DNA repair gene XRCC3 variants are associated with susceptibility to glioma in a Chinese population

The susceptibility to glioma is not well understood. It has been suggested that the X-ray cross complementing group 3 (XRCC3) gene influences the capacity to repair DNA damage, leading to increased glioma susceptibility. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between XRCC3 mutations and glioma risk. Genotypes were assessed in 389 Chinese glioma patients and 358 healthy controls. XRCC3 Thr241Met (rs861539) and 2 additional polymorphisms, rs3212112 (c.774+19T>G) and rs1799796 (c.562-14A>G), were directly sequenced. The frequency of the rs861539 T allele was significantly lower in the glioma group than in healthy controls [11.1 vs 17.7%, odds ratio = 0.62 (0.48-0.80), P < 0.001]; the frequencies of the CT or CT+TT genotypes differed between groups (18.5 vs 31%, 20.3 vs 33.2%, respectively). The frequency of the rs3212112 G allele was significantly higher in the glioma group than in healthy controls [15.8 vs 5.3%, odds ratio = 2.94 (2.07-4.17), P < 0.001]. The frequencies of the GT or TG+GG genotypes differed between groups (25.4 vs 7.8%, 28.5 vs 9.2%, respectively). This study demonstrates that the rs861539 and rs3212112 polymorphisms in the XRCC3 gene may influence the risk of glioma development in Chinese populations.

Analysis of quantitative trait loci for main plant traits in soybean

Plant traits are important indices for regulating and controlling yield ability in soybean varieties. It is important to comprehensively study the quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for soybean plant traits, cloning related genes, and marker assistant breeding. In this study, 236 F2 generation plants and a derivative group were constructed by using Jiyu50 and Jinong18, obtained from Jilin Province. A total of 102 simple sequence repeat markers were used to construct a genetic linkage map. With 2 years of molecular and phenotypic data, QTL analyses and mapping were conducted for soybean maturity, plant height, main stem node, main stem branch, seed weight per plant, and more. Five main plant traits were analyzed via inclusive composite interval mapping using QTL IciMapping v2.2. Using one-dimensional scanning, a total of 30 QTLs were detected and distributed across 1 (A1), 4 (C2), and 12 (G). There were 9 linkage groups, including 16 major QTLs. Using two-dimensional scanning, 7 pairs of epistatic QTL interactions for maturity and plant height were detected in the soybean.

Knockdown of Pim-3 suppresses the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma by regulating cell cycle and apoptosis

Products of the Pim (the proviral integration site for the Moloney murine leukemia virus) family of proto&mdash;oncogenes possess serine/threonine kinase activity and belong to the Ca2+/calmodulin&mdash;dependent protein kinase group. Pim&mdash;3, a member of the Pim family is closely linked to the development of a variety of tumors. However, the role of Pim&mdash;3 in human glioblastoma remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the role of Pim&mdash;3 in the growth and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. Western blotting was used for determination of protein levels, and shRNA was used for Pim&mdash;3 knockdown. The MTT assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation and flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle status and the number of apoptotic cells. A mouse xenograft model was established by injecting nude mice with Pim&mdash;3&mdash;depleted glioblastoma cells in order to determine tumor growth in vivo. We demonstrated that Pim&mdash;3 was highly expressed in human glioblastoma cell lines. We also found that knockdown of Pim&mdash;3 by specific shRNA slowed decreased proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and increased apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Pim&mdash;3 knockdown potently inhibited the growth of subcutaneously implanted glioblastoma cells in vivo. We further revealed that Pim&mdash;3 knockdown induced growth inhibition by reducing the levels of the anti&mdash;apoptotic protein Bcl&mdash;xl and cell cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D1 and Cdc25C, and increasing the levels of the pro&mdash;apoptotic protein Bax.

Quantitative FRET measurement using emission-spectral unmixing with independent excitation crosstalk correction

Quantification of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) needs at least two external samples, an acceptor-only reference and a linked FRET reference, to calibrate fluorescence signal. Furthermore, all measurements for references and FRET samples must be performed under the same instrumental conditions. Based on a novel notion to predetermine the molar extinction coefficient ratio (RC ) of acceptor-to-donor for the correction of acceptor excitation crosstalk, we present here a robust and independent emission-spectral unmixing FRET methodology, Iem-spFRET, which can simultaneously measure the E and RC of FRET sample without any external references, such that Iem-spFRET circumvents the rigorous restriction of keeping the same imaging conditions for all FRET experiments and thus can be used for the direct measurement of FRET sample. We validate Iem-spFRET by measuring the absolute E and RC values of standard constructs with different acceptor-to-donor stoichiometry expressed in living cells. Our results demonstrate that Iem-spFRET is a simple and powerful tool for real-time monitoring the dynamic intermolecular interaction within single living cells.

Severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection induces thymic atrophy through activating innate CD8(+)CD44(hi) T cells by upregulating IFN-γ

Thymic atrophy has been described as a consequence of infection by several pathogens including highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and is induced through diverse mechanisms. However, whether influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection induces thymic atrophy and the mechanisms underlying this process have not been completely elucidated. Our results show that severe infection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 led to progressive thymic atrophy and CD4⁺CD8⁺ double-positive (DP) T-cells depletion due to apoptosis. The viruses were present in thymus, where they activated thymic innate CD8⁺CD44^hi single-positive (SP) thymocytes to secrete a large amount of IFN-γ. Milder thymic atrophy was observed in innate CD8⁺ T-cell-deficient mice (C57BL/6J). Neutralization of IFN-γ could significantly rescue the atrophy, but peramivir treatment did not significantly alleviate thymic atrophy. In this study, we demonstrated that thymic innate CD8⁺CD44^hi SP T-cells have critical roles in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection-induced thymic atrophy through secreting IFN-γ. This exceptional mechanism might serve as a target for the prevention and treatment of thymic atrophy induced by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09.

Genetic analysis of the major gene plus polygene model in soybean resistance to Leguminivora glycinivorella

In order to investigate the genetic characteristics of soybean Leguminivora glycinivorella resistance and to improve soybean resistance insectivorous breeding efficiency by applying the multi-generation joint analysis method of the major gene plus polygene model, 5 pedigrees and generations (P1, F1, P2, F2, and F2:3) were used as the materials to perform the soybean L. glycinivorella resistance multi-generation joint analysis. The results showed that soybean resistance to L. glycinivorella was controlled and inherited by an additive major gene plus additive, dominant polygene. The major gene had a negative additive effect (d = -0.1633). The combination of the anti-L. glycinivorella genes showed negative heterosis. Because the polygene additive effects were positive, the polygene effects would increase the insect herbivory rate in the F1 generation. This hybrid combination showed an insect herbivory rate polygenic heritability of 21.9556 and 54.3490% in the F2 and F2:3 pedigrees, which presented a high heritability. Therefore, it was appropriate to perform the selective breeding of the insect herbivory rate in the late generation.

Multifocal multiphoton microscopy based on a spatial light modulator

We present a new multifocal multiphoton microscope that employs a programmable spatial light modulator to generate dynamic multifocus arrays which can be rapidly scanned by changing the incident angle of the laser beam using a pair of galvo scanners. Using this microscope, we can rapidly select the number and the spatial density of focal points in a multifocus array, as well as the locations and shapes of arrays according to the features of the areas of interest in the field of view without any change to the hardware.

Synthesis of an Imidazoline Phosphate Surfactant and its Application on Corrosion Inhibition

An imidazoline phosphate surfactant is designed and synthesized, and its application on corrosion inhibition is evaluated from the following aspects: (1) concentration of inhibitor; (2) temperature; (3) concentration of acid. The imidazoline phosphate is also mixed with KI as an assistant agent, and the results from weight loss measurement show better inhibition efficiency.

Colloid retention mechanisms in single, saturated, variable-aperture fractures

The characterization of fractured aquifers is commonly limited to the methodologies developed for unconsolidated porous media aquifers, which results in many uncertainties. Recent work indicates that fractured rocks remove more particulates than they are conventionally credited for. This research was designed to quantify the number of Escherichia coli RS2-GFP retained in single, saturated, variable-aperture fractures extracted from the natural environment. Conservative solute and E. coli RS2-GFP tracer experiments were used to elucidate the relationships between dominant retention mechanisms, aperture field characteristics, and flow rate. A non-destructive method of determining a surrogate measure of a coefficient of variation (COV(S)) for each fracture was used to better understand the transport behaviour of E. coli RS2-GFP. The results from this research all point to the importance of aperture field characterization in understanding the fate and transport of contaminants in fractured aquifers. The mean aperture was a very important characteristic in determining particulate recovery, so were matrix properties, COV(s), and flow rate. It was also determined that attachment is a much more significant retention mechanism than straining under the conditions employed in this research. Finally, it was demonstrated that the dominant retention mechanism in a fracture varies depending on the specific discharge. An improved understanding of the mechanisms that influence the fate and transport of contaminants through fractures will lead to the development of better tools and methodologies for the characterization of fractured aquifers, as well as the ability to manipulate the relevant mechanisms to increase or decrease retention, depending on the application.

Characterization of a Tembusu virus isolated from naturally infected house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Northern China

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most widely distributed wild birds in China. Tembusu virus (TMUV) strain, TMUV-SDHS, was isolated from house sparrows living around the poultry farms in Shandong Province, Northern China. Genetic analysis of E and NS5 genes showed that it had a close relationship with that of the YY5 strain, which can cause severe egg drop in ducks. Pathogenicity studies showed that the virus is highly virulent when experimentally inoculated into the ducks. These findings show that house sparrows carrying the Tembusu virus may play an important role in transmitting the virus among other species.

Characterization of 236 novel alleles at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci from China Marrow Donor Program

Two hundred and thirty-six novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are described from volunteer donors of the China Marrow Donor Program: 71 HLA-A alleles, 79 HLA-B alleles, 43 HLA-C, 16 HLA-DRB1 alleles, 26 HLA-DQB1 and 1 HLA-DPB1. Two hundred and thirteen (90.3%) of the 236 novel alleles are single nucleotide substitution variants when compared with their most homologous allele. Seventy-eight of these single nucleotide variants are silent substitutions. The remaining novel alleles differ from their most similar allele by two to four nucleotide substitutions. Some of the novel alleles encode amino acid changes at positions not previously reported to be polymorphic, such as codons 57, 62, 67, 41 and 52 in HLA-A alleles; codons 133, 156, 201 and 215 in HLA-B alleles; codons 74, 208 and 225 in HLA-C; codons 25, 32 and 72 in HLA-DRB1; codons 20, 39 and 77 in HLA-DQB1.

Association between corneal biomechanical properties and myopia in Chinese subjects

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and the degree of myopia.

METHODS

Chinese subjects (n=172, age: 11-65 years) were divided into diagnostic groups with non-myopia (spherical equivalence (SE)>-0.50 D), low (-3.00 ≤ SE ≤ -0.50 D), moderate (-6.00 ≤ SE < -3.00 D), and high myopia (SE<-6.00 D). Only the right eye of each subject was analyzed. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured by optical coherence tomography. An ocular response analyzer was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc). Refraction was measured by both automated and subjective refractometry and expressed as SE.

RESULTS

CH was significantly lower in high myopia compared with both low and non-myopia (P ≤ 0.002). CCT was 1.5 times more correlated to CH variation compared with refraction. Similarly, CRF was four times more dependent on CCT than refraction. CH (P<0.001) or CRF (P=0.005) was positively correlated to refraction. Both IOP and IOPcc were negatively correlated to refraction (P<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CH decreases only in high myopia. Refraction is positively correlated to both CH and CRF but negatively correlated to both IOP and IOPcc. These results indicate that the mechanical strength in anterior segment of the eye is compromised in high myopia. In addition, high myopia may increase the risk of glaucoma.

Effects of Merogel coverage on wound healing and ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for primary chronic dacryocystitis

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of Merogel coverage on ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) for primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD).

METHODS

In all, 260 patients with unilateral PCD were randomized into two groups: the Merogel group and the control group. All patients underwent EES-DCR. The Merogel group received Merogel covering the wound 1-2 mm around the ostium and the control group received no treatment. Patients were followed up for 9 months. The mucosal epithelialization of the wound, the proliferation of fibrosis tissue, and the success rate of ostial patency were compared.

RESULTS

Our study included 112 patients in the Merogel group and 115 patients in the control group. At the 2-week review, intact mucosal epithelium lined the ostia in 96 Merogel patients compared with 80 control patients (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.502, P=0.034). At the 9-month review, scars were present in 18 patients in the Merogel group compared with 39 patients in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=9.909, P=0.002, ITT analysis). No differences were observed in the granulation formation between the two groups. The success rate of ostial patency reached 94.6% (106/112) in the Merogel group compared with 80% (92/115) in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.151, P=0.042).

CONCLUSION

Merogel coverage may enhance the success rate of EES-DCR for PCD by promoting mucosal epithelial healing and preventing excessive scarring.

Lower Temperature Plasticizing and Extrusion of Polymer in Spherical Screw Extruder under Vibration Force Field

Physical and mathematical model for polymer plasticizing in proposed electromagnetic dynamic spherical screw extruder were developed to explore polymer plasticizing and molding mechanism at lower temperature under vibration force field. Polymer plasticizing mechanism was studied by deriving the mathematical expressions of energy consumed and the polymer flow. The energy consumed in polymer plasticizing was depicted in terms of vibrating dissipation, polymer deformation, shear and friction energy. LDPE was used as an objective material and extruded by the extruder with the electromagnetic excitation and spherical screw. The experimental results show the good agreement with theoretical calculations. Both of them show that: Polymer processing temperature and energy consumption decrease significantly while the plasticizing rate is increased over 60% by introducing the vibration force field. The research offers experimental and theoretical references as well as the evaluation method for optimizing the polymer processing parameters and designing the vibration induced equipment.

Containment wells to form hydraulic barriers along site boundaries

In the field, aquifer remediation methods include pump and treat procedures based on hydraulic control systems. They are used to reduce the level of residual contamination present in the soil and soil pores of aquifers. Often, physical barriers are erected along the boundaries of the target (aquifer) site to reduce the leakage of the released soil contaminant to the surrounding regions. Physical barriers are expensive to build and dismantle. Alternatively, based on simple hydraulic principles, containment wells or image wells injecting clear water can be designed and built to provide hydraulic barriers along the contaminated site boundaries. For brevity, only one pattern of containment well system that is very effective is presented in detail. The study briefly reports about the method of erecting a hydraulic barrier around a contaminated region based on the simple hydraulic principle of images. During the clean-up period, hydraulic barriers can considerably reduce the leakage of the released contaminant from the target site to surrounding pristine regions. Containment wells facilitate the formation of hydraulic barriers. Hence, they control the movement of contaminants away from the site that is being remedied. However, these wells come into play, only when the pumping operation for cleaning up the site is active. After operation, they can be filled with soil to permit the natural ground water movement. They can also be used as monitoring wells.