Hexachlorobenzene in human milk collected from Beijing, China

High concentration of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was detected in Beijing breast milk in 2002. In order to identify trend in exposure, 65 breast milk samples were collected from 50 primiparous mothers during 2009-2011. The present concentration of HCB in the breast milk (range: 10.9-160.5 μg kg(-1) fat; median: 55.0 μg kg(-1) fat) was higher than that of the recent national average level and those of other countries or regions. This may be partially due to the previous extensive HCB exposure. A longitudinal study of HCB in human milk within six months postpartum showed that the level did not significantly decreased, and remained stable. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for the newborn (range: 0.045-0.43 μg kg(-1) body weight/d; median: 0.20 μg kg(-1) body weight/d) was also higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) tolerable daily intake value (0.17 μg kg(-1) body weight/d for non-cancer effects). Despite the apparent decrease of HCB body burden in past 10 years, the environmental health hazard from HCB contamination in Beijing remains a concern. Therefore a regular human milk monitoring programs for HCB are needed.

Vagal-Central Nervous System Interactions Modulate the Feeding Response to Peripheral Enterostatin

Enterostatin selectively inhibits the intake of dietary fat after both peripheral and central administration. We have investigated the role of the hepatic vagus nerve in modulating the peripheral response to enterostatin in Sprague-Dawley rats adapted to a high fat (HF) diet. Intraperitoneal (ip) enterostatin reduced intake of HF diet after overnight starvation. This response was abolished by selective vagal hepatic branch transection. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to identify the location of Fos protein in brain nuclei after ip enterostatin. Fos protein was evident in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), parabrachial, paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. The pattern of expression of Fos-like immunoreactivity differed from that induced by the lipoprivic agent beta-mercaptoacetate. Transection of the hepatic vagus blocked the central Fos responses to ip enterostatin. We conclude that afferent hepatic vagal nerve activity is required for the feeding response to peripheral enterostatin.

A follow-up association study of two genetic variants for bone mineral density variation in Caucasians

SUMMARY

We tested whether two genetic variants were associated with BMD at multiple clinically relevant skeletal sites in Caucasians. We found that variant rs7776725 is consistently associated with hip, spine, wrist and whole-body BMD, which highlights the potential importance of this variant or linked variants for osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

A recent genome-wide association study identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs7776725 and rs1721400, that were associated with bone mineral density (BMD) variation at the radius, tibia and calcaneus in a Korean population. In this study, we aimed to test whether the association of these two genetic variants can be replicated in Caucasians and whether their association with BMD can be extended to other clinically relevant skeletal sites.

METHODS

We performed this study in two large cohorts of unrelated US Caucasians. Area BMD at the hip, spine, wrist (ultra-distal radius) and whole body were measured with Hologic dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer. SNPs were genotyped with Affymetrix human genome-wide genotyping arrays. Association analyses were performed using PLINK.

RESULTS

We detected highly significant association (combined p = 1.42 × 10(-16)) of rs7776725 with wrist BMD but only borderline association signal (combined p = 0.017) for rs1721400 with wrist BMD. In addition, we found that rs7776725 was associated with BMD at the hip, spine and whole body. At the FAM3C gene locus where rs7776725 was located, we identified several other SNPs (rs4727922, rs1803389, rs718766 and rs7793554) that were also associated with BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first follow-up association study of rs7776725 and rs1721400 with BMD. The rs7776725 showed consistent association with BMD at multiple clinically important skeletal sites, which highlighted the potential importance of rs7776725 or linked SNPs for risk of osteoporosis. Further in-depth re-sequencing studies and functional assays are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

In vitro evaluation of polymeric micelles based on hydrophobically-modified sulfated chitosan as a carrier of doxorubicin

Four types of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polymeric micelles based on hydrophobically-modified sulfated chitosan (SCTS) were prepared. The hydrophobic group was composed of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), cholic acid, stearic acid (SA) or lauric aldehyde. DOX encapsulation depended on several parameters, including the degree of substitution of the sulfate group and the hydrophobic group, and the type of hydrophobic group. Of these micelles, GA-SCTS micelles had the best capability to solubilize DOX. In addition, GA-SCTS micelles had the ability to target HepG(2) cells, and the IC50 for DOX-loaded GA-SCTS micelles was 54.7 ng/mL, which was much lower than that of the other micelles. Further studies on the DOX-loaded GA-SCTS micelles showed that they were stable in salt and protein solutions, in cell culture media, and during long-term storage (6 months). Based on these results, these micelles may be a promising DOX-encapsulated formulation, particularly, GA-SCTS as a potential vehicle for liver-targeted delivery.

Ethnic differentiation of copy number variation on chromosome 16p12.3 for association with obesity phenotypes in European and Chinese populations

OBJECTIVE

Genomic copy number variations (CNVs) have been strongly implicated as important genetic factors for obesity. A recent genome-wide association study identified a novel variant, rs12444979, which is in high linkage disequilibrium with CNV 16p12.3, for association with obesity in Europeans. The aim of this study was to directly examine the relationship between the CNV 16p12.3 and obesity phenotypes, including body mass index (BMI) and body fat mass.

SUBJECTS

Subjects were a multi-ethnic sample, including 2286 unrelated subjects from a European population and 1627 unrelated Han subjects from a Chinese population. Body fat mass was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0, we directly detected CNV 16p12.3, with the deletion frequency of 27.26 and 0.8% in the European and Chinese populations, respectively. We confirmed the significant association between this CNV and obesity (BMI: P=1.38 × 10(-2); body fat mass: P=2.13 × 10(-3)) in the European population. Less copy numbers were associated with lower BMI and body fat mass, and the effect size was estimated to be 0.62 (BMI) and 1.41 (body fat mass), respectively. However, for the Chinese population, we did not observe significant association signal, and the frequencies of this deletion CNV are quite different between the European and Chinese populations (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings first suggest that CNV 16p12.3 might be ethnic specific and cause ethnic phenotypic diversity, which may provide some new clues into the understanding of the genetic architecture of obesity.

Genetic variants in the SOX6 gene are associated with bone mineral density in both Caucasian and Chinese populations

SUMMARY

Given the biological function of SOX6 and recent genome-wide association finding, we performed a fine-mapping association analyses to investigate the relationship between SOX6 and BMD both in Caucasian and Chinese populations. We identified many single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the SOX6 gene to be significantly associated with hip bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

SOX6 gene is an essential transcription factor in chondrogenesis and cartilage formation. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) detected a SNP (rs7117858) located at the downstream of SOX6 significantly associated with hip BMD.

METHODS

Given the biological function of SOX6 and the GWAS finding, we considered SOX6 as a new candidate for BMD and osteoporosis. Therefore, in this study, we performed a fine-mapping association analyses to investigate the relationship between SNPs within and near the SOX6 gene and BMD at both hip and spine. A total of 301 SNPs were tested in two independent US Caucasian populations (2,286 and 1,000 unrelated subjects, respectively) and a Chinese population (1,627 unrelated Han subjects).

RESULTS

We confirmed that the previously reported rs7117858-A was associated with reduced hip BMD, with combined P value of 2.45 × 10(-4). Besides this SNP, we identified another 19 SNPs within or near the SOX6 gene to be significantly associated with hip BMD after false discovery rate adjustment. The most significant SNP was rs1347677 located at the intron 3 (P = 3.15 × 10(-7)). Seven additional SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium with rs1347677 were also significantly associated with hip BMD. SNPs in SOX6 showed significant skeletal site specificity since no SNP was detected to be associated with spine BMD.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified many SNPs in the SOX6 gene associated with hip BMD even across different ethnicities, which further highlighted the importance of the SOX6 gene influencing BMD variation and provided more information to the understanding of the genetic architecture of osteoporosis.

Systems cancer medicine: towards realization of predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory (P4) medicine

A grand challenge impeding optimal treatment outcomes for patients with cancer arises from the complex nature of the disease: the cellular heterogeneity, the myriad of dysfunctional molecular and genetic networks as results of genetic (somatic) and environmental perturbations. Systems biology, with its holistic approach to understanding fundamental principles in biology, and the empowering technologies in genomics, proteomics, single-cell analysis, microfluidics and computational strategies, enables a comprehensive approach to medicine, which strives to unveil the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases, identify disease biomarkers and begin thinking about new strategies for drug target discovery. The integration of multidimensional high-throughput 'omics' measurements from tumour tissues and corresponding blood specimens, together with new systems strategies for diagnostics, enables the identification of cancer biomarkers that will enable presymptomatic diagnosis, stratification of disease, assessment of disease progression, evaluation of patient response to therapy and the identification of reoccurrences. Whilst some aspects of systems medicine are being adopted in clinical oncology practice through companion molecular diagnostics for personalized therapy, the mounting influx of global quantitative data from both wellness and diseases is shaping up a transformational paradigm in medicine we termed 'predictive', 'preventive', 'personalized', and 'participatory' (P4) medicine, which requires new strategies, both scientific and organizational, to enable bringing this revolution in medicine to patients and to the healthcare system. P4 medicine will have a profound impact on society - transforming the healthcare system, turning around the ever escalating costs of healthcare, digitizing the practice of medicine and creating enormous economic opportunities for those organizations and nations that embrace this revolution.

Are bone mineral density loci associated with hip osteoporotic fractures? A validation study on previously reported genome-wide association loci in a Chinese population

Osteoporosis is a heritable disease characterized mainly by low bone mineral density (BMD) and/or osteoporotic fractures (OF). Most genome-wide association studies on osteoporosis have focused on BMD, whereas little effort has been expended to identify genetic variants directly linked to OF. To determine whether BMD-loci are also associated with OF risk, we performed a validation study to examine 23 BMD-loci reported by recent genome-wide association studies for association with hip OF risk. Our sample consisted of 700 elderly Chinese Han subjects, 350 with hip OF and 350 healthy matched controls. We identified four BMD-loci that were significantly associated with hip OF in this Chinese population, including 7q21 (FLJ42280, P = 1.17 × 10(-4) for rs4729260; P = 0.008 for rs7781370), 6p21 (MHC, P = 0.004 for rs3130340), 13q14 (TNFSF11, P = 0.012 for rs9533090; P = 0.018 for rs9594759; P = 0.020 for rs9594738; P = 0.044 for rs9594751), and 18q21 (TNFRSF11A, P = 0.015 for rs884205). The SNP rs4729260 at 7q21 remained significantly associated, even after conservative Bonferroni's correction. Our results further highlight the importance of these loci in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, and demonstrate that it is feasible and useful to use OF as the direct phenotype to conduct genetic studies, to enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of osteoporosis.

Self-assembly and liver targeting of sulfated chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with glycyrrhetinic acid

A drug carrier based on glycyrrhetinic acid-modified sulfated chitosan (GA-SCTS) was synthesized. The glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) acted as both a hydrophobic group and a liver-targeting ligand. The GA-SCTS micelles displayed rapid and significant ability to target the liver in vivo. The IC(50) for doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded GA-SCTS micelles (DOX/SA-SCTS micelles) against HepG2 cells was 54.7 ng/mL, which was extremely lower than the amount of no-GA-modified DOX-loaded micelles. In addition, DOX/SA-SCTS micelles could target specifically the liver cancer cells. They had higher affinity for the liver cancer cells (HepG2 cells) than for the normal liver cells (Chang liver cells). There was nearly 2.18-fold improvement in uptake of the DOX/SA-SCTS micelles by HepG2 cells than that by Chang liver cells. These results indicate that GA-SCTS is not only an excellent carrier for drugs, but also a potential vehicle for liver-cancer targeting.

Genetic variation and clonal diversity of Bromus ircutensis Kom. in the Otingdag sandy land detected by ISSR markers

Genetic variation and clonal diversity of nine populations of Bromus ircutensis Kom. from the Otingdag sandy land were investigated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 102 bands were amplified by using II ISSR primers chosen for the study. Among those 99% were polymorphic indicating high level of genetic variation at the species level with a mean genetic diversity (H) of 0.292 and Shannon information index (1) of 0.450. Percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) of nine populations was 76.48% on average, which provides more evidence of considerable genetic variation at the population level. AMOVA analysis revealed that total genetic variation was higher within populations (87.06%) than between populations (12.94%), which is mainly the result of the extensive gene flow (Nm = 1.682) among B. ircutensis populations. UPGMA cluster analysis divided the nine populations into two groups. There was significant or moderate negative correlations between genetic diversity parameters (PPL, H, 1) and longitude or latitude. Mantel test also showed a significant correlation between geographical distance and genetic distance (r = 0.681, p = 0.002). Our findings indicated that distribution of B. ircutensis populations was influenced by geographical and ecological factors. Clonal diversity was also high with 108 individuals identified by 11 ISSR primers being all of different genets. Our results provide a molecular basis for sustainable management and conservation ofB. ircutensis in the study area.

Glycyrrhetinic acid-functionalized degradable micelles as liver-targeted drug carrier

Recently, many efforts have been devoted to investigating the application of functionalized micelles as targeted drug delivery carriers. In this study, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA, a liver targeting ligand) modified poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) micelles were prepared and evaluated as a potential liver-targeted drug carrier. The aggregation behavior, stability, size and morphology of the micelles were investigated. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in the micelles. The drug release profile, in vivo distribution and the cytotoxicity against hepatic carcinoma QGY-7703 cells of DOX-loaded micelles were studied. The results indicated that the release profile was pH-dependent with Fickian diffusion kinetics. The micelles were remarkably targeted to the liver, inducing a 4.9-fold higher DOX concentration than that for free DOX · HCl. The DOX-loaded micelles exhibited almost twofold more potent cytotoxicity compared with DOX · HCl, and the cytotoxicity was time- and dosage-dependent. These results suggest that GA-functionalized micelles represent a promising carrier for drug delivery to the liver.

Transpositional reactivation of two LTR retrotransposons in rice-Zizania recombinant inbred lines (RILs)

Hybridization is prevalent in plants, which plays important roles in genome evolution. Apart from direct transfer and recombinatory generation of genetic variations by hybridization, de novo genetic instabilities can be induced by the process per se. One mechanism by which such de novo genetic variability can be generated by interspecific hybridization is transpositional reactivation of quiescent parental transposable elements (TEs) in the nascent hybrids. We have reported previously that introgressive hybridization between rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Zizania latifolia Griseb had induced rampant mobilization of three TEs, a copia-like LTR retrotransposon Tos17, a MITE mPing and a class II TE belonging to the hAT superfamily, Dart/nDart. In this study, we further found that two additional LTR retrotransposons, a gypsy-like (named RIRE2) and a copia-like (named Copia076), were also transpositionally reactivated in three recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from introgressive hybridization between rice and Z. latifolia. Novel bands of these two retroelements appeared in the RILs relative to their rice parental line (cv. Matsumae) in Southern blot, suggestive of retrotransposition, which was substantiated by transposon display (TD) and locus-specific PCR amplification for insertion sites. Both elements were found to be transcribed but at variable levels in the leaf tissue of the parental line and the RILs, suggesting that transcriptional control was probably not a mechanism for their transpositional activity in the RILs. Expression analysis of four genes adjacent to de novo insertions by Copia076 revealed marked difference in the transcript abundance for each of the genes between the RILs and their rice parental line, but the alterations in expression appeared unrelated with the retroelement insertions.

Phenylbutyric acid prevents rats from electroconvulsion-induced memory deficit with alterations of memory-related proteins and tau hyperphosphorylation

Electroconvulsive therapy has been commonly applied in the treatment of refractory depression, but its cognitive side effects are noticed and restrict its application. The molecular mechanisms underlying the side effects remain elusive, and there is no efficient prevention. By employing a recognized electroconvulsive shock (ECS) rat model, we found in the present study that ECS induced spatial memory deficits with simultaneous decreases in synaptic proteins of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A/B (NR2A/B) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), the immediate early gene c-Fos and cAMP response element binding (CREB) proteins, all of which are memory-related proteins. ECS also caused tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple Alzheimer-related phosphorylation sites with activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), Akt and phospho-PKR-like endoreticulum (PERK), and inhibition of protein phosphatase-2A (PP)-2A. Intraperitoneal injection of phenylbutyric acid (PBA), an aromatic short chain fatty acid with the functions of molecule chaperon, prevented rats from the ECS-induced memory deficits, alterations of the memory-associated proteins, and tau hyperphosphorylation. Our data suggest that PBA may be potentially used for attenuating the side effects caused by electroconvulsive therapy.

Glycyrrhetinic acid-modified chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles for liver-targeted delivery

A liver-targeted drug delivery carrier, composed of chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol)-glycyrrhetinic acid (CTS/PEG-GA) nanoparticles, was prepared by an ionic gelation process, in which glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) acted as the targeting ligand. The formation and characterization of these nanoparticles were confirmed by FT-IR, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. The biodistribution of the nanoparticles was assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and the cellular uptake was evaluated using human hepatic carcinoma cells (QGY-7703 cells). The anti-neoplastic effect of the doxorubicin.HCl-loaded nanoparticles (DOX-loaded nanoparticles) was also investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the CTS/PEG-GA nanoparticles were remarkably targeted to the liver, and keep at a high level during the experiment. The accumulation in the liver was 51.3% at 3 h after injection; this was nearly 2.6 times that obtained with the CTS/PEG nanoparticles. The DOX-loaded nanoparticles were greatly cytotoxic to QGY-7703 cells, and the IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration) for the free doxorubicin.HCl (DOX.HCl) and the DOX-loaded CTS/PEG-GA nanoparticles were 47 and 79 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, the DOX-loaded CTS/PEG-GA nanoparticles could effectively inhibit tumor growth in H22 cell-bearing mice.

Transgenic tobacco expressing Zephyranthes grandiflora agglutinin confers enhanced resistance to aphids

Plant lectins have been reported as transgenic resistance factors against a variety of insect pests. Herein, homologous analysis demonstrated that Zephyranthes grandiflora agglutinin (ZGA) exhibited high similarity with other monocot mannose-binding lectins (MBLs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it had taxonomical relationships with insecticidal MBLs. Subsequently, a plasmid expression vector pBI121 containing zga gene (pBIZGA) was constructed using the zga sequence, under the control of CaMV35S promoter and nos terminator. pBIZGA was then integrated into the genome of Nicotiana tabacum L. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis demonstrated that this zga gene was integrated into the plant genome. Western blotting and agglutinating activity analysis also showed that transgenic tobacco plants expressed different levels of ZGA. Carbohydrate inhibition analysis indicated that recombinant ZGA and the native shared the same carbohydrate-binding specificity. Moreover, genetic analysis confirmed Mendelian segregation (3:1) of the transgenic in T1 progenies. In planta bioassays on T0 plants and their progenies indicated that expressed ZGA had an effect on reducing the survivability and fecundity of tobacco aphids (Myzus nicotianae). These findings demonstrate that the novel zga gene of ZGA can be expressed in crop plants susceptible to various sap-sucking insects.

Regulation of expression of cd133, a colon cancer stem cell marker and other stemness genes/pathways, by celecoxib: Clues from clinical observations

e15065

Background: CD133 identifies intestinal stem cells and colon CSC, the putative culprit of cancer initiation, progression and resistance. Elevated CD133 levels at protein & mRNA levels predict poor outcomes in patients (pts) with colon cancer. Given that celecoxib reduces colon polyp and only maintenance capecitabine plus celecoxib lead to paradoxically high complete remission (CR) in colon cancer pts who had no resection or positive margin resection of metastases (ASCO 2007), we hypothesized that celecoxib could modulate CD133 and other stemness genes/signaling pathways. Methods: we studied the effects of celecoxib versus 5-FU on CD133, Wnt and other stemness genes/pathways using flow cytometry, immunoflurorescence, real time RT-PCR, western blot, TOP-Flash for Wnt, limiting dilution assay, and Affymetrix in colon cancer cell lines and primary colon cancer spheres. Results: Celecoxib or 5FU inhibited the growth of COX-2+ HT29 or COX-2- DLD1 that express CD133 at 80% and 30% respectively. Only celecoxib down-regulated CD133 expression at the mRNA, and protein levels in a dose and time dependent manner. This effect could not be rescued with PGE2 and may be due to Wnt inhibition. Microarray showed 4 folds down-regulation of CD133 and other stemness genes e.g. CD24, ABC transporters, and LGR4/5, findings of colon cancer sphere under differentiation. Celecoxib affected several key stem cells signaling pathway, restored RB and promote cell cycle progression (P < 0.05). In contrast, 5FU affected G2M transition but had no effects on stemness genes/pathways (p < 0.05). Celecoxib resulted in 6–10 folds reduction in colony size and number with 5.6–36 folds down-regulation of CD133 mRNA in primary colon cancer spheres. Pts with confirmed radiographic CR who had received >6 months of maintenance capecitabine and celecoxib reached 5-year survival > 90% comparable to pts who achieved pathological CR (12/19). Conclusions: Targeting colon CSC with capecitabine and celecoxib may lead to durable CR and survival and deserves further investigation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Iris recognition based on key image feature extraction

In iris recognition, feature extraction can be influenced by factors such as illumination and contrast, and thus the features extracted may be unreliable, which can cause a high rate of false results in iris pattern recognition. In order to obtain stable features, an algorithm was proposed in this paper to extract key features of a pattern from multiple images. The proposed algorithm built an iris feature template by extracting key features and performed iris identity enrolment. Simulation results showed that the selected key features have high recognition accuracy on the CASIA Iris Set, where both contrast and illumination variance exist.

Retrieving leaf area index for coniferous forest in Xingguo County, China with Landsat ETM+ images

Spatial distributions of the leaf area index (LAI) needed for carbon cycle modeling in Xingguo County, China were estimated based on correlations between the field-measurements and vegetation indices (VIs). After making geometric and atmospheric corrections to two Landsat ETM+ images, one in January 2000 and the other in May 2003, three VIs (SR, NDVI, and RSR) were derived, and their separate correlations with ground LAI measurements were established. The correlation with RSR was the highest among the three VIs. The retrieved LAI values for January 2000 were lower than those for May 2003 because of a small seasonal variation in the coniferous forests (predominantly masson pine) and the decrease in the understorey vegetation during winter.

Spatial scaling between leaf area index maps of different resolutions

We developed algorithms for spatial scaling of leaf area index (LAI) using sub-pixel information. The study area is located near Liping County, Guizhou Province, in China. Methods for LAI spatial scaling were investigated on LAI images with 960 m resolution derived in two ways. LAI from distributed calculation (LAID) was derived using Landsat ETM+ data (30 m), and LAI from lumped calculation (LAIL) was obtained from the coarse (960 m) resolution data derived through resampling the ETM+ data. We found that lumped calculations can be considerably biased compared to the distributed (ETM+) case, suggesting that global and regional LAI maps can be biased if surface heterogeneity within the mapping resolution is ignored. Based on these results, we developed algorithms for removing the biases in lumped LAI maps using sub-pixel land cover-type information, and applied these to correct one coarse resolution LAI product which greatly improved its accuracy.

Enhancing forest carbon sequestration in China: toward an integration of scientific and socio-economic perspectives

This article serves as an introduction to this special issue, "China's Forest Carbon Sequestration", representing major results of a project sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. China occupies a pivotal position globally as a principle emitter of carbon dioxide, as host to some of the world's largest reforestation efforts, and as a key player in international negotiations aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emission. The goals of this project are to develop remote sensing approaches for quantifying forest carbon balance in China in a transparent manner, and information and tools to support land-use decisions for enhanced carbon sequestration (CS) that are science based and economically and socially viable. The project consists of three components: (i) remote sensing and carbon modeling, (ii) forest and soil assessment, and (iii) integrated assessment of the socio-economic implications of CS via forest management. Articles included in this special issue are highlights of the results of each of these components.

Extent and pattern of genetic differentiation within and between phenotypic populations ofLeymus chinensis(Poaceae) revealed by AFLP analysis

The extent and pattern of genetic differentiation between two naturally occurring phenotypes, grey–green leaf (GGL) and yellow–green leaf (YGL), of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., which colonize distinct habitats in the Songnen Prairie in northeast China, were investigated by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Twelve selected AFLP primer pairs amplified 593 reproducible bands, of which 148 (24.96%) were polymorphic among 69 individuals taken from three populations: two natural ones (YGL and GGL1) and one transplanted (GGL2). Cluster analysis based on the AFLP data categorized the plants into distinct groups that are in line with their phenotypes and population origins, thus denoting clear genetic differentiation between the two phenotypes. This, together with their adaptation to contrasting natural habitats, suggests that the two phenotypes probably represent stabilized ecotypes. The grouping was supported by multiple statistical analyses including Mantel’s test, principal coordinate analysis (PCOORDA), and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The GGL phenotype harbors a higher level of within-population genetic diversity than YGL, possibly reflecting selection by habitat heterogeneity. Although GGL2 is largely similar to its original population (GGL1), further diversification since transplantation was evident. Sequence analysis of a subset of phenotype-specific or phenotype-enriched AFLP bands implicated diverse biological functions being involved in ecological adaptation and formation of the two phenotypes.

Fetoscopy under gas amniodistension: pressure-dependent influence of helium vs nitrous oxide on fetal goats

PURPOSE

Recently, gas amniodistension has been advocated for fetoscopic surgery to employ ergonomics similar to laparoscopy. However, neither the optimal type of gas nor its physiological influence on the fetus have been clearly outlined yet. This study investigates the impact of helium (HE) vs nitrous oxide (N2O) on fetal goats during fetoscopy.

METHODS

We insufflated either HE or N2O in 12 pregnant goats (15 fetuses; HE = 7, N2O = 8), then increased the pressures from 0, 4, 7, to 10 mm Hg in 30-minute intervals and recorded the fetal and maternal vital parameters. Finally, whole-body computed tomography to asses for intracorporeal gas was performed.

RESULTS

All fetuses survived. Mean fetal vital signs showed no significant differences between HE or N2O at specific pressure levels. In detail, HE/N2O at 0 vs 10 mm Hg caused a fetal temperature decrease (32.9 degrees C/33.2 degrees C vs 32 degrees C/32.5 degrees C), heart rate increase in the N2O group (100/102 vs 102/121 beats per minute), and no significant change in arterial pressure (45.8/48.3 vs 53.7/46.7 mm Hg). The PO2 was adequate (3.7/3.3 vs 3.7/2.9 kPa), whereas the pH remained unchanged (7.4/7.3 vs 7.3/7.3). However, fetal pCO2 was elevated in the N2O group before insufflation (5.5/7.2 vs 6.8/8.0 kPa) owing to maternal hypoventilation (maternal PCO2: 4.9/5.8 vs 5.0/5.4 kPa), correction of which was slower in the fetus than in the maternal animal. Computed tomography ruled out intracorporeal gas accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Neither HE nor N2O impose significant physiological harm for the fetus. Heating of the gas and maternal anesthesia seem essential. Considering the potential teratogenicity of N2O, however, HE could be the favorable environment for fetoscopic procedures under gas amniodistension.

Construction of Multimedia Courseware and Web-based E-Learning Courses of "Biomedical Materials"

In order to reform the traditional teaching methodology and to improve the teaching effect, we developed new teaching system for course "Biomedical Materials" in our university by the support of the computer technique and Internet. The new teaching system includes the construction of the multimedia courseware and web-based e-learning courses. More than 2000 PowerPoint slides have been designed and optimized and flash movies for several capitals are included. On the basis of this multimedia courseware, a web-based educational environment has been established further, which includes course contents, introduction of the teacher, courseware download, study forum, sitemap of the web, and relative link. The multimedia courseware has been introduced in the class teaching for "Biomedical Materials" for 6 years and a good teaching effect has been obtained. The web-based e-learning courses have been constructed for two years and proved that they are helpful for the students by their preparing and reviewing the teaching contents before and after the class teaching.

[Effect of beta-adrenoceptor on NO-induced attenuation in spontaneous contractions of ileum in mice]

AIM

To investigate the influence of L-arginine (NO donors, L-Arg) on spontaneous contractions of ileum in mice and study the effects of activation of beta-adrenoceptor on NO-induced inhibition in spontaneous contractions of ileum.

METHODS

The method of spontaneous contractions recording was used to investigate the effect of L-NNA, ODQ, Isoprenaline( beta-adrenoceptor agonist) and Propranolol (beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) on NO-induced inhibition in spontaneous contractions of ileum.

RESULTS

(1) L-Arg inhibited the spontaneous contractions of ileum and had concentration-response relationship. (2) L-NNA (3 x 10(-4) mol/L), ODQ (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) relieved the inhibitory effect of L-Arg in ileum . (3) Propronalol (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) decreased significantly the inhibitory effect of L-Arg. (4) Iso (1 x 10(-7) mol/L) increased the inhibitory effect of L-Arg. After Iso (1 x 10(-7) mol/L) and Propronalol (3 x 10(-6) mol/L) being coapplied, the inhibitory effect of L-Arg was not changed.

CONCLUSION

NOS catalyzed L-Arg and produced NO. NO exerted its inhibitory effect by the cGMP pathway, the activation of beta-adrenoceptor was partly involved in NO-induced relaxation in ileum.

Enantiomeric separation of chiral pesticides by high performance liquid chromatography on cellulose tris-3,5-dimethyl carbamate stationary phase under reversed phase conditions

Twenty chiral pesticides were tested, of which seven samples were directly separated by HPLC using cellulose tris-3,5-dimethyl carbamate (CDMPC) chiral stationary phase under RP conditions. The influence of mobile phase composition and column temperatures from 0 degrees C to 40 degrees C on the separations were investigated. The mobile phases were methanol/water or ACN/water at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min with UV detection at 230 or 210 nm. Epoxiconazole, terallethrin, benalaxyl, and diclofopmethyl were observed to obtain the baseline separation under suitable conditions and other pesticides pyriproxyfen, lactofen, and quizalofop-ethyl were separated partially. The retention factors (k) and selectivity factor (alpha) for the enantiomers of most investigated pesticides decreased upon increasing the temperature except for the selectivity factors (alpha) of pyriproxyfen in methanol/water. The ln alpha - 1/T plots for racemic chiral pesticides were linear at the range of 0-40 except for that of pyriproxyfen enantiomers in methanol/water and the chiral separations were controlled by enthalpy. Better separations were not always at low temperature. The elution orders of the eluting enantiomers were determined by a circular dichroism (CD) detector.

Endogenous overproduction of β-amyloid induces tau hyperphosphorylation and decreases the solubility of tau in N2a cells

Although neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques have been identified as the hallmark pathological changes in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the relationship between them is still not fully understood. In the present study, we have studied the effect of endogenously overproduced amyloid beta (A beta) on tau by using wild type amyloid precursor protein (APP) transfected (N2a/APP695), or Swedish mutant APP plus Delta 9 deleted presenilin-1 co-transfected (N2a/APPswe.Delta 9) and APP vector transfected (N2a/vector) cell lines. We measured the secreted and intracellular A beta, including A beta(1-40) and A beta(1-42), by Sandwich ELISA assay. It was shown that the levels of A beta were increased time-dependently in N2a/APP695 and N2a/APPswe.Delta 9 but not in N2a/vector upon butyric acid (BA) treatment. Compared with N2a/vector cells, tau in N2a/APP695 and N2a/APPswe.Delta 9 cells was not extracted by RIPA buffer, and the SDS-extracted tau protein was hyperphosphorylated at Tau-1 and PHF-1 epitopes upon BA treatment. Obvious accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated tau in N2a/APP695 and N2a/APPswe.Delta 9 cells was observed at 48 h after BA treatment. The total level of the extracted tau was reduced in N2a/APP695 and N2a/APPswe.Delta 9 lines compared with N2a/vector cells by Western blot, and this reduction of total tau was also detected by immunofluorescence staining. No obvious alteration of tau mRNA was observed in both N2a/APP695 and N2a/APPswe.Delta 9 cells compared with N2a/vector. This study provides direct evidence demonstrating that endogenously overproduced A beta not only induces tau hyperphosphorylation but also decreases the level and solubility of tau in N2a cell lines.

Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor Gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and Muscular Strength in Young Chinese Women

The association between the polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and isokinetic muscular strength was examined in 109 healthy, young Chinese women.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from mouthwash samples and vitamin D receptor genotypes were determined with the established methods. The peak torque of the dominant limb in concentric and eccentric knee extensors and flexors and elbow extensors and flexors was measured using Cybex-Norm-770 isokinetic dynamometer at slow and fast velocities. The distribution frequency of vitamin D receptor gene alleles was analyzed by chi-square test. The difference in muscular strength between VDR genotype groups was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The ApaI, BsmI and TaqI alleles and genotype frequencies appeared to be in a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Subjects with the vitamin D receptor ApaI null (A allele) mutation (AA) exhibited significantly lower knee and elbow concentric or eccentric peak torque than those with aa homozygous or Aa heterozygous. The BB & Bb group showed significantly higher peak torque in concentric knee flexors than bb group. No association was found between vitamin D receptor gene TaqI and muscular strength. The data indicated that vitamin D receptor gene ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms rather than TaqI polymorphism might be associated with muscular strength.

Effect of γ-aminobutyric acid on spontaneous contraction of ileum smooth muscle in mice

AIM: To investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the spontaneous contraction of mouse ileac smooth muscle and the interactions between GABA and β-receptor and nitric oxide (NO).

METHODS: The contraction changes of the isolated smooth muscle stripswere recorded by tension transducer, and the change of the tension was used as the marker to evaluate the effects of GABA. The effects of ODQ, L-NNA, propranolol on the action of GABA were also analyzed. .

RESULTS: GABA inhibited the spontaneous contraction of mouse ileum at the concentrations ranging from 1×10^-6 to 1×10^-3 mol/L. The contraction amplitudes were decreased by (34.71±7.35)% and (22.23±4.69)%, respectively, when 1×10^-6 and 1×10^-3 mol/L GABA were used. Picrotoxin showed no significant effect on the inhibitory actions caused by GABA. The effects of GABA on the spontaneous contraction were decreased in the presence of L-NNA or ODQ. L-Arg (5×10^-7 mol/L) decreased the effect of GABA at the concentration of 1×10^-6 mol/L, but not at the concentration of 1×10^-3 mol/L. Propranolol (3×10^-6 mol/L) reduced the effect of GABA on the contraction of mouse ileac smooth muscle.

CONCLUSION: GABA inhibits the spontaneous contraction of mouse ileac smooth muscle. This effect, which is influenced by the excitation of β-receptor may need the participation of cGMP and NO.

Activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 induces Alzheimer-like tau hyperphosphorylation in rat hippocampus slices in culture

Formation of neurofibrillary tangle from hyperphosphorylated tau is one of the hallmark lesions seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, and neuronal deregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity plays key role in tau hyperphosphorylation. In the present study, the role of GSK-3 on tau phosphorylation in hippocampus slice culture was examined by incubating the slice with wortmannin (WT), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and GF-109203X (GFX), an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). It was found that treatment of the slices with GFX or WT separately induced tau hyperphosphorylation both at Ser396/Ser404 (PHF-1) and Ser199/Ser202 (Tau-1) sites. The phosphorylation rate of tau at PHF-1 and Tau-1 epitopes was further increased when GFX and WT were used in combination, and at this condition, AD-like tau accumulation was observed. GSK-3 activity was significantly increased with a concurrently decreased level of inactivated form of GSK-3. Lithium chloride (LiCl), a GSK-3 inhibitor, prevented tau from WT- and GFX-induced hyperphosphorylation. It suggests that GSK-3 is regulated through PI3K and PKC pathway, and activation of GSK-3 not only induces hyperphosphorylation of tau but also leads to accumulation of tau in cultured rat brain slice.

Effect of noradrenaline on nitric oxide action in the contraction of mouse duodenal muscle strips

AIM: To investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the contraction of isolated mouse duodenal muscle strip (DMS), and the influence of noradrenaline (NA) on the action of NO.

METHODS: DMS isolated from mice were suspended in tissue chambers containing Krebs solution (10 mL, 37±1 ℃), with a continuing supply of gas mixture (950 mL/LCO₂, 50 mL/LO₂) from the bottom. L-Arg was used to produce NO. Contraction of DMS in the presence of NO and NA was recorded with tension transducer. ODQ (inhibitor of sGC), L-NNA (general inhibitor of NOS), and phentolamine (blocker of a adrenergic receptor) were used to explore the relationship between NO and NA.

RESULTS: L-Arg at concentrations from 2×10^-5 to 2×10^-2 mol/L decreased the DMS contractile amplitude in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). No significant effect was observed when L-Arg was used at the concentration of 2×10^-6 mol/L. Similarly, NA dose-dependently decreased the DMS contractile amplitude at concentrations ranging from 1.2×10^-7 to 1.2×10^-4 mol/L (P<0.001), but no significant effect was noted at 2×10^-8 mol/L. At 1.2×10^-8 mol/L, NA increased the effect of L-Arg at concentrations from 2×10^-6 to 2×10^-3 mol/L on the contraction of DMS (P<0.001); Furthermore, at 1.2×10^-6 mol/L, NA enhanced the effect L-Arg at all concentrations from 2×10^-6 to 2×10^-2 mol/L (P<0.001). This effect of L-Arg was inhibited by L-NNA, ODQ and phentolamine (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: NO can inhibit the contraction of the DMS, which can be synergized by NA through augmenting NO synthase activity or via a post-receptor mechanism.

Injection of okadaic acid into the meynert nucleus basalis of rat brain induces decreased acetylcholine level and spatial memory deficit

Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau and cholinergic deficit occur in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and relate to the dementia symptom. Hyperphosphorylation of tau, neurofilament (NF) and other proteins in AD brain appears to be caused by a down-regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), but the mechanism leading to cholinergic deficit is still unknown. In this study, we selectively inhibited PP2A by injection of okadaic acid (OA) into the Meynert nucleus basalis of rats. We found that injection of OA induced hyperphosphorylation of tau and NF and decreased acetylcholine (ACh) level in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. These alterations were accompanied by spatial memory deficit in OA-injected rats. We also demonstrated that the OA-induced ACh reduction may be due to a failure of intraneuronal transport of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) from cell body to the neuronal terminals rather than an alteration of activity of ChAT or acetylcholinesterase. This study suggests that a down-regulation of PP2A may underlie both abnormal hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins leading to neurofibrillary degeneration and cholinergic deficiency in AD.

Differential inhibition of human cancer cell proliferation by citrus limonoids

Limonoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of estrogen receptor-negative and -positive human breast cancer cells in culture. The primary objective of this study was to test the antiproliferative activity of limonoids (obacunone 17 beta-D-glucopyranoside, nomilinic acid 17 beta-D-glucopyranoside, limonin, nomilin, and a limonoid glucoside mixture), found in high concentrations in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), against a series of human cancer cell lines. The human cancer cell lines included leukemia (HL-60), ovary (SKOV-3), cervix (HeLa), stomach (NCI-SNU-1), liver (Hep G2), and breast (MCF-7). The growth-inhibitory effects of the four limonoids and the limonoid glucoside mixture against MCF-7 cells were significant, and the antiproliferative activity of the different citrus limonoids was also dose and time dependent. No significant effects were observed on growth of the other cancer cell lines treated with the four individual limonoids at 100 micrograms/ml. At 100 micrograms/ml, the limonoid glucoside mixture demonstrated a partial inhibitory effect on SKOV-3 cancer cells. With use of flow cytometry, it was found that all the limonoid samples could induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells at relatively high concentrations (100 micrograms/ml). Considering the high concentration needed to induce apoptosis, it is unlikely that this is the primary mechanism of action for the cytotoxic effects seen with limonoids in this study. Further work is needed in this area to establish the mechanism of action of citrus limonoids on human breast cancer cells.

[Cloning of a new cDNA: responded to all-trans retinoic acid in HL-60 cell differentiation]

In this paper a new type of cDNA fragment named as W-1 gene was first cloned and sequenced from ATRA induced HL-60 cells by using differential display PCR (DD-PCR) and DNA sequencing techniques. These differentially expressing products of the gene responding to ATRA were further confirmed by Northern blotting analysis. The results showed that the expressing level of this gene induced by ATRA (10(-6) mol.L-1) for 16 hrs was much higher than that in the control HL-60 cells, but its expression in HL-60 was reduced to an unestimable level after induction of ATRA (10(-6) mol.L-1) for 24 hrs. It suggests that ATRA may increase the expression of W-1 gene during the early stage of HL-60 cell differentiation. The exact mechanism of action is being studied further.

Synthesis of 9-alkylidene-9H-fluorenes by a novel, palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of aryl halides and 1-aryl-1-alkynes

In the presence of a palladium catalyst and NaOAc, aryl iodides react with 1-aryl-1-alkynes to afford 9-alkylidene-9H-fluorenes in good yields. The products from this reaction are highly dependent on the base employed. This process appears to involve (1) oxidative addition of the aryl iodide to Pd(0), (2) alkyne insertion, (3) rearrangement of the resulting vinylic palladium intermediate to an arylpalladium species, and (4) aryl-aryl coupling with simultaneous regeneration of the Pd(0) catalyst. Consistent with this mechanism is the fact that 9-alkylidene-9H-fluorenes can also be prepared by the Pd-catalyzed rearrangement of 1,1-diaryl-2-iodo-1-alkenes.

Function of basonuclin in increasing transcription of the ribosomal RNA genes during mouse oogenesis

Active protein synthesis during early oogenesis requires accelerated transcription of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNAs). In response to this demand, rDNAs are amplified more than 1000-fold early in Xenopus oogenesis. Here, we report evidence that rDNA is not amplified in mouse oocytes, but these cells may instead employ the zinc-finger protein basonuclin, a putative rDNA transcription factor, to enhance rRNA synthesis. This conclusion is based on observations that basonuclin is localized in the nucleolus in the mouse oocyte early in its growth phase, when rRNA transcription is highly active; and that the binding sites of basonuclin zinc fingers on the human and mouse rDNA promoters are homologous. In a co-transfection assay, basonuclin can elevate transcription from an rDNA promoter, and its zinc-finger domain can inhibit RNA polymerase I transcription, as detected by a run-on assay, in growing mouse oocytes.

The C/EBP bZIP domain can mediate lipopolysaccharide induction of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1

C/EBPalpha, beta, and delta are all expressed by bone marrow-derived macrophages. Ectopic expression of any of these transcription factors is sufficient to confer lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inducible expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) to a B lymphoblast cell line, which normally lacks C/EBP factors and does not display LPS induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, the activities of C/EBPalpha, beta, and delta are redundant in regard to expression of IL-6 and MCP-1. Surprisingly, the bZIP region of C/EBPbeta, which lacks any previously described activation domains, can also confer LPS-inducible expression of IL-6 and MCP-1 in stable transfectants. Transient transfections reveal that the bZIP regions of C/EBPbeta, C/EBPdelta, and, to a lesser extent, C/EBPalpha can activate the IL-6 promoter and augment its induction by LPS. Furthermore, the transdominant inhibitor, LIP, can activate expression from the IL-6 promoter. The ability of the C/EBPbeta bZIP region to activate the IL-6 promoter in transient transfections is completely dependent upon an intact NF-kappaB-binding site, supporting a model where the bZIP protein primarily functions to augment the activity of NF-kappaB. Replacement of the leucine zipper of C/EBPbeta with that of GCN4 yields a chimeric protein that can dimerize and specifically bind to a C/EBP consensus sequence, but shows a markedly reduced ability to activate IL-6 and MCP-1 expression. These results implicate the leucine zipper domain in some function other than dimerization with known C/EBP family members, and suggest that C/EBP redundancy in regulating cytokine expression may result from their highly related bZIP regions.

[The percentage of hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant and its dynamicchange in fulminant hepatitis B]

OBJECTIVE

In order to clarify whether hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant is related to the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis B or not.

METHODS

The percentage of hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant and the quantity of HBV DNA in sera from 9 patients with fulminant hepatitis B were assayed by the method of densitometry after mispairing PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (mpPCR-RFLP) and quantitative PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

The HBV precore A83 mutant was found in sera of 6 out of 9 (66.7%) fulminant hepatitis patients while none of them were infected with the mutant strain alone, and all were mixed with wild strain. The percentage of the mutant over fifty percent is only in 2 cases in whom one was 59.3% (survival) and another 64.8% (died). The percentage below 31.0% was in 4 cases and all of them died. It was observed that appearance or disappearance of the A83 mutant and its dynamic change of percentage were consistent with the fluctuation of HBV DNA level but there was no correlation statistically (r=0.602, 0.583; P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The mutant strain alone has little correlation to the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis. It might be merely a accompaniment to follow the replication of HBV under the highly immune pressure.