres for enhancing light harvesting and reducing electron recombination in dye-sensitized solar cells

Sandwich-type silicotungstates have been applied in DSSCs where an 0.8% Ni₄ modified photoanode exhibited the best performance in enhancing light harvesting and reducing electron recombination.

Crystal structure of poly[dichlorido(μ-2,5-dicarboxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxylato-κ2O1:O4)bis[μ-4′-(pyridin-3-yl)-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridine-κ2N1:N4′]dizinc]

In the title polymeric ZnIIcomplex, [Zn2(C10H4O8)Cl2(C20H14N4)2]n, the ZnIIcations are bridged by both 2,5-dicarboxybenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate dianions and 4′-(pyridin-3-yl)-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridine ligands, forming ladder-like polymeric chains propagating along [1-10]. The Cl−anion further coordinates the ZnIIcation to complete a distorted tetrahedral environment. In the 4′-(pyridin-3-yl)-4,2′:6′,4′′-terpyridine ligand, the three sideward pyridine rings are twisted with respect to the central pyridine ring by 39.27 (12), 14.89 (13) and 3.36 (13)°, respectively. In the crystal, classical O—H...N hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the chains into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. π–π stacking is observed between the pyridine and benzene rings of neighbouring polymeric chains, with a centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.7280 (14) Å.

Expression analysis of bone morphogenetic protein 4 between fat and lean birds in adipose tissue and serum

The objectives of the present study were to characterize the tissue expression of chicken (Gallus gallus) bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and compare differences in its expression in abdominal fat tissue and serum between fat and lean birds and to determine a potential relationship between the expression of BMP4 and abdominal fat tissue growth and development. The results showed that chicken BMP4 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were expressed in various tissues, and the expression levels of BMP4 transcript and protein were relatively higher in adipose tissues. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP4 in abdominal fat tissue of fat males were lower than those of lean males at 1, 2, 5, and 7 wk of age (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum BMP4 content of fat males was lower than that of lean males at 7 wk of age (P < 0.05). BMP4 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in preadipocytes than those in mature adipocytes (P < 0.05), and the expression level decreased during differentiation in vitro (P < 0.05). These results suggested that chicken BMP4 might affect abdominal fat deposition through differences in its expression level. The results of this study will provide basic molecular information for studying the role of BMP4 in the regulation of adipogenesis in avian species.

Anti-Food Allergic Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharide from Gracilaria lemaneiformis is Dependent on Immunosuppression and Inhibition of p38 MAPK

Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis in particular possess various bioactive functions, but their antiallergic activity remains incompletely defined. Sulfated polysaccharide from Gracilaria lemaneiformis (GLSP) was obtained by water extraction and ethanol precipitation followed by column chromatography. BALB/c mice, RBL-2H3, and KU812 cells were used for verifying the anti food allergic activity of GLSP. According to the results of mice experiment, GLSP was able to alleviate allergy symptoms, to reduce TM-specific IgE and IgG1, to suppress Th2 cell polarization, and to promote the function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. In addition, GLSP had the ability to inhibit the function of RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, GLSP inhibited the activation of KU812 via suppression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In conclusion, immunosuppression as well as the reduction in the level of p38 MAPK may contribute to GLSP's putative activity against food allergy. GLSP may be used as a functional food component for allergic patients.

Epidemiology and genotype distribution of high risk human papillomavirus in population of hospital opportunistic screening

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in population of hospital opportunistic screening and to identify the correlation of prevalent genotypes and cervical cytological abnormalities. A cross-sectional study was employed between July 2013 and July 2014 in the Chaoyang hospital, in Beijing. Cervical samples were collected for the Type-specific HPV and the cervical cytological analyses in the population of hospital opportunistic screening. Total of 8975 samples from female patients aged 17-86 years were tested. Of these, 10.4% were infected by HR-HPV, the highest prevalence of HR-HPV in the youngest group and decreasing with aging (X(2)=19.68, P=0.02). Of these, 78.73% were single infections and 21.27% were multiple infections. Age-specific prevalence of multiple HPV exhibited a "U" shaped curve (X(2)=19.98, P=0.018). The most prevalent genotype is HPV 52, then descending order of frequency were HPV-58, 16, 39, 51, 56, 59, 18, 31, 33, 35, 68 and 45. 15.9% had an abnormal cytology in HR-HPV positive women, vs 4.13% in HR-HPV negative women. The prevalence of HR-HPV were 9.2%, 26.8%, 32%, 35.3% and 36.4% in normal cell, ASCUS, LSIL, ASC-H and HSIL, respectively (X(2)=234.67, P=0.000). Women with HPV 52, 16, 18, 58, 39, 51, 59, 56, 33, 31 infections related to the abnormal cytology, while the HPV68, 45, 35 didn't. The prevalent characteristic in population of the hospital opportunistic screening is similar to the population of cervical screen, But the most five prevalent genotype in rank are different .Women with HR-HPV infections were more likely to have the cervical abnormal cytology.

Identification and Characterization of the SnTox6-Snn6 Interaction in the Parastagonospora nodorum-Wheat Pathosystem

Parastagonospora nodorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that causes Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) (formerly Stagonospora nodorum blotch) on wheat. P. nodorum produces necrotrophic effectors (NE) that are recognized by dominant host sensitivity gene products resulting in disease development. The NE-host interaction is critical to inducing NE-triggered susceptibility (NETS). To date, seven NE-host sensitivity gene interactions, following an inverse gene-for-gene model, have been identified in the P. nodorum-wheat pathosystem. Here, we used a wheat mapping population that segregated for sensitivity to two previously characterized interactions (SnTox1-Snn1 and SnTox3-Snn3-B1) to identify and characterize a new interaction involving the NE designated SnTox6 and the host sensitivity gene designated Snn6. SnTox6 is a small secreted protein that induces necrosis on wheat lines harboring Snn6. Sensitivity to SnTox6, conferred by Snn6, was light-dependent and was shown to underlie a major disease susceptibility quantitative trait locus (QTL). No other QTL were identified, even though the P. nodorum isolate used in this study harbored both the SnTox1 and SnTox3 genes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the expression of SnTox1 was not detectable, whereas SnTox3 was expressed and, yet, did not play a significant role in disease development. This work expands our knowledge of the wheat-P. nodorum interaction and further establishes this system as a model for necrotrophic specialist pathosystems.

Pivoting from Arabidopsis to wheat to understand how agricultural plants integrate responses to biotic stress

In this review, we argue for a research initiative on wheat's responses to biotic stress. One goal is to begin a conversation between the disparate communities of plant pathology and entomology. Another is to understand how responses to a variety of agents of biotic stress are integrated in an important crop. We propose gene-for-gene interactions as the focus of the research initiative. On the parasite's side is an Avirulence (Avr) gene that encodes one of the many effector proteins the parasite applies to the plant to assist with colonization. On the plant's side is a Resistance (R) gene that mediates a surveillance system that detects the Avr protein directly or indirectly and triggers effector-triggered plant immunity. Even though arthropods are responsible for a significant proportion of plant biotic stress, they have not been integrated into important models of plant immunity that come from plant pathology. A roadblock has been the absence of molecular evidence for arthropod Avr effectors. Thirty years after this evidence was discovered in a plant pathogen, there is now evidence for arthropods with the cloning of the Hessian fly's vH13 Avr gene. After reviewing the two models of plant immunity, we discuss how arthropods could be incorporated. We end by showing features that make wheat an interesting system for plant immunity, including 479 resistance genes known from agriculture that target viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and mites. It is not likely that humans will be subsisting on Arabidopsis in the year 2050. It is time to start understanding how agricultural plants integrate responses to biotic stress.

Co-sensitization promoted light harvesting with a new mixed-addenda polyoxometalate [Cu(C12H8N2)2]2[V2W4O19]·4H2O in dye-sensitized solar cells

[Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]₂[V₂W₄O₁₉]·4H₂O-doped TiO₂ composites were introduced into the dye-sensitized solar cells as co-sensitizers in N719-sensitized photoanodes to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Effects of Different Treatment Options on the Prognosis of Wasp Stings

Introduction

Severe wasp sting injuries often threaten patient's life. We compared the effects of three different therapies on the prognosis of wasp stung patients.

Methods

We conducted a randomised single-blind controlled trial. Patients stung by wasp were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups: group A received symptomatic treatment; those complicated with acute renal failure and haemolysis also received haemoperfusion combined with haemodialysis; for patients with severe haemolytic anaemia, plasmapheresis were applied; for patients with haemodynamic instability, continuous renal replacement therapy was used. Group B received intravenous methylprednisolone injection, 80 mg/d for continuous 3 days in addition to the symptomatic therapy; for patients with haemolysis, methylprednisolone 0.5 g/d was injected intravenously for 3-5 days. For group C, in addition to all treatments administrated to group B patients, subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml 0.1% epinephrine was given immediately after admission. Primary endpoint was mortality. Major complications (gastrointestinal haemorrhage, toxic encephalopathy, haemolysis, and acute left ventricular failure) and serum enzyme spectrum elevate (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], creatine kinase [CK] isoenzyme and serum creatinine) were secondary endpoints.

Results

Of 134 patients recruited, 45, 44 and 45 patients were assigned to group A, B or C respectively. Therapy in group C reduced mortality compared with group A and B (respectively 24.4%, 9.09%, 0.00% for group A, B, C respectively; p<0.001); there was no significant effects on major complications among three groups (p >0.1). The incidence of elevated ALT was significantly lower in group B and group C than in group A (p<0.001). The incidence of elevated CK isoenzyme was significantly lower in group C than in group A and group B (p<0.001).

Conclusions

For patients with concurrent organ impairment by wasp sting, early combination of epinephrine and methylprednisolone with supportive treatment with renal replacement therapy can effectively reduce the incidence of organ damage and mortality. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2013;20:270-275)

Radiation hybrid QTL mapping of Tdes2 involved in the first meiotic division of wheat

Since the dawn of wheat cytogenetics, chromosome 3B has been known to harbor a gene(s) that, when removed, causes chromosome desynapsis and gametic sterility. The lack of natural genetic diversity for this gene(s) has prevented any attempt to fine map and further characterize it. Here, gamma radiation treatment was used to create artificial diversity for this locus. A total of 696 radiation hybrid lines were genotyped with a custom mini array of 140 DArT markers, selected to evenly span the whole 3B chromosome. The resulting map spanned 2,852 centi Ray with a calculated resolution of 0.384 Mb. Phenotyping for the occurrence of meiotic desynapsis was conducted by measuring the level of gametic sterility as seeds produced per spikelet and pollen viability at booting. Composite interval mapping revealed a single QTL with LOD of 16.2 and r (2) of 25.6 % between markers wmc326 and wPt-8983 on the long arm of chromosome 3B. By independent analysis, the location of the QTL was confirmed to be within the deletion bin 3BL7-0.63-1.00 and to correspond to a single gene located ~1.4 Mb away from wPt-8983. The meiotic behavior of lines lacking this gene was characterized cytogenetically to reveal striking similarities with mutants for the dy locus, located on the syntenic chromosome 3 of maize. This represents the first example to date of employing radiation hybrids for QTL analysis. The success achieved by this approach provides an ideal starting point for the final cloning of this interesting gene involved in meiosis of cereals.

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotopes among functional groups and along environmental gradients in China - a meta-analysis

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotope signatures (δ(13)C) of different plant functional groups (PFGs) and their relationships with environmental factors in China were investigated in this meta-analysis. There were some significant, but small differences in δ(13)C among PFGs categorised by life form (<1‰). Trees (-26.78‰) and shrubs (-26.89‰) had similar mean δ(13)C that were significantly higher than those of herbs (-27.49‰). Evergreen shrubs (-25.82‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13)C than deciduous shrubs (-26.92‰). Perennial herbs (-26.83‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13) C than annual herbs (-27.10‰). Grasses (-26.46‰) had significantly higher mean δ(13)C than forbs (-26.96‰). For pooled data, δ(13)C was significantly and negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), while it was significantly and positively correlated with latitude and altitude. There was a threshold value of MAP along the gradients, and δ(13)C did not change significantly with higher rainfall. The δ(13) C of PFGs changed with altitude, suggesting that increases in δ(13)C with altitude cannot be generalised. Differences in δ(13)C between PFGs were generally much <1‰ and therefore insignificant. In contrast, MAP and MAT had relatively large effects on δ(13) C (more than 4‰ between extremes). The δ(13)C of some PFGs responded to environmental gradients in the same manner, while their 'rates' of change were significantly different in some cases. This information could help predict potential changes in the distribution of PFGs in response to future climate change.

Six cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins from Annona squamosa seeds

Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) is an edible tropical fruit, and its seeds had been used in south China as a folk medicine to treat "malignant sore" (cancer) and as an insecticide. Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol fraction of custard apple seeds led to the isolation of six new annonaceous acetogenins: annosquacins A-D (1-4), annosquatin A (5) and annosquatin B (6). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-4 are adjacent bistetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins. Compounds 5 and 6 are non-adjacent bistetrahydrofuran annonaceous acetogenins and the first examples in which the tetrahydrofuran ring system is located between C-9 and C-20. The absolute configurations of 1-6 were defined by the application of the Mosher method. Compounds 1-6 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity in vitro against five human tumour cell lines. Compounds 5 and 6 showed a high selectivity toward the MCF-7 and A-549 cell line respectively.

Resistance to recombinant stem rust race TPPKC in hard red spring wheat

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f.sp. tritici Eriks. and Henn.) resistance gene SrWld1 conditions resistance to all North American stem rust races and is an important gene in hard red spring (HRS) wheat cultivars. A sexually recombined race having virulence to SrWld1 was isolated in the 1980s. Our objective was to determine the genetics of resistance to the race. The recombinant race was tested with the set of stem rust differentials and with a set of 36 HRS and 6 durum cultivars. Chromosomal location studies in cultivars Len, Coteau, and Stoa were completed using aneuploid analysis, molecular markers, and allelism tests. Stem rust differential tests coded the race as TPPKC, indicating it differed from TPMKC by having added virulence on Sr30 as well as SrWld1. Genes effective against TPPKC were Sr6, Sr9a, Sr9b, Sr13, Sr24, Sr31, and Sr38. Genetic studies of resistance to TPPKC indicated that Len, Coteau, and Stoa likely carried Sr9b, that Coteau and Stoa carried Sr6, and Stoa carried Sr24. Tests of HRS and durum cultivars indicated that five HRS and one durum cultivar were susceptible to TPPKC. Susceptible HRS cultivars were postulated to have SrWld1 as their major stem rust resistance gene. Divide, the susceptible durum cultivar, was postulated to lack Sr13. We concluded that although TPPKC does not constitute a threat similar to TTKSK and its variants, some cultivars would be lost from production if TPPKC became established in the field.

Genetic analysis of disease susceptibility contributed by the compatible Tsn1-SnToxA and Snn1-SnTox1 interactions in the wheat-Stagonospora nodorum pathosystem

Stagonospora nodorum is a foliar pathogen of wheat that produces several host-selective toxins (HSTs) and causes the disease Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB). The wheat genes Snn1 and Tsn1 confer sensitivity to the HSTs SnTox1 and SnToxA, respectively. The objectives of this study were to dissect, quantify, and compare the effects of compatible Snn1-SnTox1 and Tsn1-SnToxA interactions on susceptibility in the wheat-S. nodorum pathosystem. Inoculation of a wheat doubled haploid population that segregates for both Snn1 and Tsn1 with an S. nodorum isolate that produces both SnTox1 and SnToxA indicated that both interactions were strongly associated with SNB susceptibility. The Snn1-SnTox1 and Tsn1-SnToxA interactions explained 22 and 28% of the variation in disease, respectively, and together they explained 48% indicating that their effects are largely additive. The Snn1-SnTox1 interaction accounted for 50% of the variation when the population was inoculated with an S. nodorum strain where the SnToxA gene had been mutated, eliminating the Tsn1-SnToxA interaction. These results support the theory that the wheat-S. nodorum pathosystem is largely based on multiple host-toxin interactions that follow an inverse gene-for-gene scenario at the host-toxin interface, but disease exhibits quantitative variation due to the mainly additive nature of compatible interactions. The elimination of either Snn1 or Tsn1 toxin sensitivity alleles resulted in decreased susceptibility, but the elimination of both interactions was required to obtain high levels of resistance. We propose the use of molecular markers to select against Snn1, Tsn1, and other toxin sensitivity alleles to develop wheat varieties with high levels of SNB resistance.

Identification of novel QTLs for seedling and adult plant leaf rust resistance in a wheat doubled haploid population

Pyramiding of genes that confer partial resistance is a method for developing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with durable resistance to leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina. In this research, a doubled haploid population derived from the cross between the synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) (xAegilotriticum spp.) line TA4152-60 and the North Dakota breeding line ND495 was used for identifying genes conferring partial resistance to leaf rust in both the adult plant and seedling stages. Five QTLs located on chromosome arms 3AL, 3BL, 4DL, 5BL and 6BL were associated with adult plant resistance with the latter four representing novel leaf rust resistance QTLs. Resistance effects of the 4DL QTL were contributed by ND495 and the effects of the other QTLs were contributed by the SHW line. The QTL on chromosome arm 3AL had large effects and also conferred seedling resistance to leaf rust races MJBJ, TDBG and MFPS. The other major QTL, which was on chromosome arm 3BL, conferred seedling resistance to race MFPS and was involved in a significant interaction with a locus on chromosome arm 5DS. The QTLs and the associated molecular markers identified in this research can be used to develop wheat cultivars with potentially durable leaf rust resistance.

Host-selective toxins produced by Stagonospora nodorum confer disease susceptibility in adult wheat plants under field conditions

Stagonospora nodorum, causal agent of Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), is a destructive pathogen of wheat worldwide. As is true for many necrotrophic host-pathogen systems, the wheat-S. nodorum system is complex and resistance to SNB is usually quantitatively inherited. We recently showed that S. nodorum produces at least four proteinaceous host-selective toxins that interact with dominant host sensitivity/susceptibility gene products to induce SNB in seedlings. Here, we evaluated a population of wheat recombinant inbred lines that segregates for Tsn1, Snn2, and Snn3, which confer sensitivity to the toxins SnToxA, SnTox2, and SnTox3, respectively, to determine if compatible host-toxin interactions are associated with adult plant susceptibility to SNB foliar disease under field conditions. Artificial inoculation of the population in 2 years and two locations with a fungal isolate known to produce SnToxA and SnTox2 indicated that compatible SnToxA-Tsn1 and SnTox2-Snn2 interactions accounted for as much as 18 and 15% of the variation in disease severity on the flag leaf, respectively. As previously reported for seedlings, the effects of these two interactions in conferring adult plant susceptibility were largely additive. Additional adult plant resistance QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1B, 4B, and 5A, of which, the 1B and 5A QTLs were previously reported to be associated with seedling resistance to SNB. Therefore, in this population, some of the same QTLs are responsible for seedling and adult plant resistance/susceptibility. This is the first report showing that host-selective toxins confer susceptibility of adult plants to SNB, further substantiating the importance of compatible toxin-host interactions in the wheat-S. nodorum pathosystem.

Identification of novel tan spot resistance loci beyond the known host-selective toxin insensitivity genes in wheat

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a destructive foliar disease of wheat causing significant yield reduction in major wheat growing areas throughout the world. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to tan spot in the synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) line TA4152-60. A doubled haploid (DH) mapping population derived from TA4152-60 x ND495 was inoculated with conidia produced by isolates of each of four virulent races of P. tritici-repentis found in North America. QTL analysis revealed a total of five genomic regions significantly associated with tan spot resistance, all of which were contributed by the SHW line. Among them, two novel QTLs located on chromosome arms 2AS and 5BL conferred resistance to all isolates tested. Another novel QTL on chromosome arm 5AL conferred resistance to isolates of races 1, 2 and 5, and a QTL specific to a race 3 isolate was detected on chromosome arm 4AL. None of these QTLs corresponded to known host selective toxin (HST) insensitivity loci, but a second QTL on chromosome arm 5BL conferred resistance to the Ptr ToxA producing isolates of races 1 and 2 and corresponded to the Tsn1 (Ptr ToxA sensitivity) locus. This indicates that the wheat-P. tritici-repentis pathosystem is much more complex than previously thought and that selecting for toxin insensitivity alone will not necessarily lead to tan spot resistance. The markers associated with the QTLs identified in this work will be useful for deploying the SHW line as a tan spot resistance source in wheat breeding.

Seedling Resistance to Tan Spot and Stagonospora nodorum Leaf Blotch in Wild Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccoides)

Tan spot and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Stagonospora nodorum, respectively, are two destructive foliar diseases of wheat, causing significant yield reduction worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate 172 accessions of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides) for seedling resistance to tan spot and SNB. All accessions were inoculated with P. tritici-repentis race 1 and a mixture of three diverse isolates of S. nodorum, respectively. The accessions were also evaluated for sensitivity to host-selective toxins (HSTs), including ToxA produced by both S. nodorum and P. tritici-repentis and culture filtrate produced by S. nodorum. A total of 34 accessions were resistant to tan spot, and 136 accessions were resistant to SNB. Among these accessions, 31 were resistant to both diseases. Significant correlations between HST insensitivity and disease resistance were observed. Our results showed that T. dicoccoides is a good genetic source of resistance to tan spot and SNB in wheat.

Resistance to Tan Spot and Stagonospora nodorum Blotch in Wheat-Alien Species Derivatives

Tan spot (caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) (caused by Stagonospora nodorum) are destructive fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) throughout the world. Host plant resistance is thought to be an efficient and economical method of control. The objective of the present study was to identify novel sources of tan spot and SNB resistance in wheat genotypes derived from the crosses between wheat and alien species. Evaluations were conducted at the seedling stage in a growth chamber with 100% relative humidity. For each genotype, three replications were used for each disease. Among the 199 wheat-alien species derivatives evaluated, 65 exhibited resistance to tan spot and 30 showed resistance to SNB similar to BR34, a Brazilian wheat line used as the resistant control. Eleven derivatives were resistant to both diseases. Reactions of the derivatives and their respective wheat parents to tan spot and SNB suggest that resistance genes in the derivatives are derived from alien species. These derivatives can serve as desirable bridges for introgression of resistance genes from alien species to cultivated wheat, and could contribute novel and effective tan spot and SNB resistance to wheat breeding.

Molecular characterization and chromosome-specific TRAP-marker development for Langdon durum D-genome disomic substitution lines

The aneuploid stocks of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husnot) and common wheat (T. aestivum L.) have been developed mainly in 'Langdon' (LDN) and 'Chinese Spring' (CS) cultivars, respectively. The LDN-CS D-genome chromosome disomic substitution (LDN-DS) lines, where a pair of CS D-genome chromosomes substitute for a corresponding homoeologous A- or B-genome chromosome pair of LDN, have been widely used to determine the chromosomal locations of genes in tetraploid wheat. The LDN-DS lines were originally developed by crossing CS nulli-tetrasomics with LDN, followed by 6 backcrosses with LDN. They have subsequently been improved with 5 additional backcrosses with LDN. The objectives of this study were to characterize a set of the 14 most recent LDN-DS lines and to develop chromosome-specific markers, using the newly developed TRAP (target region amplification polymorphism)-marker technique. A total of 307 polymorphic DNA fragments were amplified from LDN and CS, and 302 of them were assigned to individual chromosomes. Most of the markers (95.5%) were present on a single chromosome as chromosome-specific markers, but 4.5% of the markers mapped to 2 or more chromosomes. The number of markers per chromosome varied, from a low of 10 (chromosomes 1A and 6D) to a high of 24 (chromosome 3A). There was an average of 16.6, 16.6, and 15.9 markers per chromosome assigned to the A-, B-, and D-genome chromosomes, respectively, suggesting that TRAP markers were detected at a nearly equal frequency on the 3 genomes. A comparison of the source of the expressed sequence tags (ESTs), used to derive the fixed primers, with the chromosomal location of markers revealed that 15.5% of the TRAP markers were located on the same chromosomes as the ESTs used to generate the fixed primers. A fixed primer designed from an EST mapped on a chromosome or a homoeologous group amplified at least 1 fragment specific to that chromosome or group, suggesting that the fixed primers might generate markers from target regions. TRAP-marker analysis verified the retention of at least 13 pairs of A- or B-genome chromosomes from LDN and 1 pair of D-genome chromosomes from CS in each of the LDN-DS lines. The chromosome-specific markers developed in this study provide an identity for each of the chromosomes, and they will facilitate molecular and genetic characterization of the individual chromosomes, including genetic mapping and gene identification.

Molecular mapping of hybrid necrosis genes Ne1 and Ne2 in hexaploid wheat using microsatellite markers

Hybrid necrosis is the gradual premature death of leaves or plants in certain F1 hybrids of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and it is caused by the interaction of two dominant complementary genes Ne1 and Ne2 located on chromosome arms 5BL and 2BS, respectively. To date, molecular markers linked to these genes have not been identified and linkage relationships of the two genes with other important genes in wheat have not been established. We observed that the F1 hybrids from the crosses between the bread wheat variety 'Alsen' and four synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) lines (TA4152-19, TA4152-37, TA4152-44, and TA4152-60) developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) exhibited hybrid necrosis. This study was conducted to determine the genotypes of TA4152-60 and Alsen at the Ne1 and Ne2 loci, and to map the genes using microsatellite markers in backcross populations. Genetic analysis indicated that Alsen has the genotype ne1ne1Ne2Ne2 whereas the SHW lines have Ne1Ne1ne2ne2. The microsatellite marker Xbarc74 was linked to Ne1 at a genetic distance of 2.0 cM on chromosome arm 5BL, and Xbarc55 was 3.2 cM from Ne2 on 2BS. Comparison of the genetic maps with the chromosome deletion-based physical maps indicated that Ne1 lies in the proximal half of 5BL, whereas Ne2 is in the distal half of 2BS. Genetic linkage analysis showed that Ne1 was about 35 cM proximal to Tsn1, a locus conferring sensitivity to the host selective toxin Ptr ToxA produced by the tan spot fungus. The closely linked microsatellite markers identified in this study can be used to genotype parental lines for Ne1 and Ne2 or to eliminate the two hybrid necrosis genes using marker-assisted selection.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of four partial wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum amphiploids and their reactions to Fusarium head blight, tan spot, and Stagonospora nodorum blotch

Four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-Thinopyrum ponticum derivatives SS5 (PI604926), SS156 (PI604947), SS363 (PI604970), and SS660 (PI604879), were identified as resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB), a serious fungal disease of wheat worldwide. Seedling reactions to tan spot and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), two important foliar diseases of wheat, suggest that these four derivatives are resistant to tan spot and two of them (SS5 and SS156) are resistant to SNB. Fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization (FGISH) patterns of mitotic chromosomes indicate that these four derivatives are partial wheat-Th. ponticum amphiploids, each with a total of 56 chromosomes, though with different amounts of Th. ponticum chromatin. These four amphiploids were hybridized with each other to determine homology between the Th. ponticum genomes in each of the amphiploids. Analysis of chromosome pairing in the F1 hybrids using FGISH suggests that each amphiploid carries a similar set of Th. ponticum chromosomes. These wheat-Th. ponticum amphiploids represent a potential novel source of resistance to FHB, tan spot, and SNB for wheat breeding.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization and seed storage protein analysis of 1A/1D translocation lines of durum wheat

Two durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] lines carrying the high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits (GS) 1 D x 5 + 1Dy10 encoded by Glu-D1d, L252 and S99B34, were characterized using fluorescent genomic in-situ hybridization (FGISH) and microsatellite markers. These two durum lines were derived from the crosses in which the common wheat (T. aestivum L.) 'Len' and durum wheat 'Langdon' (LDN) and 'Renville' were involved. FGISH patterns of the mitotic chromosomes indicated that these two durum lines have one pair of 1AS.1AL-1DL translocated chromosomes in which the terminal region of 1AL was replaced by a homoeologous segment of 1DL. The 1DL segment spans approximately 31% of the long arm of the translocated chromosome. Microsatellite marker analysis confirmed the 1AS.1AL-1DL translocation and determined the translocation breakpoint to be distal to Xgwm357 on 1AL. Seed storage proteins (GS and gliadins) were analysed in these two 1AS.1AL-1DL translocation lines and three sib lines (L092, S99B19 and S99B33) using SDS-PAGE and A-PAGE. The SDS-PAGE and A-PAGE profiles demonstrated that the two low yielding lines (L252 and S99B19) had the low-molecular-weight (LMW) -1 GS encoded by Glu-A3k and Glu-B3s and 1B-encoded gliadins from LDN, and the other three lines (L092, S99B33 and S99B34) with higher yield had LMW-2 GS and 1B-encoded gliadins from Renville, suggesting that undesirable genetic components from LDN might limit substantial improvement of yield. Thus, the translocation lines with 1 D x 5 + 1Dy10 and LMW-2, which are associated with good bread-making and pasta qualities, respectively, in a good genetic background will be useful for developing durum cultivars with dual-purpose end-use. Results from this study demonstrate that the D-genome could play an important role in the genetic improvement of durum wheat and evolution of the A- and B-genomes in tetraploid wheat.

Chromosomal location of genes for novel glutenin subunits and gliadins in wild emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides)

The glutenin and gliadin proteins of wild emmer wheat, Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides, have potential for improvement of durum wheat ( T. turgidum L. var. durum) quality. The objective of this study was to determine the chromosomes controlling the high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits and gliadin proteins present in three T. turgidum var. dicoccoides accessions (Israel-A, PI-481521, and PI-478742), which were used as chromosome donors in Langdon durum- T. turgidum var. dicoccoides (LDN-DIC) chromosome substitution lines. The three T. turgidum var. dicoccoides accessions, their respective LDN-DIC substitution lines, and a number of controls with known HMW glutenin subunits were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), urea/SDS-PAGE, and acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE). The results revealed that all three T. turgidum var. dicoccoides accessions possess Glu-A1 alleles that are the same as or similar to those reported previously. However, each T. turgidum var. dicoccoides accession had a unique Glu-B1 allele. PI-478742 had an unusual 1Bx subunit, which had mobility slightly slower than the 1Ax subunit in 12% SDS-PAGE gels. The subunits controlled by chromosome 1B of PI-481521 were slightly faster in mobility than the subunits of the Glu-B1n allele, and the 1By subunit was identified as band 8. The 1B subunits of Israel-A had similar mobility to subunits 14 and 16. The new Glu-B1 alleles were designated as Glu-B1be in Israel-A, Glu-B1bf in PI-481521, and Glu-B1bg in PI-478742. Results from A-PAGE revealed that PI-481521, PI-478742, and Israel-A had eight, 12, and nine unique gliadin bands, respectively, that were assigned to specific chromosomes. The identified glutenin subunits and gliadin proteins in the LDN-DIC substitution lines provide the basis for evaluating their effects on end-use quality, and they are also useful biochemical markers for identifying specific chromosomes or chromosome segments of T. turgidum var. dicoccoides.

Heroin abuse and nitric oxide, oxidation, peroxidation, lipoperoxidation

To further reveal the risks of heroin abuse to human body, and to determine the injuries of oxidation, peroxidation and lipoperoxidation induced by nitric oxide and other free radicals to heroin abusers, we determined and compared plasma values of lipoperoxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE), beta-carotene (beta-CAR) and erythrocyte values of LPO, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in 114 heroin abusers and 100 healthy volunteers. Using linear regression and correlation as well as stepwise regression and correlation, we also analyzed the effect of the abusing duration, and daily abusing quantity on the above-mentioned biochemical parameters in the heroin abusers. The results showed that, compared with the healthy volunteer groups, the average plasma values of LPO, and NO, and the average erythrocyte value of LPO in the heroin abuser group were significantly increased (P < 0.0001), and the average plasma values of VC, VE, and beta-CAR and the average erythrocyte values of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). Analysis of linear regression and correlation showed that with prolonged heroin abusing and with increased daily quantity in the heroin abusers, the plasma values of LPO, and NO, and the erythrocyte value of LPO were gradually increased (P < 0.001), whereas the plasma values of VC, VE, and beta-CAR and the erythrocyte values of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were gradually decreased (P < 0.001). Analysis of stepwise regression and correlation indicated that the plasma values of NO, VC and VE were closely correlated with the abusing duration and daily abusing quantity. These results indicate that the balance between oxidation and antioxidation in the heroin abusers was seriously disturbed, and the injuries induced by nitric oxide and other free radicals, through oxidation, peroxidation and lipoperoxidation to the bodies of heroin abusers exacerbated. It is therefore necessary that in abstaining from heroin dependence, the heroin abusers should acquire sufficient quantities of antioxidants such as VC, VE and beta-CAR.