[Cloning and expression of human octamer-binding protein-4 (Oct4) cDNA in Escherichia coli and HEK293T cells]

OBJECTIVE

To clone and express human octamer-binding protein-4 (Oct4) cDNA in Escherichia coli and HEK293T cells.

METHODS

Primers were designed based on the coding sequence for the human Oct4 cDNA. The fragment containing Oct4 gene, amplified by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) from human HeLa cell cDNA as the template, was subcloned into pET-22b(+) and pcDNA3.1(+) vectors to construct the gene recombinant prokaryotic expression vector pET-22b(+)-Oct4 and eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)-his-Oct4, respectively. Thereafter, the double enzymes digestion and the target gene sequencing were performed for identification. The prokaryotic expression vector pET-22b(+)-Oct4 and eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)- his-Oct4 from the positive clones were respectively transformed into E.coli BL21 (DE3) and the embryo HEK293T cells for protein expression.

RESULTS

DNA fragments (1100 bp) containing the coding region of Oct4 gene were obtained from RT-PCR. The recombinant expression plasmids were confirmed by enzymes digestion identification and sequencing analysis, proving both of the expression vectors were successfully constructed. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the molecular mass of OCT4 expressed in the host E.coli BL21 (DE3) was 38 000, which was consistent with the theoretical prediction. Western blotting confirmed the expression of pcDNA3.1(+)-his-Oct4 transfected into HEK293T.

CONCLUSION

Human Oct4 cDNA was cloned and its protein was successfully expressed in E.coli and HEK293T cells.

Serum microRNA-125b correlates with hepatitis B viral replication and liver necroinflammation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were recently reported to play an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and related diseases. We evaluated the correlation between serum miRNA-125b, viral replication and liver necroinflammation in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Serum miRNA-125b levels in samples from 211 CHB patients were determined by RT-PCR. Liver biopsies were collected from 138 patients. Serum miRNA-125b, miRNA-122 and miRNA-124 levels were determined. Correlations between serum miRNA-125b, viral replication and liver necroinflammation were analysed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the discriminating power of serum miRNA-125b to grade liver necroinflammation (G). HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected with miRNA-125b mimics. Intracellular viral core DNA was extracted and analysed by Southern blot. We found that serum miRNA-125b was positively correlated with the serum HBV DNA level. HBV replication capacity increased after transfection with miRNA-125b mimics. Patients with CHB with moderate-to-severe liver necroinflammation (G ≥2) showed significantly higher (p <0.001) serum miRNA-125b levels than those with G <2. In patients with alanine transaminase levels less than twice the upper limit of normal, serum miRNA-125b combined with miRNA-124 yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.816, with 70.4% sensitivity and 84.9% specificity to discriminate the grade of liver necroinflammation (G ≥2). Hence, we concluded that miRNA-125b may enhance HBV replication. Serum miRNA-125b correlates with viral load. Serum miRNA-125b alone or combined with miRNA-124 has the potential to discriminate grades of liver necroinflammation, particularly in Chinese patients with CHB who have normal or mildly increased alanine transaminase levels.

The Kirkendall effect towards oxynitride nanotubes with improved visible light driven conversion of CO2 into CH4

ZnGaNO nanotubes can be obtained via the Kirkendall effect, exhibiting the high photocatalytic performance due to the short carrier diffusion distance and less crystal defects.

Thermo-responsive rheological behavior of borinic acid polymer in dilute solution

Borinic acid polymer is rheologically thermo-responsive in solution, which expands its application as a new type of “smart” polymer.

Cervical cytology ASCUS patients with HPV detection and clinical value

OBJECTIVE

Patients whose cervical cytological exams produced a result of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) were asked to undergo human papillomavirus (HPV DNA) genotyping detection to assess the role of HPV infection in ASCUS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 1,219 patients with ASCUS that were randomly divided into two groups. The first group contained 618 patients. These participants underwent colposcopy with cervical biopsy. The remaining 601 underwent colposcopy and biopsy with HPV DNA detection.

RESULTS

Out of the 56,000 patients with ASCUS who underwent ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) de- tection in the authors' hospitals' gynecological outpatient clinics, 1,604 were diagnosed with ASCUS (2.86%). Among the 1,219 patients with ASCUS, the rate of detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancerization was 22.89% (279/1,219). Among the 601 patients who underwent HPV testing, 182 were positive for high-risk HPV (30.28%). Among HPV-positive samples, the most common high-risk types were HPV16, and HPV58. The most common low-risk types were HPV6 and HPV 11. The rate of detection among high- risk patients who were positive for HPV and cervical carcinoma with intraepithelial neoplasia was 70.88% (129/182). The rate of detection for HPV-negative patients with cervical cancer with intraepithelial neoplasia was 11.55% (47/407). The rate of detection of high-risk HPV was higher than among patients who had not undergone HPV detection and among patients who were negative for HPV (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of cervical cytological examination showed that the manner of progression from inflammation to cancer could differ considerably. HPV DNA examination is an effective means of categorizing and managing ASCUS.

Electrical level of defects in single-layer two-dimensional TiO2

The remarkable properties of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted increasing attention on two-dimensional materials, but the gate oxide, one of the key components of two-dimensional electronic devices, has rarely reported. We found the single-layer oxide can be used as the two dimensional gate oxide in 2D electronic structure, such as TiO2. However, the electrical performance is seriously influenced by the defects existing in the single-layer oxide. In this paper, a nondestructive and noncontact solution based on spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to detect the defect states and energy level of single-layer TiO2 films. By fitting the Lorentz oscillator model, the results indicate the exact position of defect energy levels depends on the estimated band gap and the charge state of the point defects of TiO2.

Risk factors for mortality in severe multiply injury patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors related to mortality in severe polytrauma patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2011 to December 2014, we identified and intubated 524 traumatic AHRF patients in a level 1 trauma centers. Amongst those, we enrolled seventy-six severe traumatic AHRF patients with an injury severity score (ISS) over 16 and need for over 24 hour intra-tracheal mechanical ventilation for our study. Patients were followed daily to collect data about demographics, injury characteristic, diagnostic, treatment, respiratory parameters, major complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, prevalence of major complications and 28-days mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 76 patients in our study, 61 patients were male. Patients' ages were from 15 to 78 years old (43±17) and the predominant source of trauma was road traffic accidents. Before ventilation, patients had a mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 108±63, pH of 7.1±0.3, PaCO2 of 54±24 mmHg, respectively. The PaO2/FiO22 ratios were significantly improved by ventilation and the average duration of ventilation was 9.63±8.74 days. There were two peak dying times and the 28-days ICU mortality rate was 28.9%. Logistic regression analysis revealed the mortality rate to be significantly higher in patients with higher APACHE II scores (odds ratio: 1.60, p=0.002), shorter intervals between injury and admission (odds ratio: -0.91, p=0.03) and between admission and ventilation (odds ratio: -1.85, p=0.012), and lower pH (odds ratio: -0.692, p=0.044). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that best cut off points for mortality predictors were APACHE II scores greater than 25, time interval between injury and admission less than 2h, time interval between admission and ventilation less than 0.5h, and pH <7.16.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic AHRF patients requiring ventilation support show a high rate of early mortality. Greater vigilance for high APACHE II score, short time interval between injury and ventilation, low pH in traumatic AHRF patients is required.

Induction of Local Secretory IgA and Multifunctional CD4⁺ T-helper Cells Following Intranasal Immunization with a H5N1 Whole Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine in BALB/c Mice

Avian influenza subunit vaccines have been shown to be poorly immunogenic, leading to the re-evaluation of the immunogenic and dose-sparing potential of whole virus vaccines. In this study, we investigated the immune responses after one or two doses of intramuscular or intranasal whole inactivated influenza H5N1 virus vaccine in BALB/c mice. Serum samples and nasal washings were collected weekly post-vaccination and analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera were also analysed by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Antibody-secreting cells were measured in lymphocytes from spleen and bone marrow via enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT). Splenocytes were stimulated in vitro, and T-helper profiles were measured through multiplex bead assay in the supernatants, or intracellularly by multiparametric flow cytometry. Both vaccine routes induced high HI titres following the second immunization (intramuscular = 370, intranasal = 230). Moreover, the intramuscular group showed significantly higher levels of serum IgG (P < 0.01), IgG1 (P < 0.01) and IgG2a (P < 0.01) following the second vaccine dose, while the intranasal group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum IgA (P < 0.05) and local IgA (P < 0.01) in the nasal washings. Also, IgA antibody-secreting cells were found in significantly higher numbers in the intranasal group in both the spleen (P < 0.01) and the bone marrow (P < 0.01). Moreover, Th1 (TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokines were expressed by both groups, yet only the intranasal group expressed the Th17 marker IL-17. As the intranasal vaccines induce local IgA and are easily administered, we suggest the intranasally administered whole virus vaccine as a promising candidate for a pandemic H5N1 vaccine.

Histone cleavage as a mechanism for epigenetic regulation: current insights and perspectives

Discovered over a century ago, histones constitute one of the oldest families of proteins and have been remarkably conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution. However, only for the past 30 years have histones demonstrated that their influence extends far beyond packaging DNA. To create the various chromatin structures that are necessary for DNA function in higher eukaryotes, histones undergo posttranslational modifications. While many such modifications are well documented, others, such as histone tail cleavage are less understood. Recent studies have discovered several proteases that cleave histones and have suggested roles for clipped histones in stem cell differentiation and aging in addition to infection and inflammation; the underlying mechanisms, however, are uncertain. One histone class in particular, histone H3, has received outstanding interest due to its numerous N-terminal modification sites and prevalence in regulating homeostatic processes. Here, with special consideration of H3, we will discuss the novel findings regarding histone proteolytic cleavage as well as their significance in the studies of immunology and epigenetics.

Work fluctuations in a nonlinear micromechanical oscillator driven far from thermal equilibrium

We explore fluctuation relations in a periodically driven micromechanical torsional oscillator. In the linear regime where the modulation is weak, we verify that the ratio of the work variance to the mean work is constant, consistent with conventional fluctuation theorems. We then increase the amplitude of the periodic drive so that the response becomes nonlinear and two nonequilibrium oscillation states coexist. Due to interstate transitions, the work variance exhibits a peak at the driving frequency at which the occupation of the two states is equal. Moreover, the work fluctuations depend exponentially on the inverse noise intensity. Our data are consistent with recent theories on systems driven into bistability that predict generic behaviors different from conventional fluctuation theorems.

HLA-B*59:01: a marker for Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by methazolamide in Han Chinese

Methazolamide is an intraocular pressure-lowering drug that is used in the treatment of glaucoma and other ophthalmologic abnormalities. The use of methazolamide has been shown to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in patients of Asian ancestry. Methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN is associated with the presence of HLA-B59 serotype/HLA-B*59:01 in Korean and Japanese populations. To better understand the genetic risk factors for these adverse reactions in the Han Chinese population, we characterized the HLA class I genotypes of eight Chinese patients with methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN from 2008 to 2014. The frequency of HLA-B*59:01 was 87.5% (7/8) in the case patients, which was significantly different from 0% (0/30) in the methazolamide-tolerant patients (odds ratio (OR)=305.0; P=6.3 × 10(-7)) and 0.35% (1/283) in healthy subjects from the human major histocompatibility complex database (OR=1974.0; P=2.0 × 10(-12)). HLA-C*01:02, which is closely linked to HLA-B*59:01, had a weaker but notable association with methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN compared with the tolerant controls (OR=12.1; P=0.016) and general population (OR=15.5; P=2.0 × 10(-3)). The distribution of the HLA-B*59:01-C*01:02 haplotype was also significantly different in cases and controls. This study demonstrated a strong association between HLA-B*59:01 and methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN in the Han Chinese population for the first time. Pretherapy screening for HLA-B*59:01 would be useful to reduce the risk of methazolamide-induced SJS/TEN.

Impact and significance of EGCG on Smad, ERK, and β-catenin pathways in transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells

We investigated the impact and signal transduction mechanisms of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on transdiffer-entiation of renal tubular epithelial cells. Rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were randomly divided into a normal control group, transforming growth factor (TGF)-b1-induced group (10 ng/mL), and intervention groups with 200 mg/L EGCG + 10 ng/mL TGF-b1 and 400 mg/L EGCG + 10 ng/mL TGF-b1. Tested cells were collected after 48 h. Levels of a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cytokeratin-18 were detected using immunohistochemical methods. Western blotting was used to detect cytoplasmic Pi-extracellular receptor kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Pi-Smad3 protein, and nuclear b-catenin protein. mRNA expression of ERK2, Smad3, and β-catenin was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. After induction by TGF-b1, cytokeratin-18 expression in the renal tubular epithelial cells decreased and a-SMA expression appeared. mRNA expression of cytoplasmic Pi-Smad3 and Pi-ERK1/2, Smad3, ERK2, and b-catenin protein expression increased, while β-catenin mRNA decreased. These changes were reduced after intervention by EGCG. EGCG may be helpful for maintaining the renal tubular epithelial cell phenotype and reducing the degree of TGF-b1- induced cell transdifferentiation, which may be related to the signal transduction pathway of ERK, Smad3, and β-catenin.

Dental Follicle Cells Participate in Tooth Eruption via the RUNX2-MiR-31-SATB2 Loop

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is characterized by the runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) mutation, which results in delayed tooth eruption due to disturbed functions of dental follicle. Accumulating evidence has revealed a key regulatory circuit, including RUNX2, miR-31, and special AT-rich binding protein 2 (SATB2) acting in concert in mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis and functions. However, whether such a regulatory loop works in dental follicle cells (DFCs) remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the roles of RUNX2-miR-31-SATB2 in DFCs from patients with CCD (DFCs-CCD) to advance our understanding regarding physical tooth eruption. We identified a novel mutation on exon 5 (c.634T>G, p.T212P) in RUNX2 via exome sequencing in the CCD patient with typical clinical presentations. Compared with DFCs from healthy donors, DFCs-CCD displayed significantly lower osteogenic, osteoclast-inductive, and matrix-degrading capacities and had lower RUNX2 (a transcriptional inhibitor of miR-31), higher miR-31, and downregulated SATB2. Lower ratios of RANKL/OPG and RANKL/RANK, as well as decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), would lead to inactivation of osteoclasts and suppression of bone matrix remodeling in DFCs-CCD. Furthermore, the roles of the RUNX2-miR-31-SATB2 loop in DFCs-CCD were revealed by endogenous miR-31 knockdown, which resulted in increased SATB2 and RUNX2, as well as osteoclast-inductive and matrix degradation capacities. Conversely, SATB2, RUNX2, MMP9, MMP2, and osteoclast-inductive factors expression declined upon ectopic miR-31 overexpression in normal DFCs. Importantly, neonatal mice with in vivo siRUNX2 delivery exhibited less activated osteoclasts around dental follicles and delayed tooth eruption. Together, these results suggest that RUNX2 mutation/haploinsufficiency disturbs osteoclast-inductive signaling in DFCs, which may be responsible for delayed tooth eruption in CCD patients. Manipulation of the RUNX2-miR-31-SATB2 loop may be a potential way to facilitate tooth eruption in CCD patients.

Allopregnanolone enhances the neurogenesis of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in APPswe/PSEN1 mice

An earlier study has demonstrated that exogenous allopregnanolone (APα) can reverse the reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of 3-month-old male triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse (3xTgAD). This paper is focused on further clarifying the origin of these new-born TH-positive neurons induced by exogenous APα treatment. We performed a deeper research in another AD mouse model, 4-month-old male APPswe/PSEN1 double transgenic AD mouse (2xTgAD) by measuring APα concentration and counting immunopositive neurons using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and unbiased stereology. It was found that endogenous APα level and the number of TH-positive neurons were reduced in the 2xTgAD mice, and these reductions were present prior to the appearance of β-amyloid (Aβ)-positive plaques. Furthermore, a single 20mg/kg of exogenous APα treatment prevented the decline of total neurons, TH-positive neurons and TH/bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) double-positive neurons in the SNpc of 2xTgAD mice although the decreased intensity of TH-positive fibers was not rescued in the striatum. It was also noted that exogenous APα administration had an apparent increase in the doublecortin (DCX)-positive neurons and DCX/BrdU double-positive neurons of subventricular zone (SVZ), as well as in the percentage of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN)/BrdU double-positive neurons of the SNpc in the 2xTgAD mice. These findings indicate that a lower level of endogenous APα is implicated in the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the 2xTgAD mice, and exogenous APα-induced a significant increase in the new-born dopaminergic neurons might be derived from the proliferating and differentiation of neural stem niche of SVZ.

Wnt5a is involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lichen planus

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease. Wnt5a is one of the most extensively studied Wnt proteins, and has important functions in stimulating inflammation, cell proliferation, cell fate determination and cell differentiation. Wnt5a expression in CLP has not been comprehensively studied to date.

AIM

To determine the expression and distribution of Wnt5a in CLP.

METHODS

Skin samples were obtained from patients with CLP and healthy controls (HCs). The WNT5A gene was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, and Wnt5a protein by immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting.

RESULTS

WNT5A mRNA was upregulated in CLP samples compared with the HC skin samples (P < 0.001). Wnt5a protein was overexpressed in all layers of the epidermis and dermis in CLP lesions compared with HC skin (all P < 0.001). These results were confirmed by western blotting.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented in this study suggest that Wnt5a pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CLP.

Molten salt ion exchange route to ZnGaNO single crystal nanorods for improved CO2 photoreduction to CH4

A molten salt growing to single crystal ZnGaNO nanorods with high performance for CO₂ reduction.

Resistance of non-transgenic papaya plants to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) mediated by intron-containing hairpin dsRNAs expressed in bacteria

RNA-mediated virus resistance based on natural antiviral RNA silencing has been exploited as a powerful tool for engineering virus resistance in plants. In this study, a conserved 3'-region (positions 9839-10117, 279 nt) of the capsid protein (CP) gene of papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), designated CP279, was used to generate an intron-containing hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) construct by one-step, zero-background ligation-independent cloning (OZ-LIC). The RNaseIII-deficient Escherichia coli strain M-JM109lacY was identified as the best choice for producing large quantities of specific ihpRNA-CP279. Resistance analyses and ELISA data verified that most papaya plants mechanically co-inoculated with TRIzol-extracted ihpRNA-CP279 and PRSV were resistant to PRSV, and resistance was maintained throughout the test period (>2 months post-inoculation). In contrast, a 1-2 day interval between sequential inoculation of PRSV and ihpRNA-CP279 did not result in complete protection against PRSV infection, but delayed the appearance of viral symptoms by 3 to 4 days. These findings indicate that direct mechanical inoculation of papaya plants with bacterially-expressed ihpRNA-CP279 targeting the PRSV CP gene can interfere with virus infection. This work lays a foundation for developing a non-transgenic approach to control PRSV by directly spraying plants with ihpRNA or crude bacterial extract preparations.

The key role of transient receptor potential melastatin-2 channels in amyloid-β-induced neurovascular dysfunction

Alzheimer's dementia is a devastating and incurable disease afflicting over 35 million people worldwide. Amyloid-β (Aβ), a key pathogenic factor in this disease, has potent cerebrovascular effects that contribute to brain dysfunction underlying dementia by limiting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the working brain. However, the downstream pathways responsible for the vascular alterations remain unclear. Here we report that the cerebrovascular dysfunction induced by Aβ is mediated by DNA damage caused by vascular oxidative-nitrosative stress in cerebral endothelial cells, which, in turn, activates the DNA repair enzyme poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase. The resulting increase in ADP ribose opens transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) channels in endothelial cells leading to intracellular Ca(2+) overload and endothelial dysfunction. The findings provide evidence for a previously unrecognized mechanism by which Aβ impairs neurovascular regulation and suggest that TRPM2 channels are a potential therapeutic target to counteract cerebrovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's dementia and related pathologies.

Quantitative analysis of P16 gene CpG methylation in Uyghur patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with HPV16 infection

The methylation of CpG sites in the promoter region of the P16 gene in Uyghur patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) was quantitatively analyzed and its relationship with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infection was explored. Cervical samples were collected from 20 Uyghur patients with CSCC and 20 Uyghur controls. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was applied to detect methylation of CpG sites in the promoter region of the P16 gene; polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess HPV16 infection in the 2 groups. Among the 16 CpG sites in the P16 gene promoter region, the methylation level of the CpG1-2 and CpG 6 sites, as well as the HPV16 infection rate, was higher in the CSCC group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between P16 CpG methylation and HPV16 infection in Uyghur patients with CSCC. The P16 gene CpG1-2 and CpG 6 hypermethylation and HPV16 infection, which are independent of each other, play an important role in cervical squamous cell carcinogenesis in Uyghur patients.

Electron-phonon coupling in quantum-well states of the Pb/Si(1 1 1) system

The electron-phonon coupling parameters in the vicinity of the Γ point, λ(Γ), for electronic quantum well states in epitaxial lead films on a Si(1 1 1) substrate are measured using 5, 7 and 12 ML films and femtosecond laser photoemission spectroscopy. The λ (Γ) values in the range of 0.6-0.9 were obtained by temperature-dependent line width analysis of occupied quantum well states and found to be considerably smaller than the momentum averaged electron-phonon coupling at the Fermi level of bulk lead, (λ = 1.1-1.7). The results are compared to density functional theory calculations of the lead films with and without interfacial stress. It is shown that the discrepancy can not be explained by means of confinement effects or simple structural modifications of the Pb films and, thus, is attributed to the influence of the substrate on the Pb electronic and vibrational structures.

Effects of dietary supplementation with the combination of zeolite and attapulgite on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, secretion of digestive enzymes and intestinal health in broiler chickens

This study was designed to investigate the effects of basal diets supplemented with a clay product consisting of zeolite and attapulgite (ZA) at 1:1 ratio on growth performance, digestibility of feed nutrients, activities of digestive enzymes in small intestine and intestinal health in broiler chickens. In experiment 1, 112 one-day-old male chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups with 8 replicates of 7 chickens each. In experiment 2, 84 one-day-old male chickens were randomly allocated into 2 groups consisting 6 replicates of 7 chickens each. The experimental diets both consisted of a maize-soybean basal control diet supplemented with 0% or 2% ZA. The diets were fed from 1 to 42 days of age. The results showed that ZA supplementation could increase body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), but had no significant effect on feed conversion ratio. The apparent digestibility values of crude protein and gross energy were significantly increased (p<0.05) by ZA from 14 to 16 d and 35 to 37 d. Dietary ZA treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) the activities of amylase, lipase and trypsin in jejunal digesta and the activities of maltase and sucrase in jejunal mucosa on days 21 and 42. The ZA supplementation also significantly increased (p<0.05) the catalase activity, reduced (p<0.05) the malondialdehyde concentration in the jejunal mucosa. In addition, a decrease of serum diamine oxidase activity and an increase (p<0.05) in concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A in jejunal mucosa were observed in birds treated with ZA on 21 and 42 days. It is concluded that ZA supplementation (2%) could partially improve the growth performance by increasing BWG and FI. This improvement was achieved through increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhancing the digestibilites of nutrients, promoting intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Complete genome sequence of an isolate of papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus from commercialized PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya in China

Papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus is highly destructive to commercial papaya production. Here, the complete genome sequence was determined for an isolate of papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus, designated PLDMV-DF, infecting the commercialized papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)-resistant transgenic papaya from China. Excluding the 3'-poly (A) tail, the sequence shares high sequence identity to several PLDMV isolates from Taiwan and Japan and is phylogenetically most closely related to the isolate from Japan. Infection of PLDMV-DF in transgenic PRSV-resistant papaya may indicate emergence of this disease in genetically engineered plants. The reported sequence for this isolate may help generate bi-transgenic papaya resistant to PRSV and PLDMV.

Toll-like receptor 3 polymorphism is not associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in the Chinese

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) variants in mainland northern Chinese patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) were investigated. The complete genes of TLR3, including all exons and the promoter region, were assessed using direct sequencing technology of 284 unrelated mainland northern Chinese individuals: 96 nAMD patients, 92 PCV patients, and 96 controls. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified: rs5743303, rs5743305, rs5743312, rs3775291, rs3775290, and rs6830345. The distribution of TLR3 genotypes for nAMD and PCV was not significantly different compared with normal controls. This study indicates that the TLR3 gene polymorphism is not associated with nAMD and PCV in northern Chinese patients.

173 EFFECTS OF GLUCOSE METABOLISM DURING IN VITRO MATURATION ON CYTOPLASMIC MATURATION OF GOAT OOCYTES

It is well known that oocyte maturation consists of 2 processes: nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Nuclear maturation refers to resumption of the first meiosis and extrusion of the first polar body (PB1), and cytoplasmic maturation is manifested as acquisition of the ability to complete pre-implantation development. Although it is recognised that energy supply is essential for oocyte maturation and there have been many reports on the effect of glucose metabolism on oocyte nuclear maturation, studies on the effect of glucose metabolism on ooplasmic maturation are limited. In the present study, goat oocytes recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries were cultured for 24 h in a simplified CR1 (sCR1) medium (NaCl, KCl, NaHCO3, CaCl2, BSA, and eCG) supplemented with glucose (10 mM) and/or lactate (3.5 mM) in the presence or absence of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) inhibitor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 100 μM) or glycolysis inhibitor iodoacetate (1 μM). At the end of maturation culture, oocytes with PB1 were either activated by treatment with ionomycin plus 6-DMAP to observe embryo development, or assayed for total glutathione concentrations (GSX) and reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratios. Embryos were cultured for 9 days in CR1aa medium (NaCl, KCl, NaHCO3, calcium lactate, sodium pyruvate, glutamine, EAA, NEAA, and FCS) at 38.5°C under 5% CO2 in humidified air. In the absence of inhibitors, oocyte maturation rates of 82, 65, and 76%, and blastocyst rates of 7, 0, and 7%, were obtained, respectively, after oocytes were matured in sCR1 supplemented with glucose, lactate, or both. When oocytes were matured in sCR1 containing glucose and lactate in the presence of DHEA or iodoacetate, oocyte maturation rates were 69 and 67%, respectively, with no blastocyst produced in either case. However, whereas the presence of DHEA produced 12% morulae, no morulae were observed in the presence of iodoacetate. Furthermore, GSX concentrations (pmol/oocyte) were 8.5, 6.5, and 7.2, whereas GSH/GSSG ratios were 1.8, 0.3, and 0.5, respectively, after oocyte maturation without inhibitors or with 300 μM DHEA or 3 μM iodoacetate. The difference in GSX concentration was statistically significant (P < 0.05; one-way ANOVA) between DHEA and iodoacetate. In conclusion, using a culture system (sCR1 containing 3.5 mM lactate) that sustained oocyte nuclear maturation but did not support blastocyst development, we have studied the effect of PPP and glycolysis of glucose metabolism on the cytoplasmic maturation of goat oocytes. The results suggest that both PPP and glycolysis are essential for ooplasmic maturation of goat oocytes, and that both promote oocyte cytoplasmic maturation by increasing glutathione synthesis and reduction. This study was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China (Nos. 2012CB944403 and 2014CB138503) and the China National Natural Science Foundation (Nos. 31272444 and 30972096).

Computational peptidology: a new and promising approach to therapeutic peptide design

The recent focus on protein-protein interaction networks has increasingly been shifted towards the disruption of protein complexes, which either are mediated by the binding of a globular domain in one protein to a short peptide stretch in another, or involve flat, large, and hydrophobic interfaces that classical small-molecule agents are not always ideally suited. Rational design of therapeutic peptides with high affinity targeting such interactions has emerged as a new and promising tool in discovery of potential drug candidates against associated diseases. The design is commonly based on bioinformatics methods or molecular modeling techniques, indirectly exploiting structure-activity relationship at the level of peptide sequence or directly deriving lead entities from protein complex architecture. Here, a newly rising subfield called computational peptidology that focuses on the use of computational and theoretical approaches to treat peptide-related problems is comprehensively reviewed on the design and discovery of peptide agents targeting protein-protein interactions. We address a systematic discussion on several representative cases in which the computational peptidology is successfully employed to develop peptide therapeutics. Besides, some problems and pitfalls accompanied with the current use of computational methods in peptide modeling and design are also present.

A promising hepatocyte-like cell line, CCL-13, exhibits good liver function both in vitro and in an acute liver failure model

BACKGROUND

A great many patients awaiting liver transplantation die because of the shortage of donor livers. To resolve the problem, liver support systems like bioartificial livers (BALs) have become subjects of active investigation. However, the problem with BALs is that it is difficult to find a source of healthy hepatic cells with good liver function. This study explored the possibility of employing Chang liver cells (ATCC CCL-13), a human hepatoma cell line as a source for liver support.

METHODS

To evaluate the function of Chang liver cells in vitro, hepatocyte markers were measured by Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. The gene expression of hepatic markers was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After acute liver failure (ALF) was established by 90% partial hepatectomy, Chang liver cells were intrasplenically transplanted for treatment.

RESULTS

In vitro, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy showed conspicuous expression of liver function markers, such as albumin, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase, and cytochrome P450 3A4 by Chang liver cells. RT-PCR revealed expression of related genes at the mRNA level. The survival of rats receiving transplanted Chang liver cells reached 40% versus 0% among the controls (P < .01). Liver function of rats receiving transplanted Chang liver cells was improved at 24 hours after ALF, as evidenced by decreased levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphate.

CONCLUSIONS

Chang liver cells, which express liver function markers and exert obvious liver-protective effects in ALF can serve in liver support systems.

LXRα-mediated downregulation of FOXM1 suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Liver X receptors (LXRs), including LXRα and LXRβ isoforms, have important roles in the metabolic regulation of glucose, cholesterol and lipid. Moreover, activation of LXRs also represses the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1, and thus suppresses the proliferation of multiple cancer cells, but the relevant mechanism is not well known. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a proliferation-specific member of forkhead box family, which is highly expressed in proliferating normal cells and numerous cancer cells. FOXM1 directly activates transcription of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1, resulting in the enhancement of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. However, it is unclear whether LXRs are involved in the regulation of FOXM1. In this study, we demonstrated that specific LXRs agonists downregulated expression of FOXM1, cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, which led to cell cycle and cell proliferation arrest. Knockdown of FOXM1 significantly alleviated LXRs activation-mediated cell cycle arrest and cell growth suppression. Reporter assays showed that the activation of LXRs significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of FOXM1 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that LXRα but not LXRβ could bind to an inverted repeat IR2 (-52CCGTCAcgTGACCT-39) in the promoter region of FOXM1 gene. Moreover, the xenograft tumor growth and the corresponding FOXM1 expression in nude mice were dramatically repressed by LXRs agonists. Taken together, we conclude that LXRα but not LXRβ functions as a transcriptional repressor for FOXM1 expression. The pathway 'LXRα-FOXM1-cyclin D1/cyclin B1' is a novel mechanism by which LXRs suppress the proliferation of HCC cells, suggesting that the pathway may be a novel target for HCC treatment.

First measurement of the form factors in the decays D0 → ρ- e+ ν(e) and D+ → ρ0 e+ ν(e)

The beauty to up quark coupling constant |V(ub)| can be extracted from B → ρ e+ ν(e) combined with the form factors for D → K* e+ ν(e) and B → V ℓ+ ℓ- and D → ρ e+ ν(e). Using the entire CLEO-c ψ(3770) → DD event sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 818  pb(-1) and approximately 5.4×10(6) DD events, we measure the form factors for the decays D0 → ρ- e+ ν(e) and D+ → ρ0 e+ ν(e) for the first time and the branching fractions with improved precision. A four-dimensional unbinned maximum likelihood fit determines the form factor ratios to be V(0)/A1(0)=1.48±0.15±0.05 and A2(0)/A1(0)=0.83±0.11±0.04. Assuming Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity, the known D meson lifetimes, and our measured branching fractions we obtain the form factor normalizations A1(0), A2(0), and V(0). We also present a measurement of the branching fraction for D+ → ω e+ ν(e) with improved precision.

Establishment of an acute rejection model by transplanting both renal grafts into two different rats using a modified method of ureterovesical anastomosis

OBJECTIVE

To establish an acute rejection model after kidney transplantation in the rat using a modified method of ureterovesical anastomosis.

METHODS

Thirty-nine Wistar rat donors, were transplanted into 70 male SD rats. Wistar rats (group 1; n = 18) underwent harvest of both kidneys, cold perfusion, and transplantation into 36 SD rats. Wistar rats (group 2; n = 18) underwent left kidney harvest, cold perfusion and transplantation into 18 SD rats. Groups 1 and 2 did not receive immunosuppression after transplantation. Six kidneys were harvested from 3 Wistar rats (group 3), were transplanted into 6 SD rats that were treated with CsA (5 mg/kg per day) postoperatively, and humanely killed at 21 days. There were 10 SD in sham operated rats (group 4). The renal allograft vein was end-to-end anastomosed to the recipient renal vein using an epidural catheter. The renal allograft was anastomosed end-to-side to the recipient abdominal aorta with an abdominal aortic flap. The renal allograft ureterovesical flap was directly inserted into the recipient bladder, and attached by 4-5 interrupted sutures. The recipient's right kidney vessels were ligated at 3 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

The success rates were 91.7% and 88.9% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Except for the time for removal of the renal allografts, the operative durations and warm ischemia times differed insignificantly between both groups (P > .05). Blood creatinine levels increased significantly after kidney transplantation in groups 1 and 2 compared with the sham operated and CsA-treated cohorts (P < .01), but insignificantly between groups 1 and 2 (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A dual renal allograft model was established in the rat using a modified ureterovesical anastomosis. The technique can be reproduced reliably, reducing costs and shorten using overall operative duration.