Intrinsic morphology and spatial distribution of non-structural carbohydrates contribute to drought resistance of two mulberry cultivars

Drought is one of the most adverse environmental stresses limiting plant growth and productivity. However, the underlying mechanisms regarding metabolism of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in source and sink organs are still not fully elucidated in woody trees. Saplings of mulberry cv Zhongshen1 and Wubu were subjected to a 15-day progressive drought stress. NSC levels and gene expression involved in NSC metabolism were investigated in roots and leaves. Growth performance and photosynthesis, leaf stomatal morphology, and other physiological parameters were also analysed. Under well-watered conditions, Wubu had a higher R/S, with higher NSC in leaves than in roots; Zhongshen1 had a lower R/S with higher NSC in roots than leaves. Under drought stress, Zhongshen1 showed decreased productivity and increased proline, abscisic acid, ROS content and activity of antioxidant enzymes, while Wubu sustained comparable productivity and photosynthesis. Interestingly, drought resulted in decreased starch and slightly increased soluble sugars in leaves of Wubu, accompanied by notable downregulation of starch-synthesizing genes and upregulation of starch-degrading genes. Similar patterns in NSC levels and relevant gene expression were also observed in roots of Zhongshen1. Concurrently, soluble sugars decreased and starch was unchanged in roots of Wubu and leaves of Zhongshen1. However, gene expression of starch metabolism in roots of Wubu was unaltered, but in leaves of Zhongshen1 starch metabolism was more activated. These findings revealed that intrinsic R/S and spatial distribution of NSC in roots and leaves concomitantly contribute to drought resistance in mulberry.

Abscisic acid-responsive transcription factors PavDof2/6/15 mediate fruit softening in sweet cherry

Softening is a key step during fruit ripening that is modulated by the interplay between multiple phytohormones. The antagonistic action of abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin determines the rate of fruit ripening and softening. However, the transcription factors that integrate ABA and auxin signals to regulate fruit softening remain to be determined. In this study, we identified several DNA-binding with One Finger (Dof) transcription factors essential for ABA-promoted fruit softening, based on transcriptome analysis of two sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) varieties with different fruit firmness. We show that PavDof6 directly binds to the promoters of genes encoding cell wall-modifying enzymes to activate their transcription, while PavDof2/15 directly repress their transcription. Transient overexpression of PavDof6 and PavDof2/15 in sweet cherry fruits resulted in precocious and delayed softening, respectively. In addition, we show that the auxin response factor PavARF8, the expression of whose encoding gene is repressed by ABA, activates PavDof2/15 transcription. Furthermore, PavDof2/6/15 and PavARF8 directly bind to the 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (PavNCED1) promoter and regulate its expression, forming a feedback mechanism for ABA-mediated fruit softening. These findings unveil the physiological framework of fruit softening and establish a direct functional link between the ABA-PavARF8-PavDofs module and cell-wall-modifying genes in mediating fruit softening.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension global cross-sectional scientific survey (CLARITY) – interim results on the adoption and perception of guidelines

Background

The chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) global cross-sectional scientific survey (CLARITY) was established to provide insights into current clinical practices and unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of CTEPH. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) plays a leading role in establishing guidelines (GLs) for clinical decision-making in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and CTEPH. It is of interest to better understand how these GLs affect real-world practice.

Purpose

To assess the adoption and perception of clinical practice GLs among medical specialists working in the fields of cardiology.

Methods

The online survey was developed by an independent committee of 11 international CTEPH experts using the Delphi method and designed to elicit responses regarding disease awareness and management, including follow-up after acute PE and diagnosis of suspected CTEPH. Logic functions were implemented to ensure respondents only viewed questions relevant to their clinical practice. To date, professional members of 17 Scientific Societies and other medical organizations were invited to respond to the survey. For this interim analysis response data were collected from 10.09.2021 to 10.02.2022.

Results

Out of 242 respondents, 107 specialized in cardiology (44%) and 7 specialized in angiology (3%) were included in this interim analysis. Respondents were from Europe (75%, n=85), Asia Pacific (20%, n=23) and the Americas (5%, n=6) and generally had 15–29 (40%, n=45) or 5–14 (37%, n=42) years of working experience. Of the 67 respondents (59%) that did not work in a pulmonary hypertension (PH)/CTEPH expert centre, only 24 (36%) were affiliated with such a centre.

Of respondents involved in acute PE management (n=101) and CTEPH diagnosis (n=87), 87 (86%) and 71 (82%) reported following the 2019 PE ESC/European Respiratory Society (ERS) and 2015 PH ESC/ERS GLs, respectively. Regardless of country, a higher proportion of respondents from Asia Pacific also reported using national GLs for PE (44%, n=10) and CTEPH (52%, n=12) compared to respondents from Europe (15%, n=11; 25%, n=15) and the Americas (25%, n=1; 40%, n=2). Overall, GLs were perceived to facilitate clinical practice (Fig. 1).

Lack of GLs to screen for CTEPH following acute PE was more often reported as a barrier by respondents from Asia Pacific and those working in an expert centre. Low adherence to GLs was reported as a barrier to CTEPH diagnosis by approximately 1/3 of respondents, irrespective of care setting, and in higher proportion among those with more working experience.

Conclusion

Despite the availability of GLs, reported barriers indicate an opportunity for educational activities to improve adoption and adherence to GLs. Observed differences and potential gaps between clinical practice and the GLs warrant further exploration through additional global insights collected by the survey throughout April 2022.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): This survey is sponsored by Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson

Genome-Wide Identification of the Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/Hydrolase (XTH) and Polygalacturonase (PG) Genes and Characterization of Their Role in Fruit Softening of Sweet Cherry

Fruit firmness is an important economical trait in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) where the change of this trait is related to cell wall degradation. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) and polygalacturonases (PGs) are critical cell-wall-modifying enzymes that occupy a crucial position in fruit ripening and softening. Herein, we identified 18 XTHs and 45 PGs designated PavXTH1-18 and PavPG1-45 based on their locations in the genome of sweet cherry. We provided a systematical overview of PavXTHs and PavPGs, including phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and expression profiling of these genes. The results showed that PavXTH14, PavXTH15 and PavPG38 were most likely to participated in fruit softening owing to the substantial increment in expression during fruit development and ripening. Furthermore, the phytohormone ABA, MeJA, and ethephon significantly elevated the expression of PavPG38 and PavXTH15, and thus promoted fruit softening. Importantly, transient expression PavXTH14, PavXTH15 and PavPG38 in cherry fruits significantly reduced the fruit firmness, and the content of various cell wall components including hemicellulose and pectin significantly changed correspondingly in the transgenic fruit. Taken together, these results present an extensive analysis of XTHs and PGs in sweet cherry and provide potential targets for breeding softening-resistant sweet cherry cultivars via manipulating cell wall-associated genes.

Study of PWR hot leg creep rupture and RCS depressurization strategy during an SBO accident

Preventing the leakage of radioactive materials is important to nuclear safety. During a station blackout accident in pressurized water reactors, the hot leg creep rupture caused by hot leg countercurrent flow occurs before the reactor pressure vessel failure that caused by lower head rupture. The secondary fission products barrier is lost after hot leg creep rupture. An analysis for this phenomenon was done using the Modular Accident Analysis Program version 4.0.4 code. A station blackout accident for CPR1000 is simulated and the occurrence and influence of hot leg creep rupture phenomenon are analyzed in detail. After that, a sensitivity analysis of the opening of different pressurizer pilot-operated relief valves at five minutes after entering severe accident management guideline (before the hot leg creep rupture occurs) is studied. The results show that reactor pressure vessel failure time can be extended by at least 4 h if at least one pilot-operated relief valve is opened and direct containment heating phenomenon can be eliminated if at least two pilot-operated relief valves are opened.

Genome-Wide Identification of the B-BOX Genes that Respond to Multiple Ripening Related Signals in Sweet Cherry Fruit

B-BOX proteins are zinc finger transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we identified 15 PavBBX genes in the genome database of sweet cherry. We systematically analyzed the gene structures, clustering characteristics, and expression patterns of these genes during fruit development and in response to light and various hormones. The PavBBX genes were divided into five subgroups. The promoter regions of the PavBBX genes contain cis-acting elements related to plant development, hormones, and stress. qRT-PCR revealed five upregulated and eight downregulated PavBBX genes during fruit development. In addition, PavBBX6, PavBBX9, and PavBBX11 were upregulated in response to light induction. We also found that ABA, BR, and GA₃ contents significantly increased in response to light induction. Furthermore, the expression of several PavBBX genes was highly correlated with the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, light-responsive genes, and genes that function in multiple hormone signaling pathways. Some PavBBX genes were strongly induced by ABA, GA, and BR treatment. Notably, PavBBX6 and PavBBX9 responded to all three hormones. Taken together, BBX proteins likely play major roles in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet cherry fruit by integrating light, ABA, GA, and BR signaling pathways.

The Apple microR171i-SCARECROW-LIKE PROTEINS26.1 Module Enhances Drought Stress Tolerance by Integrating Ascorbic Acid Metabolism

Drought stress severely restricts crop yield and quality. Small noncoding RNAs play critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses by regulating target gene expression, but their roles in drought stress tolerance in apple (Malus domestica) are poorly understood. Here, we identified various small noncoding RNAs and their targets from the wild apple species Malus sieversii via high-throughput sequencing and degradome analysis. Forty known microRNAs (miRNAs) and eight new small noncoding RNAs were differentially expressed in response to 2 or 4 h of drought stress treatment. We experimentally verified the expression patterns of five selected miRNAs and their targets. We established that one miRNA, mdm-miR171i, specifically targeted and degraded SCARECROW-LIKE PROTEINS26 1 (MsSCL26 1) transcripts. Both knockout of mdm-miR171i and overexpression of MsSCL26 1 improved drought stress tolerance in the cultivated apple line 'GL-3' by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, especially that of MONODEHYDROASCORBATE REDUCTASE, which functions in metabolism under drought stress. Transient expression analysis demonstrated that MsSCL26.1 activates MsMDHAR transcription by positively regulating the activity of the P1 region in its promoter. Therefore, the miR171i-SCL26 1 module enhances drought stress tolerance in apple by regulating antioxidant gene expression and ascorbic acid metabolism.

Overexpression of MsGH3.5 inhibits shoot and root development through the auxin and cytokinin pathways in apple plants

Phytohormonal interactions are crucial for plant development. Auxin and cytokinin (CK) both play critical roles in regulating plant growth and development; however, the interaction between these two phytohormones is complex and not fully understood. Here, we isolated a wild apple (Malus sieversii Roem) GRETCHEN HAGEN3 (GH3) gene, MsGH3.5, encoding an indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-amido synthetase. Overexpression of MsGH3.5 significantly reduced the free IAA content and increased the content of some IAA-amino acid conjugates, and MsGH3.5-overexpressing lines were dwarfed and produced fewer adventitious roots (ARs) than the control. This phenotype is consistent with the role of GH3 in conjugating excess free active IAA to amino acids in auxin homeostasis. Surprisingly, overexpression of MsGH3.5 significantly increased CK concentrations in the whole plant, and altered the expression of genes involved in CK biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling. Furthermore, exogenous CK application induced MsGH3.5 expression through the activity of the CK type-B response regulator, MsRR1a, which mediates the CK primary response. MsRR1a activated MsGH3.5 expression by directly binding to its promoter, linking auxin and CK signaling. Plants overexpressing MsRR1a also displayed fewer ARs, in agreement with the regulation of MsGH3.5 expression by MsRR1a. Taken together, we reveal that MsGH3.5 affects apple growth and development by modulating auxin and CK levels and signaling pathways. These findings provide insight into the interaction between the auxin and CK pathways, and might have substantial implications for efforts to improve apple architecture.

Adaptive antibacterial biomaterial surfaces and their applications

Bacterial infections on the implant surface may eventually lead to biofilm formation ​and thus threaten the use of implants in body. Despite efficient host immune system, the implant surface can be rapidly occupied by bacteria, resulting in infection persistence, implant failure, and even death of the patients. It is difficult to cope with these problems because bacteria exhibit complex adhesion mechanisms to the implants that vary according to bacterial strains. Different biomaterial coatings have been produced to release antibiotics to kill bacteria. However, antibiotic resistance occurs very frequently. Stimuli-responsive biomaterials have gained much attention in recent years ​but are not effective enough in killing the pathogens because of the complex mechanisms in bacteria. This review is focused on the development of highly efficient and specifically targeted biomaterials that release the antimicrobial agents or respond to bacteria on demands in body. The mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance are discussed, and the released substances accounting for implant infection are described. Strategies that have been used in past for the eradication of bacterial infections are also discussed. Different types of stimuli can be triggered only upon the existence of bacteria, leading to the release of antibacterial molecules that in turn kill the bacteria. In particular, the toxin-triggered, pH-responsive, and dual stimulus-responsive adaptive antibacterial biomaterials are introduced. Finally, the state of the art in fabrication of dual responsive antibacterial biomaterials and tissue integration in medical implants is discussed.

Transcriptomic analysis of light-dependent anthocyanin accumulation in bicolored cherry fruits

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruits are classified into dark-red and bicolored cultivars based on their anthocyanin contents; however, the mechanisms regulating the accumulation of these pigments are unclear. Here, we reveal that anthocyanin accumulation is highly dependent on light in bicolored 'Rainier' cherries, while it is only slightly light dependent in the dark-red 'Hongdeng' fruits. To reveal the transcriptional mechanisms regulating light-dependent anthocyanin accumulation in bicolored 'Rainier' cherries, we sequenced the transcriptomes of fruits grown in light or in darkness. Genes encoding the anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, and flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase were significantly upregulated by light in the bicolored fruits. Most of the differentially expressed regulatory genes were known to be involved in the light or hormone signal transduction pathways, such as those encoding protein phosphatase 2Cs, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3, phytochromes, and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5. The expression levels of 32 highly expressed transcription factors were found to be significantly altered by light in the bicolored fruits, including members of the basic leucine zipper, R2R3-MYB, and WRKY transcription factor families. A co-expression network analysis further revealed that many of the light-regulated genes were co-expressed with genes involved in the abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signaling pathways, suggesting that these phytohormones play important roles in light-dependent anthocyanin biosynthesis. Together, our data reveal multiple roles for light in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in differently colored cherries.

The nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide dampens lipopolysaccharide-induced transcriptomic changes in macrophages

OBJECTIVE

M1-like inflammatory phenotype of macrophages plays a critical role in tissue damage in chronic inflammatory diseases. Previously, we found that the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) dampens lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered inflammatory priming of RAW 264.7 cells. Herein, we tested whether DMPO by itself can induce changes in macrophage transcriptome, and that these effects may prevent LPS-induced activation of macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To test our hypothesis, we performed a transcriptomic and bioinformatics analysis in RAW 264.7 cells incubated with or without LPS, in the presence or in the absence of DMPO.

RESULTS

Functional data analysis showed 79 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing DMPO vs Control. We used DAVID databases for identifying enriched gene ontology terms and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis for functional analysis. Our data showed that DMPO vs Control comparison of DEGs is related to downregulation immune-system processes among others. Functional analysis indicated that interferon-response factor 7 and toll-like receptor were related (predicted inhibitions) to the observed transcriptomic effects of DMPO. Functional data analyses of the DMPO + LPS vs LPS DEGs were consistent with DMPO-dampening LPS-induced inflammatory transcriptomic profile in RAW 264.7. These changes were confirmed using Nanostring technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking together our data, surprisingly, indicate that DMPO by itself affects gene expression related to regulation of immune system and that DMPO dampens LPS-triggered MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways. Our research provides critical data for further studies on the possible use of DMPO as a structural platform for the design of novel mechanism-based anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dissection of a circulating CD3+ CD20+ T cell subpopulation in patients with psoriasis

CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells are a population of CD3⁺ T cells that express CD20 and identified in healthy donors and autoimmune diseases. However, the nature and role of these cells in patients with psoriasis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level, phenotype, functional and clinical relevance of CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis. We found that a small subset of CD3⁺ T cells expressed CD20 molecule in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis, and their levels were similar to those in healthy donors. Circulating CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells in patients with psoriasis were enriched in CD4⁺ cells and displayed an activated effector phenotype, as these cells contained fewer CD45RA⁺ -naive and CCR7⁺ cells with increased activity than those of CD3⁺ T cells lacking CD20. In addition, compared with healthy donors, circulating CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells in patients with psoriasis produced more cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17A, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-21, but not IL-4 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between the levels of IL-17A, TNF-α and IL-21-production CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores. Our findings suggest that CD3⁺ CD20⁺ T cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Cloning and expression profiling of the PacSnRK2 and PacPP2C gene families during fruit development, ABA treatment, and dehydration stress in sweet cherry

Plant SNF1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) and protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) family members are core components of the ABA signal transduction pathway. SnRK2 and PP2C proteins have been suggested to play crucial roles in fruit ripening and improving plant tolerance to drought stress, but supporting genetic information has been lacking in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). Here, we cloned six full-length SnRK2 genes and three full-length PP2C genes from sweet cherry cv. Hong Deng. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that PacSnRK2.2, PacSnRK2.3, PacSnRK2.6, and PacPP2C1-3 were negatively regulated in fruits in response to exogenous ABA treatment, PacSnRK2.4 and PacSnRK2.5 were upregulated, and PacSnRK2.1 expression was not affected. The ABA treatment also significantly promoted the accumulation of anthocyanins in sweet cherry fruit. The expression of all PacSnRK2 and PacPP2C genes was induced by dehydration stress, which also promoted the accumulation of drought stress signaling molecules in the sweet cherry fruits, including ABA, soluble sugars, and anthocyanin. Furthermore, a yeast two-hybrid analysis demonstrated that PacPP2C1 interacts with all six PacSnRK2s, while PacPP2C3 does not interact with PacSnRK2.5. PacPP2C2 does not interact with PacSnRK2.1 or PacSnRK2.4. These results indicate that PacSnRK2s and PacPP2Cs may play a variety of roles in the sweet cherry ABA signaling pathway and the fruit response to drought stress.

Relationship between inducible NOS single-nucleotide polymorphisms and hypertension in Han Chinese

BACKGROUND

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been reported to confer susceptibility to hypertension, but no consensus has been reached. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between iNOS and hypertension in a Chinese population.

METHODS

This was a case-control study including 1172 hypertensive and 1172 control subjects to investigate the association between iNOS and hypertension.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of rs2779249 and rs2297518 between hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Logistic regression analyses were performed with different genetic models (additive, dominant, recessive) adjusting for confounding risk covariates, including age, sex, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, drinking, and family history of hypertension. The odds ratio (OR) was 1.27 (1.12, 1.44) in the additive model, 1.31 (1.09, 1.59) in the dominant, and 1.68 (1.28, 2.19) in the recessive model of rs2779249; the OR was 1.26 (1.06, 1.50) in the additive model and 1.46 (1.13, 1.89) in the dominant model of rs2297518.

CONCLUSION

The current study provides evidence that iNOS is strongly associated with hypertension.

Anin situneutron diffraction study of anomalous superelasticity in a strain glass Ni43Fe18Ga27Co12alloy

Superelastic behavior is traditionally related to the martensitic transition with a collective transformation scenario in some shape memory alloys. A kind of quasi-linear superelasticity accompanied by a finite avalanche or confined martensitic transformation was recently found in some alloy systems with strain glass state. Here, anin situneutron diffraction technique was used to study the deformation behavior in an Ni43Fe18Ga27Co12alloy with strain glass state in order to reveal the new intrinsic physical nature of the quasi-linear superelasticity. A significant modulus softening prior to the stress-induced martensitic transformation was observed during compression in the studied alloy, which is similar to the characteristics exhibited in the tweed precursor phenomena prior to temperature-induced martensitic transformation. Moreover, the diffraction peak broadening was further shown during the elastic stage of deformation for both single-crystal and polycrystalline samples, which mainly stems from the short-range fluctuation in the strain field inside each grain based on Williamson–Hall analysis. The authors believe that there exists a spatial heterogeneity in the modulus of the confined martensitic transformation alloy.

Increased circulating follicular helper T cells and activated B cells correlate with disease severity in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Follicular Helper T (TFH) Cells are a population of recently discovered CD4(+) T cells involved in autoimmune diseases. However, the contribution of TFH cells in patients with psoriasis remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the levels of TFH cells, B cells and their clinical relevance in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Using multi-colour flow cytometry, we detected different subsets of TFH cells and B cells in the peripheral blood of 27 patients with psoriasis and 13 healthy donors. Serum IL-21 levels were measured by ELISA. The relationship between the levels of TFH cells, IL-21, B cells and disease severity were analysed.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy donors, higher levels of circulating CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) cells, CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) ICOS(+), CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) PD-1(+), CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) ICOS(+) PD-1(+) TFH cells and CD19(+) IgD(+) CD27(-) naive B, CD19(+) CD86(+) activated B, but lower levels of CD19(+) IgD(+) CD27(+) preswitch and CD19(+) IgD(-) CD27(+) postswitch memory B cells, were observed in patients with psoriasis. In addition, serum IL-21 levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those in healthy donors, and showed to be positively correlated with the levels of different subsets of TFH cells, and the level of CD19(+) CD86(+) B cells was also correlated with TFH cells and IL-21 levels. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the levels of CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) ICOS(+) TFH cells, CD3(+) CD4(+) CXCR5(+) ICOS(+) PD-1(+) TFH cells, CD19(+) CD86(+) B cells and IL-21 with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores.

CONCLUSION

The levels of TFH cells and activated B cells were increased in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis, and positively correlated with disease severity. These results suggest that TFH cells and activated B cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Association between loop diuretic use and fracture risk

SUMMARY

Loop diuretic use has been shown to be associated with an increased fracture risk, but the findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis suggests that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and, specifically, hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Despite being widely used, there is limited, prospective randomized trial evidence regarding the skeletal effects of loop diuretics. Previous observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures.

METHODS

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases were searched for prospective cohort and case-control studies. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout the analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (4 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included, involving 842,644 participants and 108,247 fracture cases. Compared with non-users, people who had taken loop diuretics had an approximately 15% higher risk of total fractures (95% CI, 1.04-1.26; p<0.01), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=80.5%; p<0.01). The RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08-1.19) for hip fractures and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.05) for lower arm or wrist fractures. The RR was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.11) in prospective cohort studies and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00-1.44) in case-control studies. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and hip fractures.

Coffee, tea, and the risk of hip fracture: a meta-analysis

The present meta-analysis shows no clear association between coffee consumption and the risk of hip fractures. There was a nonlinear association between tea consumption and the risk of hip fracture. Compared to no tea consumption, drinking 1-4 cups of tea daily was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Prospective cohort and case-control studies have suggested that coffee and tea consumption may be associated with the risk of hip fracture; the results have, however, been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between coffee and tea consumption and the risk of hip fracture.

METHODS

We performed systematic searches using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and OVID until February 20, 2013, without limits of language or publication year. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout all analyses. We conducted categorical, dose-response, heterogeneity, publication bias, and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Our study was based on 195,992 individuals with 9,958 cases of hip fractures from 14 studies, including six cohort and eight case-control studies. The pooled RRs of hip fractures for the highest vs. the lowest categories of coffee and tea consumption were 0.94 (95% CI 0.71-1.17) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.66-1.02), respectively. For the dose-response analysis, we found evidence of a nonlinear association between tea consumption and the risk of hip fracture (p(nonlinearity) < 0.01). Compared to no tea consumption, 1-4 cups of tea per day may reduce the risk of hip fracture by 28% (0.72; 95% CI 0.56-0.88 for 1-2 cups/day), 37% (0.63; 95% CI 0.32-0.94 for 2-3 cups/day), and 21% (0.79; 95% CI 0.62-0.96 for 3-4 cups/day).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant association between coffee consumption and the risk of hip fracture. A nonlinear association emerged between tea consumption and the risk of hip fracture; individuals drinking 1-4 cups of tea per day exhibited a lower risk of hip fractures than those who drank no tea. The association between 5 daily cups of tea, or more, and hip fracture risk should be investigated.

Neuroimaging methods for adolescent substance use disorder prevention science

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods safely provide in vivo indicators of cerebral macrostructure, microstructure, and activation that can be examined in relation to substance use disorder (SUD) risks and effects. This article will provide an overview of MRI approaches, including volumetric measures, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI, that have been applied to studies of adolescent neuromaturation in relationship to risk phenotypes and adolescent SUD. To illustrate these applications, examples of research findings will be presented. MRI indicators have demonstrated that neurobiological maturation continues throughout adolescence. MRI research has suggested that variations in neurobiological maturation may contribute to SUD risk, and that substance use adversely influences adolescent brain development. Directly measured neurobiological variables may be viable preventive intervention targets and outcome indicators. Further research is needed to provide definitive findings on neurodevelopmental immaturity as an SUD risk and to determine the directions such observations suggest for advancing prevention science.

Identification of the bacterial biodiversity in koumiss by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and species-specific polymerase chain reaction

Bacterial biodiversity in traditional koumiss fermented milk was studied by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Target DNA bands were identified according to the reference species ladder, constructed in this study. Comigrating bands present in the DGGE profiles were resolved by species-specific PCR. The results revealed a novel bacterial profile and extensive bacterial biodiversity in koumiss. The dominant lactic acid bacteria included Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens. Frequently encountered bacterial species were Enterococcus faecalis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus kitasatonis, and Lactobacillus kefiri. Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Lactobacillus jensenii were occasionally found in this product. In addition, L. buchneri, L. jensenii, and L. kitasatonis, which were never previously isolated by culture-dependent methods, were identified for the first time in the Xinjiang koumiss. Furthermore, conventional cultivation was performed by plating samples on M17, de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe, Halligan-Pearce, and Kenner fecal media. The results revealed that lactobacilli were the dominant species in the koumiss ecosystem, which was consistent with the results obtained by the DGGE analysis. This is the first systematic study of the microbial composition in koumiss, and our findings will be helpful in selecting appropriate strains for the manufacture of this product at the industrial level.

Renoprotective effect of rosiglitazone through the suppression of renal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of rosiglitazone on serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (SICAM-1) level, urinary excretion of ICAM-1, and renal expression of ICAM-1, and investigate its possible renoprotective mechanisms in diabetic rats.

METHOD

Twenty-four Wistar Rats were divided into 3 groups: non-diabetic control rats (group A, no.=8), streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (group B, no.=8), and diabetic rats treated with rosiglitazone (group C, no.=8). Rats in group C were treated with rosiglitazone (5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) 1 week after the establishment of diabetic model, group A and B were treated with corresponding sodium chloride. Peripheral blood glucose was tested weekly. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and SICAM-1 as well as urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), urinary retinol binding-protein (URBP) excretion rate, and urinary ICAM-1 (UICAM- 1) excretion rate were tested at the 8th week, and the renal tissues of all rats were obtained for evaluating kidney/body weight ratio, observing pathologic change via electron microscope, and for examining the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA by reverse transcriptase-PCR.

RESULTS

At the 8th week, the blood glucose, HbA1c levels, UAER, URBP excretion rate, kidney/body weight ratio and serum, urinary ICAM-1 levels all increased significantly in group B and group C in comparison with group A; however, the above-mentioned parameters in group C (except the blood glucose and HbA1c levels) were much lower than those in group B. In addition, both SICAM-1 and UICAM-1 were highly correlated with the UAER, URBP level, and kidney/body weight ratio in all rats; renal pathological lesions observed by electron microscope in group C were much lighter than those of group B; compared with group A, the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA was markedly up-regulated in group B and group C, and rosiglitazone was able to decrease the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the renal tissue.

CONCLUSION

Rosiglitazone could definitely protect against the renal injury of diabetic rats, which may be partly associated with decreasing the expression of ICAM-1 in the renal tissue, reducing ICAM-1 productions in both serum and urine.

Relation between nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina in nuclear assembly in vitro

Xenopus laevis egg extracts cell-free nuclear assembly system was used as an experimental model to study the process of nuclear lamina assembly in nuclear reconstitution in vitro. The experimental results showed that lamin was involved in the nuclear assembly in vitro. The assembly of nuclear lamina was preceded by the assembly of nuclear matrix, and probably, inner nuclear matrix assembly provided the basis for nuclear lamina assembly. Inhibition of normal assembly of nuclear lamina, by preincubating egg extracts cell-free system with anti-lamin antibodies, resulted in abnormal assembly of nuclear envelope, suggesting that nuclear envelope assembly is closely associated with nuclear lamina assembly.

Composition and structure of nucleolar skeleton (nucleolar matrix) : Actin and fibrillarin are two main protein components of nucleolar skeleton

Purified nucleoli of HeLa cells were treated sequentially with nonionic detergent, nucleic acid enzyme, low salt and high salt. The residual nucleolar structure termed nucleolar skeleton (nucleolar matrix) was shown as a fine network under electron microscope with DGD embedding-unembedding technique. Such structures of BHK-21 cell and mouse liver cell are similar to that of HeLa cell. The protein composition of the nucleolar skeleton of HeLa cells was analyzed. The protein composition of such nucleolar residual shows obvious difference from the compositions of nuclear matrix and chromosome scaffold. The major protein composition of the nucleolar skeleton of HeLa cells contains 6-7 polypeptides. Their molecular weights are about 48, 43, 36 and 33 ku. Further studies show that actin and fibrillarin are two major protein components of nucleolar skeleton of HeLa cells.

Coil-1 of rod domain of NF-L is essential for its assemblyin vivo

Neurofilaments take highly ordered structures composed of parallel mays of 10 nm filaments linked to each other with frequent cross-bridge. It is composed of three components named NF-L, NF-M and NF-H. NF-L is able to form filamentous network alone in Sf9 cells, while M could not. To identify which domain is essential for the assembly of NF-L, two chimera proteins named ML and MML were constructed: ML was composed of the head domain of NF-M and other domains of NF-L; MML was composed of the head and Coil-1 domains of NF-M and Coil-2 and tail domains of NF-L. ML was not only able to form filaments in Sf9 cells, but also co-assemble with NF-M into parallel filamentous bundles. MML could not assemble into filaments. Thus the Coil-1 domain of NF-L was essential for its assembly.

Location identification for indoor instantaneous point contaminant source by probability-based inverse Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling

Indoor pollutions jeopardize human health and welfare and may even cause serious morbidity and mortality under extreme conditions. To effectively control and improve indoor environment quality requires immediate interpretation of pollutant sensor readings and accurate identification of indoor pollution history and source characteristics (e.g. source location and release time). This procedure is complicated by non-uniform and dynamic contaminant indoor dispersion behaviors as well as diverse sensor network distributions. This paper introduces a probability concept based inverse modeling method that is able to identify the source location for an instantaneous point source placed in an enclosed environment with known source release time. The study presents the mathematical models that address three different sensing scenarios: sensors without concentration readings, sensors with spatial concentration readings, and sensors with temporal concentration readings. The paper demonstrates the inverse modeling method and algorithm with two case studies: air pollution in an office space and in an aircraft cabin. The predictions were successfully verified against the forward simulation settings, indicating good capability of the method in finding indoor pollutant sources. The research lays a solid ground for further study of the method for more complicated indoor contamination problems.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The method developed can help track indoor contaminant source location with limited sensor outputs. This will ensure an effective and prompt execution of building control strategies and thus achieve a healthy and safe indoor environment. The method can also assist the design of optimal sensor networks.

Inverse modeling methods for indoor airborne pollutant tracking: literature review and fundamentals

Reduction in indoor environment quality calls for effective control and improvement measures. Accurate and prompt identification of contaminant sources ensures that they can be quickly removed and contaminated spaces isolated and cleaned. This paper discusses the use of inverse modeling to identify potential indoor pollutant sources with limited pollutant sensor data. The study reviews various inverse modeling methods for advection-dispersion problems and summarizes the methods into three major categories: forward, backward, and probability inverse modeling methods. The adjoint probability inverse modeling method is indicated as an appropriate model for indoor air pollutant tracking because it can quickly find source location, strength and release time without prior information. The paper introduces the principles of the adjoint probability method and establishes the corresponding adjoint equations for both multi-zone airflow models and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. The study proposes a two-stage inverse modeling approach integrating both multi-zone and CFD models, which can provide a rapid estimate of indoor pollution status and history for a whole building. Preliminary case study results indicate that the adjoint probability method is feasible for indoor pollutant inverse modeling.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The proposed method can help identify contaminant source characteristics (location and release time) with limited sensor outputs. This will ensure an effective and prompt execution of building management strategies and thus achieve a healthy and safe indoor environment. The method can also help design optimal sensor networks.

Fibrinogen controls human platelet fibronectin internalization and cell-surface retention

BACKGROUND

We recently demonstrated that platelet aggregation occurred in fibrinogen-deficient mice. In these animals, platelet fibronectin (Fn) content was increased 3-5 fold, suggesting that Fn may also be involved in platelet aggregation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared platelet Fn content from a severe hypofibrinogenemic patient (with approximately 0.5% of normal fibrinogen levels) with his parents (heterozygous) and healthy donors. A significant increase in the patient's platelet Fn content was detected by immunoblot, flow cytometry, and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). To examine the possible contribution of platelet Fn to platelet aggregation, we examined cell-surface Fn expression after thrombin treatment. Unexpectedly, IEM detected only trace amounts of Fn retained on the patient's platelet surface, and flow cytometry indicated that surface Fn was approximately 6-fold lower than that of his parents and tenfold lower than that of healthy donors. An ELISA further confirmed that the patient's platelet Fn was primarily released into the extracellular medium. To test whether retention of surface Fn was due to fibrin formation on the platelet surface, an antifibrin antibody (T2 G1) was employed. Fibrin was detected on platelets from healthy donors and from the father, but was negligible on the patient's platelets. Consistent with these data, when gel-filtered platelets of healthy donors were treated with thrombin receptor activation peptide (SFLLRN-NH(2); no conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin), little surface Fn was detected.

CONCLUSION

Fibrinogen not only competitively inhibits human platelet Fn internalization but also controls platelet-surface Fn retention via fibrin formation. The Fn-fibrin interaction is one possible mechanism to promote Fn interaction with platelets.

TTDN1 is a Plk1-interacting protein involved in maintenance of cell cycle integrity

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays critical roles in many cell cycle events, especially in mitosis. In the present study, we identified TTDN1 as a potential interacting partner of Plk1 in yeast two-hybrid screens. Sequence analysis indicates that TTDN1 contains a consensus Plk1-binding motif at its C terminus. TTDN1 colocalizes with Plk1 at the centrosome in mitosis and the midbody during cytokinesis. TTDN1 is phosphorylated by Cdk1 in mitosis, and this is required for its interaction with Plk1. Site-directed mutagenesis indicates that TTDN1 is phosphorylated at multiple residues, including Ser93 and Ser104. Mutation of Thr120 of TTDN1 abolishes its interaction with Plk1, suggesting phosphorylation of Thr120 in the consensus Plk1-binding motif is required for its interaction with Plk1. Overexpression of TTDN1 or its knockdown by siRNA causes multi-polar spindles and multiple nuclei, suggesting that TTDN1 plays a role in regulating mitosis and cytokinesis.

[Effect of artemether on nucleoside uptake and nucleic acid content in Schistosoma japonicum]

AIM

To observe the effect of artemether (Art) on nucleoside uptake and nucleic acid content in Schistosoma japonicum.

METHODS

RNA and DNA contents of both male and female worms harbored in mice treated intragastrically (i.g.) with Art 300 mg/kg for 24 h or 48 h were determined, respectively. After in vivo drug treatment, the schistosomes recovered were in vitro maintained in drug-free medium containing [3H]adenosine, [5-(3)H] uridine or [methyl-3H]thymidine at a final concentration of 37 MBq/L or 74 MBq/L for 2 h or 4 h, the tritiated nucleoside uptake and incorporation into nucleic acid of schistosomes were measured.

RESULTS

The RNA and DNA contents of female worms recovered from the host 48 h after dosing were markedly decreased by 51.6% and 23.5%, respectively, while the RNA content of male worms showed 42.4% reduction. When the above-mentioned schistosomes were in vitro exposed to the tritiated nucleoside for 2 h or 4 h, apparent decrease in tritiated nucleoside uptake with reduction rates of 35.2%-50.1% was seen in female worms. The incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine into the female worm DNA 2 h after incubation was reduced by 71.4% while the incorporation of [3H]adenosine into the female worm RNA and DNA 4 h after incubation was reduced by 65.2% and 50.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Art exhibited an apparent effect on the nucleic acid metabolism in schistosomes, especially in female worms.

[Study on variation and interrelations of characteristics at ginseng germplasms]

The variation and interrelations of some characteristics of Panax ginseng germplasms(lines), which were five selfmating generations of some single plants were studied. Methods of multivariate analysis, such as correlation, regression, or clustering, and coefficient of variation were used. The results were of benefit to the breeding and standardized planting of Panax ginseng.