Association between FTO polymorphism in exon 3 with carcass and meat quality traits in crossbred ducks

The fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is an excellent candidate gene that affects energy metabolism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FTO are associated with carcass and meat quality traits in pigs, cattle, and rabbits. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between novel SNPs in the FTO coding region and carcass and meat quality traits in 95 crossbred ducks, using DNA sequencing. We found two transitions G/A (SNP 387 and 473) within exon 3. SNP 387 was a synonymous mutation, whereas SNP 473 was a missense mutation. Association analysis suggested that SNP g.387G>A was significantly associated with all of the carcass traits measured, the intramuscular fat content (IMF), cooking yield (CY), pH values 45 min after slaughter (pH45m), drip losses from the breast muscle, and the leg muscle (P < 0.05). For SNP g.473G>A, the genotype AA exhibited greater leg muscle weight than the genotypes GG or AG (P < 0.05). The D value suggested that the two SNPs exhibited strong linkage disequilibrium. Three haplotypes (G1G2, G1A2, and A1A2) were significantly associated with IMF, CY, the a* value, and all of the carcass traits measured (P < 0.05). The results suggest that FTO is a candidate locus that affects carcass and meat quality traits in ducks.

Magnetic resonance venography in the diagnosis of inferior vena cava obstruction in Budd-Chiari syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the informativeness of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in the diagnosis of different types of inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

56 patients with IVC obstruction underwent MRV scans. These scans were evaluated for morphology of the obstruction and compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images.

RESULTS

Using DSA, we determined that 47 patients had complete obstruction and 9 had partial obstruction. MRV scans revealed 6 cases of partial obstruction. Using MRV, we determined the morphology of the proximal and distal ends of the complete obstructions in the IVC. We classified our observations into cone, plateau, and irregular subtypes. Both DSA and MRV scans were compared to assess the consistency between two methods. MRV demonstrated high sensitivity (100%) for diagnosing a complete obstruction of the IVC, and its specificity was 66.7%. The positive and negative predictive values of MRV were 94% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MRV imaging is a valuable alternative to DSA for detection of obstructions in the IVC in Budd-Chiari syndrome, particularly in the distal end, which could expedite the decision making for interventional treatment programmes. However, MRV imaging is less suitable for observing the morphology of the proximal ends of obstructions due to the limitations of the scanning plane and the influence of pseudo shadows.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 is a predictor of survival and plays a tumor suppressive role in colorectal cancer

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) is a member of the RIP Ser/Thr kinase family, plays an important role in regulating cell survival, cell apoptosis and cell necrosis. However, the role of RIP3 in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer is still poorly understood.We used quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis to examine RIP3 expression in primary colorectal cancer and paired normal colorectal mucosa. RIP3 clinicopathological significance was assessed by immunohistochemical staining in 112 cases of primary colorectal cancer paired with noncancerous tissues. The biological function of RIP3 overexpression was measured by CCK8 assay and plate colony formation assay. Dual staining with fluorescent Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) was used to discriminate apoptotic or necrotic cell death.RIP3 expression was significantly lower in colorectal cancer and associated with T stage, M stage and AJCC stage. Cox proportional hazard models showed that RIP3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Overexpression of RIP3 significantly suppressed the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.Our results suggest that RIP3 may function as a novel prognostic indicator after surgery and play a suppressive role in the colorectal carcinogenesis.

Kinetic modeling of inherent mineral catalyzed NO reduction by biomass char

The evolution of rice straw char reactivity during reaction with NO was examined in differential reactor at 900 and 1000 °C. Original and acid-washed rice straw chars were used. Surface area and mineral content of char samples with different conversion were analyzed. The reactivity of the acid-washed char increased until conversion Xchar = 20%, remained constant, and then decreased continuously to zero. The reactivity of the original char decreased continuously to zero throughout the reaction, with a faster decrease at 1000 °C. Mineral transformation during original char reaction was obvious. Concentration of acid-soluble K decreased about 56% and 90% at 900 and 1000 °C. Ca and Mg released little to gas phase, but reacted with SiO2 in a small amount. The evolution of the acid-washed char reactivity correlated well with the development of surface area and was well predicted by random pore model. The reactivity of the original char depended not only on the development of surface area, but also on transformation of inherent minerals, mainly K. A two-reaction model was built which well predicted inherent K transformation. A modified random pore model was developed, which successfully simulated inherent mineral catalyzed char-NO reaction.

Adsorption of lead using a novel xanthated carboxymethyl chitosan

Adsorption of Pb(II) was studied using a novel xanthated carboxymethyl chitosan (XCC). The XCC was synthesized using the xanthation reaction of N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCMC). The chemical structure of XCC was characterized by UV-visible spectra. The effects of initial pH value of the solutions, contact time and adsorption isotherms on adsorption of Pb(II) were investigated. Moreover, the possible adsorption mechanism was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results showed XCC experienced a high adsorption capacity. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 520.8 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies revealed a spontaneous and exothermic adsorption process. FTIR and XPS studies showed that the carboxyl groups, nitrogen atoms and sulfur atoms participated in the adsorption of Pb(II).

Release of High Mobility Protein Box-1 is Greatly Regulated by Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cell-2 in Human Monocytes

Close talk between inflammatory mediators and immunological cytokines has been discovered and reported. In this study, the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell-2 (NFAT2) in regulation of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) release was investigated. THP-1 cell and HEK293T cell were incubated and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Firstly, binding site between HMGB1 and NFAT2 was identified by co-immunoprecipitation (IP). Box A, Box B and CT domain of HMGB1 were constructed, as well as Rel-homology-domain (RHD), pre-RHD and pro-RHD of NFAT2. THP-1 cell was harvested, cell lysate and culture medium were collected at appointed times. Binding between HMGB1 and NFAT2 was measured, HMGB1 protein level in culture medium was analyzed at the same time. Secondly, the role of NFAT2 in regulating HMGB1 release was investigated. When THP-1 cell was cultured for 24 h, HMGB1 protein level was measured at appointed times with or without siRNA to inhibit NFAT2 expression. Our data show that HMGB1 bound to NFAT2 in THP-1 cell cytoplasm. Further experiments showed that box B domain of HMGB1 could bind to pre-RHD of NFAT2. After stimulation by LPS, interaction between HMGB1 and NFAT2 was discovered decreasing gradually. However, HMGB1 protein level increased in culture medium at the same time. Furthermore, HMGB1 release could be enhanced by NFAT2 inhibition. Taken together, release of HMGB1 could be regulated by NFAT2 in human monocytes.

Inclusion complexes synthesized from an ABA triblock polymer and β-cyclodextrins: amplification of hydrophobic interaction along a hydrophilic polymer chain

β-CD can accommodate PEG segments in aqueous solution through a hydrophobic stabilizing and hydrogen-bond inducing effect.

Functions of microRNA in response to cocaine stimulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-protein-coding single-stranded RNA, which are typically 20-25 nt in length. miRNAs play important roles in various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We aimed to detect the miRNA response to cocaine stimulations and their target genes. Using the miRNA expression data GSE21901 downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we screened out the differentially expressed miRNA after short-term (1 h) and longer-term (6 h) cocaine stimulations based on the fold change >1.2. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were retrieved from TargetScan database with the context score -0.3. Functional annotation enrichment analysis was performed for all the target genes with DAVID. A total of 121 differentially expressed miRNAs between the 1-h treatment and the control samples, 58 between the 6-h treatment and the control samples, and 69 between the 1-h and the 6-h treatment samples. Among them, miR-212 results of particular interest, since its expression level was constantly elevated responding to cocaine treatment. After functional and pathway annotations of target genes, we proved that miR-212 was a critical element in cocaine-addiction, because of its involvement in regulating several important cell cycle events. The results may pave the way for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of cocaine-response in human bodies.

mTORC1/2 targeted by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of mammary tumorigenesis and tumor progression

Although epidemiological and preclinical studies have shown the preventative effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on breast cancer, inconsistencies still remain in the data and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which plays an essential role in cell proliferation and breast tumorigenesis, as a target of n-3 PUFAs. In breast cancer cell lines, n-3 PUFAs rapidly and efficiently suppress both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 and their downstream signaling, and subsequently inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis. Further study indicates that stabilization of the mTOR-raptor complex by n-3 PUFAs may contribute to their inhibitory effect on mTORC1. Importantly, four complementary and well-controlled animal models were utilized to identify the role and molecular target of n-3 PUFAs in the prevention of breast carcinogenesis and progression, namely: (1) chemically induced mammary tumor rats with a high dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs; (2) nude mice implanted with mammary tumor cell lines stably expressing fat-1, a desaturase that catalyzes the conversion of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs and produces n-3 PUFAs endogenously; (3) fat-1 transgenic severe combined immune deficiency mice implanted with breast tumor cells; and (4) the fat-1 transgenic mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma virus middle T oncogene double-hybrid mice, a model of aggressive breast cancer. In summary, dietary and endogenous n-3 PUFAs abrogate the activity of mTORC1/2 pathways in vitro and in vivo and prevent breast carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings convincingly clarify the causal relationship between n-3 PUFAs and breast cancer prevention and establish mTORC1/2 as a target of n-3 PUFAs.

A Feature Subset Selection Algorithm Automatic Recommendation Method

Many feature subset selection (FSS) algorithms have been proposed, but not all of them are appropriate for a given feature selection problem. At the same time, so far there is rarely a good way to choose appropriate FSS algorithms for the problem at hand. Thus, FSS algorithm automatic recommendation is very important and practically useful. In this paper, a meta learning based FSS algorithm automatic recommendation method is presented. The proposed method first identifies the data sets that are most similar to the one at hand by the k-nearest neighbor classification algorithm, and the distances among these data sets are calculated based on the commonly-used data set characteristics. Then, it ranks all the candidate FSS algorithms according to their performance on these similar data sets, and chooses the algorithms with best performance as the appropriate ones. The performance of the candidate FSS algorithms is evaluated by a multi-criteria metric that takes into account not only the classification accuracy over the selected features, but also the runtime of feature selection and the number of selected features. The proposed recommendation method is extensively tested on 115 real world data sets with 22 well-known and frequently-used different FSS algorithms for five representative classifiers. The results show the effectiveness of our proposed FSS algorithm recommendation method.

A nanomaterial-based breath test for distinguishing gastric cancer from benign gastric conditions

Background:

Upper digestive endoscopy with biopsy and histopathological evaluation of the biopsy material is the standard method for diagnosing gastric cancer (GC). However, this procedure may not be widely available for screening in the developing world, whereas in developed countries endoscopy is frequently used without major clinical gain. There is a high demand for a simple and non-invasive test for selecting the individuals at increased risk that should undergo the endoscopic examination. Here, we studied the feasibility of a nanomaterial-based breath test for identifying GC among patients with gastric complaints.

Methods:

Alveolar exhaled breath samples from 130 patients with gastric complaints (37 GC/32 ulcers / 61 less severe conditions) that underwent endoscopy/biopsy were analyzed using nanomaterial-based sensors. Predictive models were built employing discriminant factor analysis (DFA) pattern recognition, and their stability against possible confounding factors (alcohol/tobacco consumption; Helicobacter pylori) was tested. Classification success was determined (i) using leave-one-out cross-validation and (ii) by randomly blinding 25% of the samples as a validation set. Complementary chemical analysis of the breath samples was performed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Results:

Three DFA models were developed that achieved excellent discrimination between the subpopulations: (i) GC vs benign gastric conditions, among all the patients (89% sensitivity; 90% specificity); (ii) early stage GC (I and II) vs late stage (III and IV), among GC patients (89% sensitivity; 94% specificity); and (iii) ulcer vs less severe, among benign conditions (84% sensitivity; 87% specificity). The models were insensitive against the tested confounding factors. Chemical analysis found that five volatile organic compounds (2-propenenitrile, 2-butoxy-ethanol, furfural, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and isoprene) were significantly elevated in patients with GC and/or peptic ulcer, as compared with less severe gastric conditions. The concentrations both in the room air and in the breath samples were in the single p.p.b._v range, except in the case of isoprene.

Conclusion:

The preliminary results of this pilot study could open a new and promising avenue to diagnose GC and distinguish it from other gastric diseases. It should be noted that the applied methods are complementary and the potential marker compounds identified by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry are not necessarily responsible for the differences in the sensor responses. Although this pilot study does not allow drawing far-reaching conclusions, the encouraging preliminary results presented here have initiated a large multicentre clinical trial to confirm the observed patterns for GC and benign gastric conditions.

Investigation of adsorption capacity of N-carboxymethyl chitosan for Pb(II) ions

N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCMC) was prepared by reacting chitosan (CTS) with chloroacetic acid and characterized by (13)C-NMR spectroscopy to confirm that carboxymethylation occurred only in the amino groups. The adsorption properties of CTS, NCMC and O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) towards Pb(II) ions were evaluated and the order of the adsorption capacity was as follows: NCMC > OCMC > CTS. The effects of initial pH value (2.0-5.5) of the solutions and contact time (5-120 min) on adsorption of Pb(II) were investigated and the kinetic data were evaluated using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Kinetics study showed that the adsorption process followed second-order kinetics rather than the first-order one. Furthermore, the experimental equilibrium data of Pb(II) on the NCMC were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the results indicated that the Langmuir model gave a better fit than the Freundlich equation and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 421.9 mg g(-1).

Condom use, intervention service utilization and HIV knowledge among female sex workers in China: results of three consecutive cross-sectional surveys in Shandong Province with historically low HIV prevalence

Heterosexual transmission of HIV through contact with female sex workers (FSWs) is a growing concern for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. Using consecutive cross-sectional surveys, we examined the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risk behaviours, HIV knowledge and the utilization of intervention services among FSWs in Shandong Province. Of 3460 participants, half reported ever having STI-related symptoms, 57.8% had ≥7 clients in the last week, half reported inconsistent use of condoms with clients and 11.2% reported ever using illicit drugs. Consistent use of condoms with clients was associated with higher education, being 20-24 years of age, being recruited from hotels, having ever received free condoms and was inversely associated with STI-related symptoms. HIV-related knowledge was associated with higher education, ever testing for HIV and inversely associated with self-reported STI-related symptoms. The low rates of condom use, high number and frequent turnover of clients, high prevalence of self-reported STIs and drug use highlight the urgency for more effective intervention in these FSWs.

Solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas in children: clinical and computed tomography manifestation

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to retrospectively assess imaging features of computed tomography (CT) and clinical characteristics of children with solid pseudopapillary tumours (SPTs) of the pancreas in comparison with those of SPTs in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT images and clinical data of 86 patients with histopathologically proven SPTs were reviewed. Eighteen patients were classified as children (≤18 years old), and 68 were classified as adults (>18 years old) according to age at diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ (2) test and the Student's t test.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (15 girls and three boys) were children, with an average age of 15.1 years at operation. Abdominal pain or discomfort was the most common manifestation in children (66.7%). Mean tumour size in children was significantly larger than in adults (9.1 vs. 5.7 cm; p=0.001). Except for tumour size, no significant statistical difference was observed in clinical factors or imaging features between SPTs in children and adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Ours is the largest single-centre study to demonstrate the features of pancreatic SPT in children. SPT diagnosis should always be considered when a large pancreatic mass with typical imaging is found in a child, especially in adolescent girls.

Recombinant adenovirus Ad-RUNrf2 reduces paraquat-induced A549 injury

OBJECTIVE

An RU486-inducible recombinant adenovirus-Nrf2 construct (Ad-RUNrf2) was constructed and expressed in H460 cells to determine whether Nrf2 gene expression can be regulated and to observe the effect of the adenovirus Ad-RUNrf2 on inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and apoptotic factors that mediate paraquat (PQ)-induced A549 cell injury.

METHODS

The Nrf2 gene within the RU486 (mifepristone)-inducible system was introduced into an adenovirus vector. A549 cells were transfected with Ad-RUNrf2, and Nrf2 expression was detected using Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR, Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for observing the effect of RU486-induced Nrf2 expression on the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), oxidative stress factors (catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and apoptosis factors (caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome C) that mediated PQ-induced A549 cell injury.

RESULTS

After infection of H460 cells by Ad-RUNrf2, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that Nrf2 expression increased with additional RU486 doses. IL-6 and TNF-α protein and gene expression levels were significantly reduced, and IL-10 protein levels were significantly increased. Although IL-10 expression increased, it remained significantly lower than that of noninduced adenovirus infection and the simple virus exposure group. RU486 induced a significant reduction in MDA expression and increased CAT protein levels. Caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein and gene expression levels decreased in the RU486 induction group (p < 0.05). Cytochrome C protein levels were not significantly reduced, but its gene expression was significantly decreased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ad-RUNrf2 adenovirus was successfully constructed and can be stably expressed and regulated in cells. Ad-RUNrf2 can reduce PQ-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in A549 cells.

Identification and characterization of pig embryo microRNAs by Solexa sequencing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of target mRNAs. It is now clear that miRNAs are involved in many biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation and regulation of gene expression during early embryonic development. The miRBase 16.0 (2010) shows that there are 175, 673, 408 and 1048 annotated miRNAs for Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus and Homo sapiens, respectively. However, there are only 211 miRNAs described for Sus scrofa. In particular, the full set of miRNAs and their expression patterns are still poorly understood in the embryo. Therefore, we combined Solexa sequencing with computational techniques to analyse the sequences and relative expression levels of S. scrofa miRNAs at embryonic day 33 (E33). Of the distinct miRNAs identified, 76 previously known miRNAs and 194 candidate miRNAs were identified in head, and 77 known miRNAs and 130 predicted candidate miRNAs were identified in organ region. Furthermore, we performed additional investigation for identifying the potential target mRNAs using PicTar and TargetScan. Concurrent function analysis suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are mostly involved in the development of nerves, cerebrum, muscle and organs. Our results provide useful information for the investigation into embryonic miRNAs of pig and provide a valuable resource for investigators interested in the regulation of embryonic development in pigs and other animals.

Isolation of fertility-related genes of multiple-allele-inherited male sterility in Brassica rapa ssp pekinensis by cDNA-AFLP

To better understand the molecular mechanisms of multiple-allele-inherited male sterility in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp pekinensis), differentially expressed genes in fertile and sterile plants must be isolated. We used cDNA-AFLP analysis to isolate differentially expressed genes in fertile and sterile buds of the two-type line, AB01. Sixteen high-quality sequences were generated, 11 of which were up-regulated in fertile buds, and five of which were up-regulated in sterile buds. Based on BLAST screening and functional annotation, these genes have homology with genes encoding known flower- or bud-specific proteins, metabolism-related proteins and cell-structure proteins. In addition, the full-length cDNA sequences of the actin gene were cloned from the cabbage plants by RACE and used as an internal standard for semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Expression of three flower- or bud-specific differentially expressed transcript-derived fragments in fertile and sterile buds was examined using RT-PCR; the expression patterns of these genes were similar to the patterns observed in the cDNA-AFLP analysis.

Rectal cancer: 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI; correlation with microvascular density and clinicopathological features

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (3D-DCE-MR) imaging parameters and clinicopathological features of rectal cancer and assess their potential as new radiological prognostic predictors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-dimensional DCE-MR was performed on 26 cases of pathologically proved rectal adenocarcinoma 1 week prior to operation. Data were analysed to calculate transfer constant (Ktrans), leakage space (Ve) and rate constant (Kep) of both tumour and normal rectal wall. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens. All findings were analysed prospectively and correlated with tumour/node/metastasis (TNM) staging, Dukes staging, histological grading, presence of lymph node metastasis, serosal involvement and MVD.

RESULTS

Mean Ktrans, Ve and Kep for tumours were as follows: Ktrans 7.123±3.850/min, Ve 14.2±3.0%, Kep 49.446±20.404/min, revealing the significant difference between the tumour and normal rectal wall (p=0.001). There was a significant difference for Ktrans not only between patients with and without lymphatic involvement (p=0.000), but also among Dukes staging (p=0.04) and pTNM staging (p=0.03). Kep showed moderate correlation with TNM stages (r=0.479, p=0.02). Ve and MVD revealed no significant correlation with the clinicopathological findings described above (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Owing to the moderate and strong relationship between Ktrans and clinicopathological elements, Ktrans might be the prognostic indicator of rectal cancer. Threedimensional DCE high-resolution MR imaging provides a competing opportunity to assess contrast kinetics.

Local adaptation for body color in Drosophila americana

Pigmentation is one of the most variable traits within and between Drosophila species. Much of this diversity appears to be adaptive, with environmental factors often invoked as selective forces. Here, we describe the geographic structure of pigmentation in Drosophila americana and evaluate the hypothesis that it is a locally adapted trait. Body pigmentation was quantified using digital images and spectrometry in up to 10 flies from each of 93 isofemale lines collected from 17 locations across the United States and found to correlate most strongly with longitude. Sequence variation at putatively neutral loci showed no evidence of population structure and was inconsistent with an isolation-by-distance model, suggesting that the pigmentation cline exists despite extensive gene flow throughout the species range, and is most likely the product of natural selection. In all other Drosophila species examined to date, dark pigmentation is associated with arid habitats; however, in D. americana, the darkest flies were collected from the most humid regions. To investigate this relationship further, we examined desiccation resistance attributable to an allele that darkens pigmentation in D. americana. We found no significant effect of pigmentation on desiccation resistance in this experiment, suggesting that pigmentation and desiccation resistance are not unequivocally linked in all Drosophila species.

Immunomodulated signaling in macrophages: Studies on activation of Raf-1, MAPK, cPLA(2) and secretion of IL-12

Little is known about the mechanism and signal transduction by LPS-mediated immunomodulation of murine peritoneal macrophages. It is found that the signal molecules of the down-stream of Ras, Raf-1, MAPK p44, and MAPK p42 are phosphorylated, and cPLA(2) is activated with a significant increase of the release of [ H(3) ] AA by macrophages in response to LPS and PMA. Compared with the very recent finding that LPS and PMA trigger the activation and translocation of PKC-alpha and PKC-epsilon, these findings suggest that there is a connection between PKC signaling pathway and the Raf-1/MAPK pathway and that the activation of these main signaling events may be closely related to the secretion of IL-12 during LPS-induced modulation of macrophages.

The C242T CYBA polymorphism as a major determinant of NADPH oxidase activity in patients with cardiovascular disease

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CYBA gene encoding p22(phox) have been associated with respiratory burst and cardiovascular phenotypes. We previously reported a reduced phagocytic respiratory burst activity in healthy adults with the C242T SNP, but found no correlation between CYBA SNPs and coronary artery disease (CAD) phenotype. Using lymphoblastoid cells, we hypothesized that CYBA SNPs affect enzyme activity in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but would not be associated with angiographic severity of CAD due to confounding by risk factors. We established lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with CVD and genotyped the study cohort for CYBA SNPs and phenotyped each subject's coronary angiogram for CAD severity. As quantified by electron spin resonance, superoxide production in picomoles per 10(6) resting lymphoblastoid cells per minute for the CC, CT, and TT genotypes of the C242T SNP were 16.2+/-1.4, n=70, 11.9+/-0.7, n=87, and 11.9+/-1.5, n=28, respectively (P=0.002). The -930(A/G) and A640G SNPs did not affect superoxide production (P > 0.2). Expression of p22(phox) was not affected as determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The C242T CYBA SNP is associated with altered NADPH oxidase activity in lymphoblastoid cells of patients with CVD. By reducing the influence of confounding environmental factors, lymphoblastoid cell lines could serve as a tool to assess direct genotype/phenotype interactions of candidate genes known to affect atherosclerosis.

The value of multidetector-row CT in the preoperative detection of pancreatic insulinomas

PURPOSE

The authors sought to quantitatively analyse enhancement characteristics of pancreatic insulinomas in different phases and determine the value of multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) for detecting insulinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six patients with surgically proven insulinomas diagnosed between 2002 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. These patients underwent single-phase (group 1) or dual-phase (group 2) helical CT scanning.

RESULTS

Sensitivity for detecting insulinomas in group 2 was superior to that in group 1 (p<0.05).The sensitivity for insulinoma detection in the arterial phase was superior to that in the portal-venous phase (p<0.05). The mean attenuation values of the insulinomas and normal pancreas during the unenhanced arterial and portal-venous phases were, respectively, 40.5+/-8.75 HU (Hounsfield units), 114.48+/-27.30 HU, 112.19+/-19.52 HU and 44.56+/-6.48 HU, 81.16+/-15.22 HU, 90.54+/-13.80 HU, and there was statistical difference between them (p=0.000). The contrast enhancement of insulinomas in the arterial and portal-venous phases was 74.03+/-29.51 HU and 70.90+/-21.93 HU, respectively, and there was no statistical difference between them (p=0.499). The tumour to normal-pancreas attenuation differences in the arterial and portal-venous phases were respectively 33.32+/-20.96 HU and 20.58+/-16.32 HU, respectively, and there was statistical difference between them (p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual-phase CT has a promising sensitivity in detecting pancreatic insulinomas. The acquisition of images in the arterial phase is more helpful for detecting insulinomas.

Using three overlapped RILs to dissect genetically clustered QTL for fiber strength on Chro.D8 in Upland cotton

Fiber strength is an important trait among cotton fiber qualities due to ongoing changes in spinning technology. Major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fiber quality enable molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) to effectively improve fiber quality of cotton cultivars. We previously identified a major QTL for fiber strength derived from 7235 in Upland cotton. In the present study, in order to fine-map fiber strength QTL, we chose three recombinant inbred lines (RIL), 7TR-133, 7TR-132, and 7TR-214, developed from a cross between 7235 and TM-1 for backcrossing to TM-1 to develop three large mapping populations. Phenotypic data for fiber strength traits were collected in Nanjing (JES/NAU) and Xinjiang (BES/XJ) in 2006 and 2007. Three simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic linkage maps on Chro.24(D8) were constructed using these three backcrossed populations. The SSR genetic maps were constructed using 907 individuals in (7TR-133 x TM-1)F(2) (Pop A), 670 in (7TR-132 x TM-1)F(2) (Pop B), and 940 in (7TR-214 x TM-1)F(2) (Pop C). The average distance between SSR loci was 0.62, 1.7, and 0.56 cM for the three maps. MapQTL 5 software detected five-clustered QTL (2.5 < LOD < 29.8) on Chro.D8 for fiber strength following analysis of three RIL backcrossed F(2)/F(2:3) progenies at JES/NAU and BES/XJ over 2 years. Five QTL for fiber strength exhibited a total phenotypic variance (PV) of 28.8-59.6%.

The role of magnetoelastic strain on orbital control and transport properties in an LaTiO(3)-CoFe(2)O(4) heterostructure

Epitaxial heterostructures of CoFe(2)O(4)/LaTiO(3)/LaAlO(3) have been successfully prepared by using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the samples is negative and linear with field at H≥2 T, exhibiting no dependence on field directions. Nevertheless, when H<2 T, the MR is negative in a field parallel to the sample plane, but positive in that along the film normal. This novel observed anisotropic MR is explained in terms of the magnetic anisotropy in the ferrimagnetic layer, as well as the magnetoelastic coupling between the two. In fields of different directions, the top CoFe(2)O(4) layer contracts or expands in the sample plane due to the significant magnetostriction effect, changing its resistance accordingly and exerting compressive or tensile strains on the bottom LaTiO(3) layer. Apparently the orbital status and the one-electron bandwidth in the LaTiO(3) layer are altered, which leads to a change in resistance.

Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Uromyces appendiculatus hyphae and haustoria and their comparison to sequences from other rust fungi

Hyphae, 2 to 8 days postinoculation (dpi), and haustoria, 5 dpi, were isolated from Uromyces appendiculatus infected bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Pinto 111) and a separate cDNA library prepared for each fungal preparation. Approximately 10,000 hyphae and 2,700 haustoria clones were sequenced from both the 5' and 3' ends. Assembly of all of the fungal sequences yielded 3,359 contigs and 927 singletons. The U. appendiculatus sequences were compared with sequence data for other rust fungi, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Uromyces fabae, and Puccinia graminis. The U. appendiculatus haustoria library included a large number of genes with unknown cellular function; however, summation of sequences of known cellular function suggested that haustoria at 5 dpi had fewer transcripts linked to protein synthesis in favor of energy metabolism and nutrient uptake. In addition, open reading frames in the U. appendiculatus data set with an N-terminal signal peptide were identified and compared with other proteins putatively secreted from rust fungi. In this regard, a small family of putatively secreted RTP1-like proteins was identified in U. appendiculatus and P. graminis.

Selective targeting of pigmented retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by a single pulsed laser irradiation: an in vitro study

This work describes the selective targeting of pigmented retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by a single pulsed laser irradiation. We observed: (1) single pulsed laser irradiation caused cellular damages on pigmented, and not on non-pigmented RPE cells at laser radiant exposure up to 2550 mJ/cm(2); (2) in the mixture of pigmented and non-pigmented RPE cells, single pulsed laser-induced damage was confined to pigmented RPE cells. This study demonstrates that the pigmented RPE cells can be selectively damaged, using a single pulsed laser irradiation, without thermal coagulation to adjacent non-pigmented RPE cells.

Proximal magnetometry in thin films using betaNMR

Low energy ion implantation of hyperpolarized radioactive magnetic resonance probes allows the NMR study of thin film heterostructures by enabling depth-resolved measurements on a nanometer lengthscale. By stopping the probe ions in a layer adjacent to a layer of interest, it is possible to study magnetic fields proximally. Here we show that, in the simplest case of a uniformly magnetized layer, this yields an unperturbed in situ frequency reference. We also discuss demagnetization contributions to measured shifts for this case. With a simple illustrative calculation, we show how a nonuniformly magnetized layer causes a strongly depth-dependent line broadening in an adjacent layer. We then give some experimental examples of resonance line broadening in heterostructures.

Evolving Connectionist System Based Role Allocation for Robotic Soccer

Robotic soccer is an intelligent system where a group of mobile robots are controlled to perform soccer play ( http://www.fira.net ). The allocation of a suitable role for each robot in a team is a key for the success of the play. The paper treats this issue as one of pattern classification, and solves it with an Evolving classification function (ECF), a special evolving connectionist system (ECOS). A robot's role is determined by and evolves with the states of system (robots and target) in real time. The software and hardware platforms are set up for data collection and learning. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by the experimental studies.

CCDC134, a novel secretory protein, inhibits activation of ERK and JNK, but not p38 MAPK

In this study, we report a novel gene, CCDC134 (coiled-coil domain containing 134), that encodes a secretory protein that can inhibit the MAPK pathway as a novel human MAPK-regulating protein. The CCDC134 mRNA contains 1280 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 229 amino acids. CCDC134 is a classical secretory protein. Expression profile analysis by Northern blot, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot reveals that CCDC134 is widely expressed in normal adult tissues, tumor tissues and cell lines. Functional investigation reveals that overexpression of CCDC134 and its purified protein significantly inhibit transcriptional activity of Elk1 and phosphorylation of Erk and JNK/SAPK but not p38 MAPK. Conversely, specific siRNA against CCDC134 activates Elk1 transcriptional activity and promotes Erk and JNK/SAPK phosphorylation. These results clearly indicate that CCDC134 is a novel member of the secretory family and down-regulates the Raf-1/MEK/ERK and JNK/ SAPK pathways.

High-Q-preserving coupling between a spiral and a semicircle micro-cavity

We present an efficient design for direct coupling between a spiral-shaped and a semicircle-shaped microcavity (micro-cavity) as an alternative to traditional evanescent wave coupling for planar integrated photonic technology. We observe the preservation of the high Q-value of the spiral oscillator when coupled to a semicircle under current injection using an AlGaAs single-quantum-well heterostructure. With slight alterations to the directly coupled micro-cavity configuration, such as coupling shape and overlap distance, the number of observed modes and output intensity are changed. AlGaAs and InGaN spiral-shaped microcavities have unidirectional emission normal to the spiral notch.

beta-NMR of isolated lithium in nearly ferromagnetic palladium

The temperature dependence of the frequency shift and spin-lattice relaxation rate of isolated, nonmagnetic (8)Li impurities implanted in a nearly ferromagnetic host (Pd) are measured by means of beta-detected nuclear magnetic resonance (beta-NMR). The shift is negative, very large, and increases monotonically with decreasing T in proportion to the bulk susceptibility of Pd for T > T* approximately 100 K. Below T*, an additional shift occurs which we attribute to the response of Pd to the defect. The relaxation rate is much slower than expected for the large shift and is linear with T below T*, showing no sign of additional relaxation mechanisms associated with the defect.

20E-regulated USP expression and phosphorylation in Drosophila melanogaster

The developmental profiles of ultraspiracle protein (USP) in the tissues of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated using a USP specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a probe. Western blot analysis revealed four USP mAb reactive bands (p46, p48, p54 and p56), each with tissue- and stage-specific expression patterns. The p54 and p56 were expressed in nearly all larval and prepupal tissues tested with fluctuations in abundance. However, the p46 and p48 were detected exclusively in the midgut of prepupae and shown to be the proteolytic products of p54 and p56. A lambda protein phosphatase assay demonstrated that the p56 is the phosphorylated form of p54. The expression and phosphorylation of the p54 USP is regulated by 20E. Protein kinase consensus recognition sequence analysis revealed 10 putative phosphorylation sites in Drosophila USP, with seven sites for protein kinase C (PKC) and three sites for casein kinase II (CKII). The fact that seven out of 10 putative phosphorylation sites reside in the ligand- and DNA-binding domains suggests that phosphorylation may play important role in regulating USP function. Identification of the in vivo USP phosphorylation sites and signal transduction pathways that regulate the specific USP phosphorylation is currently underway.

Effects of ecdysone agonists on the expression of EcR, USP and other specific proteins in the ovaries of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.)

Tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide have been previously shown to significantly reduce fecundity and cause vitellogenin accumulation in hemolymph of the codling moth Cydia pomonella L. In the present study, the effects of these ecdysone agonists, tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide, on the expression of ecdysone receptor (EcR), ultraspiracle protein (USP) and other proteins in the ovaries of C. pomonella L., were investigated at both the translational and/or transcriptional levels with an aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which the fecundity was reduced. Western and Northern blot analyses revealed that the expression of a 65 kDa (p65) EcR, and 60 and 64 kDa (p60 and p64) USP proteins were enhanced by tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide at both transcriptional and translational levels. Northern blot analysis indicated that the p65 EcR protein is encoded by EcRB1 transcript and that the p60 and p64 USP bands were the products of USP-1 transcript. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that both the p60 and p64 USP coprecipitated with the p65 EcR and that p64 was a dominant USP to form complex with EcR. In addition, several other specific proteins were also identified and their expressions affected by the agonists. The data suggest that the ecdysone agonists regulate, via the EcR/USP complex, the expression of these specific proteins that might eventually lead to the inhibition of fecundity in the codling moth.

An intelligent controller for automated operation of sequencing batch reactors

In this paper the results are presented of original research into the automatic and "intelligent" detection of breakpoints in Dissolved Oxygen (DO) profiles. The research has been based on a large body of data collected from laboratory SBRs operating on synthetic wastewater. Two different approaches were followed to identify the endpoints. The paper analyses and evaluates the results of automatic detection on the basis of geometric features in the DO profiles. This was followed by classification of the detected breakpoints using different soft computing techniques based on Neural Network (NN), Fuzzy Neural Network (FuNN) and Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network (EfuNN) software systems for breakpoint classification. A high rate of successful detection and classification was obtained with up to 96% of the decisions made correctly. In order to overcome the limitations of this system to adapt to dynamically changing process conditions, an intelligent control model was developed by a combination between an Evolving Fuzzy Neural Net (EfuNN) combined with a logic decision unit. This system has the ability to "learn on-the-fly" and adjust its response pattern in order to maintain a high rate of successful breakpoint detection under varying changing process conditions. This software system has been sucessfully embedded on a small programmable controller for integration into larger process control systems for the operation of SBR plants.

[Historical investigation of dentifrice in China]

A herbal literature survey was carried out on data concerning historical pharmacognostical changes of "dentifrice" in China and how diseases of the teeth and gums had been treated there in ancient times. It had been considered to be a matter of utmost importance that to prevent teeth from decaying, only the brushing of teeth with a toothbrush was necessary. Over time, various tooth agents have been found to treat oral diseases the teeth and gums. Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Menthae Herbal, and salt were widely used materials. Investigations from all approaches are being carried out to develop remedies for oral diseases, including Kampo medicine and the pharmacological effects of numerous crude drugs. When tracing the pharmacognostical changes of dentifrice in ancient China, we felt wonder at and admiration for the abundance of clinical experiences described in the old herbal and medical literature we researched.