Calcium phytate reverses high glucose-inhibited osteogenesis of BMSCs via the MAPK/JNK pathway

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces oxidative tissue impairment and suppresses bone formation. Some studies have shown that phytic acid has antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential of calcium phytate (Ca-phytate) to reverse inhibited osteogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) in a high glucose (HG) environment and to determine the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

hBMSCs were exposed to HG and palmitic acid to simulate DM in vitro. Osteogenic differentiation was measured using alkaline phosphatase staining and activity assay, alizarin red S staining, qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. A critical-size cranial defect model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats was established to evaluate bone regeneration. A specific pathway inhibitor was used to explore whether the MAPK/JNK pathway was involved.

RESULTS

Treatment with 34 μM Ca-phytate had the highest effect on osteogenic differentiation in HG. Ca-phytate improved cranial bone defect healing in T2DM rats. The long-term HG environment inhibited the activation of the MAPK/JNK signalling pathway, which was restored by Ca-phytate. Blocking the JNK pathway reduced the Ca-phytate-mediated osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.

CONCLUSION

Ca-phytate induced bone regeneration in vivo and reversed HG-inhibited osteogenesis of hBMSCs in vitro via the MAPK/JNK signalling pathway.

Geographic Pattern of Variations in Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Cinnamomum camphora Seed Kernels from China

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree) is an important non-conventional edible plant species found in East Asia. Here, a detailed characterization for the chemical composition and nutritional value of C. camphora seed kernels (CCSKs) collected from different regions in China is provided. The results showed that there were significant differences among the CCSK samples in weights (1000 fruits, 1000 seeds and 1000 kernels), proximate composition, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids and amino acid contents. The highest contents of oil (62.08%) and protein (22.17%) were found in the CCSK samples collected from Chongqing and Shanghai, respectively. The highest content of mineral in the CCSK samples was K (4345.05-7186.89 mg/kg), followed by P (2735.86-5385.36 mg/kg), Ca (1412.27-3327.37 mg/kg) and Mg (2028.65-3147.32 mg/kg). The CCSK sample collected from Guizhou had the highest levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), while that from Chongqing had the lowest levels. In addition, the most abundant fatty acid in the CCSK samples was capric acid (57.37-60.18%), followed by lauric acid (35.23-38.29%). Similarities in the fatty acid composition among the CCSK samples were found. The CCSK sample collected from Guizhou had the highest percentage (36.20%) of essential amino acids to total amino acids, and Chongqing had the lowest value (28.84%). These results indicated that CCSK may be developed as an excellent source of plant-based medium-chain oil, protein, dietary fiber, minerals, phytochemicals and essential amino acids.

Initial analytical theory of plasma disruption and experimental evidence

It is a great physical challenge to achieve controlled nuclear fusion in magnetic confinement tokamak and solve energy shortage problem for decades. In tokamak plasma, large-scale plasma instability called disruption will halt power production of reactor and damage key components. Prediction and prevention of plasma disruption is extremely urgent and important. However, there is no analytical theory can elucidate plasma disruption physical mechanism yet. Here we show an analytical theory of tokamak plasma disruption based on nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory, which can give the physical mechanism of disruption. The proposed theory has not only been confirmed by experimental data of disruption on T-10 device, but also can explain many related phenomena around plasma disruption, filling the gap in physical mechanism of tokamak plasma disruption.

Accuracy of dental implant placement with a robotic system in partially edentulous patients: A prospective, single-arm clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

This clinical study aimed to assess the accuracy of implant positions using a robotic system in partially edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight partially edentulous patients received 31 implants using the robotic system. Deviations between the planned and placed implants were calculated after surgery. The deviations were compared with objective performance goals (OPGs) from reported studies of fully guided static computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) and dynamic CAIS. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the possible effects of the type and side of the arch, implant location, and implant dimensions on the deviations.

RESULTS

The evaluation of 31 implants resulted in a mean angle deviation of 2.81 ± 1.13° (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.40-3.23°), while the 3D deviations at the implant shoulder and apex were 0.53 ± 0.23 mm (95% CI 0.45-0.62 mm) and 0.53 ± 0.24 mm (95% CI 0.44-0.61 mm), respectively. The upper limits of the 95% CI of 3D deviations were lower than those of the corresponding OPGs; however, the angle deviation was similar to that of the OPG. No statistically significant differences were found for the type and side of the arch, implant location, and implant dimensions to the deviations (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The robotic system appears to achieve higher accuracy in implant positions than static and dynamic CAIS in partially edentulous patients (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300067587).

The utilization of red mud waste as industrial honeycomb catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NO

As a new way for the high-value utilization of red mud (RM) waste, we proposed an improved approach to prepare the RM-based sludge/powder via the sulfuric acid hydrothermal dissolution and NH₃ aqueous precipitation route and then the RM-based industrial-sized honeycomb (150 × 150 × 600 mm) was successfully produced by the extrusion moulding method in pilot scale. The synthesized RM-based powdery/honeycomb catalyst exhibited more than 80% deNO _x activity and good durability of H₂O and SO₂ above 350°C. But the decline of NO conversion was also observed above 350°C, which was confirmed to result from the increased oxygenation of NH₃ at high temperature. To improve the NO conversion at high temperature, NH₃ was shunted and injected into the catalyst bed at two different places (entrance and centre) to facilitate its uniform distribution, which relieved the oxidation of NH₃ and increased deNO _x efficiency with 98% NO conversion at 400°C. This work explored the industrial application feasibility for the RM-based honeycomb catalyst as well as the possible solution to decrease the oxygenation of NH₃ at high temperature, which presented a valuable reference for the further pilot tests of RM catalyst in industry.

Different predation capacities and mechanisms of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on two morphotypes of pear psylla Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang & Li) are present as two seasonal morphotypes in pear orchards where they, suck phloem sap, defoliate pear trees, and cause fruit russet. Despite the importance of natural enemies in psyllid control, the interactions between predators and the two seasonal morphotypes of psyllids remain poorly documented. Here we determined the predation efficiencies of the Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) on the two psyllid morphotypes. Predation of H. axyridis on both morphotypes conformed to a Type II functional response: the proportion of consumed psyllids decreased with increasing prey densities. Predation efficiency of H. axyridis against the winterforms increased with temperature when measured from 8 to 25°C. Predation rate on the summerforms was significantly higher than that of the winterforms. This was linked to smaller body size, higher soluble protein level, thinner cuticle, and lower chitin content of summerform psyllids compared to winterform psyllids. Predation capacities of H. axyridis on both morphotypes indicated its potential as a biocontrol agent in psyllids management. Predation efficiency was higher on summerforms, likely due to the difference in body size, exoskeleton fragility, and nutritional value between the two morphotypes. Due to the Type II functional response of H. axyridis to both morphotypes of pear psylla, application of H. axyridis in pear orchards under suitable temperatures could be taken into consideration for suppression of C. chinensis, although further experiments conducted in field conditions are needed to validate our findings.

GbSOBIR1 confers Verticillium wilt resistance by phosphorylating the transcriptional factor GbbHLH171 in Gossypium barbadense

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are important components of plant innate immunity. Although recent studies have revealed that the RLK suppressor of BIR1-1 (SOBIR1) can interact with multiple receptor-like proteins and is required for resistance against fungal pathogens, how the signal is transduced and triggers immune responses remains enigmatic. In this study, we identified a defence-related RLK from Gossypium barbadense (designated GbSOBIR1) and investigated its functional mechanism. Expression of the GbSOBIR1 gene is ubiquitous in cotton plants and is induced by Verticillium dahliae inoculation. Knock-down of GbSOBIR1 by virus-induced gene silencing resulted in attenuated resistance of cotton plants to V. dahliae, while heterologous overexpression of GbSOBIR1 in Arabidopsis improves resistance. We also found that the kinase region of GbSOBIR1 interacts with a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor identified as GbbHLH171 in a yeast-two-hybrid screen. GbbHLH171 could interact with and be phosphorylated by GbSOBIR1 in vitro and in vivo and contributes positively to the resistance of cotton against V. dahliae. Furthermore, we found that this phosphorylation is essential to the transcriptional activity and functional role of GbbHLH171. We also show by spectrometric analysis and site-directed mutagenesis that Ser413 is the GbSOBIR1-mediated phosphorylation site of GbbHLH171. These results demonstrate that GbSOBIR1 interacts with GbbHLH171 and plays a critical role in cotton resistance to V. dahliae.

Simultaneous Enhancement of Strength and Toughness of PLA Induced by Miscibility Variation with PVA

The mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% (w/w) poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were investigated at the macro- and microscale. The macro-mechanical properties for the fiber membrane revealed that both the modulus and fracture strain could be improved by 100% and 70%, respectively, with a PVA content of 5%. The variation in modulus and fracture strain versus the diameter of a single electrospun fiber presented two opposite trends, while simultaneous enhancement was observed when the content of PVA was 5% and 10%. With a diameter of 1 μm, the strength and toughness of the L95V5 and L90V10 fibers were enhanced to over 3 and 2 times that of pure PLA, respectively. The structural evolution of electrospun nanofiber was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Although PLA and PVA were still miscible in the concentration range used, the latter could crystallize independently after electrospinning. According to the crystallization behavior of the nanofibers, a double network formed by PLA and PVA-one microcrystal/ordered structure and one amorphous structure-is proposed to contribute to the simultaneous enhancement of strength and toughness, which provides a promising method for preparing biodegradable material with high performance.

Screening of seaweeds in the East China Sea as potential bio-monitors of heavy metals

Seaweeds are good bio-monitors of heavy metal pollution and have been included in European coastal monitoring programs. However, data for seaweed species in China are scarce or missing. In this study, we explored the potential of seaweeds as bio-monitor by screening the natural occurring seaweeds in the "Kingdom of seaweed and shellfish" at Dongtou Islands, the East China Sea. Totally, 12 seaweed species were collected from six sites, with richness following the sequence of Rhodophyta > Phaeophyta > Chlorophyta. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in the seaweeds was determined, and the bioaccumulation coefficient was calculated. A combination of four seaweeds, Pachydictyon coriaceum, Gelidium divaricatum, Sargassum thunbergii, and Pterocladiella capillacea, were proposed as bio-monitors due to their high bioaccumulation capabilities of specific heavy metals in the East China Sea and hence hinted the importance of using seaweed community for monitoring of pollution rather than single species. Our results provide first-hand data for the selection of bio-monitor species for heavy metals in the East China Sea and contribute to selection of cosmopolitan bio-monitor communities over geographical large area, which will benefit the establishment of monitoring programs for coastal heavy metal contamination.

Comparison of orthodontic tooth movement between adolescents and adults based on implant superimposition

OBJECTIVE

We compared tooth movement under maximum anchorage control with mini-screw implants in growing and non-growing patients.

METHODS

In total, 15 adolescent (G1) and 19 adult (G2) patients with prognathic profiles were selected. All patients underwent first premolar extraction treatment with mini-screw implants for maximum anchorage control. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data were obtained immediately after implant placement (T1) and at the end of anterior tooth retraction (T2). Tooth movement and root length changes of the maxillary first molar, canine, and incisors were evaluated with three-dimensional models constructed using CBCT data obtained before and after orthodontic retraction through the superimposition of stable implants.

RESULTS

Distal movement of the molar crown was observed in G2, but mesial movement was observed in G1. Mesial tipping of the first molar (1.82 ± 6.76°) was seen in G1 and distal tipping (4.44 ± 3.77°) was observed in G2. For the canines, mesial crown tipping (0.33 ± 4.99°) was noted in G1 and distal crown tipping (8.00 ± 5.57°) was observed in G2. In adults, the lingual inclinations of the lateral and central incisors were 11.91 ± 7.01° and 11.47 ± 6.70°, with 0.99 ± 1.22 mm and 1.08 ± 1.20 mm root retraction, respectively. In adolescents, the torque changes were smaller (lateral incisors, 8.25 ± 10.15°; central incisors, 9.82 ± 8.97°) and the root retractions were 0.31 ± 1.81 mm and 0.77 ± 1.59 mm, respectively. Less shortening of the central incisor roots occurred in adolescents than in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth movements, such as anchor molar angular change, the canine tipping pattern, and the amount of incisor retraction, differed between adolescents and adults treated using the same anchorage with mini-screw implants, bracket prescription, and en masse retraction method. Anchorage strength of the first molars, canine movement patterns, and incisor retraction ranges are not determined by the anchorage device alone; growth and alveolar limitations also play roles.

Characterization and potential role of microRNA in the Chinese dominant malaria mosquito Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) throughout four different life stages

BACKGROUND

microRNAs (miRNAs) are one kind of small non-coding RNAs widely distributed in insects. Many studies have shown that miRNAs play critical roles in development, differentiation, apoptosis, and innate immunity. However, there are a few reports describing miRNAs in Anopheles sinensis, the most common, and one of the dominant malaria mosquito in China. Here, we investigated the global miRNA expression profile across four different developmental stages including embryo, larval, pupal, and adult stages using Illumina Hiseq 2500 sequencing.

RESULTS

In total, 164 miRNAs were obtained out of 107.46 million raw sequencing reads. 99 of them identified as known miRNAs, and the remaining 65 miRNAs were considered as novel. By analyzing the read counts of miRNAs in all developmental stages, 95 miRNAs showed stage-specific expression (q < 0.01 and |log2 (fold change)| > 1) in consecutive stages, indicating that these miRNAs may be involved in critical physiological activity during development. Sixteen miRNAs were identified to be commonly dysregulated throughout four developmental stages. Many miRNAs showed stage-specific expression, such as asi-miR-2943 was exclusively expressed in the embryo stage, and asi-miR-1891 could not be detected in larval stage. The expression of six selected differentially expressed miRNAs identified by qRT-PCR were consistent with our sequencing results. Furthermore, 5296 and 1902 target genes were identified for the dysregulated 68 known and 27 novel miRNAs respectively by combining miRanda and RNAhybrid prediction. GO annotation and KEGG pathway analysis for the predicted genes of dysregulated miRNAs revealed that they might be involved in a broad range of biological processes related with the development, such as membrane, organic substance transport and several key pathways including protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, propanoate metabolism and folate biosynthesis. Thirty-two key miRNAs were identified by microRNA-gene network analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present study represents the first global characterization of An. sinensis miRNAs in its four developmental stages. The presence and differential expression of An. sinensis miRNAs imply that such miRNAs may play critical roles in An. sinensis life cycle. A better understanding of the functions of these miRNAs will have great implication for the effective control of vector population and therefore interrupting malaria transmission.

Panax quinquefolius saponins combined with dual antiplatelet drug therapy alleviate gastric mucosal injury and thrombogenesis through the COX/PG pathway in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction

Objectives

Previous studies have found that Panax quinquefolius saponins (PQS) combined with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspirin and clopidogrel enhances antithrombotic effects while reducing gastric mucosal injury induced by DAPT. We investigated the effects of the combined drug therapy (PQS+DAPT) through the COX/PG pathways.

Methods

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in Wistar rats by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, and the animals were randomly divided into Model, DAPT, and PQS+DAPT groups. Rats in the sham group did not undergo artery ligation. They were intragastrically treated for 14 days. Myocardial infarct size; myocardial pathology; platelet aggregation rate, CD62p activation, concentrations of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), 6-keto-PGF1α, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), the TXB₂/6-keto-PGF1α ratio were measured. The ultrastructure of the gastric mucosa was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The expression of PGE₂ and 6-keto-PGF1α in gastric mucosa was measured by radioimmunoassay, and levels of COX-1, COX-2, and VEGF in gastric mucosa were assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The addition of Panax quinquefolius saponins (PQS+DAPT) to standard DAPT therapy significantly decreased the myocardial infarct area, degree of myocardial lesions, TXB₂ and PAI levels, and the TXB₂/6-keto-PGF1α ratio, while increasing 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA levels and reducing the degree of gastric mucosal injury. Expression of PGE₂, 6-keto-PGF1α, COX-2, and VEGF in the gastric mucosa was upregulated in the PQS+DAPT group compared with the standard DAPT group.

Conclusion

PQS increases the degree of DAPT inhibition of myocardial necrosis and antiplatelet effects in AMI rats, as well as reducing damage to the gastric mucosa caused by DAPT. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of TXB₂ and PAI activity and elevation of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA levels in blood, and may be associated with upregulated expression of COX-2, PGE₂, PGI₂, and VEGF in gastric tissue.

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) interacts with nonstructural protein 1 and promotes the replication of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus

BACKGROUND

Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional protein and a crucial regulatory factor in the replication and pathogenesis of avian influenza virus (AIV). Studies have shown that NS1 can interact with a variety of host proteins to modulate the viral life cycle. We previously generated a monoclonal antibody against NS1 protein; In the current research study, using this antibody, we immunoprecipitated host proteins that interact with NS1 to better understand the roles played by NS1 in communications between virus and host.

RESULTS

Co-immunoprecipitation experiments identified annexin A2 (ANXA2) as a target molecule interacting with NS1. Results from confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that NS1 co-localized with ANXA2 in the cell cytoplasm. Overexpression of ANXA2 significantly increased the titer of H5N1 subtype HPAIV, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of ANXA2 markedly inhibited the expression of viral proteins and reduced the progeny virus titer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ANXA2 interacts with NS1 and ANXA2 expression increases HPAIV replication.

Sorption of tetracycline on biochar derived from rice straw under different temperatures

Biochars produced from the pyrolysis of waste biomass under limited oxygen conditions could serve as adsorbents in environmental remediation processes. Biochar samples derived from rice straw that were pyrolyzed at 300 (R300), 500 (R500) and 700°C (R700) were used as adsorbents to remove tetracycline from an aqueous solution. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich models fitted the adsorption data well (R² > 0.919). The adsorption capacity increased with pyrolysis temperature. The R500 and R700 samples exhibited relative high removal efficiencies across a range of initial tetracycline concentrations (0.5mg/L-32mg/L) with the maximum (92.8%–96.7%) found for adsorption on R700 at 35°C. The relatively high surface area of the R700 sample and π–π electron-donor acceptor contributed to the high adsorption capacities. A thermodynamic analysis indicated that the tetracycline adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The pH of solution was also found to influence the adsorption processes; the maximum adsorption capacity occurred at a pH of 5.5. These experimental results highlight that biochar derived from rice straw is a promising candidate for low-cost removal of tetracycline from water.

Upconversion Nanophosphor-Involved Molecularly Imprinted Fluorescent Polymers for Sensitive and Specific Recognition of Sterigmatocystin

Originated from the bottom-up synthetic strategy, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) possess the inherent ability of selective and specific recognition and binding of the target analytes, with their structural cavities that can match the target molecules in respect to size, shape, and functional groups. Herein, based on the high selectivity of MIPs and the fluorescence properties of the β-NaYF₄:Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles, MIPs with both specificity and fluorescent signals are fabricated to recognize trace sterigmatocystin (ST) with high selectivity and sensitivity. The structure analogue of ST, 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DT), was employed as the template molecule, acrylamide as the functional monomer, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane as the crosslinking agent, and a new molecular imprinting technique of non-aqueous sol-gel method is used to synthesize a molecularly imprinted material with high selectivity to ST. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence enhancement of fluorescent MIPs increased as the concentration of ST increased. In the range of 0.05⁻1.0 mg L-1, fluorescence enhancement and the concentration showed a good linear relationship with a detection limit of 0.013 mg L-1. Real sample analysis achieved the recoveries of 83.8⁻88.8% (RSD 5.1%) for rice, 82.1⁻87.5% (RSD 4.6%) for maize, and 80.6⁻89.2% (RSD 3.0%) for soybeans, respectively, revealing the feasibility of the developed method.

Stretch force guides finger-like pattern of bone formation in suture

Mechanical tension is widely applied on the suture to modulate the growth of craniofacial bones. Deeply understanding the features of bone formation in expanding sutures could help us to improve the outcomes of clinical treatment and avoid some side effects. Although there are reports that have uncovered some biological characteristics, the regular pattern of sutural bone formation in response to expansion forces is still unknown. Our study was to investigate the shape, arrangement and orientation of new bone formation in expanding sutures and explore related clinical implications. The premaxillary sutures of rat, which histologically resembles the sutures of human beings, became wider progressively under stretch force. Micro-CT detected new bones at day 3. Morphologically, these bones were forming in a finger-like pattern, projecting from the maxillae into the expanded sutures. There were about 4 finger-like bones appearing on the selected micro-CT sections at day 3 and this number increased to about 18 at day 7. The average length of these projections increased from 0.14 mm at day 3 to 0.81 mm at day 7. The volume of these bony protuberances increased to the highest level of 0.12 mm³ at day 7. HE staining demonstrated that these finger-like bones had thick bases connecting with the maxillae and thin fronts stretching into the expanded suture. Nasal sections had a higher frequency of finger-like bones occuring than the oral sections at day 3 and day 5. Masson-stained sections showed stretched fibers embedding into maxillary margins. Osteocalcin-positive osteoblasts changed their shapes from cuboidal to spindle and covered the surfaces of finger-like bones continuously. Alizarin red S and calcein deposited in the inner and outer layers of finger-like bones respectively, which showed that longer and larger bones formed on the nasal side of expanded sutures compared with the oral side. Interestingly, these finger-like bones were almost paralleling with the direction of stretch force. Inclined force led to inclined finger-like bones formation and deflection of bilateral maxillae. Additionally, heavily compressive force caused fracture of finger-like bones in the sutures. These data together proposed the special finger-like pattern of bone formation in sutures guided by stretch force, providing important implications for maxillary expansion.

Genome-wide characterization and expression profiling of HD-Zip gene family related to abiotic stress in cassava

Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) gene family plays important roles in various abiotic stresses and hormone signaling in plants. However, no information is currently available regarding this family in cassava (Manihot esculenta), an important drought-tolerant crop in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Here, 57 HD-Zip genes (MeHDZ01-57) were identified in the cassava genome, and they were classified into four subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis, which was further supported by their gene structure and conserved motif characteristics. Of which five gene pairs were involved in segmental duplication but none for tandem duplication, suggesting that segmental duplication was the main cause for the expansion of MeHDZ gene family in cassava. Global expression profiles revealed that MeHDZ genes were constitutively expressed, or not expressed, or tissue-specific expressed in examined tissues in both cultivated and wild subspecies. Transcriptomic analysis of three genotypes showed that most of MeHDZ genes responded differently to drought and polyethylene glycol treatments. Subsequently, quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed comprehensive responses of twelve selected MeHDZ genes to various stimuli including cold, salt, and ABA treatments. These findings will increase our understanding of HD-Zip gene family involved in abiotic stresses and signaling transduction, and will provide a solid base for further functional characterization of MeHDZ genes in cassava.

Indocyanine Green Loaded Reduced Graphene Oxide for In Vivo Photoacoustic/Fluorescence Dual-Modality Tumor Imaging

Multimodality imaging based on multifunctional nanocomposites holds great promise to fundamentally augment the capability of biomedical imaging. Specifically, photoacoustic and fluorescence dual-modality imaging is gaining much interest because of their non-invasiveness and the complementary nature of the two modalities in terms of imaging resolution, depth, sensitivity, and speed. Herein, using a green and facile method, we synthesize indocyanine green (ICG) loaded, polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated, reduced nano-graphene oxide nanocomposite (rNGO-PEG/ICG) as a new type of fluorescence and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging contrast. The nanocomposite is shown to have minimal toxicity and excellent photoacoustic/fluorescence signals both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with free ICG, the nanocomposite is demonstrated to possess greater stability, longer blood circulation time, and superior passive tumor targeting capability. In vivo study shows that the circulation time of rNGO-PEG/ICG in the mouse body can sustain up to 6 h upon intravenous injection; while after 1 day, no obvious accumulation of rNGO-PEG/ICG is found in any major organs except the tumor regions. The demonstrated high fluorescence/photoacoustic dual contrasts, together with its low toxicity and excellent circulation life time, suggest that the synthesized rNGO-PEG/ICG can be a promising candidate for further translational studies on both the early diagnosis and image-guided therapy/surgery of cancer.

Exposure to various abscission-promoting treatments suggests substantial ERF subfamily transcription factors involvement in the regulation of cassava leaf abscission

BACKGROUND

Cassava plants (Manihot esculenta Crantz) have obvious abscission zone (AZ) structures in their leaf pulvinus-petioles. Cassava leaf abscission can be triggered by either 17 days of water-deficit stress or 4 days of ethylene treatment. To date, little is known about cassava AP2/ERF factors, and less is known regarding their roles in regulating abscission zone development.

RESULTS

Here, the cassava and Arabidopsis AP2/ERF genes were compared, finding that the cassava genome contains approximately 1.54-fold more ERF subfamily than the Arabidopsis genome. Microarray analysis was used to identify the AP2/ERF genes that are expressed in cassava leaf pulvinus-petiole abscission zones by comparing the AP2/ERF gene expression profiles of ethylene- and water-deficit stress-induced leaf abscission. In total, 99 AP2/ERF genes were identified as expressed in AZs across six time points during both ethylene- and water-deficit stress-induced leaf abscission. Comparative expression profile analysis of similar SOTA (Self Organizing Tree Algorithm) clusters at six time points during ethylene- and water-deficit stress-induced leaf abscission demonstrated that 20 ERF subfamily genes had similar expression patterns in response to both treatments. GO (Gene Ontology) annotation confirmed that all 20 ERF subfamily genes participate in ethylene-mediated signalling. Analysis of the putative ERF promoter regions shown that the genes contained primarily ethylene- and stress-related cis-elements. Further analysis of ACC oxidase activity in AZs across six time points during abscission shown increased ethylene production in response to both ethylene and water-deficit stress; however, the difference was more dramatic for water-deficit stress. Finally, the expression ratios of 20 ERF subfamily genes were analysed in two cassava cultivars, 'KU50' and 'SC5', that exhibit different levels of leaf abscission when challenged with the same water-deficit stress. The analysis indicated that most of the ERF genes were expressed at higher levels in the precocious abscission 'KU50' cultivar than in the delayed abscission 'SC5' cultivar.

CONCLUSION

Ccomparative analysis of both ethylene- and water-deficit stress-induced leaf abscission shown that the ERF subfamily functions in the regulation of cassava abscission zone development.

Relationship between LAPTM4B Gene Polymorphism and Prognosis of Patients following Tumor Resection for Colorectal and Esophageal Cancers

BACKGROUND

Lysosome-associated transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B) is an oncogene that participates tumorgenesis in a variety of human solid tumors, and it has two alleles named as LAPTM4B*1 and *2. The present study aimed to identify the association of LAPTM4B genotype with clinicopathological features and prognosis in colorectal and esophageal cancer patients.

METHOD

Genotypes of LAPTM4B were determined by PCR in 167 colon cancer cases (72 patients in a discovery cohort and 95 patients in a testing cohort), 160 rectal cancer cases and 164 esophageal cancer cases. Association between the LAPTM4B gene polymorphism and clinicopathological variables was calculated by Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Patient survival differences were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were determined with Log-rank test and Cox regression model.

RESULTS

LAPTM4B *1/1 was more frequently detected in colon cancer patients with lymph node metastasis and TNM III+IV stages in total colon cancer (discovery + testing cohorts). LAPTM4B *2/2 decreased in recurrent patients in total colon cancer patients (P = 0.045). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank test showed that LAPTM4B*1 was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) in discovery and testing cohorts of colon cancer (P = 0.0254 and 0.0292, respectively), but not in rectal and esophageal cancer cases (P = 0.7669 and 0.9356, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that LAPTM4B genotype was an independent prognostic factor for OS in total colon cancer [P = 0.004, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.432; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.243-0.768], but not in rectal and esophageal cancers (P = 0.791, HR = 1.073, 95% CI = 0.638-1.804 and 0.998, HR = 1.000, 95% CI = 0.663-1.530, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that LAPTM4B allele *1 was a risk factor associated with poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer, but not in patients with rectal or esophageal cancers. LAPTM4B genotype status might be a useful prognostic indicator for patients that need surgical operation in colon cancer.

Electrical Property Characterization of Neural Stem Cells in Differentiation

Electrical property characterization of stem cells could be utilized as a potential label-free biophysical approach to evaluate the differentiation process. However, there has been a lack of technology or tools that can quantify the intrinsic cellular electrical markers (e.g., specific membrane capacitance (Cspecific membrane) and cytoplasm conductivity (σcytoplasm)) for a large amount of stem cells or differentiated cells. In this paper, a microfluidic platform enabling the high-throughput quantification of Cspecific membrane and σcytoplasm from hundreds of single neural stem cells undergoing differentiation was developed to explore the feasibility to characterize the neural stem cell differentiation process without biochemical staining. Experimental quantification using biochemical markers (e.g., Nestin, Tubulin and GFAP) of neural stem cells confirmed the initiation of the differentiation process featured with gradual loss in cellular stemness and increased cell markers for neurons and glial cells. The recorded electrical properties of neural stem cells undergoing differentiation showed distinctive and unique patterns: 1) in the suspension culture before inducing differentiation, a large distribution and difference in σcytoplasm among individual neural stem cells was noticed, which indicated heterogeneity that may result from the nature of suspension culture of neurospheres; and 2) during the differentiation in adhering monolayer culture, significant changes and a large difference in Cspecific membrane were located indicating different expressions of membrane proteins during the differentiation process, and a small distribution difference in σcytoplasm was less significant that indicated the relatively consistent properties of cytoplasm during the culture. In summary, significant differences in Cspecific membrane and σcytoplasm were observed during the neural stem cell differentiation process, which may potentially be used as label-free biophysical markers to monitor this process.