Histone deacetylation modification participates in the repression of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed storage protein gene Ara h 2.02 during germination

Genes encoding seed storage proteins (SSPs) are specifically and highly expressed during seed maturation. In Arabidopsis, chromatin-based mechanisms involved in the repression of SSPs during germination have been proposed. However, epigenetic regulation involved in repressing SSPs in vegetative tissues of peanut is not well understood. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is a chromatin-remodelling factor that contributes to transcriptional repression in eukaryotes. To address whether histone deacetylation modification is involved in the repression of SSP genes during germination in peanut, we generated an Ara h 2.02pro : β-glucuronidase (GUS) construct by fusing the 1972 bp Ara h 2.02 promoter of peanut (from -1972 to -1) to the GUS reporter gene and transformed it into wild-type Arabidopsis plants and HDAC mutants. GUS staining revealed that the mutation in HISTONE DEACETYLASE19 (HDA19) resulted in the ectopic expression of peanut SSP gene Ara h 2.02 in seedlings. In addition, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that the ectopic expression of Ara h 2.02 was accompanied by histone hyperacetylation during germination. These results suggest that histone deacetylation modification may play a vital role in repressing embryonic properties during the peanut vegetative growth.

Early changes in liver distribution following implementation of Share 35

In June 2013, a change to the liver waitlist priority algorithm was implemented. Under Share 35, regional candidates with MELD ≥ 35 receive higher priority than local candidates with MELD < 35. We compared liver distribution and mortality in the first 12 months of Share 35 to an equivalent time period before. Under Share 35, new listings with MELD ≥ 35 increased slightly from 752 (9.2% of listings) to 820 (9.7%, p = 0.3), but the proportion of deceased-donor liver transplants (DDLTs) allocated to recipients with MELD ≥ 35 increased from 23.1% to 30.1% (p < 0.001). The proportion of regional shares increased from 18.9% to 30.4% (p < 0.001). Sharing of exports was less clustered among a handful of centers (Gini coefficient decreased from 0.49 to 0.34), but there was no evidence of change in CIT (p = 0.8). Total adult DDLT volume increased from 4133 to 4369, and adjusted odds of discard decreased by 14% (p = 0.03). Waitlist mortality decreased by 30% among patients with baseline MELD > 30 (SHR = 0.70, p < 0.001) with no change for patients with lower baseline MELD (p = 0.9). Posttransplant length-of-stay (p = 0.2) and posttransplant mortality (p = 0.9) remained unchanged. In the first 12 months, Share 35 was associated with more transplants, fewer discards, and lower waitlist mortality, but not at the expense of CIT or early posttransplant outcomes.

Efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with aortic stenosis and reduced LVEF. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is safe and effective for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who have a high operative risk. However, there is still debate on the effect of TAVI in AS patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (REF). The objective of the review is to clarify the efficacy of TAVI and the impact of REF on the 30-day and midterm mortality in these patients.

METHODS

Studies on TAVI were searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases and were included in this review following predefined criteria. Data were extracted and pooled risk ratios (RR) were synthesized to explore the relationship between REF and 30-day plus midterm mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies comprising 14,099 patients were included in the analysis of the association of REF with the prognosis of patients after TAVI. An average increase in left ventricular ejection fraction of 8-10 % was observed among these patients after TAVI. REF was not related to the 30-day mortality [RR = 1.90, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-4.47]; however, it was related to the midterm mortality (RR = 1.49, 95 %CI = 1.14-1.93) of patients undergoing TAVI. Patients with low-flow and low-gradient AS had a higher 30-day mortality (RR = 1.54, 95 %CI = 1.11-2.13) and midterm mortality rate (RR = 1.69, 95 %CI = 1.33-2.14) compared with AS patients without these characteristics. The mortality of TAVI patients was significantly lower than that of those undergoing conservative therapy, and was similar to that of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

CONCLUSION

REF was not associated with 30-day mortality, but it was associated with the midterm mortality of TAVI patients. Patients with REF could benefit from TAVI compared with conservative therapy.

Negative thermal expansion in hybrid improper ferroelectric Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites by symmetry trapping

We present new results on the microscopic nature of the ferroelectricity mechanisms in Ca3 Mn2O7 and Ca3Ti2O7. To the first approximation, we confirm the hybrid improper ferroelectric mechanism recently proposed by Benedek and Fennie for these Ruddlesden-Popper compounds. However, in Ca3Mn2O7 we find that there is a complex competition between lattice modes of different symmetry which leads to a phase coexistence over a large temperature range and the "symmetry trapping" of a soft mode. This trapping of the soft mode leads to a large uniaxial negative thermal expansion (NTE) reaching a maximum between 250 and 350 K (3.6×10^(-6)  K^{-1}) representing the only sizable NTE reported for these and related perovskite materials to date. Our results suggest a systematic strategy for designing and searching for ceramics with large NTE coefficients.

ΛΛ Correlation function in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV

We present ΛΛ correlation measurements in heavy-ion collisions for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. The Lednický-Lyuboshitz analytical model has been used to fit the data to obtain a source size, a scattering length and an effective range. Implications of the measurement of the ΛΛ correlation function and interaction parameters for dihyperon searches are discussed.

NAMPT inhibition sensitizes pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells to tumor-selective, PAR-independent metabolic catastrophe and cell death induced by β-lapachone

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitors (e.g., FK866) target the most active pathway of NAD(+) synthesis in tumor cells, but lack tumor-selectivity for use as a single agent. Reducing NAD(+) pools by inhibiting NAMPT primed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells for poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP1)-dependent cell death induced by the targeted cancer therapeutic, β-lapachone (β-lap, ARQ761), independent of poly(ADP ribose) (PAR) accumulation. β-Lap is bioactivated by NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in a futile redox cycle that consumes oxygen and generates high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause extensive DNA damage and rapid PARP1-mediated NAD(+) consumption. Synergy with FK866+β-lap was tumor-selective, only occurring in NQO1-overexpressing cancer cells, which is noted in a majority (∼85%) of PDA cases. This treatment strategy simultaneously decreases NAD(+) synthesis while increasing NAD(+) consumption, reducing required doses and treatment times for both drugs and increasing potency. These complementary mechanisms caused profound NAD(P)(+) depletion and inhibited glycolysis, driving down adenosine triphosphate levels and preventing recovery normally observed with either agent alone. Cancer cells died through an ROS-induced, μ-calpain-mediated programmed cell death process that kills independent of caspase activation and is not driven by PAR accumulation, which we call NAD(+)-Keresis. Non-overlapping specificities of FK866 for PDA tumors that rely heavily on NAMPT-catalyzed NAD(+) synthesis and β-lap for cancer cells with elevated NQO1 levels affords high tumor-selectivity. The concept of reducing NAD(+) pools in cancer cells to sensitize them to ROS-mediated cell death by β-lap is a novel strategy with potential application for pancreatic and other types of NQO1+ solid tumors.

[The research on optical properties of four all-ceramic veneer materials]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the color parameters and translucency of four frequently-used veneer materials.

METHODS

Forty disc specimens[(1.00±0.01) mm in thickness, 10 mm in diameter] were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions with IPS Empress(®) CAD[A2, high translucency (HT)], IPS e.max(®) Press(A2, HT), IPS e.max(®) CAD (A2, HT) and VITABLOCS(®) Mark II (A2) respectively and were divided into Groups A, B, C, D. All of the specimens were ground and polished on a grinding machine. Then color parameters (L*, a*, b*) and transmittance (τ) were measured using spectrocolorimeter and transmissivity testing device. The color parameters of the specimens were compared to the color parameters of A2 shade of Ivoclar Vivadent A-D shade guide. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean values were compared by the Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference between the color parameters L*, a*, b* and C*ab of Group A and Group D (P > 0.05). But the color parameters of those two ceramic materials were statistically different from the color parameters of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between color parameters b* and C*ab of Group B and Group C(P > 0.05). However, the color parameters L* and a* of the two materials were statistically different(P < 0.05). The color differences (ΔE) between Group A, B, C, D and standard A2 were 6.05±0.12, 5.11±0.27, 3.73±0.27, 6.30±0.38 respectively. The transmittances of Group A, B, C, D were (29.69±0.31)%, (25.83±0.36) %, (28.92±0.47)% and (26.94±0.33)% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The color parameters of these four materials are different. Their transmittance are relatively high but statistically different. The color difference (ΔE) between IPS e.max(®) CAD (A2, HT) and standard A2 is lowest among all the groups.

A novel fish cell line derived from the brain of Chinese perch Siniperca chuatsi: development and characterization

In this study, a continuous cell line (named as CPB) was established from Siniperca chuatsi brain and has been subcultured >140 times. CPB cell line predominantly consisted of fibroblast-like cells that could grow better in Leibovitz's L-15 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum at 28° C. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of 18s recombinant (r)RNA confirmed the origin of this cell line from S. chuatsi. The CPB cell line was cryopreserved at different passage levels and revived successfully with 80-90% survival. The cell line was further characterized by chromosome number and transfection. The CPB cells were highly susceptible to infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) with a titre of 6·58-6·62 log TCID50 ml(-1) and numerous ISKNV particles were observed in the cytoplasm by transmission electron microscopy. At the same time, ISKNV infection was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunodot blot and individual challenge experiments. The development and characterization of a new brain cell line from S. chuatsi were described in this study and it could be used as an in vitro tool for propagation of ISKNV and gene expression studies.

A recombined fusion protein SP5.2/tTF induce thrombosis in tumor blood vessel

Tumor vascular targeting is one of the most promising strategies in tumor therapy. Here we used E.coli to express a recombinant SP5.2/tTF fusion protein, which, as a tumor vascular targeting agent, consists of SP5.2 (a peptide selectively binding and targeting VEGFR-1 on tumor endothelial cells) and truncated tissue factor (tTF)and aimed to explore its anti-tumor activities.The SP5.2/tTF expression construct was synthesized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and recombined into plasmid pET22b(+). The fusion gene was verified by restriction mapping and sequencing. SP5.2/tTF was expressed in E. coli and then purified on a nickel-affinity chromatography column. The purified product was detected by SDS-PAGE. The pro-coagulant activity and binding of SP5.2/tTF to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were monitored by FX activation analysis and fluorescent scanning confocal microscopy, respectively. The effect of SP5.2/tTF on tumor growth was analyzed in BALB/c mice bearing sarcoma 180 (S180) tumor. The tissue localization of SP5.2/tTF and its effect on tumor vessel thrombosis were observed by in vivo fluorescence imaging and histological studies, respectively. The fusion gene was successfully cloned into pET22b(+). SP5.2/tTF was abundantly expressed in bacterial cells and efficiently purified by nickel-affinity chromatography. Functional studies showed that the protein retained both the coagulation activity of tTF and the binding capacity of SP5.2 to HUVECs. In tumor xenograft studies, SP5.2/tTF selectively targeted the tumor, induced thrombosis, and led to retardation and even regression of tumor growth (growth inhibition ratio = 70%, P< 0.05). The recombinant fusion protein SP5.2/tTF inhibited tumor growth by selectively inducing thrombosis in tumor blood vessels.

Impact of isoflurane on malignant capability of ovarian cancer in vitro

BACKGROUND

Metastatic recurrence of ovarian cancer is the foremost cause of postoperative mortality. With recent research indicating that inhalation of anaesthetics may influence cancer cell behaviour, this study investigated the effects of isoflurane on the expression of tumorigenic markers and proliferative capacity in ovarian cancer cells.

METHODS

Ovarian cancer (SK-OV3) cells were cultured and then exposed to 2% isoflurane for 2 h. The expression of markers involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration were assessed up to 24 h after treatment using immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and flow cytometry. The effects of isoflurane on in vitro angiogenesis and migration were also determined.

RESULTS

Isoflurane exposure significantly increased insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-1R expression, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation in SK-OV3 cells. Increased expression of the angiogenic markers vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by 56% (P<0.05) and angiopoietin-1 by 62% (P<0.05) was also observed 24 h after isoflurane exposure together with an enhanced in vitro angiogenesis. Cell migration was significantly increased after exposure to isoflurane together with increased production of both matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (both P<0.05) by almost five-fold relative to control. These effects were abolished when IGF-1R signalling was blocked either by neutralizing antibody or by small interfering RNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that isoflurane increases the malignant potential of ovarian cancer cells through the up-regulation of markers associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, and angiogenesis. This study warrants further investigations.

Mechanistic effects of amino acids and glucose in a novel glutaric aciduria type 1 cell model

Acute neurological crises involving striatal degeneration induced by a deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) and the accumulation of glutaric (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OHGA) are considered to be the most striking features of glutaric aciduria type I (GA1). In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of apoptosis and energy metabolism impairment in our novel GA1 neuronal model. We also explored the effects of appropriate amounts of amino acids (2 mM arginine, 2 mM homoarginine, 0.45 g/L tyrosine and 10 mM leucine) and 2 g/L glucose on these cells. Our results revealed that the novel GA1 neuronal model effectively simulates the hypermetabolic state of GA1. We found that leucine, tyrosine, arginine, homoarginine or glucose treatment of the GA1 model cells reduced the gene expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, bax, fos, and jun and restored the intracellular NADH and ATP levels. Tyrosine, arginine or homoarginine treatment in particular showed anti-apoptotic effects; increased α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDC), fumarase (FH), and citrate synthase (CS) expression; and relieved the observed impairment in energy metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the protective mechanisms of amino acids and glucose in GA1 at the cellular level from the point of view of apoptosis and energy metabolism. Our data support the results of previous studies, indicating that supplementation of arginine and homoarginine as a dietary control strategy can have a therapeutic effect on GA1. All of these findings facilitate the understanding of cell apoptosis and energy metabolism impairment in GA1 and reveal new therapeutic perspectives for this disease.

Observation of D0 meson nuclear modifications in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV

We report the first measurement of charmed-hadron (D(0)) production via the hadronic decay channel (D(0) → K(-) + π(+)) in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV with the STAR experiment. The charm production cross section per nucleon-nucleon collision at midrapidity scales with the number of binary collisions, N(bin), from p+p to central Au+Au collisions. The D(0) meson yields in central Au + Au collisions are strongly suppressed compared to those in p+p scaled by N(bin), for transverse momenta p(T) > 3 GeV/c, demonstrating significant energy loss of charm quarks in the hot and dense medium. An enhancement at intermediate p(T) is also observed. Model calculations including strong charm-medium interactions and coalescence hadronization describe our measurements.

Survival benefit of primary deceased donor transplantation with high-KDPI kidneys

The Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) has been introduced as an aid to evaluating deceased donor kidney offers, but the relative benefit of high-KDPI kidney transplantation (KT) versus the clinical alternative (remaining on the waitlist until receipt of a lower KDPI kidney) remains unknown. Using time-dependent Cox regression, we evaluated the mortality risk associated with high-KDPI KT (KDPI 71-80, 81-90 or 91-100) versus a conservative, lower KDPI approach (remain on waitlist until receipt of KT with KDPI 0-70, 0-80 or 0-90) in first-time adult registrants, adjusting for candidate characteristics. High-KDPI KT was associated with increased short-term but decreased long-term mortality risk. Recipients of KDPI 71-80 KT, KDPI 81-90 KT and KDPI 91-100 KT reached a "break-even point" of cumulative survival at 7.7, 18.0 and 19.8 months post-KT, respectively, and had a survival benefit thereafter. Cumulative survival at 5 years was better in all three high-KDPI groups than the conservative approach (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Benefit of high-KDPI KT was greatest in patients age >50 years and patients at centers with median wait time ≥33 months. Recipients of high-KDPI KT can enjoy better long-term survival; a high-KDPI score does not automatically constitute a reason to reject a deceased donor kidney.

[Comparison study of five scoring systems for evaluating prognosis of patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), delta model for end-stage liver disease (deltaMELD), MELD and serum sodium (MELD-Na), MELD score to serum sodium ratio index (MESO), and integrated end-stage liver disease model (iMELD) scoring systems for their utility in evaluating medium-short term prognosis of cirrhotic patients who underwent the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure.

METHODS

A total of 101 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent the TIPS procedure between January 2011 and May 2013 were enrolled and followed-up for 1, 3 and 6 months.The MELD, deltaMELD, MELD-Na, MESO, and iMELD scores were assessed for each patient, according to the clinical data.The accuracy of the five scoring systems for predicting prognosis was analyzed and compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Scores according to the different systems, which were recorded up to the patients' follow-up cut-off times (without death) were:MELD:19.35 +/- 5.78, deltaMELD:2.47 +/- 1.38, MELD-Na:18.23 +/- 7.82, MESO:1.57 +/- 0.43, and iMELD:33.76 +/- 9.58).For the patients who died, the scores were:MELD:24.36 +/- 5.67, deltaMELD:4.35 +/- 1.61, MELDNa:28.54 +/- 8.06, MESO:2.16 +/- 0.59, and iMELD:48.05 +/- 12.64.The differences between these five scores in the death group showed statistical significance (all P less than 0.01).As the scores of MELD, deltaMELD, MELDNa, MESO and iMELD increased, the survival rate of the patients decreased correspondingly.The differences between the survival rate and survival curve of each group showed statistical significance (P less than 0.01).The area under the curve was 0.735 for MELD, 0.769 for deltaMELD, 0.803 for MELD-Na, 0.740 for MESO and 0.816 for iMELD, and the differences did not show statistical significance (P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The MELD and MELD-based scoring systems (deltaMELD, MELD-Na, MESO and iMELD), can all predict medium-short term prognosis well.These five scoring systems showed no statistically significant difference in their predictive value.