Assessment of correlation between pre-miRNA-1757 polymorphism and chicken performance traits

Single nucleotide polymorphism in microRNAs (miRNA) may influence their target gene selection and regulation efficiency, leading to animal phenotypic variation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the miRNA-1757 gene precursor region (pre-mir-1757) on economic-related traits in chicken. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom MassArray® iPLEX GOLD System. Association analysis was performed using SPSS19.0. The data showed that the G/C polymorphism was significantly correlated with semi-evisceration weight, evisceration weight, carcass weight, body weight at 10 weeks of age, shank length at 4 weeks of age, pectoral angle at 8 weeks of age, and body slanting length and pelvis breadth at 12 weeks of age (P < 0.05), and led to the alteration of the RNA secondary structure of pre-mir-1757. Our results provide useful information for further annotation studies of miRNA function.

A retrospective clinical study of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A, was described to be effective in the treatment of recurrent or platinum-resistance ovarian cancer. The present retrospective study was performed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab in the treatment of Chinese recurrent ovarian cancer patients who had been previously treated by platinum-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the hospital database and finally included 26 recurrent ovarian cancer patients who were treated with bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel or single agent. All included patients received >3 cycle of bevacizumab treatment. The tumor response, overall survival, and toxicities were documented.

RESULTS

Under the treatment of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel, 2 complete response (7.7%), 8 partial response (30.8%), 7 stable disease (26.9%) and 9 progression disease (34.6%) was documented with the objective response rate of 38.5% and disease control rate of 65.4%. The median overall survival from the first application of bevacizumab was 15.3 months [Figure 1] for all of the 26 patients. The median overall survival time was 16.2 and 14.0 months for bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment schedule respectively. The overall survival was not different between bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment regimen hazard ratio = 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.32-2, P = 0.64). The hypertension and proteinuria were the major bevacizumab related toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel was a promising treatment schedule for platinum-resistance recurrent ovarian cancer.

Association of older paternal age with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs

BACKGROUND

Advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk of schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore whether older paternal age is associated with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs with the same familial predisposition.

METHOD

A total of 1297 patients with schizophrenia from 630 families, which were ascertained to have at least two siblings affected, throughout Taiwan were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. Both inter-family comparisons, a hierarchical regression model allowing for familial dependence and adjusting for confounders, and within-family comparisons, examining the consistency between onset order and birth order, were performed.

RESULTS

An inverted U shape was observed between paternal age and onset of schizophrenia. Affected offspring with paternal age of 20-24 years had the oldest onset. As paternal age increased over 25 years, older paternal age exhibited a linear decrease in the onset of schizophrenia. On average, the onset was lowered by 1.5 years for paternal age of 25-29 years and by 5.5 years for paternal age ⩾50 years (p = 0.04; trend test). The proportion of younger siblings with earlier onset (58%) was larger than that of older siblings with earlier onset (42%) (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that paternal age older than 25 years and younger than 20 years were both associated with earlier onset among familial schizophrenia cases. The associations of advanced paternal age with both increased susceptibility to schizophrenia and earlier onset of schizophrenia are consistent with the rate of increases in spontaneous mutations in sperm as men age.

Identification of an SCAR marker related to female phenotype in Idesia polycarpa Maxim

Idesia polycarpa Maxim. is a dioecious species. Because of the lack of morphological and cytological methods available for identifying its sex during the long juvenile stage, the application of molecular markers in sex identification may facilitate sex determination in the seedling stage. The objective of this study was to use sequence-related amplified polymorphism to identify sex-linked markers in I. polycarpa and convert these markers into sequence-characterized amplified region markers, which are much easier to identify. A total of 342 primer combinations were screened and 2770 bands were examined. Only me14/em8 could amplify a specific fragment (210 base pairs) in all female but none in male plants. We analyzed this fragment using GenBank and found that the sequence similarity was 80% to the Populus trichocarpa clone POP006-H09 (sequence ID: gb|AC212923.1|) and that of the deduced amino acid sequence was 73% to the integrase of Mendicago truncatula (sequence ID: gb|ABD28291.1|) and 71% to the predicted retrotransposon integrase-like protein 1-like in Cicer arietinum (sequence ID: ref|XP 004515460.1|) (NCBI database through December 17, 2013). This fragment was converted into a stable and simple sequence-characterized amplified region marker approximately 200 base pairs in length. This marker can be utilized for early sexual identification in I. polycarpa, which will facilitate future breeding programs.

293FT is a highly suitable mammalian cell line for the in vitro enzymatic activity analysis of typical P450 proteins

Mammalian cells have been widely used for the in vitro evaluation of the functional effect of allelic variants of cytochrome P450 (CYP). The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable mammalian cell line for the in vitro drug metabolism analysis of CYP variants. Three reported cell lines (COS-7, HepG2, 293T) and one fast-growing variant of the 293 cell line 293FT were transfected with vectors expressing green fluorescent protein or typical variants of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP2D6 to investigate the protein expression levels and the catalytic activity of expressed CYP allelic variants. The transfected 293FT cells had the highest protein expression level and exhibited the highest enzymatic activity, while HepG2 cells showed the lowest activity among the four tested cell lines. Simultaneously, 293FT cells still maintained the similar relative enzymatic ratio among three typical CYP2C9 variants to that of the commonly used COS-7 cells. In addition, 293FT cells could also be used for the in vitro functional evaluation of two other typical P450 proteins, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. Therefore, the 293FT cell line is more suitable for the in vitro enzymatic activity analysis of typical P450 proteins than any other reported mammalian cell lines.

Gamma Oscillations Underlie the Maintenance of Feature-Specific Information and the Contents of Visual Working Memory

Visual working memory (VWM) sustains information online as integrated object representations. Neuronal mechanisms supporting the maintenance of feature-specific information have remained unidentified. Synchronized oscillations in the gamma band (30-120 Hz) characterize VWM retention and predict task performance, but whether these oscillations are specific to memorized features and VWM contents or underlie general executive VWM functions is not known. In the present study, we investigated whether gamma oscillations reflect the maintenance of feature-specific information in VWM. Concurrent magneto- and electroencephalography was recorded while subjects memorized different object features or feature conjunctions in identical VWM experiments. Using a data-driven source analysis approach, we show that the strength, load-dependence, and source topographies of gamma oscillations in the visual cortex differentiate these memorized features. Load-dependence of gamma oscillations in feature-specific visual and prefrontal areas also predicts VWM accuracy. Furthermore, corroborating the hypothesis that gamma oscillations support the perceptual binding of feature-specific neuronal assemblies, we also show that VWM for color-location conjunctions is associated with stronger gamma oscillations than that for these features separately. Gamma oscillations hence support the maintenance of feature-specific information and reflect VWM contents. The results also suggest that gamma oscillations contribute to feature binding in the formation of memory representations.

Genetic diversity and relationships among Chinese Eucommia ulmoides cultivars revealed by sequence-related amplified polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and inter-simple sequence repeat markers

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationships among Eucommia ulmoides cultivars in China. A total of 240, 192, and 150 DNA fragments were detected by 10 SRAP primer combinations, 10 AFLP primer combinations, and 10 ISSR primers, among which 89.2, 65.1, and 88.0% of the fragments were polymorphic, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that Qinzhong No. 3, Xiaoyeci, Qinzhong No. 1, and Qinzhong No. 2 formed independent clusters. The other 15 cultivars exhibited two clusters. The results of this study will help in the selection of parents for both genome mapping and crossbreeding purposes.

Relationship between progeny growth performance and molecular marker-based genetic distances in Eucommia ulmoides parental genotypes

Progeny performances, variations and combining abilities for growth traits were evaluated in a factorial mating design of Eucommia ulmoides. Three marker systems, sequence-related amplified polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and inter-simple sequence repeat, were used to determine genetic distances between parents. Correlations of genetic distances with progeny performances, within-family coefficients of variation and specific-combining abilities were established for height and basal diameter traits. Significant positive correlations were found between progeny performances of growth traits and genetic distances of parents based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers or a combination of all 3 marker systems. This revealed that crosses between genetically distant parents produced progenies with excellent growth performances. The lack of correlations between parental genetic distances and within-family coefficients of variation or specific-combining abilities suggested that these characteristics were unpredictable. The results of this study represent a potential criterion to predict progeny performances and choose parents in the breeding program.

Expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 predict the clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy

We examined mRNA expression levels of ERCC1, BRCA1, RRM1, and human β-tubulin-III (TUBB3) in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients and investigated the association between expression of these genes and the clinical outcome of NSCLC treatment. A total of 366 patients who underwent surgery for NSCLC were included in this study. All patients received third-generation platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment. The relative cDNA quantification for ERCC1, RRM1, BRCA1, and TUBB3 was determined using a fluorescence-based, real-time detection method. We found that low expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 was associated with a good response to platinum-based chemotherapy, with an odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 2.09 (1.33-3.27) and 2.92 (1.85-4.62), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that patients with low expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 attained a longer overall survival time than those with high expression, with a hazard ratio (95%CI) of 0.42 (0.23-0.77) and 0.39 (0.21-0.71), respectively. However, RMM1 and TUBB2 expressions were not correlated with clinical outcome of NSCLC. In conclusion, we found that low expression of ERCC1 and BRCA1 can be useful for selecting NSCLC patients who would benefit from chemotherapy and warrants further investigation in prospective studies.

Targeting heterochromatin formation to transposable elements in Drosophila: potential roles of the piRNA system

Successful heterochromatin formation is critical for genome stability in eukaryotes, both to maintain structures needed for mitosis and meiosis and to silence potentially harmful transposable elements. Conversely, inappropriate heterochromatin assembly can lead to inappropriate silencing and other deleterious effects. Hence targeting heterochromatin assembly to appropriate regions of the genome is of utmost importance. Here we focus on heterochromatin assembly in Drosophila melanogaster, the model organism in which variegation, or cell-to-cell variable gene expression resulting from heterochromatin formation, was first described. In particular, we review the potential role of transposable elements as genetic determinants of the chromatin state and examine how small RNA pathways may participate in the process of targeted heterochromatin formation.

First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot Caused by C. cassiicola on Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi) in China

Golden vicary privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi Rehd.), a hybrid between L. ovalifolium 'Aureum' Rehd. and L. vulgare L., is widely used as a landscape shrub for horticultural ornamentation. From 2009 to 2011, a leaf spot disease of L. × vicaryi was observed in the parks in Luoyang, Henan Province, China. Lesions were initially brown and punctiform, and with age the lesions turned into elliptic, subcircular to irregular and pale brown, faintly zonate, and depressed. Fully mature lesions were mostly irregular to circular, 5 to 15 mm in diameter, centers tan to dark brown, with reddish brown to reddish purple margins of varying width. The disease eventually caused substantial premature defoliation. After infected leaves were collected from parks and maintained in a humid atmosphere, a layer of black mold developed on the surface of the lesions. Conidiophores were cylindrical, straight to slightly curved, brown, unbranched (2 to 7 septa), and were 98.5 to 403.9 μm in length, 4.5 to 6.6 μm in width. Conidia were solitary or in short chains containing two to five spores, and were cylindrical or obclavate, straight or flexuose (3 to 19 pseudosepta), pale olivaceous brown or brown when mature, and were 78.8 to 315.2 μm in length by 5.3 to 12.3 μm in width. Morphological characteristics of the fungus were similar to those of Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei (1). Lesions on leaves were excised, surface sterilized, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 2 to 3 days. A fungus was isolated from the lesions, and pure isolates that were obtained after from single spored isolates were cultured on PDA. Colonies on PDA formed concentric growth rings, abundant aerial mycelia, and were grey or dark brown in color. The isolate ST1 was selected as a representative for molecular identification. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the isolate was amplified by PCR with primers ITS1/ITS4 (3) and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the 559 bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. KC138855) indicated 100% sequence similarity with C. cassiicola (GU138988) (2). To validate Koch's postulates, pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of five healthy potted L. vicaryi with a 10⁶ conidia per ml aqueous suspension. Control plants were inoculated with sterile water. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 24 h after inoculation and maintained at 25°C. After 3 days, all inoculated plants showed typical symptoms, whereas water sprayed controls remained healthy. C. cassiicola was consistently reisolated from these lesions. The reisolated conidia showed the same morphological characteristics as described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot caused by C. cassiicola on L. × vicaryi in China. Its confirmation is a significant step toward management recommendations for growers. References: (1) M. B. Ellis et al. Corynespora cassiicola. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, no. 303. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, UK, 1971. (2) X. B. Liu et al. Plant Dis. 94:916, 2010. (3) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Polymorphisms of the PNPLA3 gene and their associations with chicken growth and carcass traits

1. An F(2) resource population of Gushi chickens crossed with Anka broilers was used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken PNPLA3 gene on growth and adipose accumulation. 2. Associations between three SNPs (g.40006G > T, g.42344T > C and g.42404A > T) and broiler traits were determined using linkage disequilibrium, haplotype construction and association analysis. 3. The g.40006G > T mutation was associated with body weights at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age, carcass weight, evisceration weight and semi-evisceration weight (P < 0.05). 4. Haplotypes of the g.42344T > C and g.42404A > T mutations were associated with body weight at 12 weeks, carcass weight, evisceration weight, and semi-evisceration weight (P < 0·05) and were associated with significant dominance effects. 5. The results suggest that the PNPLA3 gene may be in linkage with the causative mutation or a QTL controlling growth traits in chickens. In contrast to human studies, the polymorphisms were not associated with fat related traits.

Protein-losing enteropathy and premature ovarian failure in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and autoimmune oophoritis are unusual manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Autoimmune oophoritis may result in menstrual disturbance and spontaneous premature ovarian failure. However, there is no validated examination to confirm the diagnosis and it is easily neglected in patients with ovarian insufficiency. A 31-year-old woman with SLE presented with PLE and autoimmune oophoritis during the long course of flares and remissions in her lupus activity. The synchronism implied the association between the two. Moreover, both conditions simultaneously had a good response to cyclosporine A (CsA) therapy.

Hemodynamics of portal venous stenosis before and after treatment in pediatric liver transplantation: evaluation with Doppler ultrasound

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate portal vein stenosis (PVS) in pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) before and after interventional management for hemodynamic changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2000 to 2010, we encountered 11 PVS cases among 180 PLT that were evaluated using DUS and computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA); all underwent portal stenting. DUS was used to monitor portal hemodynamics. For the diagnosis of PVS, we investigated multiple parameters including stenotic size (SS), stenotic ratio (SR) (SR [%]=PRE-SS/PRE [PRE=stenotic size]), portal flow velocity ratio (VR) (VR=VS/PRE [PRE=velocity at prestenotic site; VS=peak velocity at stenotic site]), spleen size, and platelet count.

RESULTS

The incidence of PVS was 5.6% (11/180). The PV was 2.5 mm using DUS and 2.7 mm using CTA. The average SR was 65% fitting the criterion. Low prestenotic portal flow<12 cm/sec and high peak velocity in the stenotic segment (up to 147 cm/sec) were observed in 6 cases. The VR value was high at 7.5:1 and there was splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia. After portal vein stenting, hyperperfusion occurred might after reopening the stenosis: the flow increased to an average of 34 cm/sec and then flow decreased slowly to a stable level 2 weeks later. The size of the spleen decreased from 17 to 12 cm and the thrombocytopenia also improved with platelet counts increasing from 67×10(3) to 178×10(3)/μl at 2 months follow-up. The changes in portal flow, portal vein size, spleen size, and platelet count were significant (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

PVS is diagnosed using DUS by increased intrahepatic PV dilatation, peak flow at the stenotic site, discrepant VR. Early portal stenting showed a better prognosis. DUS is essential and effective for hemodynamic monitoring and management of PVS.

Genotoxicity of fenpropathrin and fenitrothion on root tip cells of Vicia faba

The genotoxicity of fenpropathrin and fenitrothion on root tip cells of Vicia faba was studied. The symptoms were investigated about the mitotic index, the micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency of root tip cells of Vicia faba which were induced by different concentrations of fenpropathrin and fenitrothion (1 × 10(-10)-1 × 10(-2) g L(-1)). Results showed that fenpropathrin and fenitrothion could induce the micronucleus of root tip cells of Vicia faba. It occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Peaks were observed at 1 × 10( -6) g L(-1) fenpropathrin and 1 × 10(-4) g L(-1) fenitrothion, and micronucleus frequency reached 14.587 ± 1.511‰ and 14.164 ± 1.623‰, respectively. From 1 × 10(-10) g L(-1) to 1 × 10( -6) g L(-1) fenpropathrin and 1 × 10(-4) g L(-1) fenitrothion, the micronucleus frequency increased with the increase of the concentrations, but beyond this range, the micronucleus frequency decreased with the further increase of the concentrations. A similar trend was observed for mitotic index. Moreover, fenpropathrin and fenitrothion could induce various types of chromosome aberration, such as lagging chromosomes, chromosome fragment, chromosome bridge, multipolar, nuclear buds, karyorrhexis, etc.

Comparable efficacy of self-monitoring of quantitative urine glucose with self-monitoring of blood glucose on glycaemic control in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess whether self-monitoring of quantitative urine glucose or blood glucose is effective, convenient and safe for glycaemic control in non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Adults with non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomized into three groups: Group A, self-monitoring with a quantitative urine glucose meter (n = 38); Group B, self monitoring with a blood glucose meter (n=35); Group C, the control group without self monitoring (n=35). All patients were followed up for six months, during which identical diabetes care was provided.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in HbA1c within each group (p < 0.05). At the study conclusion, mean changes in HbA1c from baseline were -1.9% for Group A, -1.5% for Group B and -1.0% for Group C, and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c ≤ 6.5% were 38.9%, 35.3% and 20.0% respectively. However, no significant differences between the groups were found. The average monitoring frequency was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. The incidence of hypoglycaemia and quality of life scores were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that self-monitoring of urine glucose has comparable efficacy on glycaemic control, and facilitates better compliance than blood self monitoring, without influencing the quality of life or risk of hypoglycaemia.

Responses of bioaugmented ryegrass to PAH soil contamination

The physiological and biochemical responses of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) to PAH induced stress in soils contaminated with phenanthrene and pyene were investigated, in the presence of PAH-degrading bacteria (Acinetobacteria junii) or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi, Glomus mossae). The parameters monitored included chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, soluble-carbohydrate content, soluble-protein, malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities. Ryegrass showed good resistance and acclimation to PAH stress in soil, however, PAH contamination resulted in adverse effects such as damage of photosynthetic function and acceleration of shoot senescence. At PAH level of 100 mg kg(-1), chlorophyll contents were 14% lower than control (no PAH). Activities of SOD and POD were more sensitive indicators of PAH stress as compared to other parameters. However, all parameters showed trends based on either the bioaugmentation of the plants or PAH treatment level. It was concluded that the inoculation of AMF and PAH-degrading bacteria, especially the former, have a positive effect on alleviation of PAH toxicity to ryegrass plants. Furthermore, the inoculation of AMF increased the shoot and biomass of ryegrass by 11-19% and 18-78%, respectively. Bioaugmented ryegrass plants show promise as a host plants in the phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.

Association of androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism with VO₂max response to hypoxic training in North China Han men

The purposes of this study were to investigate the distribution characteristics of CAG repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of androgen receptor gene and the association of CAG polymorphism with VO₂max response to hypoxic training in North China Han men. Sixty-five healthy young men completed a 30-day HiHiLo training (living high, exercise high and training low) in a simulated normobaric hypoxic environment. All subjects slept in 14.3-14.8% O₂ concentration, and participated in hypoxic training three times a week in 15.4% O₂ concentration. VO₂max (peak oxygen consumption) and body weight were measured before and after hypoxic training. A total of 15 repeat alleles were observed by CAG genotype analyze, in which (CAG)22 was most common. When using 21 and 22 alleles, respectively, as cut-off points, we found that the baseline body weight of two shorter genotype groups was significantly lower than that of longer ones, and that the ΔVO₂max and ΔrVO₂max (Δrelative value of VO₂max) of two shorter genotype groups were significantly higher than those of longer ones after hypoxic training. These findings indicated that AR CAG repeat polymorphism was associated with the exercise performance after simulated normobaric hypoxic HiHiLo training in North China Han men, and that the shorter genotypes had a better individual response to hypoxic training.

THE PROBLEM OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INCLUSION BODIES FOUND IN THE SALIVARY GLANDS OF INFANTS, AND THE OCCURRENCE OF INCLUSION BODIES IN THE SUBMAXILLARY GLANDS OF HAMSTERS, WHITE MICE, AND WILD RATS (PEIPING)

1. Acidophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies occur in the salivary glands of Chinese infants dying from miscellaneous causes. The lesion is similar to that previously described in infants in Europe and America. 2. Attempts to prove that this lesion is due to an infectious agent by its production in animals have been unsuccessful. 3. Acidophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies have been found in the submaxillary glands of hamsters, white mice, and wild rats. 4. Evidence is presented to show that the lesion in hamsters, white mice, and wild rats is due to a virus, which is specific for each species, being transmissible to normal individuals of this breed, and which is very similar to the submaxillary gland virus of guinea pigs.

Rapid determination of transgene copy number in tobacco by competitive PCR using a pair of SSR primers

We developed a straightforward, rapid, and inexpensive method to determine transgene copy number in tobacco. The plasmid (pSSRCopy) used for tobacco transformation contains a simple sequence repeat (SSR) locus, PT1199, which was partially deleted in the middle, a homogenous SSR locus in tobacco K326. A 168-bp segment of the cloned PT1199 was shortened to 95 bp by deleting a 73-bp internal fragment. Using a pair of SSR primers, competitive PCR was amplified from genomic DNA from transgenic tobacco harboring pSSRCopy, and the two expected bands were found. The 168-bp band (SSR-168) corresponds to endogenous PT1199 and the 95-bp band (SSR-95) comes from the integrated pSSRCopy. A single copy of a transgene can be easily distinguished from multiple copies by comparing band densities.

Alleviation effect of alginate-derived oligosaccharides on Vicia faba root tip cells damaged by cadmium

Cadmium has been shown to prevent Vicia faba growth by inhibiting cell mitosis. In this study we investigated the role of Alginate-derived Oligosaccharides (ADO) in alleviating Vicia faba root tip cells damaged by 6 and 8 mg L(-1) CdCl2. Micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration assay were used to determine mitotic index, micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency. The results showed that micronucleus frequency of Vicia faba root tip cells was inhibited under all the ADO concentrations. Especially, the inhibition ratio of 0.125% ADO highly reached 66.11 and 67.17% in 6 and 8 mg L(-1) CdCl2, respectively. Furthermore, the mitotic index increased (p < 0.05) and chromosomal aberration frequency decreased (p < 0.05) under all the ADO concentrations. This indicated that ADO had a significant alleviation effect on Vicia faba root tip cells damaged by cadmium.

Identification of immune responsible fibrinogen beta chain in the liver of large yellow croaker using a modified annealing control primer system

In this article, we used a modified ACP system (mACP) developed in our laboratory to analyze differentially expressed genes in the liver of large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson). By using 20 pairs of mACPs, 7 differentially expressed genes were obtained. One of the genes we identified encodes for a fibrinogen beta chain (FGB). The full-length cDNA of FGB was 1645 bp, including 5 bp of 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR), 1479 bp of open reading frame (ORF), and 161 bp of 3'-UTR. The ORF was capable of encoding 492 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 55.6 kDa, giving it a predicted pI of 5.94. The deduced amino acid sequence included an FGB profile (V(238)-Y(488)) and an FGB family signature (WWYNRCHSANPNG). Multiple sequence alignments indicated that the large yellow croaker FGB showed homology with FGB sequences of other species (45-77% identity). Real time PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of FGB in the liver of large yellow croaker injected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control group at 8 d, which confirmed the expression patterns of the results of mACP differential display.

Anhedonia and activity deficits in rats: impact of post-stroke depression

Animal models may allow investigation into the aetiology and treatment of various human disorders. In the present study, a rat model for post-stroke depression (PSD) has been developed using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by an 18-day chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm in conjuncture with isolation rearing. The open-field test (OFT) and the sucrose consumption test were used to assess depression-like behaviour and the effects of the antidepressant citalopram. CMS induced behavioural changes in the ischemic animals, including decreased locomotor and rearing activity and reduced sucrose preference (compared with baseline, control and stroke groups respectively), all these behaviours were reversed by chronic administration of citalopram. During the recovery period for the PSD models, the open-field activity and preference for sweet sucrose solution decreased continually, opposed to rats subjected to stress only. Decreased locomotor and rearing represents activity deficits, whereas reduced sucrose preference may indicate desensitisation of the brain reward mechanism (anhedonia). Our findings suggest that anhedonia, one of the core symptoms in patients with PSD, and activity deficits can be found in the MCAO+CMS group of animals. Furthermore, citalopram can ameliorate the behavioural abnormalities observed in these animals. With high validity, good operability and repeatability, our findings suggest that the ischemic rat CMS model is an appropriate model for further PSD research.

A liquid-filled tunable double-focus microlens

A novel microlens design with tunable double-focus is presented. It is fabricated by adding only one SU-8 photolithography step to the well-developed liquid-filled microlens fabrication process. The thickness of this layer determines the thickness difference between the central and peripheral region of the membrane, the deformation of which is used to define the surface profile of the microlens. The stepped thickness variation is finally manifested as the difference in deformation contour at two different regions of the membrane when subjected to uniform applied pressure, thereby causing two focal lengths to appear. Experimental and simulation results are presented, from which the tunability of the focal lengths of the double-focus microlens is demonstrated to be effective over a wide range through combining the structural design with pressure control. The successful demonstration of this unconventional microlens design concept will potentially extend t application of liquid-filled microlens technology.

The impact of clinical risk factors in the conversion from acute lung injury to acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe multiple trauma patients

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are different stages of the same disease, the aggravated stage of ALI leading to ARDS. Patients with ARDS have higher hospital mortality rates and reduced long-term pulmonary function and quality of life. It is, therefore, important to prevent ALI converting to ARDS. This study evaluated 17 risk factors potentially associated with the conversion from ALI to ARDS in severe multiple trauma. The results indicate that the impact of pulmonary contusion, APACHE II score, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation may help to predict conversion from ALI to ARDS in the early phase after multiple-trauma injury. Trauma duration, in particular, strongly impacted the short- and long-term development of ALI. Being elderly (aged > or = 65 years) and undergoing multiple blood transfusions in the early phase were independent risk factors correlated with secondary sepsis, deterioration of pulmonary function and transfusion-related acute lung injury due to early multiple fluid resuscitation.