Expression profile analysis of ascorbic acid-related genes in response to temperature stress in the tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

Ascorbic acid (AsA), also known as ascorbate or vitamin C, is a natural organic compound in green plants that has antioxidant properties, and is an essential nutrient for humans. The tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, is an important global economic crop. Here, the expression profiles of genes related to AsA biosynthesis and recycling were analyzed in tea plants in response to temperature stress. Eighteen genes involved in AsA biosynthesis and recycling pathways were identified based on the transcriptome database. The expression levels of CsPGI1 in two varieties of tea plants ('Yingshuang' and 'Huangjinya') increased, peaked at 4 h, and then decreased in response to cold stress. In 'Yingshuang', the genes involved in AsA biosynthesis pathway rapidly responded to heat stress and substantially increased their expression levels at 1 h. The expression levels of CsMDHAR, CsDHAR1, and CsDHAR2 increased sharply at 1 h in response to heat stress in 'Yingshuang'. In contrast, the expression levels of CsMDHAR, CsDHAR1, and CsDHAR2 in 'Huangjinya' gradually increased during heat treatment from 1 to 24 h. The expression trends of two DHAR isoforms differed in 'Huangjinya' during cold stress. The expression patterns of AsA-related genes differed in the different tea plant varieties and depended on temperature. The genes involved in AsA biosynthesis and recycling pathways were induced by heat and cold stress. Our study provides useful data with which to improve the resistance of tea plants to cold and heat stress.

[Surgery for renal carcinoma with supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus: avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass]

OBJECTIVE

To describe a feasible surgical technique for patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with a supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 2 cases with right kidney tumor and tumor thrombus above the diaphragm treated in April and August, 2015. The two patients were both female, aged 73 and 67 years. The tumor sizes of right kidneys were 7.0 cm×6.3 cm×5.7 cm and 8.7 cm×7.0 cm×5.2 cm, and the tumor thrombuses were 1.3 cm and 1.8 cm above the diaphragm. The second patient had synchronous metastasis in right adrenal gland , and the tumor thrombus arose from the adrenal vein but not the renal vein. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to assess real-time mobility of the thrombus. A modified chevron incision was used, the right kidney was mobilized laterally and posteriorly, and the renal artery was identified, ligated, and divided. The infradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was exposed and isolated by mobilizing the liver off the diaphragm or to the left (piggyback liver mobilization, case 2). The central diaphragm tendon was dissected or incised in the midline until the supradiaphragmatic intrapericardial IVC was identified and gently pulled beneath the diaphragm and into the abdomen. The tumor thrombus was then "milked" downward out of the intrapericardial IVC under the guidance of TEE. The distal and proximal IVC to the tumor thrombus, porta hepatis, and left renal vein were clamped. Tumor thrombus was removed from the IVC. The IVC was sutured and vascular clamps were placed below the major hepatic veins. Pringle's maneuver was then released and hepatic blood drainage was permitted during closure of the remaining IVC. Related literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

Complete resection was successful through the transabdominal approach without CBP in both patients. Estimated blood loss was 1 500 mL and 2 000 mL, and 1 200 mL and 800 mL of blood were transfused. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Both patients subsequently underwent tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy. Both patients were alive without tumor recurrence or new metastasis during the follow-up of 6 months and 9 months.

CONCLUSION

In selected cases, renal cell carcinoma extending into the IVC above the diaphragm can be resected without sternotomy, CBP or DHCA.

Cloning and expression of the 4D8 gene from Hyalomma asiaticum tick

Hyalomma asiaticum tick, an important ectozoic parasite causes tickle, pain, anemia, weight loss, and paralysis in its hosts, which include humans, cattle, sheep, horses, camels, and hares. The 4D8 gene can be a potential vaccine candidate antigen for H. asiaticum. In the present study, we cloned and expressed the 4D8 gene of H. asiaticum from Xinjiang Province. Primers were designed according to the H. asiaticum tick 4D8 gene sequence available in GenBank. The gene was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the fragments were subcloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a and the recombinant vector pET30a-4D8 was constructed. The expressed recombinant protein was purified and its biological activity was investigated by western blot. Results revealed that the recombinant protein was a biologically active fusion protein with a molecular weight of 20 kDa. The purified 4D8 protein would provide a strong foundation for further studies on this protein.

[Surgery for renal carcinoma with supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus: avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass]

OBJECTIVE

To describe a feasible surgical technique for patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with a supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 2 cases with right kidney tumor and tumor thrombus above the diaphragm treated in April and August, 2015. The two patients were both female, aged 73 and 67 years. The tumor sizes of right kidneys were 7.0 cm×6.3 cm×5.7 cm and 8.7 cm×7.0 cm×5.2 cm, and the tumor thrombuses were 1.3 cm and 1.8 cm above the diaphragm. The second patient had synchronous metastasis in right adrenal gland , and the tumor thrombus arose from the adrenal vein but not the renal vein. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to assess real-time mobility of the thrombus. A modified chevron incision was used, the right kidney was mobilized laterally and posteriorly, and the renal artery was identified, ligated, and divided. The infradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was exposed and isolated by mobilizing the liver off the diaphragm or to the left (piggyback liver mobilization, case 2). The central diaphragm tendon was dissected or incised in the midline until the supradiaphragmatic intrapericardial IVC was identified and gently pulled beneath the diaphragm and into the abdomen. The tumor thrombus was then "milked" downward out of the intrapericardial IVC under the guidance of TEE. The distal and proximal IVC to the tumor thrombus, porta hepatis, and left renal vein were clamped. Tumor thrombus was removed from the IVC. The IVC was sutured and vascular clamps were placed below the major hepatic veins. Pringle's maneuver was then released and hepatic blood drainage was permitted during closure of the remaining IVC. Related literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

Complete resection was successful through the transabdominal approach without CBP in both patients. Estimated blood loss was 1 500 mL and 2 000 mL, and 1 200 mL and 800 mL of blood were transfused. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Both patients subsequently underwent tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy. Both patients were alive without tumor recurrence or new metastasis during the follow-up of 6 months and 9 months.

CONCLUSION

In selected cases, renal cell carcinoma extending into the IVC above the diaphragm can be resected without sternotomy, CBP or DHCA.

Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor and quantitative dual-energy spectral CT in non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To explore the correlation between the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue and quantitative parameters of spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients with NSCLC underwent a spectral CT imaging protocol before surgical tumour resection. The repetition of iodine concentration, water concentration, and CT values at 40 keV in the region of interest were measured. The slopes of spectral attenuation curves (λHU) in the region were also calculated. The level of VEGF expression in the tumour tissue was measured using an immunohistochemical method (MaxVision method). The quantitative parameters of spectral CT imaging were compared among different levels of VEGF expression using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (SLD) test. The correlation between VEGF expression and spectral CT imaging was estimated through Spearman's rank correlation analysis.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in iodine concentrations, λHU, and CT values at 40 KeV in NSCLC between the groups showing negative and moderately positive expression of VEGF (p=0.001, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively) as well as between those showing mildly and moderately positive expression of VEGF (p=0.047, 0.005, and 0.002, respectively). In addition, all of the iodine concentrations, λHU values, and CT values at 40 KeV displayed a significant and positive correlation with the level of VEGF expression (r=0.413, 0.458, and 0.393, respectively, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative parameters of spectral CT imaging may be helpful for evaluating the status of angiogenesis in NSCLC.

[Effect of sub-anesthetic doses of isoflurane and propofol on postoperative cognition and underlying mechanism in rats with mild cognitive impairment]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of sub-anesthetic doses of isoflurane and propofol on the postoperative cognitive function of rats with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following orthopedic operation.

METHODS

Male sprague-dawley rats (n=100) were randomly divided into sham group and model group.Bilateral carotid artery was separated with no bilateral narrowing in the sham operation group while bilateral carotid artery was occluded in model group.After 30 days, Morris Water Maze test were used to select MCI rats. The proportion of the value that average escape latency in model group minused average escape latency in sham group less than 20% was marked as MCI rats. After 36 days, the rats with mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=18). Iso group: Isoflurane (1.9%) 3 h, combination group: propofol (20 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1))+ isoflurane (1%) 3 h. Inhibitor with these two groups were respectively used the selective KCC2 inhibitor-DIOA 30 μg 15 min before anesthesia. Then rats received an open tibial fracture on the hind paw with an intramedullary fixation. The rats in sham group were only sutured skin incision. At the day 7 postoperatively, the Y maze test were used to test the change of cognition, nissl staining was used to observe the neurons apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was adopted to observe the neurons expressing GAD67/KCC2 and Western blot were applied to observe the protein level of KCC2 in hippocampus.

RESULTS

The rate of time spent in novel arm, the number of surviving neurons, the number of neurons expressing GAD67/KCC2 and protein expression levels of KCC2 in hippocampus in combination group were (52.94±2.04)%, (176.81±13.07), (196.72±8.02), (80.67±3.46)% respectively. The indexes in sham group were (53.44±2.45)%, (183.79±10.88), (207.45±13.17), (81.42±3.59)%, respectively. There was no significant difference compared with the sham group (all P>0.05). However these indexes in above two groups were higher than that in Iso group( (36.10±1.57)%, (97.21±8.23), (158.94±13.47), (43.22±4.91)%, all P<0.05). The indexes in inhibitor with Iso groups, combination group was lower compared with groups without inhibitor respectively (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with isoflurane, sub-anesthetic doses of isoflurane and propofol has no significant effect on postoperative cognition in rats with MCI, and its mechanism is to maintain KCC2 expression in hippocampus.

Characterization and functional analysis of a chitin synthase gene (HcCS1) identified from the freshwater pearlmussel Hyriopsis cumingii

The triangle sail mussel, Hyriopsis cumingii, is the most important freshwater pearl mussel in China. However, the mechanisms underlying its chitin-mediated shell and nacre formation remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized a chitin synthase (CS) gene (HcCS1) in H. cumingii, and analyzed its possible physiological function. The complete ORF sequence of HcCS1 contained 6903 bp, encoding a 2300-amino acid protein (theoretical molecular mass = 264 kDa; isoelectric point = 6.22), and no putative signal peptide was predicted. A myosin motor head domain, a CS domain, and 12 transmembrane domains were found. The predicted spatial structures of the myosin head and CS domains were similar to the electron microscopic structure of the heavy meromyosin subfragment of chicken smooth muscle myosin and the crystal structure of bacterial cellulose synthase, respectively. This structural similarity indicates that the functions of these two domains might be conserved. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR results showed that HcCS1 was present in all detected tissues, with the highest expression levels detected in the mantle. The HcCS1 transcripts in the mantle were upregulated following shell damage from 12 to 24 h post-damage, and they peaked (approximately 1.5-fold increase) at 12 h after shell damage. These findings suggest that HcCS1 was involved in shell regeneration, and that it might participate in shell and nacre formation in this species via chitin synthesis. HcCS1 might also dynamically regulate chitin deposition during the process of shell and nacre formation with the help of its conserved myosin head domain.

Genomic identification of group A bZIP transcription factors and their responses to abiotic stress in carrot

The basic-region/leucine-zipper (bZIP) family is one of the major transcription factor (TF) families associated with responses to abiotic stresses. Many members of group A in this family have been extensively examined and are reported to perform significant functions in ABA signaling as well as in responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, 10 bZIP factors in carrot were classified into group A based on their DNA-binding domains. The cis-acting regulatory elements and folding states of these 10 factors were analyzed. Evolutionary analysis of the group A members suggested their importance during the course of evolution in plants. In addition, cis-acting elements and the folding state of proteins were important for DNA binding and could affect gene expression. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to investigate the stress response of 10 genes encoding the group A factors. Six genes showed responses to abiotic stresses, while four genes showed other special phenomenon. The current analysis on group A bZIP family TFs in carrot is the first to investigate the TFs of Apiaceae via genome analysis. These results provide new information for future studies on carrot.

Protective effects of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharide-induced monocytic adhesion and vascular endothelial permeability through regulation of vascular endothelial cadherin

We observed the effect of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), hyaline leukocyte conglutination, and permeability of the endothelium. Endotheliocytes were inoculated on 6-well plates and randomly divided into 4 groups: control, H2, LPS, LPS+H2, H2, and LPS+H2 in saturated hydrogen-rich medium. We applied Wright's stain-ing to observe conglutination of hyaline leukocytes and HUVECs, flow cytometry to determine the content of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the E-selectin concentration in the cell liquor, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to test the permeability of endothelial cells, and Western blot and immunofluorescence to test the expression and distribution of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin. Compared with control cells, there was an increase in endothelium-hyaline leukocyte conglutination, a reduction in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, and the TEER value increased obviously. Compared with LPS, there was an obvious reduction in the conglutination of LPS+H2 cells, a reduction in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin levels, and a reduction in the TEER-resistance value, while the expression of VE-cadherin increased. Fluorescence results showed that, compared with control cells, the VE-cadherin in LPS cells was in-complete at the cell joints. Compared with LPS cells, the VE-cadherin in LPS+H2 cells was even and complete at the cell joints. Liquid rich in hydrogen could reduce LPS-induced production of adhesion molecules and endothelium-hyaline leukocyte conglutination, and influence the expression and distribution of VE-cadherin to regulate the permeability of the endothelium.

Genetic polymorphisms of the BMAP-28 and MASP-2 genes and their correlation with the somatic cell score in Chinese Holstein cattle

DNA sequencing, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to investigate mutations in the coding regions of the bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide-28 (BMAP-28) and mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) genes in 249 Chinese Holstein dairy cows. The associations between the polymorphisms and somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed to determine the potential of these genes as genetic markers for breeding mastitis-resistant dairy cattle. The results revealed a C-86G synonymous mutation in the BMAP-28 gene that caused no alteration in the amino acid sequence. G553A mutation was found in the MASP-2 gene that led to the substitution of glycine with serine. The chi-square test showed that the G553A mutation was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Chinese Holstein dairy cows, whereas the C-86G mutation was not. The variance analysis of the influence of group loci and different genotypes on the SCS showed that the SCS of genotype CC was significantly lower than those of genotypes CG and GG (P < 0.05) of the C-86G mutation, and that the SCS of genotype GG was significantly lower than those of genotypes GA and AA (P < 0.05) of the G553A mutation. Genotype combination analysis showed that the combination of the BMAP-28 genotype CC and the MASP-2 genotype GG was the best one, in which the SCS was significantly lower than those in the other combinations. Thus, this combination might be useful as a molecular and genetic marker of mastitis in Chinese Holstein dairy cows.

Visceral granulomas in farmed large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea (Richardson), caused by a bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida

An enzootic disease characterized by granulomas in internal organs occurred in cage-farmed large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea (Richardson), in April and November 2010, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. One bacterial strain, named XSDHY-P, was isolated from the diseased fish and identified by biochemical characterization, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). According to the results obtained from the biochemical tests, FAME analysis and phylogenetic analysis derived from 16S ribosomal RNA, gyrB, oprF, oprI, oprL and rpoD gene sequencing, the bacterial isolate, XSDHY-P, was identified as Pseudomonas plecoglossicida. Moreover, lethal dose, 50% trials were carried out to demonstrate the virulence of XSDHY-P in large yellow croaker when administered at 2.13 9 105 colony-forming units per fish. Visceral granulomas were found in the experimentally infected fish as well as in the naturally infected fish, indicating that P. plecoglossicida is another bacterial pathogen that causes granulomatosis in L. crocea.

A pregnant mouse model for the vertical transmission of Brucella melitensis

Abortion is the major clinical sign of brucellosis in animals but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This study was designed to evaluate a pregnant mouse model for the vertical transmission of Brucella melitensis using four infectious doses: 10(3) colony-forming units (CFU), 10(4) CFU, 10(5) CFU, and 10(6) CFU. During the experimental period, no instances of abortion were recorded, but stillbirths were observed in the groups infected with doses of 10(4) CFU and higher. Regardless of whether the fetuses were stillborn or alive, transmission of bacteria to the fetus and bacterial replication in the cytoplasm of placental trophoblast giant cells were detected. A higher degree of bacterial colonization was found in the placenta than in the spleen or fetus. Doses of 10(5) CFU of B. melitensis or higher produced a severe, necrotizing placentitis similar to the pathological damage observed in ruminants. The data suggest that experimental murine brucellosis resembles ruminant brucellosis and represents a potential model for studying the pathogenic mechanisms of B. melitensis.

Significant association between SNPs in the superoxide dismutase 3, extracellular (SOD3) gene and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is a major antioxidant enzyme that protects organs from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the SOD3 gene was identified and characterized from the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii (Hc-SOD3). The cDNA sequence consists of 763 bp, encoding a protein of 208 amino acids. The amino acid sequence possesses two CuZnSOD signature sequences, and amino acids required for binding of Cu (His-93, -95, -110 and -169) and Zn (His-110, -118, -129 and Asp-132) were conserved in Hc-SOD3. The Hc-SOD3 genomic sequence was 9165 bp in length, containing four exons and three introns. Eighteen single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the Hc-SOD3 gene from resistant stock (RS) and susceptible stock (SS) of H. cumingii to Aeromonas hydrophila. The genotype and allele distribution were examined in resistant and susceptible stocks. Among them, a C/G substitution at the g.7994C>G locus and G/C substitution at the g.8087G>C locus were significantly associated with resistance/susceptibility of H. cumingii to A. hydrophila, both in genotype (P = 0.017, P = 0.004 respectively) and allele frequency (P = 0.021, P = 0.006 respectively). Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed that g.7994C>G, g.8001A>G, g.8035G>A, g.8087G>C and g.8191T>A were in linkage disequilibrium. The results suggest that the two polymorphic loci, g.7994C>G and g.8087G>C, could be potential genetic markers for future molecular selection of strains that are resistant to diseases.

Characterization and expression of Cd8 molecules in mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi

The full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences encoding cd8α and cd8β molecules were sequenced and characterized from mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi. Conserved motifs and residues were found to be present in derived peptides of the Cd8 molecules. For example, WXR motif, DXGXYXC motif, and four cysteine residues were present in the extracellular region of the Cd8 protein. Threonine, serine and proline residues involved in multiple O-linked glycosylation events were located in the membrane proximal hinge region. The common CPH motif in the cytoplasmic tail was detected similar to other teleost Cd8 molecules. Different from those in mammals, S. chuatsi Cd8 sequences have many extra cysteine residues (C149 in Cd8α sequence and C46, C51 and C158 in Cd8β sequence), which also exist in other teleost Cd8 molecules. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses revealed that the thymus had the highest expression of cd8 messenger (m)RNA and protein. After stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin, polyriboinsine-polyribocyaidylic acid and concanavalin A (ConA), the expression level of cd8 mRNA increased significantly in head-kidney lymphocytes at 4 and 8 h, but decreased to normal level at 12 h. Similarly, stimulation with ConA in vivo also led to an increase in the cd8 mRNA level in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that Cd8α-positive cells can be detected in the thymus, spleen and intestine by using polyclonal anti-Cd8α antibody.

First Report of Bark Cracking of Koelreuteria bipinnata var integrifoliola Caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in China

Koelreuteria bipinnata var integrifoliola is becoming a popular urban green tree in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China, because of its adaptation ability to local conditions, fast growth, and beautiful appearance. A survey conducted from 2007 to 2010 revealed serious bark cracking on greenbelt trees approximately 15 to 16 years old that had been transplanted 5 to 6 years ago. Bark cracks increased in size over time, extending into the phloem and leading to extensive areas of bark loss with discoloration of the underlying xylem. Symptomatic trees had fewer new shoots in spring; many wilted and died in summer. Root rot was not observed in the withered trees but large light brown lesions were observed on cross sections of the main stem, each with a dark brown outer margin. In a September 2009 survey, 95% of symptomatic trees had stem lesions more than 50 cm long. Pieces of xylem (2 × 2 × 1 mm thick) were obtained from the margin of lesions surface sterilized using 0.1% mercuric chloride for 30 s, washed in sterile distilled water, and placed on 2% potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28°C for 2 days. The fungus was then isolated and 12 colonies were obtrained. Three isolates KL-1-2, KL-3-2, and KL-4-3 were incubated on 2% PDA at 28°C for 30 days to produce spores. On PDA, the colonies were circular or near circular with irregular gray edges turning black green or black. The fungus also produced abundant aerial hyphae that were villous, septate, and irregular branched. Conidia were elliptical (or rounded) and hyaline when immature, becoming dark brown and septate longitudinally when mature and ranged from 23.2 to 27.0 × 10.8 to 16.2 μm (average 25.3 × 13.6 μm), similar to Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Patouillard) Griffon =Botryodiplodia theobromae Pa.t, Botryosphaeria rhodina (Berkeley & Curtis) von Arx (2). DNA extraction directly from the mycelium of KL-1-2, KL-3-2, and KL-4-3 was performed after 10 days' growth on PDA (1). The identities of the three isolates were confirmed by ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequence (GenBank Accession Nos. JN681172, JQ894322, and JQ894323, respectively) analysis that showed 99%, 100%, and 100% sequence similarity to L. theobromae xsd08006 (Accession No. FJ478102), L. theobromae PD20 (Accession No. GU251120), and L. theobromae xsd08008 (Accession No. EU918707), respectively. Pathogenicity tests were performed on 20 five-year-old K. bipinnata var integrifoliola plants by placing mycelia plugs of isolate KL-1-2 (10 × 10 mm) on the main trunk after wounding with a metal needle. Control plants received PDA plugs without mycelium. After inoculation, humidity was maintained using wet absorbent cotton and PE wrap film. Stem bark and phloem cracking was observed after 60 days on 85% of inoculated plants; 30% of those trees also had xylem discoloration. Symptoms were similar to those with natural infection. Control plants remained symptomless. The same fungus was reisolated from the brown xylem of inoculated plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bark cracking of K. bipinnata var integrifoliola caused by L. theobromae in China. References: (1) M.-J. Côté et al. Plant Dis. 88:1219, 2004. (2) G. Fu et al. Australas. Plant Dis. Notes 2:75, 2007.

Oestrogen receptor-alpha polymorphism and risk of fracture: a meta-analysis of 13 studies including 1279 cases and 6069 controls

A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of oestrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) gene PvuII polymorphism on fracture risk. It included published data from relevant studies (up to May 2010) identified from Medline, Embase and Current Contents. The 13 included studies contained 1279 fracture cases and 6069 controls. The combined results based on these studies showed no relationship between ESR1 gene PvuII polymorphism and fracture risk. No significant difference in genotype distribution was found when stratifying by race. When stratifying by fracture type, it was found that vertebral fracture cases had a significantly higher frequency of the PvuII pp genotype than controls in five studies (552 cases and 2350 controls). This meta-analysis suggests a modest but statistically significant association between the ESR1 PvuII pp genotype and vertebral fracture.

A novel sheep vertebral bone defect model for injectable bioactive vertebral augmentation materials

New injectable bone substitutes have been developed that are, unlike polymethylmethacrylate, biologically active and have an osteogenic effect leading to osteogenesis and bone remodeling for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. In this study, we developed a sheep vertebral bone defect model to evaluate the new bioactive materials and assessed the feasibility of the model in vivo. Bone voids were experimentally created on lumbar vertebrae L2-L5 with L1 and L6 left intact as a normal control in mature sheep. The defect vertebrae L2-L5 in each sheep were randomized to receive augmentation with calcium phosphate cement (CPC) or sham. Vertebrae (L1-L6) were collected after 2 and 24 weeks of the cement augmentation and their strength and stiffness, as well as osseointegration activity and biodegradability, were evaluated. Finally, CPC significantly improved the strength and stiffness of vertebrae but did not yet restore it to the normal level at 24 weeks. Osteogenesis occurred at a substantially high level after 24 weeks of CPC augmentation or sham. Therefore, the sheep vertebral model with one void, 6.0 mm in diameter and 15.0 mm in depth, is replicable and can be used for evaluating the new injectable bioactive materials in vertebral augmentation or reconstruction.

Association of ATP1A1 gene polymorphism with heat tolerance traits in dairy cattle

Heat stress produces oxidative stress and affects the alternation of plasma K(+) and Na(+). Since Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is sensitive to oxidative stress and critical for maintaining the homeostasis of these two ions, we examined the genetic polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene in 160 Holstein cows using polymerase chain reaction low ionic strength single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods. G to A at position -14103 in exon 14 and C to T at position -14242 in intron 14 of the bovine ATP1A1 gene were identified, but the former single nucleotide polymorphism was silent with respect to the amino acid sequence of the protein. However, we found significant correlations between ATP1A1 gene polymorphism and the coefficient of heat tolerance (P<0.01) and with respiratory rate (P<0.01). Genotype AC was the most favorable genotype for heat tolerance. This polymorphism site has potential as a genetic marker for heat tolerance traits in dairy cattle breeding.

First Report of Bacterial Head Rot of Broccoli Caused by Pseudomonas fluorescens in China

During warm and humid periods in the winters from 2005 to 2008, head rot symptoms on broccoli (cv. Sijilv) (Brassica oleracea L. var italica Planch) were observed in commercial fields in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. In agreement with the report of Cui and Harling (1), water-soaked lesions developed on the buds and then progressed into a brown-black soft rot. Longitudinal sections of the symptomatic inflorescences showed brown discoloration and rotting of the internal tissues. Broccoli production is hampered by the disease, with disease incidence ranging from 65 to 81%. Bacteria were isolated by streaking on nutrient agar (3) and individual colonies formed after 2 to 3 days of incubation at 28°C. Fifteen of thirty isolates induced hypersensitive reactions (HR) on tobacco leaves (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun) within 48 h. All the HR-positive strains were fluorescent on King's medium B and the colonies were smooth, convex, entire, and round. Classical bacteriological tests indicated that the fluorescent strains were gram negative, obligate aerobes, arginine dihydrolase positive, and oxidase positive. Also, the fluorescent strains were positive for the production of levan from sucrose. Five representative strains were further characterized by the Biolog Microbial Identification System, version 4.2 (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA) and gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) using the Microbial Identification System (MIDI Inc., Newark, DE) with the aerobic bacterial library (TSBA50). The five strains were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens with Biolog and FAME similarity indexes of 0.61 to 0.68 and 0.52 to 0.58, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of broccoli strain PFB-01 (GenBank Accession No. GQ352649) was determined according to Li et al. (2). A subsequent GenBank search showed that this sequence had 98% nucleotide identity with the type strain of P. fluorescens (ATCC 17386^T, GenBank Accession No. AF094726). Koch's postulates were completed by the inoculation of broccoli heads (cv. Sijilv) with cell suspensions (10⁷ CFU/ml) of the above five strains by spraying on the surface of subcorymbs. Each treatment had five replicates. All strains induced head rot symptoms similar to those observed in natural infections. No symptoms were noted on the control plants inoculated with sterile water. Bacteria were successfully reisolated from symptomatic heads and confirmed by the cellular fatty acid composition. To our knowledge, this is the first report in China that P. fluorescens is the causal pathogen of bacterial head rot of broccoli. References: (1) X. Cui and R. Harling. Phytopathology 96:408, 2006. (2) B. Li et al. J. Phytopathol. 154:711, 2006. (3) N. W. Schaad et al. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN, 2001.

A novel salt-tolerant mutant YWL-01 for the treatment of saline wastewater

The treatment of high-saline wastewater from some salt-end markets including agro-food industry is a serious problem yet to be solved in some coastal cities. The conventional physical-chemical techniques are energy-consuming and their startup and running costs are still high. Biological methods using salt-tolerant bacterial strains for the treatment of hypersaline wastewater provide one possible solution. In this study, one salt-tolerant mutant named YWL-01 was screened out by sewage treatment and proved to be a genetically stable salt-tolerant strain for saline wastewater treatment. First, combined mutagenesis was done on an isolated sewage treatment strain Bacillus Y for the screening of salt tolerance, and 11 mutants were obtained after subculture for many times. Then, a secondary screening test was performed for COD (chemical oxygen demand) and TOC (total organic carbon) removal efficiency analyses. At last, the best mutant YWL-01 with increased capacity to treat saline wastewater was chosen for use. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis of genetic stability on the mutant YWL-01 showed that it is a hereditary mutant for the treatment of high-saline wastewater.

[Analysis of clinical features of choroidal neovascularization]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in different classifications.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, 393 eyes of 312 patients with CNV between May 2005 and March 2007 in our department was classified based on their etiology, location, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings.

RESULTS

The relative frequency of various causes in CNV was as follows: there were 153 cases (49.04%) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , 94 cases (30.13%) from idiopathic CNV, 37 cases (11.86%) from pathologic myopia, 15 cases (4.81%) from inflammatory disorders, 7 cases (2.24%) from polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), 3 cases (0.96%) from angioid streaks and 1 case (0.32%) from either hereditary disease or trauma or tumor, respectively. The majority cases from AMD was male (64.71%), whereas most from pathologic myopia, idiopathic CNV and inflammatory disorders were female (78.38%, 73.40%, 73.33%). The age range of the cases from AMD was 49-95 years (68.73 +/- 8.31), and 98.04% of them were at least 50 years old. Patients with idiopathic CNV aged 13-43 years old (29.86 +/- 6.45), and 84.04% of them were between 20 and 40 years old. The sex (chi2 = 57.17, P<0.05) and age (F=172.57, P< 0.05) had significant difference in each etiological group. FFA showed that CNV in 43.48% from AMD and 66.67% from PCV were occult and non-classic. CNV in 91.67% from pathologic myopia, 76.19% from inflammatory disorders and 95.00% from idiopathic CNV was classic. In each group, most of the CNV was subfoveal type (58.00%-100.00%), followed by juxtafoveal type (0%-35.00%). In the ICGA of 54 eyes with AMD, 11 eyes (20.37%) were occult CNV (plaque, spot and mixed CNV), 17 eyes (31.48%) were CNV fibrosis. CNV was active in most cases. The frequency of active and inactive CNV in AMD was approximately 61.11% and 37.04%, respectively, no lesions were noted in 1 eye (1.85%) in ICGA.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical characteristics and frequency of various types of CNV are different due to different causes. Classification of CNV based on its etiology, FFA and ICGA findings, location, and activity in detail is important for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment in CNV.

Discovery of four natural clones in a crayfish species Procambarus clarkii

Self-cloning is quite rare in shrimp, lobsters, crayfish and crabs. Here we report the discovery of four natural clones of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), each containing 2-6 genetically identical individuals, during the genotyping of 120 individuals with five microsatellites. The four clones were heterozygote at most of the five microsatellite loci. Phylogenetic analysis using microsatellite genotypes suggests recent origin of the four clones. Sequencing a part of the mitochondrial gene Cox I confirmed that the four clones were from the species Procambarus clarkii.

[The study of clinical characteristic of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion]

OBJECTIVE; To make a comparative study of the clinical characteristics and risk factors of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) between patients younger and older than the age of 40.

METHODS

It was a retrospective case series. Retrospective data analysis (including best corrected visual acuity, color fundus photograph and fundus fluorescein angiography, etc. ) was conducted in patients with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion who were followed-up for 6 months or longer.

RESULTS

The data of 148 cases (151 eyes) were analyzed. The follow-up time was 6 months to 15 years, averaged 17 months. Among them, 39 patients (40 eyes) aged 40 years or younger, their age ranged from 15 to 40 years, averaged 27 years old. There were 20 cases of male patients (20 eyes) and accounted for 51% of total cases. The rest of the patients were above the age of 40 years old. Their age ranged from 41 to 76 years, averaged 57 years old. Male patients (53 cases, 54 eyes) accounted for 49% of total cases. In the younger patients, only 2 of them had a history of hypertension, no other systemic illness was found. In the older patients, more than 40% of them had a history of systemic illness, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Initial visual acuity showed no statistically significant difference between these two groups (Pearson, chi2 =0. 087, P = 0.769). There was a significant difference in final visual acuity between these two groups (Pearson, chi2 = 4.692, P = 0.047). Final visual acuity was 20/60 or better in 18 cases (45%) in the younger group, but only 25 cases (23%) in the older group. Final visual acuity was 20/200 or less in 67% of cases in the older group, while 35% in the younger group. Complications occurred more frequently in the older group. The difference of complication rate in these two groups was statistically significant (Pearson, chi = 8.763, P = 0.006). Final vision was statistically correlated with age, initial visual acuity and complications, but not with sex or systemic illness. CONCLUSIONS Systemic illness is a risk factor for the occurrence of CRVO in the older group, but not in the younger group. It does not affect the final visual acuity. Complications occurs less common in the younger group. Although final visual acuity was better in the younger group, but still 35% of them was 20/200 or less. Most of the patients in the older group have severe visual impairment. Active treatment should be given to both groups.

Support vector networks in adaptive friction compensation

This paper presents our research on how support vector regression (SVR) and parametric adaptive learning, which are normally used independently, can be exploited together to benefit adaptive neural control. In the context of friction compensation for servo-motion control systems, we present the notion of support vector networks which play an essential role in combining SVR and adaptive neural network (NN) in cooperation for friction estimation. The analysis shows that the proposed support vector network contributes not only to the performance improvement but also to the practical usefulness in adaptive friction compensation. Experimental results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis using combined lasers with different wavelengths

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of combined lasers with different wavelengths in creating chorioretinal venous anastomosis (CRVA) in nonischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

METHODS

In this retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series, records of all patients with a diagnosis of nonischaemic CRVO who underwent combined laser treatment to induce CRVA and who were followed-up for 6 months or longer were reviewed.

RESULTS

Records of 85 patients (85 eyes) were analysed. These patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 (24 cases, 24 eyes), combined lasers with two different wavelengths (argon blue-green laser combined with Nd-YAG laser were used. In group 2 (61 cases, 61 eyes), combined lasers with three different wavelengths (argon blue-green laser combined with krypton red laser and Nd-YAG laser) were used. Functional anastomosis formed in 13 out of 24 eyes (54%) in group 1 and 47 out of 61 eyes (77%) in group 2. In patients with successful anastomosis, visual acuity improved for two or more lines in 49 out of 60 eyes (82%), with the remaining eyes undergoing no change. There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSION

The use of three laser wavelengths results in the creation of laser anastomosis and the success rate may be higher than when using two wavelengths alone.