Role of interleukin-6 polymorphisms in the development of allergic rhinitis

The aim of this study was to investigate the role played by the IL-6 rs1800795 (-174G/C) and rs1800796 (-572G>C) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to allergic rhinitis in a Chinese population. A total of 265 patients with allergic rhinitis and 265 controls from our hospital were enrolled in this study. The IL-6 rs1800795 and rs1800796 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results of the χ(2) statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the allele frequencies of IL-6 rs1800795 between patients with allergic rhinitis and controls (χ(2) = 4.52, P = 0.03). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals with the C allele of IL-6 rs1800795 were susceptible to increased risk of allergic rhinitis, compared to those expressing the G allele (adjusted OR = 1.31; 95%CI = 1.01-1.68). In conclusion, the results of our study indicated that the IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis.

Efficient development of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Pteroceltis tatarinowii (Ulmaceae)

Pteroceltis tatarinowii (Ulmaceae) is a scientifically and economically important temperate deciduous tree that is endemic to China. In the present study, 12 P. tatarinowii polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed using the tailed primer-M13-simple sequence repeats (TP-M13-SSR) biotin-capture method. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 10, with an average of 6.58. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.208 to 0.958 and from 0.198 to 0.858, with average values of 0.703 and 0.710, respectively. The markers isolated in this study represent a favorable tool for further analyses of the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of this relic tree.

Multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) polymorphisms may not be directly associated with response to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia

Our study aimed to investigate the association between multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene polymorphisms and the response to imatinib (IM) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). An electronic databases in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP were searched using combinations of keywords relating to MDR1 polymorphisms and the response to IM in CML. Studies retrieved from database searches were screened using stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 software was utilized for all statistical analyses. In total, 186 studies were initially retrieved, and 10 studies, involving 987 CML patients, were eventually included in this meta-analysis. Results of our study revealed no significant associations between MDR1 rs1045642, rs1128503, and rs2032582 polymorphisms and major molecular response and complete molecular response in CML patients. Significant differences were observed in the genotype frequencies of MDR1 rs1128503 under homozygous, heterozygous, and recessive models, between CML patients sensitive and resistant to IM. A significant difference in genotype frequencies of MDR1 rs2032582 was also observed under allele, homozygous, heterozygous, and recessive models between CML patients sensitive and resistant to IM. In conclusion, based on our meta-analysis, the MDR1 polymorphisms, rs1045642, rs1128503, and rs2032582, are not directly correlated with the curative effect of IM treatment of CML patients.

Meta-analysis of constitutive QTLs for disease resistance in maize and its synteny conservation in the rice genome

We collected data regarding 340 disease resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from the maize genomic database (MaizeGDB). We constructed an integrated linkage map and analyzed this map by using the BioMercator 2.1 software with IBM2 2008 Neighbors genetic linkage map as a reference. We used a meta-analysis method to identify five "consensus" synthetic resistance QTLs located on maize chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 10, with map intervals of 5.14, 9.00, 28.50, 1.73, and 33.34 cM, respectively. The gene and marker sequences within the five "consensus" QTLs were downloaded from the MaizeGDB website. We identified eight resistance gene analogs (RGAs), through comparison of these sequences with the resistance genes of other members of Poaceae by using the online BLASTx software. On the basis of comparative mapping between the maize genetic map and the rice physical map, 54 rice and 44 maize resistance genes were projected onto the maize IBM2 2008 Neighbors genetic linkage map by using a synteny conservation approach. Additionally, 15 resistance genes in the "consensus" QTL regions were found in two "consensus" QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 6; these resistance genes included rp3, scmv2, wsm2, RG3, RG16, RG36, RG51, RG53, scmv1, mdm1, RG5, RG8, RG10, RG14, and RG29. Our results provide valuable information for fine-mapping QTL, gene cloning, and molecular breeding for resistance in maize.

Effects of γ-ray irradiation on optical absorption and laser damage performance of KDP crystals containing arsenic impurities

The effects of γ-irradiation on potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals containing arsenic impurities are investigated with different optical diagnostics, including UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy, photo-thermal common-path interferometer and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The optical absorption spectra indicate that a new broad absorption band near 260 nm appears after γ-irradiation. It is found that the intensity of absorption band increases with the increasing irradiation dose and arsenic impurity concentration. The simulation of radiation defects show that this absorption is assigned to the formation of AsO₄⁴⁻ centers due to arsenic ions substituting for phosphorus ions. Laser-induced damage threshold test is conducted by using 355 nm nanosecond laser pulses. The correlations between arsenic impurity concentration and laser induced damage threshold are presented. The results indicate that the damage performance of the material decreases with the increasing arsenic impurity concentration. Possible mechanisms of the irradiation-induced defects formation under γ-irradiation of KDP crystals are discussed.

Knock-down of p300 decreases the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation potentiality of HDPCs

AIM

To investigate the role of p300 in the regulation of proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

METHODOLOGY

The recombinant lentiviral vector pshRNA-copGFP was used to knock-down p300 expression in HDPCs. Protein level of acetylated H3 was detected. The proliferation of HDPCs was measured using the CCK8 assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining, respectively. The expression levels of Cdc25A, p21(waf1) and the cleaved products of caspase 3 and caspase 7 were determined utilizing real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured, and the formation of mineralized nodules was assessed using alizarin red staining after the induction of odontogenic differentiation of HDPCs. The expression levels of the odontogenic differentiation markers DMP-1, DSPP and DSP were detected utilizing real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

After p300 was knocked down in HDPCs, p300 was significantly down-regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels, and histone H3 acetylation was reduced. The proliferation capacity of HDPCs was suppressed in p300 knock-down groups. The cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and cell apoptosis was triggered. ALP activity, the formation of mineralized nodules and the expression levels of DMP-1, DSPP and DSP were all decreased in p300-knock-down HDPCs undergoing odontogenic differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Knocking down p300 restrains the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation potentiality of HDPCs.

Parental environmental exposure leads to glycometabolic disturbances that affect fertilization of eggs in the silkworm Bombyx mori: the parental transcript legacy

Parental transcript legacy plays an important role in fertilization and development of the early embryo. Parental environmental exposure affects the fertilization of eggs, but the underlying biochemical mechanism is largely unresolved. In this study, the parental environmental effects on fertilization of eggs were explored in the silkworm Bombyx mori (B. mori), an ideal lepidopteran animal model. The results showed that the rate of fertilization decreased after the parents were exposed to a poor environment at 32 °C with continuous illumination for 72 h on days 6-9 of the pupal stage, which is a key period for germ cell maturation. This was likely attributable to lower energy charge values, obstructed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) regeneration and inactive tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), leading to accumulation of large amounts of pyruvic acid and lactic acid. This effect was related to energy metabolism via glycolysis; in particular disruption of pyruvate metabolism. In conclusion, this study showed parental exposure to an abnormal environment during germ cell maturation affected glycolysis and the subsequent fertilization of eggs via the parental transcript legacy in B. mori.

Conduction control at ferroic domain walls via external stimuli

Intriguing functionalities at nano-sized domain walls have recently spawned a new paradigm for developing novel nanoelectronics due to versatile characteristics. In this study, we explore a new scenario to modulate the local conduction of ferroic domain walls. Three controlling parameters, i.e., external electrical field, magnetic field and light, are introduced to the 90° domain walls (90° DWs) of BiFeO₃. Electrical modulation is realized by electrical transport, where the mobility of 90° DWs can be altered by gating voltage. We further use the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling to reveal the inherent magnetism at the DWs. With an established magnetic nature, magnetotransport has been conducted to introduce magnetic controlling parameter, where a giant positive magnetoresistance change can be observed up to 200%. In addition, light modulated conduction, a core factor for multifunctional applications, is successfully demonstrated (current enhancement by a factor of 2 with 11 W white lamp). These results offer new insights to discover the tunability of domain wall nanoelectronics.

The ZmCLA4 gene in the qLA4-1 QTL controls leaf angle in maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize architecture is a major contributing factor to their high level of productivity. Maize varieties with an erect-leaf-angle (LA) phenotype, which increases light harvesting for photosynthesis and grain-filling, have elevated grain yields. Although a large body of information is available on the map positions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for LA, little is known about the molecular mechanism of these QTL. In this study, the ZmCLA4 gene, which is responsible for the qLA4-1 QTL associated with LA, was identified and isolated by fine mapping and positional cloning. The ZmCLA4 gene is an orthologue of LAZY1 in rice and Arabidopsis. Sequence analysis revealed two SNPs and two indel sites in ZmCLA4 between the D132 and D132-NIL inbred maize lines. Association analysis showed that C/T/mutation667 and CA/indel965 were strongly associated with LA. Subcellular localization verified the functions of a predicted transmembrane domain and a nuclear localization signal in ZmCLA4. Transgenic maize plants with a down-regulated ZmCLA4 RNAi construct and transgenic rice plants over-expressing ZmCLA4 confirmed that the ZmCLA4 gene located in the qLA4 QTL regulated LA. The allelic variants of ZmCLA4 in the D132 and D132-NIL lines exhibited significant differences in leaf angle. ZmCLA4 transcript accumulation was higher in D132-NIL than in D132 during all the developmental stages and was negatively correlated with LA. The gravitropic response was increased and cell shape and number at the leaf and stem junctions were altered in D132-NIL relative to D132. These findings suggest that ZmCLA4 plays a negative role in the control of maize LA through the alteration of mRNA accumulation, leading to altered shoot gravitropism and cell development. The cloning of the gene responsible for the qLA4-1 QTL provides information on the molecular mechanisms of LA in maize and an opportunity for the improvement of plant architecture with regard to LA through maize breeding.

Highly efficient pulse cleaner via nonlinear ellipse rotation in liquid CS2 for ultrashort pulses

A highly efficient pulse cleaner based on nonlinear ellipse rotation (NER) in a liquid medium of CS(2) is investigated for the temporal contrast enhancement of ultrashort pulses. In theory, a nonlinear transmissivity higher than 60% can be achieved with the temporal contrast improved by about four orders of magnitude, on the condition that the extinction ratio of the polarizer-analyzer pair is better than 10(4). In a proof of principle experiment, the cleaned pulses at the mJ level with total transmissivity as high as 30% are obtained via NER, in which the temporal contrast is enhanced by about three orders of magnitude. This provides a simple and feasible technology for improving the temporal contrast of an ultrashort and ultraintense laser system in the future.

Choice of microsatellite markers for identifying homozygosity of mitotic gynogenetic diploids in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

A set of 72 microsatellite markers distributed evenly among 24 linkage groups were selected from the published genetic linkage maps of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. In two normal diploid full-sib families, the test for Mendelian inheritance showed that genotypic segregation deviations were not significant at all analysed loci. To estimate microsatellite-centromere map distances, four meiotic gynogenetic diploid lines were produced by the activation of eggs using UV irradiated sperm of red seabream Pagrus major and cold-shock treatment to block the extrusion of the second polar body. Under the assumption of complete interference, 21 markers were located in the centromeric region, 39 in the telomeric region and the rest in the intermediate region of linkage groups. A total of 192 mitotic gynogenetic diploids from one spawn were identified by these markers. Genotype analysis showed that the number of homozygous individuals decreased as microsatellite-centromere map distance increased on each linkage group.

The effect of photosensitizer on diclofenac photodegradation under simulated sunlight

This paper studies the effect of photosensitizer (acetone, H(2)O(2), surfactant and pigment) on photodegradation of diclofenac (DCF) under simulated sunlight. The results demonstrate that degradation pathways proceed via pseudo first-order kinetics in all cases. The photodegradation rate was found to increase with increasing acetone and H(2)O(2). Surfactant and pigment inhibited the photodegradation of DCF. Finally, four kinds of main degradation products were observed by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and their chemical structures were suggested.

Electron bow-wave injection of electrons in laser-driven bubble acceleration

An electron injection regime in laser wake-field acceleration, namely electron bow-wave injection, is investigated by two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation as well as analytical model. In this regime electrons in the intense electron bow wave behind the first bubble catch up with the bubble tail and are trapped by the bubble finally, resulting in considerable enhancement of the total trapped electron number. For example, with the increase of the laser intensity from 2 × 10(19) to 1 × 10(20) W/cm(2), the electron trapping changes from normal self-injection to bow-wave injection and the trapped electron number is enhanced by two orders of magnitude. An analytical model is proposed to explain the numerical observation.

Degenerate electronic structure of reconstructed MnSi(1.7) nanowires on Si(001)

Higher manganese silicide nanowires have been grown on the Si(001)-2 × 1 surface by the pre-growth of Bi nanolines. Scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) observations show that the nanowire has a linear surface reconstruction with a periodicity of 0.56 nm, and we propose a reconstruction on their surface to reduce the density of dangling bonds, which forms linear structures matching the dimensions from STM. Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) data agree with previous calculation results and reveal that the nanowires are degenerate semiconductors, with potential application for spintronics.

The properties of BiSb nanoribbons from first-principles calculations

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of BiSb nanoribbons (BSNRs) with different widths and edge configurations are investigated via the first-principles pseudopotential method. It is found that the pristine BSNRs with armchair edges (ABSNRs) are semiconductors and the band gaps exhibit a width dependent odd-even oscillation. In contrast, the pristine BSNRs with zigzag edges (ZBSNRs) are found to be metallic. When all the edge atoms are passivated by hydrogen, both the ABSNRs and ZBSNRs become semiconducting and the corresponding band gaps decrease monotonically with the increasing width. If, however, the edge atoms are partially passivated, the ABSNRs can be either semiconducting or metallic. Moreover, local magnetism appears when all the edge Sb atoms are passivated and there are one or more unsaturated Bi atoms. Using the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) approach, we find that all the investigated odd-numbered ABSNRs have almost the same peak value of the power factor around the Fermi level. This is not the case for the even-numbered ABSNRs, where the peaks are twice that of when they are n-type doped. Our calculations indicate that BSNRs can have a very high room temperature figure of merit (ZT value), which makes them very promising candidates for thermoelectric applications.

Temporal contrast enhancement of picosecond pulses based on phase-conjugate wave generation

A practical technique based on the phase-conjugate wave (PCW) generation is proposed to improve the temporal contrast of the picosecond pulses. Our theory predicts the temporal contrast of the picosecond pulses can be enhanced to about the cube of the temporal contrast of the input pulse via the PCW generation, in which the conversion efficiency from the incident pulse to the PCW is about 25%. In a proof-of-principle experiment, the temporal contrast of picosecond pulses was enhanced from 1.7×10(3) to 8.6×10(8) with the conversion efficiency of 10%. This technique is promising to effectively eliminate the background of the ultrashort and ultraintense laser pulses in the future.

Biosorption of uranium(VI) by a mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. #ZZF51 from the South China Sea

The uranium(VI) accumulation was studied in detail by using the biomass of mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium sp.#ZZF51 from the South China Sea. The uranium(VI) biosorption process onto the tested fungus powders was optimized at pH 4.0, adsorption time 60 min, and uranium(VI) initial concentration 50 mg L⁻¹ with 61.89% of removal efficiency. According to Fourier transform infrared spectra for the tested fungus before and after loaded with uranium(VI), the results showed that both of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups acted as the important roles in the adsorption process. In addition, the experimental data were analyzed by using parameter and kinetic models, and it was obtained that the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided better correlation with the experimental data for adsorption of uranium(VI).

Manganese silicide nanowires on Si(001)

A method for promoting the growth of manganese silicide nanowires on Si(001) at 450 °C is described. The anisotropic surface stress generated by bismuth nanolines blocks the formation of embedded structures and stabilizes the nucleation of manganese silicide islands which grow in a preferred direction, forming nanowires with a band gap of approximately 0.6 eV, matching the reported band gap of MnSi(1.7). This method may also provide a means to form silicide nanowires of other metals where they do not otherwise form.

Fly-ear inspired micro-sensor for sound source localization in two dimensions

Inspired by the hearing organ of the fly Ormia ochracea, a miniature sound localization sensor is developed, which can be used to pinpoint a sound source in two dimensions described by the azimuth and elevation angles. The sensor device employs an equilateral triangle configuration consisting of three mechanically coupled circular membranes whose oscillations are detected by a fiber-optic system. The experimental results indicate that significant amplification of the directional cues and directional sensitivity can be achieved with the fly-ear inspired sensor design. This work can provide a basis for the development of miniature sound localization sensors in two dimensions.

Clinical analysis of living related renal transplantation with donors older than 50 years in China

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether kidney grafts from living related donors older than 50 years were safe for the donors and recipients in the long term.

METHODS

One hundred seven living related donor kidney transplantations were performed in our center from April 1994 to December 2007. No prisoners or organs from prisoners were used in the collection of these data. Donors were divided into 2 groups: >50 years of age (range, 51-78 years), designated as the study group, and ≤50 years of age (range, 21-50 years), designated as the control groups. The mean time of follow-up was 49 months (range, 12-180 months). Clinical data were compared, including donor serum creatinine (Scr) levels, glomerular filtration rates (GFR) before and after the procedures operative complications, and postoperative short-term and long-term recovery of renal function in recipients as well as their complications and recipient and kidney survivals.

RESULTS

All operations were successfully performed. Before the operation, the mean Scr and GFR were 82.16 ± 10.86 umol/L and 85.82 ± 6.26 mL/min, respectively, in the study group versus 78.66 ± 10.41 umol/L and 88.74 ± 9.44 mL/min, respectively, in the control group. There were no significant differences in mean Scr or GFR values between the groups at various preoperative or postoperative times (P > .05). No severe perioperative complications occurred, and no subsequent renal function failure was observed upon long-term follow-up of donors in the 2 groups. Comparisons of recipient age, gender ratio, duration on dialysis, HLA matches, cold/warm ischemia times, and immunosuppression therapy showed a correlations between the 2 groups. Mean Scr levels of recipients, which were compared from 1 week to 3 years following surgery, were slightly higher among the control than the study group, but the difference was not significant (P > .05). There were no significant differences between the study and control groups in 1-,3-,5-, and 8-year recipient/graft survival rates (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up showed that transplantations using grafts from donors older than 50 years of age yielded similar results to those with younger donors.

Immunogenicity of the envelope GP3 protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus displayed on baculovirus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been recognized as one of the most important pathogens of pigs throughout the world. The minor envelope protein GP3 of PRRSV plays an important role in clearing of the virus infection and protecting the animals. In this study, a recombinant baculovirus (BacSC-GP3) expressing His6-tagged GP3 with the transmembrane (TM) and cytoplasmic (CT) domains of envelope protein gp64 was constructed and its immunogenicity was evaluated in mouse and piglet models. The His6-tagged GP3 was successfully displayed on the surface of virions as well as virus-infected Sf-9 cells. The animals immunized with BacSC-GP3 gave a slightly higher (piglets) up to a markedly higher (mice) humoral and lymphocyte proliferation responses than those that received a commercial killed vaccine. This is the first study on the immunogenicity of recombinant GP3-baculovirus, which indicates that the latter can represent an alternative strategy for developing a more effective PRRSV vaccine.

CC chemokine ligand 21 enhances the immunogenicity of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 upon assistance of TLR2

CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is a known attractant for CCR7-positive (CCR7+) cells, but its additional role in the immunogenicity of CCR7+ cells remains poorly understood. This study explored the effects of CCL21-CCR7 ligation on cancer immunogenicity and related antitumor immune response, in the presence and absence of mitomycin C (MMC) treatment. CCL21-CCR7 binding upregulated human leukocyte antigen class I-restricted tumor antigen presentation with increased expression of human leukocyte antigen class I and transporter associated with antigen processing-1. In addition, CCL21 restrained the tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors FasL and transforming growth factor-β. Consequently, CCL21 facilitated cancer-educated lymphocytes reaction in vitro. In the tumor-bearing mouse, CCL21 inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival via lymphocytes, especially in CCR7+ cancer cells. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor 2 activation of lymphocytes assisted the tumor-suppression functions of CCL21, in vitro and in vivo. This study implies that CCL21 improved the immunogenicity of the CCR7+ breast cancer cell line even with MMC treatment and triggered antitumor response by lymphocytes. These findings provide a new insight into the research and application of CCL21-associated antitumor response.

Theoretical study of alkali atom doped outside 4 angstroms carbon nanotubes

Using first-principles calculations, we study the doping of alkali atoms on the outer surface of 4 angstroms single-walled carbon nanotubes. It is found that the exterior doping at the "center" site is more favorable than the interior doping along tube axis. The calculated binding energies show a strong chirality dependence, and the alkali atoms tend to be bound strongest with the (5, 0) tube. The change of band structure upon doping is studied and the charge transfer between tube and alkali atom is shown. Our calculations indicate that the Li storage capacity can be reached to a maximum of LiC2.5, which suggests that the 4 angstroms nanotube could be a plausible candidate for Li-ion battery applications.

Structure effects in angle-resolved high-order above-threshold ionization of molecules

We present energy-resolved angular distributions of photoelectrons generated in above-threshold ionization (ATI) of nonaligned diatomic molecules N2 and O2 in high-intensity short laser pulses, with emphasis on the most energetic part of the spectra. The angular distribution for photoelectrons with energy of 10U(p) (U(p): ponderomotive energy), i.e., the plateau cutoff in ATI spectra, is found to be broader in O2 than in N2. Resorting to the analyses from both an S-matrix theory and an intuitive semiclassical model, we attribute the observation to the effect of the ground state molecular orbital structure on high-energy electron emission in strong-field molecular ionization.