Elective Nodal Irradiation vs. Involved-Field Irradiation for Stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ Cervical Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: A Retrospective Propensity Study with Eight-Year Survival Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) is suggested as the standard treatment for cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (CESCC). This retrospective propensity study compared the eight-year survival outcomes and acute treatment toxicities of these patients treated with elective nodal irradiation (ENI) versus involved-field irradiation (IFI).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ CESCC treated with dCCRT in our institution between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2020 were enrolled in the study. All the patients were restaged according to the American Joint Commission (AJCC) 8th edition criteria. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the effects of treatment selection bias and potential confounding factors including sex, age, ECOG score, clinical T stage (cT), clinical N stage (cN), clinical TNM stage (cTNM) and radiation dose between the ENI group and IFI group. Survival and the prognostic factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 131 eligible patients underwent ENI (60 patients, 45.8%) or IFI (71 patients, 54.2%). The median follow-up time was 95.3 months (range, 28.0-186.2 months) for all the patients. The median OS, 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year OS rates were 44.4 months, 87.8%, 55.5%, 39.0%, and 28.3%, respectively. After PSM, there were 49 patients in each group. The median OS, 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year OS rates for ENI and IFI group were 32.0 months, 83.7%, 48.9%, 38.8% and 32.4% versus 45.2 months, 89.8%, 52.7%, 38.2%, 26.6%, respectively (P = 0.984; HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.61-1.62). Similar locoregional control was obtained in both groups. The tendency of leukocytopenia and neutropenia was higher in ENI than in IFI (59.2% versus 38.8%; P = 0.068 and 30.6% versus 14.3%; P = 0.089) at the end of dCCRT.

CONCLUSION

Cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy has a satisfactory prognosis with organ conservation. The involved-field irradiation might be a better alternative owing to similar overall survival outcomes and local control with less toxicity of myelosuppression.

PALE-GREEN LEAF 1, a rice cpSRP54 protein, is essential for the assembly of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex

Although photosynthetic multiprotein complexes have received major attention, our knowledge about the assembly of these proteins into functional complexes in plants is still limited. In the present study, we have identified a chlorophyll-deficient mutant, pale-green leaf 1 (pgl1), in rice that displays abnormally developed chloroplasts. Map-based cloning of this gene revealed that OsPGL1 encodes a chloroplast targeted protein homologous to the 54-kDa subunit of the signal recognition particle (cpSRP54). Immunoblot analysis revealed that the accumulation of the PSI core proteins PsaA and PsaB, subunits from the ATP synthase, cytochrome, and light-harvesting complex (LHC) is dramatically reduced in pgl1. Blue native gel analysis of thylakoid membrane proteins showed the existence of an extra band in the pgl1 mutant, which located between the dimeric PSII/PSI-LHCI and the monomeric PSII. Immunodetection after 2D separation indicated that the extra band consists of the proteins from the PSI core complex. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence at 77 K further confirmed that PSI, rather than PSII, was primarily impaired in the pgl1 mutant. These results suggest that OsPGL1 might act as a molecular chaperone that is required for the efficient assembly and specific integration of the peripheral LHCI proteins into the PSI core complex in rice.

Alternative splicing dynamics and evolutionary divergence during embryogenesis in wheat species

Among polyploid species with complex genomic architecture, variations in the regulation of alternative splicing (AS) provide opportunities for transcriptional and proteomic plasticity and the potential for generating trait diversities. However, the evolution of AS and its influence on grain development in diploid grass and valuable polyploid wheat crops are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a pipeline for the analysis of alternatively spliced transcript isoforms, which takes the high sequence similarity among polyploid wheat subgenomes into account. Through analysis of synteny and detection of collinearity of homoeologous subgenomes, conserved and specific AS events across five wheat and grass species were identified. A global analysis of the regulation of AS in diploid grass and polyploid wheat grains revealed diversity in AS events not only between the endosperm, pericarp and embryo overdevelopment, but also between subgenomes. Analysis of AS in homoeologous triads of polyploid wheats revealed evolutionary divergence between gene-level and transcript-level regulation of embryogenesis. Evolutionary age analysis indicated that the generation of novel transcript isoforms has occurred in young genes at a more rapid rate than in ancient genes. These findings, together with the development of comprehensive AS resources for wheat and grass species, advance understanding of the evolution of regulatory features of AS during embryogenesis and grain development in wheat.

Exploring Mechanisms of Quantitative Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans (Blackleg) in the Cotyledons of Canola (Brassica napus) Based on Transcriptomic and Microscopic Analyses

Using resistant cultivars is a common approach to managing blackleg of canola/rapeseed caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm). Quantitative resistance (QR), as opposed to major-gene resistance, is of interest because it is generally more durable, due to its multi-genetic basis. However, the mechanisms and genes underlying QR are mostly unknown. In this study, potential QR modes of action in “74-44 BL” was explored. This Canadian canola cultivar showed moderate but consistent race-nonspecific resistance at the cotyledon and adult-plant stages. A susceptible cultivar, “Westar”, was used as a control. After inoculation, the lesions developed more slowly on the cotyledons of 74-44 BL than those of Westar. We used RNA sequencing (-RNA-seq) to identify genes and their functions, putatively related to this resistance, and found that genes involved in programmed cell death (PCD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), signal transduction or intracellular endomembrane transport were most differentially expressed. ROS production was assessed in relation to Lm hyphal growth and lesion size; it occurred beyond the tissue colonized by Lm in 74-44 BL and appeared to trigger rapid cell death, limiting cotyledon colonization by Lm. In contrast, Lm grew more rapidly in Westar, often catching up with the ring of ROS and surpassing lesion boundaries. It appears that QR in 74-44 BL cotyledons is associated with limited colonization by Lm possibly mediated via ROS. The RNA-seq data also showed a link between ROS, signal transduction, and endomembrane vesicle trafficking, as well as PCD in the resistance. These results provide a starting point for a better understanding of the mechanisms behind QR against Lm in canola.

Specific Recruitment of Phosphoinositide Species to the Plant-Pathogen Interfacial Membrane Underlies Arabidopsis Susceptibility to Fungal Infection

Different phosphoinositides enriched at the membranes of specific subcellular compartments within plant cells contribute to organelle identity, ensuring appropriate cellular trafficking and function. During the infection of plant cells, biotrophic pathogens such as powdery mildews enter plant cells and differentiate into haustoria. Each haustorium is enveloped by an extrahaustorial membrane (EHM) derived from the host plasma membrane. Little is known about the EHM biogenesis and identity. Here, we demonstrate that among the two plasma membrane phosphoinositides in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), PI(4,5)P2 is dynamically up-regulated at powdery mildew infection sites and recruited to the EHM, whereas PI4P is absent in the EHM. Lateral transport of PI(4,5)P2 into the EHM occurs through a brefeldin A-insensitive but actin-dependent trafficking pathway. Furthermore, the lower levels of PI(4,5)P2 in pip5k1 pip5k2 mutants inhibit fungal pathogen development and cause disease resistance, independent of cell death-associated defenses and involving impaired host susceptibility. Our results reveal that plant biotrophic and hemibiotrophic pathogens modulate the subcellular distribution of host phosphoinositides and recruit PI(4,5)P2 as a susceptibility factor for plant disease.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Multi-centric Validation of the Motor Function Measure Chinese Version (MFM-32-CN) for Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases

Aim: This study aims to produce a Chinese translation and adaptation of the MFM-32 and examine its measurement parametric properties in Chinese population with neuromuscular diseases. Methods: The MFM-32-CN was validated by testing reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. Results: The Interrater and intrarater reliability of MFM-32-CN were moderate to excellent for each item, and excellent for the total score and the subscores. The internal consistency was high for the global scale and subscales. The total score was strongly related to the VAS and Vignos grade, and to a lesser degree to the Brooke grade. The discriminant validity was good. Conclusion: MFM-32-CN has satisfactory reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity and discriminant validity in youngsters with DMD, and good psychometric properties have also been observed for the whole population tested combining different NMD groups, but future study with a larger number of participants in each disease group is needed to confirm the present results.

Tandem Mass Tag Labeling to Identify Proteome Changes in Beef Longissimus Lumborum and Psoas Major Muscles During Early Postmortem Period

ObjectivesLongissimus lumborum (LL) and psoas major (PM) are important muscles in beef hindquarters that exhibit variation in meat quality attributes. Postmortem metabolism (muscle-to-meat conversion) affects biochemical properties of muscles and in turn influence the meat quality. Although previous research has indicated that variation in the proteome profile of LL and PM post-rigor influences meat quality attributes such as tenderness and color stability during retail display, limited research has examined the influence of early postmortem metabolism on meat quality. Tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling is a chemical labeling approach used for accurate mass spectrometry-based quantification and identification of biological macromolecules. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use TMT labeling to examine proteome profile variation between beef LL and PM during the early postmortem period.Materials and MethodsMuscle biopsy samples were collected from carcasses (n = 4) at 45 min, 12 h, and 36 h postmortem from a commercial beef processing facility. Samples were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and stored at –80°C until proteomic analysis. Proteome was analyzed using TMT label containing ten different isobaric compounds with the same mass and chemical structure composed of an amine-reactive NHS-ester group, a spacer arm, and a mass reporter. After labeling and peptide fractionation, all the samples were multiplexed and ran through the Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer equipped with a Nanospray Flex ion source to identify differentially abundant proteins. The proteins exhibiting 1.5-fold or more intensity difference and a statistical difference (P < 0.05) between LL and PM or within the muscles during the postmortem were reported as differentially abundant.ResultsSeventy differentially abundant proteins (P < 0.05) were identified from three comparisons between the muscles (31 proteins in PM 45 min vs. LL 45 min, 41 proteins in PM 12 h vs. LL 12 h, 49 proteins in PM 36 h vs. LL 36 h). However, no difference (P > 0.05) in protein expression within a muscle was observed during these time points. The differentially abundant proteins were mainly involved in oxidative phosphorylation and ATP-related transport, tricarboxylic acid cycle, NADPH regeneration, fatty acid degradation, muscle contraction, calcium signaling, chaperone activity, oxygen transport, as well as degradation of the extracellular matrix. At early postmortem, overabundant anti-apoptotic proteins in LL could cause high metabolic stability, enhanced autophagy, and delayed apoptosis, while overabundant metabolic enzymes and pro-apoptotic proteins in PM could accelerate the reactive oxygen species generation and programmed cell death.ConclusionDifferentially abundant proteins between LL and PM during the early postmortem were primarily associated with cellular metabolism and programmed cell death. The greater oxidative and color stability in LL compared to PM could be related to the increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and the decreased expression of metabolic enzymes and proapoptotic proteins in LL.

Supranutritional Supplementation of Vitamin E Influences the Abundance of Antioxidant Proteins in Postmortem Longissimus Lumborum from Heifers

ObjectivesVitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that can inhibit lipid oxidation and improve beef color stability. The effect of vitamin E on fresh beef color, from the standpoint of lipid oxidation-induced myoglobin oxidation, have been extensively studied. However, the influence of vitamin E on sarcoplasmic proteome profile of beef skeletal muscles is yet to be investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary vitamin E on sarcoplasmic proteome of postmortem beef longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle.Materials and MethodsCrossbred heifers, managed with a GrowSafe feeding system, were fed ad libitum corn-based diet containing either no supplemental (CONT) or 1000 IU vitamin E/heifer per day (VITE) for 89 d. The animals were harvested, and carcasses were chilled. The LL muscle samples were obtained from the carcasses of nine (n = 9) VITE and nine (n = 9) CONT heifers 24 h postmortem. The muscle samples were individually vacuum-packaged and frozen at –80°C for proteome analysis. Sarcoplasmic proteome was analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis, employing immobilized pH gradient strips (pH 3–10; 17 cm) in the first dimension and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. The gels were scanned, and the digital gel images were analyzed. The protein spots exhibiting more than 1.5-fold intensity differences (P < 0.10) between VITE and CONT were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and were identified by tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsFive differentially abundant spots were identified using mass spectrometry, and all the spots were over-abundant in CONT. The proteins in the differentially abundant spots were antioxidant proteins (thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, peroxiredoxin-6, and serum albumin) and glycolytic enzymes (β-enolase and triosephosphate isomerase). The antioxidant proteins minimize oxidation of lipids and proteins in muscle matrix, whereas the glycolytic enzymes generate NADPH, which helps maintain the antioxidant proteins in their reduced forms.ConclusionThe strong antioxidant protection offered by vitamin E could have possibly led to less expression of antioxidant proteins as well as glycolytic enzymes that generate antioxidant metabolites in the VITE group, whereas the lack of such protection in CONT group may have led to increased expression of these proteins in the skeletal muscles.

Ractopamine-Induced Changes in the Mitochondrial Proteome of Postmortem Beef Longissimus Lumborum

ObjectivesRactopamine is a β-adrenergic agonist approved as growth promotant in beef cattle, and it increases muscle deposition while limiting fat deposition. Dietary ractopamine causes a muscle fiber shift in cattle, and the biochemistry of mitochondria in postmortem beef skeletal muscles is influenced by fiber type. Therefore, dietary ractopamine may potentially affect mitochondrial functionality. Nonetheless, the influence of ractopamine on beef skeletal muscle mitochondrial proteome has not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of ractopamine on mitochondrial proteome of postmortem longissimus lumborum (LL) from beef cattle.Materials and MethodsPen-housed crossbred steers were fed either a corn-based basal diet (CON) or a diet top-dressed with Optaflexx 45 (Elanco Animal Health) to provide 400 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/steer per day (RAC). Ractopamine was fed the last 28 d prior to the harvest. The animals were harvested, and carcasses were chilled for 24 h. The LL muscle samples were obtained from nine (n = 9) RAC and nine (n = 9) CON carcasses. Mitochondrial proteome was analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis, and the digital gel images were analyzed. The protein spots exhibiting more than 1.5-fold intensity differences (P < 0.10) between RAC and CON were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and were identified by tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsSeven differentially abundant proteins were identified in the mitochondrial proteome. Three proteins were over-abundant (P < 0.10) in RAC, whereas four spots were over-abundant in CON. The proteins over-abundant in RAC mitochondrial proteome was complement component 1 Q subcomponent-binding protein, very long-chain specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and aconitate hydratase. On the other hand, ATP synthase subunit β, prohibitin, Cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit, and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase were over-abundant in CON samples. The differentially abundant proteins belong to four functional groups; i.e., energy metabolism (ATP synthase subunit β, Cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 1, and aconitate hydratase), chaperone activity (complement component 1 Q subcomponent-binding protein and prohibitin), antioxidant activity (thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase), and lipid metabolism (very long-chain specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenase).ConclusionDietary ractopamine impacts mitochondrial proteome in postmortem beef LL muscle and influences the abundance of proteins involved in cellular metabolism and protective mechanisms. The increased protein synthesis and leanness previously reported in ractopamine-fed cattle may be attributed to the decreased expression of enzymes involved in respiratory electron transport pathways and the increased expression of enzymes involved in lipolysis.

Fine mapping of Brassica napus blackleg resistance gene Rlm1 through bulked segregant RNA sequencing

The fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans causes blackleg disease on canola and rapeseed (Brassica napus) in many parts of the world. A B. napus cultivar, ‘Quinta’, has been widely used for the classification of L. maculans into pathogenicity groups. In this study, we confirmed the presence of Rlm1 in a DH line (DH24288) derived from B. napus cultivar ‘Quinta’. Rlm1 was located on chromosome A07, between 13.07 to 22.11 Mb, using a BC₁ population made from crosses of F₁ plants of DH16516 (a susceptible line) x DH24288 with bulked segregant RNA Sequencing (BSR-Seq). Rlm1 was further fine mapped in a 100 kb region from 19.92 to 20.03 Mb in the BC₁ population consisting of 1247 plants and a F₂ population consisting of 3000 plants using SNP markers identified from BSR-Seq through Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP). A potential resistance gene, BnA07G27460D, was identified in this Rlm1 region. BnA07G27460D encodes a serine/threonine dual specificity protein kinase, catalytic domain and is homologous to STN7 in predicted genes of B. rapa and B. oleracea, and A. thaliana. Robust SNP markers associated with Rlm1 were developed, which can assist in introgression of Rlm1 and confirm the presence of Rlm1 gene in canola breeding programs.

An effective experimental method and apparatus for unsteady water vapor condensation investigation in high speed expansion flow

This paper presents an effective experimental method and system for mechanism study of unsteady water vapor condensation encountered in high speed expansion flow. We proposed an experimental method and designed a simplified expansion system to fulfill the study. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and light sheet technique are integrated in the system to monitor the unsteady condensation process in a high speed expansion flow generated by the expansion system. Two near infrared water vapor absorption transitions (1395.0 nm and 1409.27 nm) and one near infrared methane absorption transition (1653.73 nm) are applied in the TDLAS measurement to measure the transient flow parameters during the condensation process. Using the experimental method, time dependent condensation processes are monitored with different expansion time scales. The light sheet results visually reveal the condensation phenomena during the expansion process, while TDLAS results quantitatively follow the condensation process. The experimental results are compared with computational fluid dynamics simulations and a good agreement between them is observed, which indicates that the presented experimental method and system is effective in investigating unsteady water vapor condensation in high speed expansion flow.

GLI-1 facilitates the EMT induced by TGF-β1 in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore how GLI-1 affects the EMT induced by TGF-β1 in gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following 24 hours of culture of SGC-7901 cells in presence of TGF-β1, we observed the changes in morphology as well as mRNA and protein expressions of GLI-1, E-cadherin and Vimentin by RT-PCR and Western blot. Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate the changes in invasion ability of SGC-7901 cells. Then, SGC-7901 cells were co-treated with TGF-β1 and GANT 61, and changes of the above indexes were also detected using the corresponding methods.

RESULTS

In presence of TGF-β1, EMT was initiated in SGC-7901 cells EMT with increased cell invasion ability, and the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin were downregulated, while those of the GLI-1 and Vimentin were upregulated. Conversely, the co-treatment of TGF-β1 and GANT 61 suppressed the increased cell invasion ability induced only by TGF-β1, and the changes in mRNA and protein expressions of these factors were abolished.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that GLI-1 facilitates the EMT induced by TGF-β1 in SGC-7901 cells, which may serve as a potential target in developing the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hard Acrocomia mexicana fruit shell

Fruit and nut shells can exhibit high hardness and toughness. In the peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico, the fruit of the Cocoyol palm tree (Acrocomia mexicana) is well known to be very difficult to break. Its hardness has been documented since the 1500 s, and is even mentioned in the popular Maya legend The Dwarf of Uxmal. However, until now, no scientific studies quantifying the mechanical performance of the Cocoyol endocarp has been found in the literature to prove or disprove that this fruit shell is indeed "very hard". Here we report the mechanical properties, microstructure and hardness of this material. The mechanical measurements showed compressive strength values of up to ~150 and ~250 MPa under quasi-static and high strain rate loading conditions, respectively, and microhardness of up to ~0.36 GPa. Our findings reveal a complex hierarchical structure showing that the Cocoyol shell is a functionally graded material with distinctive layers along the radial directions. These findings demonstrate that structure-property relationships make this material hard and tough. The mechanical results and the microstructure presented herein encourage designing new types of bioinspired superior synthetic materials.

Function and interaction of the coupled genes responsible for Pik-h encoded rice blast resistance

Pik-h, an allele of Pik, confers resistance against the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. Its positional cloning has shown that it comprises a pair of NBS-LRR genes, Pikh-1 and Pikh-2. While Pikh-1 appears to be constitutively transcribed, the transcript abundance of Pikh-2 responds to pathogen challenge. The Pikh-1 CC (coiled coil) domain interacts directly with both AvrPik-h and Pikh-2. Transient expression assays demonstrated that Pikh-2 mediates the initiation of the host defence response. Nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of both Pikh-1 and Pikh-2 is required for their functionalities. In a proposed mechanistic model of Pik-h resistance, it is suggested that Pikh-1 acts as an adaptor between AvrPik-h and Pikh-2, while Pikh-2 transduces the signal to trigger Pik-h-specific resistance.

Rice dehydrin K-segments have in vitro antibacterial activity

Dehydrins are groups of plant proteins that have been shown to response to various environmental stimuli such as dehydration, elevated salinity, and low temperature. However, their roles in plant defense against microbes have not been demonstrated. In an attempt to discover plant antimicrobial proteins, we have screened a rice cDNA library and isolated several cDNAs coding for dehydrins. Protein extracts from Escherichia coli expressing these cDNAs were tested for their activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus pumilus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Sarcina lutea) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae). The results indicate that the crude protein extracts exhibited antibacterial activities against the Gram-positive bacteria. However, dehydrins purified by immunoaffinity chromatography were not active against the bacteria. To pinpoint the dehydrin peptides that were responsible for the bactericidal activity, we expressed DNA sequences coding for truncated dehydrins containing either K- or S-segment and found that K-segment peptides, and not S-segment, were responsible for the antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria. Antibacterial assay with synthetic K-segments indicated that the peptides inhibited growth of B. pumilus with minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 130 and 400 μg/ml, respectively.

The Pik-p resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in rice is mediated by a pair of closely linked CC-NBS-LRR genes

The blast resistance gene Pik-p, mapping to the Pik locus on the long arm of rice chromosome 11, was isolated by map-based in silico cloning. Four NBS-LRR genes are present in the target region of cv. Nipponbare, and a presence/absence analysis in the Pik-p carrier cv. K60 excluded two of these as candidates for Pik-p. The other two candidates (KP3 and KP4) were expressed in cv. K60. A loss-of-function experiment by RNAi showed that both KP3 and KP4 are required for Pik-p function, while a gain-of-function experiment by complementation test revealed that neither KP3 nor KP4 on their own can impart resistance, but that resistance was expressed when both were introduced simultaneously. Both Pikp-1 (KP3) and Pikp-2 (KP4) encode coiled-coil NBS-LRR proteins and share, respectively, 95 and 99% peptide identity with the two alleles, Pikm1-TS and Pikm2-TS. The Pikp-1 and Pikp-2 sequences share only limited homology. Their sequence allowed Pik-p to be distinguished from Pik, Pik-s, Pik-m and Pik-h. Both Pikp-1 and Pikp-2 were constitutively expressed in cv. K60 and only marginally induced by blast infection.

The Pik-p resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in rice is mediated by a pair of closely linked CC-NBS-LRR genes

The blast resistance gene Pik-p, mapping to the Pik locus on the long arm of rice chromosome 11, was isolated by map-based in silico cloning. Four NBS-LRR genes are present in the target region of cv. Nipponbare, and a presence/absence analysis in the Pik-p carrier cv. K60 excluded two of these as candidates for Pik-p. The other two candidates (KP3 and KP4) were expressed in cv. K60. A loss-of-function experiment by RNAi showed that both KP3 and KP4 are required for Pik-p function, while a gain-of-function experiment by complementation test revealed that neither KP3 nor KP4 on their own can impart resistance, but that resistance was expressed when both were introduced simultaneously. Both Pikp-1 (KP3) and Pikp-2 (KP4) encode coiled-coil NBS-LRR proteins and share, respectively, 95 and 99% peptide identity with the two alleles, Pikm1-TS and Pikm2-TS. The Pikp-1 and Pikp-2 sequences share only limited homology. Their sequence allowed Pik-p to be distinguished from Pik, Pik-s, Pik-m and Pik-h. Both Pikp-1 and Pikp-2 were constitutively expressed in cv. K60 and only marginally induced by blast infection.

The isolation and characterization of Pik, a rice blast resistance gene which emerged after rice domestication

• The rice-rice blast pathosystem is of great interest, not only because of the damaging potential of rice blast to the rice crop, but also because both the pathogen and its host are experimentally amenable. The rice blast resistance gene Pik, which is one of the five classical alleles located at the Pik locus on the long arm of chromosome 11, confers high and stable resistance to many Chinese rice blast isolates. • The isolation and functional characterization of Pik were performed in the present study through genetic and genomic approaches. • A combination of Pik-1 and Pik-2 is required for the expression of Pik resistance. Both Pik-1 and Pik-2 encode coiled-coil nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) proteins, and each shares a very high level of protein identity with corresponding proteins encoded by the Pik-m and Pik-p alleles. Pik could be distinguished from other Pik alleles, including Pik-m and Pik-p, by the allele-specific, single-nucleotide polymorphism T1-2944G. • The coupled genes probably did not evolve as a result of a duplication event, and are far from any NBS-LRR R gene characterized. Pik is a younger allele at the locus that probably emerged after rice domestication.

Real-time monitoring of cell viability by its nanoscale height change with oxygen as endogenous indicator

A method for real-time evaluation of cell viability was developed by using oxygen as an endogenous indicator in scanning electrochemical microscopy to monitor the nanoscale height change of a single cell in a physiological environment with a novel Pt nanodisk electrode and a newly designed step-approaching strategy.

A Disposable Multianalyte Electrochemical Immunosensor Array for Automated Simultaneous Determination of Tumor Markers

Background: Automated and convenient multianalyte detection with high throughput is increasingly needed in clinical diagnosis. We developed a disposable 4-by-2 array for programmed simultaneous amperometric immunoassay of 4 tumor markers.

Methods: We used a screen-printed technique, 1-step immobilization method, and flow injection technique. We immobilized carcinoembryonic antigen, α-fetoprotein, β-human choriogonadotropin, and carcinoma antigen 125 as model analytes in a redox mediator–grafted, biopolymer-modified, screen-printed carbon electrode array to capture corresponding horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibodies in competitive immunoreactions. The simultaneous multianalyte immunoassay was automatically carried out to amperometrically monitor the mediator-catalyzed enzymatic response to hydrogen peroxide, which decreased in proportion to the concentrations of analytes in samples.

Results: The multianalyte immunosensor array had a throughput of 60 samples/h and allowed simultaneous detection of carcinoembryonic antigen, α-fetoprotein, β-human choriogonadotropin, and carcinoma antigen 125 in clinical serum samples with concentrations up to 188 μg/L, 250 μg/L, 266 IU/L, and 334 kIU/L, respectively. The detection limits (limits of the blank, mean of blank plus 3 SD) were 1.1 μg/L, 1.7 μg/L, 1.2 IU/L, and 1.7 kIU/L. The inter- and intraassay imprecision (CVs) of the immunosensor arrays were &lt;7.8% and &lt;9.0%, respectively. The immunosensor arrays were stable for 28 days.

Conclusions: This newly constructed immunosensor array provides a simple, automated, simultaneous multianalyte immunoassay with high throughput, short analytical time, and sufficiently low detection limits for clinical application. This method offers the capability of miniaturizing the multianalyte detection device.

Peritoneal macrophage and blood monocyte functions after open and laparoscopic-assisted cecectomy in rats

BACKGROUND

It has been well established that open abdominal surgery results in systemic immunosuppression postoperatively; in contrast, laparoscopic surgery is associated with significantly better preserved systemic immune function. However, when intraperitoneal (local) immune function is considered, laparoscopic procedures done under a CO2 pneumoperitoneum (pneumo) have been shown to result in greater immunosuppression compared to that of open surgery. Few studies have simultaneously assessed systemic and local immune function. The purpose of this study was to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and peritoneal macrophage tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, H2O2 production, and MHC class II antigen expression after open and laparoscopically assisted cecectomy in a rat model.

METHODS

A total of 75 Sprague Dawley rats were used for three separate experiments. For each study, rats were randomly divided into three groups: anesthesia alone (AC), laparoscopic-assisted cecectomy (LC), and open cecectomy via full laparotomy (OP). A CO2 pneumo was used for laparoscopic operations. On postoperative day 1 the animals were sacrificed, macrophages were harvested via intraperitoneal lavage, and PBMCs were isolated from whole blood obtained by cardiac puncture. In experiment 1, macrophages and PBMC from each animal were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, after which TNF-alpha levels of the supernatant were determined. In experiment 2, after stimulation with PMA, H2O2 release was assessed by measuring fluorescence. In experiment 3, via flow cytometry, the number of cells with surface MHC class II proteins were determined. Data from the three groups in each experiment were compared using analysis of variance Tukey-Kramer tests.

RESULTS

Macrophages and PBMC from rats in the OP group released significantly more TNF-alpha than cells from rats in the LC ( p < 0.05) or AC ( p < 0.05) groups. Macrophages from rats in the OP group released significantly less H2O2 than cells from the AC ( p < 0.01) and LC ( p < 0.05) groups. There was no difference between the AC and LC results. No significant differences in PBMC H2O2 release were noted among any of the groups. OP group macrophages expressed significantly less MHC class II antigen than did AC group macrophages ( p < 0.05). No differences were noted among the LC results and either the OP or AC group's outcomes. No differences were noted in PBMC MHC class II expression among any of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In all instances, the LC group's macrophage results were similar to the AC group's results. OC group macrophages produced significantly more TNF-alpha and less H2O2 than both the AC and LC groups. MHC class II protein expression was less for the OC group than for the AC group. OC group PBMCs produced more TNF-alpha. No differences in PBMC H2O2 release or MHC class II expression were noted. Laparoscopic methods better preserves the baseline values of the parameters studied.

Increased platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) release after laparotomy stimulates systemic tumor growth in mice

BACKGROUND

Our laboratory has demonstrated that tumors grow larger and are more easily established following laparotomy than after carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum or anesthesia alone. We have also shown that tumor cells incubated with serum from laparotomized mice proliferated significantly faster in vitro than those incubated with plasma from mice that underwent laparoscopy or anesthesia alone. We hypothesized that differing levels of a plasma-soluble growth factor(s) postoperatively causes tumors to proliferate faster after laparotomy. This study's purpose was to isolate and characterize the plasma growth factor(s) responsible for the increased growth of systemic tumors after laparotomy.

METHODS

Female Balb/C mice (n = 100) were randomized to two groups: anesthesia control (AC) or midline sham laparotomy (4 cm) (Open). Plasma was collected on Postoperative day 4. For the tumor proliferation assay, C-26 colon cancer cells were incubated in media with either 10% AC or Open "raw" plasma (not passed through column), or AC or Open plasma that had been passed through the column. For elution of heparin-binding proteins, plasma from each group was passed through a heparin-sepharose column. Elution of bound proteins was accomplished with a 0.1-2 M NaCl gradient. Each fraction was examined for protein content. For the anti-platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) neutralizing antibody study, C-26 cells were incubated with one of four plasma preparations: AC or Open plasma alone, or AC or Open plasma incubated with anti-PDGF antibody. For both studies, tumor proliferation was determined after 2 days with an MTS/PMS assay. Results from each group were compared and differences determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer tests.

RESULTS

On heparin chromatography, a single elution peak consistent with PDGF was present in both AC and Open plasma and was 1.5 times greater in the Open plasma. The first tumor proliferation assay showed that tumor cells incubated with Open plasma proliferated 2.5 times faster than those with AC plasma (p < 0.0001). Passage of AC plasma through the column did not alter its mitogenic activity, but Open plasma thus treated demonstrated significantly decreased mitogenic activity. The second tumor proliferation assay showed that anti-PDGF antibody had no effect on the mitogenic activity of the AC plasma but decreased the mitogenic activity of the Open plasma to the AC plasma level.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparotomy is associated with higher levels of a heparin-binding plasma factor, consistent with PDGF. The enhanced mitogenic activity of the OP plasma was neutralized with anti-PDGF antibody. Increased plasma levels of PDGF after laparotomy may be responsible for accelerated tumor growth following laparotomy in mice.

[An experimental study on subconjunctival interleukin-1 receptor antagonist for promotion of corneal transplant survival]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the subconjunctival application of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) can prolong the corneal graft survival in the rat model of orthotopic penetrating keratoplasty.

METHODS

For all experiments, F344 corneas were transplanted into LOU (major histocompatibility-disparate) eyes. Experimental groups received subconjunctival injection of 50, 100 and 200 microg IL-1ra respectively, and the control group received the same volume of 0.9% normal saline instead for consecutive 2 weeks. All transplants were evaluated for 4 weeks after surgery for signs of rejection.

RESULTS

The mean survival time (MST) of the grafts of the experimental groups was increased significantly (t = 0.00, P < 0.01) in comparison with the control group. The MST of the IL-1ra 200 microg group was increased significantly than that of the IL-1ra 50 microg group (t = 0.00, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the IL-1ra-treated grafts had significantly less corneal inflammation, infiltration, lower levels of opacity, edema, neovascularization and rejection index compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subconjunctival treatment of IL-1ra has a significantly positive effect on promoting corneal allograft survival. And its effect is dosage-dependent.

[Efficacy of topical cyclosporine A on keratoplasty rejection in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) on a penetrating keratoplasty rejection model in rats.

METHODS

Lou rats received orthotopic corneal allografts from inbred F344 donors. The rats were treated with one drop of topical solution four times daily for 30 days. Sixty rats were divided into one control (the matrix of CsA solution) and five treatment groups (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% CsA, glucocorticoid, glucocorticoid and 1.0% CsA). Rejection index (RI) and mean survival time (MST) were calculated, and histopathological and immunohistopathological examination were performed for each group.

RESULTS

The graft MST was postponed by topical CsA treatment. There was significant difference between each treatment group and the control group (t greater-than-or-equal 2.28, P < 0.0l), especially 2% CsA, steroid and combined 1% CsA and steroid groups, the combined group being the most effective. The RI was lower in all the groups with topical CsA than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The effect of 2% CsA was the same as that of the steroid, while 1% CsA combined steroid was the most effective. The histopathological findings confirmed that the topical application of CsA reduced the inflammatory cells infiltrating the graft stroma and the neovascularization. Immunohistopathological analysis demonstrated that there were fewer CD(+)(11a) T cells and macrophages in the infiltration and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 positive cells in keratocytes and endothelium of grafts in the treatment groups than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical CsA can inhibit the keratoplasty rejection episodes in the rat and afford better results when combined with topical steroid.

[Study on nutrition composition and protein quality of a Chinese wild rice]

In order to exploit and develop the resource of a kind of Chinese wild rice[Zinania Lalifolia (Griseb) Turcz], the nutrition values of the Chinese wild rice from Luoma, Baoying, Hongze, Weishan and Tai lake were analyzed. The nutrients of Chinese wild rice per 100 g samples were protein 13.2 g, vitamin B1 0.59 mg, vitamin B2 0.07 mg, vitamin E 0.29 mg, zinc 1.60 mg, iron 2.69 mg, and they were higher than those of white rice. The amino acid score of Chinese wild rice was 84, the first limiting amino acid was threonine, and the protein efficiency ratio(PER) was 2.75. These data showed that the Chinese wild rice was a good food resource with higher nutrition value, therefore, the ancient and novel food resource might be used in Chinese diet as the North American wild rice that was used in American diet.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity response is better preserved in mice following insufflation than after laparotomy

BACKGROUND

Our laboratory has previously used pig and rat models to demonstrate that delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to an antigen challenge is suppressed following laparotomy compared to insufflation. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical and reliable mouse DTH model that could be used in future studies to test immunomodulating drugs and therapies.

METHODS

Female C3H/HeN mice (n = 100) were given three serial DTH challenges of 25 microl of 4 mg/ml phytohemagglutinin (PHA) 12 days before the test procedure, immediately following the test procedure, and on the 2nd postoperative day. All challenges were administered via subcutaneous injection in alternating footpads. The thickness of the footpad was determined with electronic calipers immediately prior to injection and 24 h following injection in a blinded fashion. The difference in thickness represents the response. On the day of the procedure, mice were randomized into the following three groups: (a) control (AC), (b) insufflation (INS), and (c) open (OPEN). AC mice underwent no procedure. INS mice underwent CO(2) insufflation at 2-4 mmHg for 20 min. OPEN mice underwent a midline incision from xiphoid to pubis that was closed after 20 min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests to determine differences between groups.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, there were no significant differences among the three groups. On POD1, the OPEN group had significantly less response than both the AC and INS groups. On POD3, there were significant differences between the OPEN group and both the INS and AC groups. There was no significant difference between the AC and INS group at any time.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a DTH mouse model has been established that allows serial assessment of cell-mediated immune function. This model can be used to study immune function after open and minimal access procedures in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Tissue factor transcription driven by Egr-1 is a critical mechanism of murine pulmonary fibrin deposition in hypoxia

Local hypoxemia and stasis trigger thrombosis. We have demonstrated previously that in a murine model of normobaric hypoxia pulmonary fibrin deposition is a result of expression of tissue factor, especially in oxygen-deprived mononuclear phagocytes (MPs). We now show that transcription factor early-growth-response gene product (Egr-1) is rapidly activated in hypoxia, both in vitro and in vivo, and is responsible for transcription and expression of tissue factor in hypoxic lung. MPs and HeLa cells subjected to hypoxia (pO2 approximately 13 torr) had increased levels of tissue factor transcripts (approximately 18-fold) and an increased rate of transcription (approximately 15-fold), based on nuclear run-on analysis. Gel-shift analysis of nuclear extracts from hypoxic MPs and HeLa cells demonstrated increased DNA-binding activity at the serum response region (SRR; -111/+14 bp) of the tissue factor promoter at Egr-1 motifs. Using 32P-labeled Egr consensus oligonucleotide, we observed induction of DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts from hypoxic lung and HeLa cells because of activation of Egr-1, by means of supershift analysis. Transient transfection of HeLa cells with chimeric plasmids containing wild-type or mutant SRR from the tissue factor promoter showed that intact Sp1 sites are necessary for basal promoter activity, whereas the integrity of Egr-1 sites was required for hypoxia-enhanced expression. A central role for Egr-1 in hypoxia-mediated tissue factor expression was confirmed by experiments with homozygous Egr-1 null mice; wild-type mice subjected to oxygen deprivation expressed tissue factor and showed fibrin deposition, but hypoxic homozygous Egr-1 null mice displayed neither tissue factor nor fibrin. These data delineate a novel biology for hypoxia-induced fibrin deposition, in which oxygen deprivation-induced activation of Egr-1, resulting in expression of tissue factor, has an unexpected and central role.

[p53 gene mutations in BALB/c 3T3 cells transformed by crocidolite]

This study sought to address the relationship between crocidolite and p53 gene mutation. The mutations of p53 gene in 8 BALB/c 3T3 cell lines transformed by crocidolite were analysed. Altogether 11 exons of the gene from 8 cell lines were detected by PCR-SSCP. 7 alterations were found; 2 of them were located in exon 4-6, and 5 in 9-11. Most of the mutations (5/7) were of one more band than that of wild cell from SSCP, and alterations were randomly scattered among the crocidolite doses groups. The results suggest that the presence of a p53 alteration is not related to the dose of crocidolite used. Besides, p53 mutation may occur in a relatively later period of the growth of the transformed cell lines. The results also showed that the mutations occurred predominantly in exons 9-11. This was different from that seen in human mesothelioma where mutations in the exon 5-8 of p53 gene were more frequently observed.

Conformation of an analog of human follicular gonadotropin releasing peptide TF14 in solution by 2D-NMR

Since the discovery of hF-GRP, several analogs have been synthesized in order to see their effects on the gonadotropin releasing activity, either as agonists or antagonists to this peptide. TF14 is one of these analogs, whose 14th position in the primary sequence is Phe instead of Asn in hF-GRP, while its activity is doubled. 2D-NMR (TOCSY, ROESY) was used to determine the conformation of TF14 in solution. Compared with hF-GRP, the whole peptide is in a non-typical more extended conformation, which may give some clue to the relation between structure and function of these two peptides.