Population dynamics and management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in China: the relative contributions of climate, natural enemies and cropping patterns

Diamondback moth or DBM is the major pest of Brassica vegetable production worldwide. Control has relied on insecticides, and DBM resistance to these compounds has evolved rapidly. We review and summarize data on DBM population dynamics across a large latitudinal gradient from southwest to northeast China: DBM is, on average, more common in southern locations than in northern locations. The species' phenology is consistent: in southern and central locations there is a decline during hot summer months, while in the north, the species can only exist in the summer following migrations from the south. A cohort-based discrete-time model, driven by daily maximum and minimum temperatures and rainfall, which was built using the DYMEX modelling software, captures the age-structured population dynamics of DBM at representative locations, with year round cropping and threshold-based insecticide applications. The scale of the simulated pest problem varies with cropping practices. Local production breaks and strict post-harvest crop hygiene are associated with lower DBM populations. Biological control appears to improve the management of DBM. Of the management strategies explored, non-threshold based applications of insecticides with reduced spray efficacy (due to poor application or resistance) appear the least effective. The model simulates the phenology and abundance patterns in the population dynamics across the climatic gradient in China reasonably well. With planned improvements, and backed by a system of field sampling and weather inputs, it should serve well as a platform for a local pest forecast system, spanning the range of DBM in China, and perhaps elsewhere.

Disproportionate growth between the spine and pelvis in patients with thoracic adolescent scoliosis

A self-control ratio, the spine-pelvis index (SPI), was proposed for the assessment of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in this study. The aim was to evaluate the disproportionate growth between the spine and pelvis in these patients using SPI. A total of 64 female patients with thoracic AIS were randomly enrolled between December 2010 and October 2012 (mean age 13 years, standard deviation (sd) 2.17; 9 to 18) and a further 73 healthy female patients with a mean age of 12.4 years (mean age 12.4 years, sd 2.24; 9 to 18), were randomly selected from a normal control database at our centre. The radiographic parameters measured included length of spine (LOS), height of spine (HOS), length of thoracic vertebrae (LOT), height of thoracic vertebrae (HOT), width of pelvis (WOP), height of pelvis (HOP) and width of thorax (WOT). SPI was defined as the ratio LOS/HOP. The SPI and LOT/HOP in patients with AIS showed a significant increase when compared with normal girls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively), implying an abnormal pattern of growth of the spine relative to the pelvis in patients with AIS.

No significant difference in SPI was found in different age groups in the control group, making the SPI an age-independent parameter with a mean value of 2.219 (2.164 to 2.239). We also found that the SPI was not related to maturity in the control group.

This study, for the first time, used a self-control ratio to confirm the disproportionate patterns of growth of the spine and pelvis in patients with thoracic AIS, highlighting that the SPI is not affected by age or maturity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1668–74.

Uterine RAC1 via Pak1-ERM signaling directs normal luminal epithelial integrity conducive to on-time embryo implantation in mice

Successful embryo implantation requires functional luminal epithelia to establish uterine receptivity and blastocyst-uterine adhesion. During the configuration of uterine receptivity from prereceptive phase, the luminal epithelium undergoes dynamic membrane reorganization and depolarization. This timely regulated epithelial membrane maturation and precisely maintained epithelial integrity are critical for embryo implantation in both humans and mice. However, it remained largely unexplored with respect to potential signaling cascades governing this functional epithelial transformation prior to implantation. Using multiple genetic and cellular approaches combined with uterine conditional Rac1 deletion mouse model, we demonstrated herein that Rac1, a small GTPase, is spatiotemporally expressed in the periimplantation uterus, and uterine depletion of Rac1 induces premature decrease of epithelial apical-basal polarity and defective junction remodeling, leading to disrupted uterine receptivity and implantation failure. Further investigations identified Pak1-ERM as a downstream signaling cascade upon Rac1 activation in the luminal epithelium necessary for uterine receptivity. In addition, we also demonstrated that Rac1 via P38 MAPK signaling ensures timely epithelial apoptotic death at postimplantation. Besides uncovering a potentially important molecule machinery governing uterine luminal integrity for embryo implantation, our finding has high clinical relevance, because Rac1 is essential for normal endometrial functions in women.

Quantitative study of the quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects in Fe films

We present a rotating field method to separate the linear and quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects (LMOKE and QMOKE) in Fe/GaAs(001) films. The LMOKE is isotropic in crystal orientation, while the QMOKE has both isotropic and anisotropic contributions. The experimental observation is well explained by Yeh's 4×4 matrix formalism. We also report the incident angle and the thickness dependences of the LMOKE and QMOKE, and extract the material's index of refraction n and the magneto-optical coupling constant K and G. The study gives a full description of the Kerr effect in Fe films, and the proposed method can be applied to other magneto-optical coupling systems.

Glucocorticoid with or without additional immunosuppressant therapy for patients with lupus podocytopathy: a retrospective single-center study

Lupus podocytopathy is a newly recognized class of lupus nephritis characterized by extensive glomerular foot process effacement without capillary wall immune deposits. The treatment response and relapse of glucocorticoid with or without additional immunosuppressive agents has not been well investigated. In this study, 50 patients with lupus podocytopathy were included and received glucocorticoid alone (glucocorticoid monotherapy) or glucocorticoid plus additional immunosuppressive agents (combination therapy) for their induction or maintenance treatment regimens. The treatment response and relapse rate in the two groups were respectively analyzed. We found that the induction treatment with glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy led to remission in 47 patients (94.0%) at 12 weeks treatment, with complete remission (CR) occurring in 38 patients (76.0%). The CR rate compared between glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy showed no difference (76.7% vs 75.0%, p = 0.9), the median time to CR was four weeks (range: 2.0-6.0 weeks) in glucocorticoid monotherapy and 8.0 weeks (range: 3.7-12.0 weeks) in combination therapy (p = 0.076). Twenty-seven of 47 patients (57.4%) relapsed during maintenance, the relapse rate was much higher in the glucocorticoid monotherapy group than in the combination therapy group (89.5% vs 35.7%, p < 0.001), regardless of the induction regimens being glucocorticoid monotherapy or combination therapy. No patient developed end stage renal disease or died during follow-up for 6-125 months (median 62 months). In conclusion, the remission of lupus podocytopathy could be induced by glucocorticoid monotherapy or glucocorticoid plus other immunosuppressive agents, while the remission should be maintained by the combination regimen.

Association between the LXRα polymorphism and stroke in a Chinese population

We examined the relationship between the liver X receptor α gene (LXRα) polymorphism and the susceptibility to stroke. We utilized the single fluorescent-labeled probe technique to detect the genotype of rs12221497 in the LXRα gene in 400 stroke patients and 400 healthy control subjects. The difference in genotype distribution between the 2 groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Serum lipids and glucose levels between the different genotypes were also compared. We found that the risk of stroke in carriers with the AA + GA genotype was 2.02-fold higher than that in GG genotype carriers (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.87, P < 0.05), and that the risk of stroke in carriers with the A allele increased by 0.606-fold compared to that in G allele carriers (odds ratio = 1.606, 95% confidence interval = 1.158-2.228). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other confounding factors, the A allele was an independent risk for stroke. However, there were no differences in serum lipids and glucose levels between each genotype. We conclude that the rs12221497 polymorphism in the LXRα gene was associated with the susceptibility to stroke in a Han Chinese population.

The role of fQRS in coronary artery disease. A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that the presence of fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. fQRS may predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The current meta-analysis was performed using clinical outcome studies to evaluate the role of fQRS in coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases (Cochrane, Medline, Embase and Pubmed) from their inception to April 2014 was performed. Data were extracted from applicable articles to evaluate the prognostic value of fQRS in CAD.

RESULTS

A total of 16 observational studies about fQRS and CAD (n = 3,997 patients) were identified. Compared with the non-fQRS group, MACE and mortality were significantly higher in the fQRS group -odds ratios (OR) 3.19, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) [2.3, 4.42], p < 0.00001; OR 2.24, 95 % CI [1.71, 2.94], p < 0.0001. Patients developed Q waves, anterior-wall myocardial infarction (MI), and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) more frequently in the fQRS group than in the non-fQRS group-OR 2.59, 95 % CI [1.76, 3.81], p < 0.00001; OR 2.43, 95 % CI [1.07, 5.52], p = 0.03; OR - 6.43, 95 % CI [- 9.11, - 3.74], p < 0.00001.

CONCLUSION

Based on current evidence, fQRS was associated with increased MACE, mortality, Q waves, anterior-wall MI, and decreased LVEF in CAD. These findings show that fQRS is a reliable marker in CAD.

[Gly14]-Humanin reduces histopathology and improves functional outcome after traumatic brain injury in mice

Humanin (HN) has been identified as an endogenous peptide that inhibited AD-relevant neuronal cell death. HNG, a variant of HN in which the 14th amino acid serine was replaced with glycine, can reduce infarct volume and improve neurological deficits after ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of HNG on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice and explored whether the protective effect was associated with regulating apoptosis and autophagy. Compared to vehicle-treated groups, mice administered HNG intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) prior to TBI had decreased cells with plasmalemma permeability in the injured cortex and hippocampus (48 h, P<0.01), reduced brain lesion volume (days 14 and 28, P<0.05), improved motor performance (days 1-4, P<0.05) and ameliorated performance in the Morris water maze test (days 11-13, P<0.05) post TBI. Reduced lesion volume (day 14, P<0.05) was also observed even when HNG was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 1h and 2h post TBI, and minor amelioration in motor and Morris water maze test deficits was also observed. Immunoblotting results showed that HNG pretreatment (i.c.v.) reversed TBI-induced cleavage of cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 and poly ADPribose-polymerase and decline of Bcl-2, suppressed LC3II, Beclin-1 and vacuolar sorting protein 34 activation and maintained p62 levels in the injured cortex and hippocampus post TBI (compared with vehicle). In conclusion, HNG treatment improved morphological and functional outcomes after TBI in mice and the protective effect of HNG against TBI may be associated with down-regulating apoptosis and autophagy.

Pharmacological characterization of cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoids in relation to imidacloprid binding sites in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Neonicotinoid insecticides, such as imidacloprid, are selective agonists of the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and extensively used in areas of crop protection and animal health to control a variety of insect pest species. Here we describe that two cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoids (IPPA152002 and IPPA152004), recently synthesized in our laboratory, discriminated between the high and low affinity imidacloprid binding sites in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, a major insect pest of rice crops in many parts of Asia. [(3)H]imidacloprid has two binding sites with different affinities (Kd value of 0.0035 +/- 0.0006 nM for the high-affinity site and 1.47 +/- 0.22 nM for the low-affinity site). Although the cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoids showed low displacement ability (Ki values of 0.15 +/- 0.03 microM and 0.42 +/- 0.07 microM for IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, respectively) against [(3)H]imidacloprid binding, low concentrations (0.01 microM) of IPPA152002 completely inhibited [(3)H]imidacloprid binding at its high-affinity site. In Xenopus oocytes co-injected with cRNA encoding Nlalpha1 and rat beta2 subunits, obvious inward currents were detected in response to applications of IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, although the agonist potency is reduced to that of imidacloprid. The previously identified Y151S mutation in Nlalpha1 showed significant effects on the agonist potency of IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, such as a 75.8% and 70.6% reduction in Imax, and a 2.4- and 2.1-fold increase in EC(50). This data clearly shows that the two newly described cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoids act on insect nAChRs and like imidacloprid, discriminated between high and low affinity binding sites in N. lugens native nAChRs. These compounds may be useful tools to further elucidate the pharmacology and nature of neonicotinoid binding sites.

Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P messenger ribonucleic acid in intestinal nerve of Remak of chicken

The intestinal nerve of Remak (INR) is unique to birds. The exact distributions and secretions of the peptide transmitters in the INR that innervate the intestine, and the patterns of their projections to the nerve plexus of the intestinal wall, are still unclear. In the present study, the distributions of chicken vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA and substance P (SP) mRNA in the chicken INR were demonstrated by means of in situ hybridization histochemistry, using sense and antisense digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes. The in situ hybridization histochemistry results suggested that VIP mRNA-positive neurons were mainly distributed in ganglions, whereas some of the INR fibers were weakly positive. The proportion of VIP mRNA-positive cells among total neurons was 75% in the juxta-jejunoileum portion and 87% in the juxta-rectal portion of the INR. Most SP mRNA-positive cells were sporadically distributed in layers or small groups within the ganglions, as well as in nerve trunks between ganglions. Moreover, the proportion of positive cells among total neurons was 83% in the juxta-jejunoileum portion and 98% in the juxta-rectal portion of the INR, which suggests that both VIP and SP mRNA are coexpressed in the chicken INR. Our results provide an approach to further study of the locations of VIP and SP in nerve tissue.

Effects of pig antibacterial peptides on growth performance and intestine mucosal immune of broiler chickens

Currently, substitutions for antibiotic growth promoters in animals are attracting interest. This study investigated the effects of pig antibacterial peptides (PABP) on growth performance and small intestine mucosal immune responses in broilers. Three hundred 1-d-old Arbor Acre male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 5 groups with 60 birds per group. The groups were control group; PABP administered in drinking water at 20 and 30 mg/L of water; or PABP supplemented in feed at 150 and 200 mg/kg of diet. The birds were fed a corn-soybean based diet for 6 wk. Chickens were weighed weekly and killed after 42 d of feeding, and growth performance was measured. Samples of the duodenum and jejunum were collected. The villus height, mucosa thickness, alkaline phosphatase activity, and numbers of secreting IgA and goblet cells were evaluated. The PABP-treated groups had greater BW and average daily gain, greater height of villus and thickness of gut mucosa, greater activity of alkaline phosphatase, higher ratio of secreting IgA, and a greater number of goblet cells compared with the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, PABP can improve the growth performance, increase the intestinal ability to absorb nutrients, and improve the mucosal immunity of the intestine.

Effects of rabbit sacculus rotundus antimicrobial peptides on the intestinal mucosal immunity in chickens

Ninety chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups (45 chickens in each group) to determine the effect of oral administration of rabbit sacculus rotundus antimicrobial peptides (RSRP) on the intestinal mucosal immune responses in chicken. On d 7, 14, 21, and 28, the animals received 0.1 mg of RSRP dissolved in 0.5 mL of physiological saline. The control groups received the same dose of physiological salt solution on the same day. The results showed that RSRP increased the villus height of the duodenum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05) at the ages of 28, 42, and 56 d. The numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in different parts of intestine of the RSRP group were increased significantly more than that of the control (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) at the ages of 28, 42, and 56 d. The RSRP increased the area of IgA-secreting cells of each fragment of intestine at all 3 time points. These results indicated that the presence of RSRP affected and considerably modified the structure of the intestine and mucosal immune parameters in healthy chickens when compared with controls.

Coherent optical OFDM: theory and design

Coherent optical OFDM (CO-OFDM) has recently been proposed and the proof-of-concept transmission experiments have shown its extreme robustness against chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion. In this paper, we first review the theoretical fundamentals for CO-OFDM and its channel model in a 2x2 MIMO-OFDM representation. We then present various design choices for CO-OFDM systems and perform the nonlinearity analysis for RF-to-optical up-converter. We also show the receiver-based digital signal processing to mitigate self-phase-modulation (SPM) and Gordon-Mollenauer phase noise, which is equivalent to the midspan phase conjugation.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a laccase gene from the basidiomycete Fome lignosus and expression in Pichia pastoris

A cDNA encoding for a laccase was isolated from the white-rot fungus Fome lignosus by RT-PCR. It contained an open reading frame of 1,557 bp. The deduced mature protein consisted of 497 amino acids and was preceded by a signal peptide of 21 amino acids. The genomic DNA of the laccase, containing 11 introns, was cloned by PCR. The cDNA was cloned into the vectors pGAPZalphaA and pGAPZA, and expressed in the Pichia pastoris GS115. Laccase-secreting transformants were selected by their ability to oxidize the substrate 2'2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiaoline-6-sufonic acid) (ABTS). The laccase activity obtained with the native signal peptide was found to be fivefold higher than that obtained with the alpha-factor secretion signal peptide. The presence of 0.4 mM copper was necessary for optimal activity of the enzyme. The highest activity value reached 9.03 U ml(-1), and the optimal secreting time was 2~3 days at 20 degrees C. The crude laccase was stable in a pH range from 6.0 to 10.0 and at temperatures lower than 30 degrees C in pH 4.5 for 24 h. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 66.5 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature were 2.4 and 55 degrees C. The Km and Vmax values for ABTS were 177 microM and 23.54 micromol min(-1) respectively. The extent of glycosylation of the purified enzyme was 58.6%.

Non-linear transform-based robust adaptive latency change estimation of evoked potentials

OBJECTIVES

To improve the latency change estimation of evoked potentials (EP) under the lower order alpha-stable noise conditions by proposing and analyzing a new adaptive EP latency change detection algorithm (referred to as the NLST).

METHODS

The NLST algorithm is based on the fractional lower order moment and the nonlinear transform for the error function. The computer simulation and data analysis verify the robustness of the new algorithm.

RESULTS

The theoretical analysis shows that the iteration equation of the NLST transforms the lower order alpha-stable process en (k) into a second order moment process by a nonlinear transform. The simulations and the data analysis showed the robustness of the NLST under the lower order alpha-stable noise conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The new algorithm is robust under the lower order alpha-stable noise conditions, and it also provides a better performance than the DLMS, DLMP and SDA algorithms without the need to estimate the alpha value of the EP signals and noises.

Purification, crystallization and X-ray analysis of swine vesicular disease virus

Swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) is the etiological agent of swine vesicular disease, a highly contagious disease in pigs, and is related to coxsackie B virus. Crystalline arrays of SVDV can be observed in the cytoplasm of cells 4.5 h after inoculation to porcine kidney cells (IBRS-2 cells). Crystals of the JX/78 strain of SVDV were obtained from virus in two wells of crystallization conditions and present preliminary X-ray data to 3.6 A resolution.

DrosophilaAmphiphysin is implicated in protein localization and membrane morphogenesis but not in synaptic vesicle endocytosis

Amphiphysin family members are implicated in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, actin localization and one isoform is an autoantigen in neurological autoimmune disorder; however, there has been no genetic analysis of Amphiphysin function in higher eukaryotes. We show that Drosophila Amphiphysin is localized to actin-rich membrane domains in many cell types, including apical epithelial membranes, the intricately folded apical rhabdomere membranes of photoreceptor neurons and the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions. Flies that lack all Amphiphysin function are viable, lack any observable endocytic defects, but have abnormal localization of the postsynaptic proteins Discs large, Lethal giant larvae and Scribble, altered synaptic physiology, and behavioral defects. Misexpression of Amphiphysin outside its normal membrane domain in photoreceptor neurons results in striking morphological defects. The strong misexpression phenotype coupled with the mild mutant and lack of phenotypes suggests that Amphiphysin acts redundantly with other proteins to organize specialized membrane domains within a diverse array of cell types.

Bronchoalveolar lavage macrophage and lymphocyte phenotypes in lung transplant recipients

Recent publications have demonstrated potentially pathologic changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from clinically stable lung transplant recipients (SLTRs), but there are few available data on alveolar macrophages (AMs). We formulated the hypothesis that changes in BAL AM and lymphocyte phenotypes would be apparent even in SLTRs.A cross-sectional study using a standardized 3 x 60 ml BAL, investigating lymphocyte and AM phenotypes in 19 SLTRs, 5 subjects with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and 18 normal control volunteers. BAL lymphocyte and AM markers were assessed using flow cytometry. We confirmed a significant elevation of neutrophils in all lung transplant recipients with a more marked elevation in the BOS subjects. Flow-cytometric analysis showed increased numbers of natural killer (NK; CD56/CD16-positive) cells, increased CD11b- and CD11c-positive CD3 lymphocytes, increased CD8-positive lymphocytes and increased HLA-DR expression in CD8 cells from the lung transplant recipients, when compared with normals (p <.005). In contrast, the expression of a number of AM surface markers, associated with a range of host defense functions against bacteria, fungi and viruses (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, HLA-DR, CD14), was lower in both SLTRs and those with BOS (p <.05). These novel findings are consistent with complex lymphocyte and macrophage changes that may result from clinically silent infection, partially suppressed rejection, or both.

Mass-independent isotopic compositions in terrestrial and extraterrestrial solids and their applications

In 1983, Thiemens and Heidenreich reported the first chemically produced mass-independent isotope effect. This work has been shown to have a wide range of applications, including atmospheric chemistry, solar system evolution, and chemical physics. This work has recently been reviewed (Weston, R. E. Chem. Rev. 1999, 99, 2115-2136; Thiemens, M. H. Science 1999, 283, 341-345). In this Account, observations of mass-independent isotopic compositions in terrestrial and Martian solids are reviewed. A wide range of applications, including formation and transport of aerosols in the present atmosphere, chemistry of ancient atmospheres and oceans, history and coupling of the atmosphere-surface in the Antarctic dry valleys, origin and evolution of oxygen in the Earth's earliest environment, and the chemistry of the atmosphere and surface of Mars, are discussed.

Origins of sulphate in Antarctic dry-valley soils as deduced from anomalous 17O compositions

The dry valleys of Antarctica are some of the oldest terrestrial surfaces on the Earth. Despite much study of soil weathering and development, ecosystem dynamics and the occurrence of life in these extreme environments, the reasons behind the exceptionally high salt content of the dry-valley soils have remained uncertain. In particular, the origins of sulphate are still controversial; proposed sources include wind-blown sea salt, chemical weatherings, marine incursion, hydrothermal processes and oxidation of biogenic sulphur in the atmosphere. Here we report measurements of delta18O and delta17O values of sulphates from a range of dry-valley soils. These sulphates all have a large positive anomaly of 17O, of up to 3.4/1000. This suggests that Antarctic sulphate comes not just from sea salt (which has no anomaly of 17O) but also from the atmospheric oxidation of reduced gaseous sulphur compounds, the only known process that can generate the observed 17O anomaly. This source is more prominent in high inland soils, suggesting that the distributions of sulphate are largely explained by differences in particle size and transport mode which exist between sea-salt aerosols and aerosols formed from biogenic sulphur emission.

Phosphatase inhibition promotes antiapoptotic but not proliferative signaling pathways in erythropoietin-dependent HCD57 cells

Erythropoietin (EPO) allows erythroid precursors to proliferate while protecting them from apoptosis. Treatment of the EPO-dependent HCD57 murine cell line with 70 micromol/L orthovanadate, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, resulted in both increased tyrosine protein phosphorylation and prevention of apoptosis in the absence of EPO without promoting proliferation. Orthovanadate also delayed apoptosis in primary human erythroid progenitors. Thus, we investigated what survival signals were activated by orthovanadate treatment. Expression of Bcl-X(L) and BAD phosphorylation are critical for the survival of erythroid cells, and orthovanadate in the absence of EPO both maintained expression levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-X(L) and induced BAD phosphorylation at serine 112. Orthovanadate activated JAK2, STAT1, STAT5, the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase) pathway, and other signals such as JNK and p38 without activating the EPO receptor, JAK1, Tyk2, Vav, STAT3, and SHC. Neither JNK nor p38 appeared to have a central role in either apoptosis or survival induced by orthovanadate. Treatment with cells with LY294002, an inhibitor of PI-3 kinase activity, triggered apoptosis in orthovanadate-treated cells, suggesting a critical role of PI-3 kinase in orthovanadate-stimulated survival. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was poorly activated by orthovanadate, and inhibition of MAPK with PD98059 blocked proliferation without inducing apoptosis. Thus, orthovanadate likely acts to greatly increase JAK/STAT and PI-3 kinase basal activity in untreated cells by blocking tyrosine protein phosphatase activity. Activated JAK2/STAT5 then likely acts upstream of Bcl-X(L) expression and PI-3 kinase likely promotes BAD phosphorylation to protect from apoptosis. In contrast, MAPK/ERK activity correlates with only EPO-dependent proliferation but is not required for survival of HCD57 cells.

[Perioperative changes of plasma ET-1 in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and the effect of nitroglycerin]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the dynamic changes of the plasma ET-1 and the effect of low dose nitroglycerin in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

40 patients with coronary artery bypass surgery were divided into group A and B. Group B received intravenous nitroglycerin 1 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) perioperatively. We used RIA to assay the plasma ET-1 level. All the hemodynamic parameters were recorded by the Swan-Ganz catheter.

RESULTS

The preoperative plasma ET-1 level in patients with coronary artery disease was significantly higher than the normal level. Five minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass in these patients the plasma ET-1 level was increased significantly until 6 to 8 hours after operation. The increased plasma ET-1 level in group B was less than in group A. There was a positive correlation between the plasma ET-1 level and the mean pulmonary pressure in group A 2 and 8 hours after operation.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, the increased plasma ET-1 level may be partly due to the influence of cardiopulmonary bypass. Low dose of nitroglycerin is beneficial to these patients.

Atmospheric influence of Earth's earliest sulfur cycle

Mass-independent isotopic signatures for delta(33)S, delta(34)S, and delta(36)S from sulfide and sulfate in Precambrian rocks indicate that a change occurred in the sulfur cycle between 2090 and 2450 million years ago (Ma). Before 2450 Ma, the cycle was influenced by gas-phase atmospheric reactions. These atmospheric reactions also played a role in determining the oxidation state of sulfur, implying that atmospheric oxygen partial pressures were low and that the roles of oxidative weathering and of microbial oxidation and reduction of sulfur were minimal. Atmospheric fractionation processes should be considered in the use of sulfur isotopes to study the onset and consequences of microbial fractionation processes in Earth's early history.

Anomalous 17O compositions in massive sulphate deposits on the Earth

The variation of delta 18O that results from nearly all physical, biological and chemical processes on the Earth is approximately twice as large as the variation of delta 17O. This so-called 'mass-dependent' fractionation is well documented in terrestrial minerals. Evidence for 'mass-independent' fractionation (delta 17O = delta 17O-0.52 delta 18O), where deviation from this tight relationship occurs, has so far been found only in meteoritic material and a few terrestrial atmospheric substances. In the rock record it is thought that oxygen isotopes have followed a mass-dependent relationship for at least the past 3.7 billion years, and no exception to this has been encountered for terrestrial solids. Here, however, we report oxygen-isotope values of two massive sulphate mineral deposits, which formed in surface environments on the Earth but show large isotopic anomalies (delta 17O up to 4.6%). These massive sulphate deposits are gypcretes from the central Namib Desert and the sulphate-bearing Miocene volcanic ash-beds in North America. The source of this isotope anomaly might be related to sulphur oxidation reactions in the atmosphere and therefore enable tracing of such oxidation. These findings also support the possibility of a chemical origin of variable isotope anomalies on other planets, such as Mars.

On the kinematic modelling and the parameter estimation of the human shoulder

This paper presents some results on the modelling and the corresponding parameter estimation of the human shoulder. This system consists of the clavicle, the scapula, the humerus and the various joints between these bodies and the trunk through the sternum; it will be represented as a succession of a rotational joint between the sternum and the clavicle and a constant distance joint, representing the scapula between, the clavicle and the humerus head. The parameters of this system are the components of the position vectors of the joint characteristic points (the corresponding centres of the rotations). Experimental results are presented as well as a validation of the proposed model.

On the kinematic modeling and the parameter estimation of the human knee joint

This paper presents some results on the modeling and the parameter estimation of the human knee joint. Based on the geometric characteristics of the femur condyle and the tibia plateau, a part of femoro-tibial joint model includes an involute-on-plane submodel. Data recorded by camera type device are used to analyze the kinematic characteristics of the knee joint and to estimate the corresponding submodel parameters. Experimental results are presented and the model is further validated.

Opposing actions of dehydroepiandrosterone and corticosterone in rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and corticosterone (CORT) treatment, using implants as a route of administration, on specific hormones, metabolites, and enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats, 325 g initial weight, were implanted subcutaneously for 3 weeks with time-release pellets containing either DHEA or CORT at doses of 0, 10, 25, 50, or 100 mg in this 2 x 5 factorial experiment. In general, body weights and food intakes decreased as the level of steroid hormones increased. In contrast to DHEA treatment, rats receiving the 50- and 100-mg doses of CORT had lighter thymus glands and spleens and heavier epididymal and retroperitoneal fat pads than their controls. Rats treated with 100 mg of DHEA had lowered serum levels of triglycerides and lipid hydroperoxides whereas rats treated with 100 mg of CORT had higher levels of these blood lipids compared to their respective controls. In contrast to DHEA treatment, there was a dose-dependent increase in liver lipid content and the specific activities of the hepatic lipogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, and fatty acid synthase in response to CORT treatment. Rats treated with 100 mg of DHEA had higher serum levels of IGF-1 than control rats. Conversely, rats treated with 100 mg of CORT had lower serum levels of IGF-1 and higher serum levels of testosterone, progesterone, and insulin than their controls. These data demonstrate the lipogenic actions of corticosterone in rats. Conversely, DHEA treatment reduced serum and hepatic lipids. Furthermore, these data suggest that using implants instead of bolus injections of steroids may be a more physiological approach for studying the influence of these steroids on lipid metabolism.

Protein kinase B (c-Akt), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and STAT5 are activated by erythropoietin (EPO) in HCD57 erythroid cells but are constitutively active in an EPO-independent, apoptosis-resistant subclone (HCD57-SREI cells)

We found that erythropoietin (EPO) and stem cell factor (SCF) activated protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) in EPO-dependent HCD57 erythroid cells. To better understand signals controlling proliferation and viability, erythroid cells that resist apoptosis in the absence of EPO were subcloned and characterized (HCD57-SREI cells). Constitutive activations of PKB/Akt, STAT5a, and STAT5b were noted in these EPO-independent cells. PI3-kinase activity was an upstream activator of PKB/Akt because the PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 blocked both constitutive PKB/Akt and factor-dependent PKB/Akt activity. The LY294002 study showed that proliferation and viability of both HCD57-SREI and HCD57 cells correlated with the activity of PKB/Akt; however, PKB/Akt activity alone did not protect these cells from apoptosis. Treatment of HCD57 cells with SCF also activated PKB/Akt, but did not protect from apoptosis. This result suggested that PKB/PI3-kinase activity is necessary but not sufficient to promote viability and/or proliferation. Constitutive STAT5 activity, activated through an unknown pathway not including JAK2 or EPOR, may act in concert with the constitutive PI3-kinase/PKB/Akt pathway to protect the EPO-independent HCD57-SREI cells from apoptosis and promote limited proliferation.

Voltage-insensitive gating after charge-neutralizing mutations in the S4 segment of Shaker channels

Shaker channel mutants, in which the first (R362), second (R365), and fourth (R371) basic residues in the S4 segment have been neutralized, are found to pass potassium currents with voltage-insensitive kinetics when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Single channel recordings clarify that these channels continue to open and close from -160 to +80 mV with a constant opening probability (Po). Although Po is low ( approximately 0.15) in these mutants, mean open time is voltage independent and similar to that of control Shaker channels. Additionally, these mutant channels retain characteristic Shaker channel selectivity, sensitivity to block by 4-aminopyridine, and are partially blocked by external Ca2+ ions at very negative potentials. Furthermore, mean open time is approximately doubled, in both mutant channels and control Shaker channels, when Rb+ is substituted for K+ as the permeant ion species. Such strong similarities between mutant channels and control Shaker channels suggests that the pore region has not been substantially altered by the S4 charge neutralizations. We conclude that single channel kinetics in these mutants may indicate how Shaker channels would behave in the absence of voltage sensor input. Thus, mean open times appear primarily determined by voltage-insensitive transitions close to the open state rather than by voltage sensor movement, even in control, voltage-sensitive Shaker channels. By contrast, the low and voltage-insensitive Po seen in these mutant channels suggests that important determinants of normal channel opening derive from electrostatic coupling between S4 charges and the pore domain.

Effects of short and long term ethanol on the activation of signal transducer and activator transcription factor 3 in normal and regenerating liver

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced activation of Signal Transducer and Activator Transcription Factor 3 (Stat3) is a critical step in liver regeneration. Chronic ethanol consumption is known to increase the plasma concentration of IL-6, yet the ability of the liver to regenerate and the regenerative induction of several IL-6 initiated events are impaired in chronic alcoholic liver disease. We hypothesized that chronic ethanol consumption inhibits IL-6 dependent signal transduction. To test this hypothesis, the effect of ethanol on the Stat3 signal transduction pathway was studied in the adult rat liver. In vitro treatment of freshly isolated normal adult rat hepatocytes with 50-100 mM ethanol for 30 min blocked IL-6-induced Stat3 activation. Long-term ethanol intake in vivo significantly attenuated the activation of Stat3 induced either in vivo by partial hepatectomy or in vitro by IL-6. In contrast, short-term ethanol consumption enhanced the regenerative induction of Stat3 but inhibited IL-6 induced Stat3 activation. These data suggest that the inhibition of liver regeneration by chronic ethanol consumption is, at least in part, mediated by modulating the activation of Stat3.

[Gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acids in phosphatidylglycerol from needles of two crosses of Chinese Fir]

This paper reports a method for determination of fatty acids in phosphatidylglycerol from needles of two crosses of Chinese Fir with different cold-resistance. Some simplifications and improvements for analytical method of DEAE CL-6B column chromatography and of silica thin layer chromatography were also discussed. After being extracted with chloroform and methanol, phosphatidylglycerol was isolated from the general lipid extract by using DEAE CL-6B IEC and Silica TLC. Quantitative analysis was conducted by gas chromatography on a DB-FFAP (30m x 0.32mm i.d.) column. The results showed that there was a difference in the ratio of fatty acid (18:1+18:2+18:3)/[16:0+16:1(3t)] between the two crosses of Chinese Fir with different cold-resistance, 1.12 for that with higher cold-resistance and 1.25 for that with lower cold-resistance. A special fatty acid 16:1(3t) was found in both of the two crosses.

Cholecystokinin octapeptide reverses the inhibitory effect induced by electroacupuncture on C-fiber evoked discharges

Extracellular single unit recordings were made from spinal dorsal horn wide dynamic range neurons in spinal transected, urethane-anesthetized rats. The unit discharges elicited by noxious electrical stimulation of the hind paw were suppressed by electroacupuncture (15 Hz, 0.3 ms, 3 mA, 30 min) placed at the hind leg points (S-36 and SP-6). Local spinal superfusion with naloxone (20 micrograms/15 microliters) or CCK-8 (10 ng/15 microliters) attenuated, whereas CCK-B receptor antagonist L365,260 (2.5 micrograms/15 microliters) enhanced the electroacupuncture effect. These findings provide further evidence for the notion that CCK-8, in the spinal cord, functions as an antiopioid substrate that antagonizes opioid- or electroacupuncture-induced analgesia.

Development of intrinsic electrophysiological properties in neurons from the gustatory region of rat nucleus of solitary tract

There is no current understanding of the nature or time course of maturation of intrinsic electrophysiological properties for neurons in the gustatory region of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST). Therefore, we used whole cell recordings in an in vitro slice preparation of the rat brainstem to characterize development of resting membrane, action potential and repetitive discharge properties of cells in gustatory NST at postnatal days 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30, and adult ages. Neurons were filled with Biocytin to verify location and characterize morphology. Membranes from younger neurons demonstrated a steeper current-voltage relation or higher input resistance, and a longer time constant than mature cells. Action potentials in younger cells had a slower rate of rise and were longer in duration. The afterhyperpolarization that typically follows the spike discharge usually had one phase in younger neurons, but was characterized by two or more phases in an increasing proportion of older cells. The repetitive discharge frequency in response to a range of depolarizing current pulses increased during development, and frequency/current plots were steeper in older compared with younger neurons. However, in all age groups there was clear accommodation of the discharge frequency. The greatest changes in resting membrane, action potential, and discharge properties were observed between P5 and P15, and mature values were generally reached by P20. At each postnatal age, neurons could be categorized in four neuron groups, based on the discharge pattern in response to a hyperpolarizing/depolarizing current protocol. Anatomical reconstructions indicated that although cells increased in overall dendritic expanse during development, neurons became less complex as illustrated by decreases in number of dendritic branch points, and in number and density of spines. The timing of major developmental differences in intrinsic electrical characteristics observed here is associated with a period of previously reported maturational changes in extracellular taste responses to number and concentration of chemical stimuli. However, further alterations in extracellular taste responses proceed after apparent maturation of intrinsic neural properties.

[Histochemical changes in Brugia malayi microfilariae-infected Anopheles sinensis]

Histochemical changes in normal and Brugia malayi microfilariae-infected Anopheles sinensis were observed using histochemical technique. The results showed that the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) and the content of glycogen and basic protein in Brugia malayi microfilariae-infected Anopheles sinensis were less obviously than those of the normal control. Esterase (EST) activity was reduced slightly and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) remained no change in infected mosquitoes compared with the normal control. It is suggested that the development of filaria larvae in vector mosquitoes has selective effect on their biochemical metabolism.