Linking seed germination and plant height: a case study of a wetland community on the eastern Tibet Plateau

Seed germination is the earliest trait expressed in a plant's life history, and it can directly affect the expression of post-germination traits. Plant height is central to plant ecological strategies, because it is a major determinant of the ability of a species to compete for light. Thus, linking seed germination and plant height at the community level is very important to understanding plant fitness and community structure. Here, we tested storage condition and temperature requirements for germination of 31 species from a wetland plant community on the eastern Tibet Plateau and analysed correlation of germination traits with plant height in relation to storage condition. Germination percentage was positively related to plant height, and this relationship disappeared when seeds were incubated at a low temperature (i.e. 5 °C) or after they were stored under wet-cold conditions. The response of seeds to dry+wet-cold storage was negatively related to plant height. Based on the scores of each species on the first two principal components derived from PCA, species were classified into two categories by hierarchical clustering, and there was a significant difference between germination and plant height of species in these two categories. These results suggest that the requirements for seed germination together with seasonal change in environmental conditions determine the window for germination and, in turn, plant growth season and resource utilisation and ultimately plant height.

Comparison between a novel human cortical bone screw and bioabsorbable interference screw for graft fixation of ACL reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mechanical behavior of a novel bioabsorbable cortical interference screw (BCIS) with bioabsorbable interference screw (BIS; Polylactate hydroxyapatite) used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in femoral and tibial fixation with doubled Achilles tendon graft in vitro.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

30 paired goat knee specimens were harvested from 15 male sheep aged 18 months. All soft tissues were stripped from the bones of 20 paired specimens, and the last 10 paired specimens were stripped all soft tissues besides ACL (femur-ACL-tibia complex). The Achilles tendon was harvested as graft for ACL reconstruction. The specimens were divided into several groups: BCIS femoral fixation (group A, n=10), BIS femoral fixation (group B, n=10), BCIS tibial fixation (group C, n=10), BIS tibial fixation (group D, n=10), Group E is femur-ACL-tibia complex (n=10). Cyclic loading test was performed from 50 to 250 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles and followed by a load-to-failure test at 25 mm/sec. A paired t-test was used to compare the biomechanical properties of group A, B, E and group C, D, E.

RESULTS

No fixation structures failed during the cyclic phase. Cyclic displacement for group B was superior to group A, and showed statistically significant difference after 30, 100, 500, 1000 cycles. Group E got minimum cyclic displacements compared with group A and group B, and showed statistically significant difference after 500, 1000 cycles compared with group A. Cyclic displacement for group D was superior to group C, and showed statistically significant difference after 100, 500, 1000 cycles. Group E got minimum cyclic displacements compared with group C and group D, and showed statistically significant difference after 500,1000 cycles compared with group C. Regarding MFL, group A was superior to group B (572.10±111.12 N vs. 413.96±34.56 N, p=0.118), group E was superior to group A (599.74±85.45N vs. 572.10±111.12 N, p=0.992), and group C was superior to group D (802.88±240.07 N vs. 415.63±51.9 N, p<0.001), group C was superior to group E (802.88±240.07 N vs. 599.74±85.45 N, p=0.024). Regarding YL, group A was superior to group B (521.57±93.96 N vs. 366.99±44.66 N, p=0.109), group E was superior to group A (565.37±66.05 N vs. 521.57±93.96 N, p=0.952), and group C was superior to group D (735.63±242.91 N vs. 394.49±31.90 N, p<0.001), group C was superior to group E (735.63±242.91 N vs. 565.37±66.05 N, p=0.063). Regarding stiffness, group A was superior to group B (157.36±34.31 N/mm vs. 91.98±25.57 N/mm, p=0.001), group E was superior to group A (181.35±25.42 N vs. 157.36±34.31 N/mm, p=0.529), and group C was superior to group D (175.28±43.19 N/mm vs. 128.24±18.92 N/mm, p=0.032), group E was superior to group C (181.35±25.42 N/mm vs. 175.28±43.19 N/mm, p=0.995).

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro, this experimental study suggested the biomechanical properties of novel bioabsorbable cortical interference screw (BCIS) were superior to bioabsorbable interference screw (BIS) used for femoral and tibial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a goat knee model.

Experimental Evidence of Kinetic Effects in Indirect-Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Hohlraums

We present the first experimental evidence supported by simulations of kinetic effects launched in the interpenetration layer between the laser-driven hohlraum plasma bubbles and the corona plasma of the compressed pellet at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility. Solid plastic capsules were coated with carbon-deuterium layers; as the implosion neutron yield is quenched, DD fusion yield from the corona plasma provides a direct measure of the kinetic effects inside the hohlraum. An anomalous large energy spread of the DD neutron signal (∼282  keV) and anomalous scaling of the neutron yield with the thickness of the carbon-deuterium layers cannot be explained by the hydrodynamic mechanisms. Instead, these results can be attributed to kinetic shocks that arise in the hohlraum-wall-ablator interpenetration region, which result in efficient acceleration of the deuterons (∼28.8  J, 0.45% of the total input laser energy). These studies provide novel insight into the interactions and dynamics of a vacuum hohlraum and near-vacuum hohlraum.

Influence of Treg cells and HBV genotype on sustained response and drug resistance in the treatment with nucleoside drugs

We aimed to investigate the influence of regulatory T cells including CD4+CD25+, CD8+CD28- and hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype on sustained virological response and tolerance of nucleoside drugs. One hundred and thirty-seven patients were enrolled. Lamivudine was administered to 84 patients. Entecavir was administered to the other 53 patients. Before treatment, biochemical tests, HBV DNA load, HBV serum level, HBV genotype, PB CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD25+/CD3+, and CD8+CD28-/CD3+ frequencies were measured. Based on HBV DNA loads after 4 weeks of therapy, patients were divided into response group and suboptimal response group. The lamivudine group received treatment continuously, and then patients were categorized into non-resistance group and resistance group. Compared with the suboptimal response and resistance groups for lamivudine, CD4+CD25+/CD3+ levels were higher in the response and non-resistance groups (t=4.372, P=0.046; t=7.262, P=0.017). In the non-resistance group, CD8+CD28-/CD3+ frequency was lower than in the resistance group (t=5.527, P=0.037). Virus load and hepatitis B E antigen (HBeAg)-positive rate were significantly lower than in the response and resistance group (t=2.164, P=0.038; X2=4.239, P=0.040; t=2.015, P=0.044; X2=16.2, P=0.000). Incidence of drug resistance was high in patients with virogene type C. For the virological response to entecavir, CD8+CD28-/CD3+ level was significantly lower than that of the suboptimal response group (t=6.283, P=0.036). Response and suboptimal response groups were compared in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD25+/CD3+ and virus genotype, and differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Baseline regulatory T cells including CD4+CD25+/CD3+ and CD8+CD28-/CD3+ frequencies have a relationship with the incidence of rapid virological response and the resistance to nucleoside drugs. Patients with HBV genotype C receiving lamivudine more often underwent drug resistance. Antiviral efficacy and the resistance to lamivudine were closely correlated with baseline factors; the same cannot be found for entecavir.

Dynamical heterogeneities and defects in two-dimensional soft colloidal crystals

In this paper we study a two-dimensional system of charged colloidal particles using Brownian dynamics simulations. We determine the phase diagram and investigate the dynamics of this system in the density regime where hexatic and solid phases are stable. We find that the dynamics in these phases is heterogeneous by means of the spontaneous formation and diffusion of highly mobile defects. We identify two key mechanisms associated with the areas of high mobility. The first mechanism involves the highly cooperative motion of a closed loop of particles which shift coherently along the loop until each particle has replaced the position of its predecessor in the chain. The second mechanism involves the spontaneous creation of vacancy-interstitial pairs which diffuse within the hexatic and solid phases. We further explore quantitatively the properties of the open-ended and closed rearrangement strings and find that in the crystal phase the string-size distribution can be approximately matched with a simple, random walk description of vacancies and interstitials on a lattice.

Retention and HIV seroconversion among drug users on methadone maintenance treatment in Yunnan, China

SETTING

Thirteen methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics across Yunnan, the province with the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden in China.

OBJECTIVES

To determine, among HIV-negative participants on MMT, the proportion lost to follow-up (defined as those who missed the 6-monthly follow-up examination), factors associated with loss to follow-up (LFU), HIV seroconversion rate and factors associated with seroconversion.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study from October 2008 to April 2011. All participants were administered a pre-tested structured questionnaire to capture associated factors and offered HIV testing every 6 months. χ(2) test and log-binomial regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1146 participants, 541 (47%) were lost to follow-up in 2.5 years. Factors associated with higher LFU proportion include <6 months of previous MMT, inconvenient location of the MMT clinic and average methadone dose ⩽60 mg/day, with adjusted relative risks (RRs) of respectively 1.4 (95%CI 1.2-1.5), 1.2 (95%CI 1.0-1.4) and 1.1 (95%CI 1.0-1.3). The overall HIV seroconversion rate was 6.6 (95%CI 3.7-11.0) per 1000 person-years. Not living with a partner contributed to higher HIV rates, with an adjusted RR of 3.6 (95%CI 1.0-12.8).

CONCLUSION

The retention rate of MMT participants in Yunnan was not satisfactory. Decentralising service delivery in the community and making directly observed treatment more convenient has the potential to improve retention.

Recent advances in massage therapy--a review

Massage therapy is one of the most widely accepted alternative form of medicine helping patients suffering from varied pathological states including arthritis, anxiety, sleep problems, pain management and injury repair. Besides this, it is one of the safest forms of alternative medicine and has become favorite among various health care professionals. However, there is still a lot of debate is going in medical world pertaining to its certain use in modern medicine. So, the present review shall enlighten all the latest aspects of massage therapy in current medicine.

The effect of mild traumatic brain injury on peripheral nervous system pathology in wild-type mice and the G93A mutant mouse model of motor neuron disease

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a risk of neurodegenerative disease. Some suggest a link between TBI and motor neuron disease (MND), including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To investigate the potential mechanisms linking TBI to MND, we measured motor function and neuropathology following mild-TBI in wild-type and a transgenic model of ALS, G93A mutant mice. Mild-TBI did not alter the lifespan of G93A mice or age of onset; however, rotarod performance was impaired in G93A verses wild-type mice. Grip strength was reduced only in G93A mice after mild-TBI. Increased electromyography (EMG) abnormalities and markers of denervation (AchR, Runx1) indicate that mild-TBI may result in peripheral effects that are exaggerated in G93A mice. Markers of inflammation (cell edema, astrogliosis and microgliosis) were detected at 24 and 72h in the brain and spinal cord in wild-type and G93A mice. Levels of F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, were increased in the spinal cord 24h post mild-TBI in wild-type mice but were not affected by TBI in G93A mice. In summary, our data demonstrate that mild-TBI induces inflammation and oxidative stress and negatively impacts muscle denervation and motor performance, suggesting mild-TBI can potentiate motor neuron pathology and influence the development of MND in mice.

Development of secondary mutations in wild-type and mutant EZH2 alleles cooperates to confer resistance to EZH2 inhibitors

The histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently dysregulated in cancers, and gain-of-function (GOF) EZH2 mutations have been identified in non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Small-molecule inhibitors against EZH2 demonstrated anti-tumor activity in EZH2-mutated lymphomas and entered clinical trials. Here, we developed models of acquired resistance to EZH2 inhibitor EI1 with EZH2-mutated lymphoma cells. Resistance was generated by secondary mutations in both wild-type (WT) and GOF Y641N EZH2 alleles. These EZH2 mutants retained the substrate specificity of their predecessor complexes but became refractory to biochemical inhibition by EZH2 inhibitors. Resistant cells were able to maintain a high level of H3K27Me3 in the presence of inhibitors. Interestingly, mutation of EZH2 WT alone generated an intermediate resistance phenotype, which is consistent with a previously proposed model of cooperation between EZH2 WT and Y641N mutants to promote tumorigenesis. In addition, the findings presented here have implications for the clinical translation of EZH2 inhibitors and underscore the need to develop novel EZH2 inhibitors to target potential resistance emerging in clinical settings.

Dose effect of gestational ethanol exposure on placentation and fetal growth

INTRODUCTION

Prenatal ethanol exposure compromises fetal growth by impairing placentation. Invasive trophoblastic cells, which mediate placentation, express the insulin-IGF regulated gene, aspartyl-asparaginyl β-hydroxylase (ASPH), which has a critical role in cell motility and invasion. The aims of this study were to characterize effects of ethanol on trophoblastic cell motility, and assess ethanol dose-dependent impairments in placentation and fetal development.

METHODS

Pregnant Long Evans dams were fed with isocaloric liquid diets containing 0%, 8%, 18% or 37% ethanol (caloric content) from gestation day (GD) 6 to GD18. Fetal development, placental morphology, density of invasive trophoblasts at the mesometrial triangle, as well as placental and mesometrial ASPH and Notch-1 protein expression were evaluated. Directional motility of control and ethanol-exposed HTR-8/SVneo cells was assessed by ATP Luminescence-Based assay.

RESULTS

Severity of fetal growth impairment correlated with increasing doses of ethanol. Ethanol exposure produced dose-dependent alterations in branching morphogenesis at the labyrinthine zone, and inhibited physiological transformation of maternal arteries. ASPH and Notch-1 protein expression levels were reduced, corresponding with impairments in placentation.

DISCUSSION

Prenatal ethanol exposure compromises fetal growth and placentation in a dose-responsive manner. Ethanol's adverse effects on placental development are mediated by: (1) altered branching morphogenesis in labyrinthine zone; (2) suppression of invasive trophoblastic precursor cells; and (3) inhibition of trophoblastic cell adhesion and motility, corresponding with reduced ASPH and Notch-1 protein expression.

Genesis of the novel human-infecting influenza A(H10N8) virus and potential genetic diversity of the virus in poultry, China

Human infection with a novel influenza A(H10N8) virus was first described in China in December 2013. However, the origin and genetic diversity of this virus is still poorly understood. We performed a phylogenetic analysis and coalescent analysis of two viruses from the first case of influenza A(H10N8) (A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346-1/2013 and A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346-2/2013 and a novel A(H10N8) virus (A/chicken/Jiangxi/102/2013) isolated from a live poultry market that the patient had visited. The haemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), PA subunit of the virus polymerase complex, nucleoprotein (NP), M and nonstructural protein (NS) genes of the three virus strains shared the same genetic origins. The origins of their HA and NA genes were similar: originally from wild birds to ducks, and then to chickens. The PA, NP, M, and NS genes were similar to those of chicken influenza A(H9N2) viruses. Coalescent analyses showed that the reassortment of these genes from A(H9N2) to A(H10N8) might have occurred at least twice. However, the PB1 and PB2 genes of the chicken A(H10N8) virus most likely originated from H7-like viruses of ducks, while those of the viruses from the case most likely stemmed from A(H9N2) viruses circulating in chickens. The oseltamivir-resistance mutation, R292K (R291K in A(H10N8) numbering) in the NA protein, occurred after four days of oseltamivir treatment. It seems that A(H10N8) viruses might have become established among poultry and their genetic diversity might be much higher than what we have observed.

Overexpressed transcription factor FOXM1 is a potential diagnostic and adverse prognostic factor in postoperational gastric cancer patients

PURPOSE

In the present study, we intend to detect the expression of Forkhead box transcription (FOXM1) in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, and analyze the correlation between FOXM1 expression and clinic-pathological features as well as their association with clinic outcomes in patients with resectable gastric cancers.

METHODS

We examined the expression of FOXM1 in 103 cancer tissues from patients who underwent gastrectomy during Jan 2007 to Nov 2007 and 68 randomly selected para-cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. The expression of FOXM1 protein in the benign and malignant human gastric cell lines was simultaneously detected using Western blot analysis. Data on clinic-pathological features and relevant prognostic factors in these patients were then analyzed.

RESULTS

FOXM1 expression was absolutely higher in gastric cancer than para-cancer tissues (P < 0.001) and normal gastric epithelium cell lines (P = 0.022). No significant association was found between FOXM1 expression and any clinic-pathological parameters (P > 0.1). FOXM1 amplification was showed to be independently associated with prognosis in gastric cancer patients (P = 0.001), and its affection is more significant in patients with tumor size larger than 5 cm (P = 0.004), pT3-4 (P = 0.003) or pIII-IV (P = 0.001) as a result of stage-stratified analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpressed FOXM1 is a potential diagnostic and poor prognostic biomarker in postoperational gastric cancer patients.

Use of twin dorsal middle phalangeal finger flaps for thumb or index finger reconstruction

Amputation or degloving injuries of the thumb or index finger are highly disabling. We describe the use of twin dorsal middle finger flaps harvested from the dorsal aspects of the middle and ring fingers, and based on one palmar proper digital artery, its venae comitantes, and the dorsal branches of the palmar digital nerves of the middle and ring fingers, respectively. These flaps offer advantages when large soft tissue defects of the thumb or index finger are present. In this study, twin dorsal middle finger flaps were used in nine patients (six thumbs, three index fingers). All flaps completely survived. At the mean follow-up of 20 months, the appearance of the reconstructed thumbs or index fingers was acceptable, the length was maintained, and the mean static 2-point discrimination values were 10 mm in the palmar flap and 13 mm in the dorsal flap of the reconstructed digit. All patients were satisfied with the appearance and mobility of the donor fingers. All but one donor finger showed normal finger pulp sensibility, with a static 2-point discrimination between 3 and 6 mm.

Prevention of disuse osteoporosis in rats by Cordyceps sinensis extract

Cordyceps sinensis has been known as a traditional medicine in China, and C. sinensis plus strontium could prevent osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. The present study shows that daily oral administration of C. sinensis at higher doses in adult hind limb suspension rats can prevent disuse-induced bone loss and deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.

INTRODUCTION

Cordyceps sinensis induces estradiol production and prevents osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. This study was to examine whether C. sinensis can prevent disuse-induced osteoporosis.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into six groups, and five groups were treated with hind limb suspension (HLS). One HLS group received alendronate (2.0 mg/kg/day) orally, and to the three other HLS groups to each group, a different amount of C. sinensis (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 8 weeks before and after HLS. The remaining HLS group was set as a control without treatment. Each group consisted of 10 males and females. The body weights, biochemical parameters in serum and urine, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), mechanical testing, and bone microarchitecture were examined.

RESULTS

Treatments with higher C. sinensis dosage (300 and 500 mg/kg/day) or alendronate had a positive effect on body weights, mechanical strength, BMD, and BMC compared to the other HLS groups. C. sinensis decreased markers of bone turnover dose dependently and increased the osteocalcin levels in HLS rats. The result of micro-CT analysis from the L4 vertebra showed that C. sinensis (500 mg/kg) significantly prevented the reduction of the bone volume fraction, connectivity density, trabeculae number, and thickness as well as improved the trabeculae separation and structure model index in HLS rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that administration of C. sinensis at higher doses over an 8-week period can prevent the disuse osteoporosis in rats. It implies that C. sinensis might be an alternative therapy for prevention of disuse-induced osteoporosis also in humans.

Phase I pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of the pan-PI3K/mTORC vascular targeted pro-drug SF1126 in patients with advanced solid tumours and B-cell malignancies

BACKGROUND

SF1126 is a peptidic pro-drug inhibitor of pan-PI3K/mTORC. A first-in-human study evaluated safety, dose limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and efficacy of SF1126, in patients with advanced solid and B-cell malignancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SF1126 was administered IV days 1 and 4, weekly in 28day-cycles. Dose escalation utilised modified Fibonacci 3+3. Samples to monitor PK and PD were obtained.

RESULTS

Forty four patients were treated at 9 dose levels (90-1110 mg/m(2)/day). Most toxicity was grade 1 and 2 with a single DLT at180 mg/m(2) (diarrhoea). Exposure measured by peak concentration (C(max)) and area under the time-concentration curve (AUC(0-)(t)) was dose proportional. Stable disease (SD) was the best response in 19 of 33 (58%) evaluable patients. MTD was not reached but the maximum administered dose (MAD) was 1110 mg/m(2). The protocol was amended to enrol patients with CD20+ B-cell malignancies at 1110 mg/m(2). A CLL patient who progressed on rituximab [R] achieved SD after 2 months on SF1126 alone but in combination with R achieved a 55% decrease in absolute lymphocyte count and a lymph node response. PD studies of CLL cells demonstrated SF1126 reduced p-AKT and increased apoptosis indicating inhibition of activated PI3K signalling.

CONCLUSION

SF1126 is well tolerated with SD as the best response in patients with advanced malignancies.