[Comparing the free fasciocutaneous flap with free jejunium in reconstruction for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects]

Objective:To investigate the application of the reconstruction methods for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects due to the resection of hypopharyngeal cancer and advanced laryngeal cancer between free fasciocutaneous flaps and free jejunium transfer.We compared the superiorities and inferiorities of these two reconstruction methods. Method:Retrospective review of the archives of 56 patients from 2000 to 2010 who underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free flaps (n=32) or free jejunal transfer(n=24),comparison of indications,complications, hospitalization duration, swallowing function recovery and postoperative survival time. Result:The overall 3 year survival rate of free flap group and free jejunal transfer group was 59.3%,55.7% respectively; the overall 5 year survival rate was 38.5%,37.1% respectively. The overall rate of complication rate was 18.8%, 16.7% respectively. The patients with free flaps had higher incidence rate of fistula and scarring in the donor site and lower incidence rate of hues and stricture than the ones with free jejunal transfers. The mean hospitalization duration was (15.00±7.06) days and(13.00±6.75) days. The mean time of first oral food intake was(13.00±5.83)days and (11.00±6.67) days. The differences between two groups had no statistical significance(P>0.05). Conclusion:Free flaps and free jejunium transfer are the two most common reconstruction methods for the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages respectively. We should choose reconstruction method according to the site and extent of the hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects, preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy requirement.

Contributions of polymorphisms in miR146a, miR196a, and miR499 to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide; it is estimated that there were 782,000 new cases in 2012. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis by regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressors. We investigated the role of miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 polymorphisms in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients (175) and healthy controls (302) were recruited between April 2013 and March 2015. Genotype analysis of miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 polymorphisms was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. There was a significant difference between the genotype distribution of miR-196a2 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients and controls (X² = 17.23, P < 0.001). CG and GG miR-146a genotypes significantly elevated the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the CC genotype, with adjusted ORs (95%CI) of 3.05 (1.07-8.70) and 4.96 (1.64-14.97), respectively. In the recessive model, the CG + GG genotype had a 3.75-fold risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the CC genotype, with an adjusted OR (95%CI) of 3.75 (1.39-10.11). However, no significant association was observed between miR-196a2 and miR-499 variants and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the co-dominant, dominant, and recessive models. The miR-146a polymorphism is a G to C substitution that causes a mismatch in the stem-loop of miRNA, which influences how the expression and transcriptional regulation of miRNA affects its target genes. Our study revealed that the GG and CG genotypes of miR-146a increased the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Chinese population.

[Effect of zinc ion on the expression of osteoblastic proteins in MC3T3-E1 cells in inflammatory environment]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of zinc ion on the expression of osteoblastic proteins.

METHODS

Mice osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cells were subcultured. Inflammatory environment model was established by tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)at a concentration of 10 mg/L. According to different concentration of Zn(2+), the cells were divided into TNF-α group, control group, group A(TNF-α+10(-4) mol/L Zn(2+)), group B(TNF-α+10(-5) mol/L Zn(2+)), group C(TNF-α+10(-6) mol/L Zn(2+)). After 24, 48, and 72 h of culture, cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to analyze the proliferation of the cells. ALP activity was examined. Bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), Osterix and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)protein levels were determined by Western blotting after 72 h of culture.

RESULTS

The cells grew by adherence after 24 h. After 72 h, the cells grew dense, and the cells showed long spindle shape or irregular shape. The proliferation of osteoblasts in TNF-α group, group B and group C became lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and was not significantly different between group A and the control group(P >0.05). ALP activity examination demonstrated that the groups cultured for 72 h revealed the highest ALP activity and the most prominent differentation compared with 24 h and 48 h groups. ALP activity was significantly decreased in TNF-α group, group B and group C compared with control group(P<0.05), but was not significantly different between group A and control group(P>0.05). The protein levels of BMP-2, RUNX2 and Osterix were significantly decreased in TNF-α group, group B and group C compared with control group(P<0.05), while showed no significant difference between group A and the control group. Protein level of RANKL was significantly increased in TNF-α group, grope B and group C compared with control group(P<0.05), while showed no significant difference between group A and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of 10(-4) mol/L Zn(2+) can significantly increase the expression of osteoblastic proteins such as ALP, BMP-2, RUNX2, Osterix and decrease the expression of RANKL in mice osteoblasts in TNF-α inflammatory environment.

In vitro investigation of nanohydroxyapatite/poly(L-lactic acid) spindle composites used for bone tissue engineering

Calcium phosphate ceramics such as synthetic hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate are widely used in the clinic, but they stimulate less bone regeneration. In this paper, nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(L-lactic acid) (nano-HA/PLLA) spindle composites with good mechanical performance were fabricated by a modified in situ precipitation method. The HA part of composite, distributing homogenously in PLLA matrix, is spindle shape with size of 10-30 nm in diameter and 60-100 nm in length. The molar ratio of Ca/P in the synthesized nano-HA spindles was deduced as 1.52 from the EDS spectra, which is close to the stoichiometric composition of HA (Ca/P & 1.67). The compress strength is up to 150 MPa when the HA content increase to 20 %. The in vitro tests indicate that HA/PLLA bio-composites have good biodegradability and bioactivity when immersed in simulated body fluid solutions. All the results suggested that HA/PLLA nano-biocomposites are appropriate to be applied as bone substitute in bone tissue engineering.

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Primula sikkimensis (Primulaceae) using a 454 sequencing approach

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers from Primula sikkimensis (Primulaceae) were developed for testing deep lineage divergence and speciation events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 3112 microsatellites were identified from 61,755 unique reads though 454 pyrosequencing technology. Twenty-nine microsatellite loci were selected for PCR amplification and polymorphic analyses. Among the 29 tested markers, 17 microsatellite loci were further used for genotyping in three wild P. sikkimensis populations. The number of alleles varied from one to eight, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.111 to 1.000. Ten simple sequence repeat loci could be successfully cross-amplified in two Primula species. The transferability values were 76.5% in P. florindae and 58.8% in P. alpicola, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These microsatellite markers will be valuable for testing the hypothesis of lineage divergence, genetic introgression, and cryptic speciation events between P. sikkimensis and its closely related taxa.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Primula sinensis (Primulaceae): structure comparison, sequence variation and evidence for accD transfer to nucleus

Species-rich genus Primula L. is a typical plant group with which to understand genetic variance between species in different levels of relationships. Chloroplast genome sequences are used to be the information resource for quantifying this difference and reconstructing evolutionary history. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Primula sinensis and compared it with other related species. This genome of chloroplast showed a typical circular quadripartite structure with 150,859 bp in sequence length consisting of 37.2% GC base. Two inverted repeated regions (25,535 bp) were separated by a large single-copy region (82,064 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,725 bp). The genome consists of 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. Among them, seven coding genes, seven tRNA genes and four rRNA genes have two copies due to their locations in the IR regions. The accD and infA genes lacking intact open reading frames (ORF) were identified as pseudogenes. SSR and sequence variation analyses were also performed on the plastome of Primula sinensis, comparing with another available plastome of P. poissonii. The four most variable regions, rpl36–rps8, rps16–trnQ, trnH–psbA and ndhC–trnV, were identified. Phylogenetic relationship estimates using three sub-datasets extracted from a matrix of 57 protein-coding gene sequences showed the identical result that was consistent with previous studies. A transcript found from P. sinensis transcriptome showed a high similarity to plastid accD functional region and was identified as a putative plastid transit peptide at the N-terminal region. The result strongly suggested that plastid accD has been functionally transferred to the nucleus in P. sinensis.

Theoretical study of the ground and excited states of 1-methylamideanthraquinone and its complex with fluoride anion

We have performed a series of calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) for 1-methylamideanthraquinone (MAAQ). In the S0 state of MAAQ, amide group is coplanar with anthraquinone, and an intramolecular hydrogen bond [Formula: see text] is formed. The [Formula: see text] transition has an intramolecular charge transfer character. Two stable structures (planar nMAAQ and twisted tMAAQ) have been obtained in the S1 state of MAAQ. Thereinto, nMAAQ is lower by 0.105[Formula: see text]eV than tMAAQ in energy, so nMAAQ is the dominant conformation in the S1 state of MAAQ and the emission spectra of tMAAQ cannot be observed in the solution of MAAQ. Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) between C[Formula: see text]O and N–H was not observed in the S1 state of MAAQ. Upon addition of fluoride anion, only twisted conformations were obtained in both S0 and S1 states of MAAQ-F[Formula: see text]. An intermolecular hydrogen bond [Formula: see text] is formed in the S0 state, and intermolecular proton transfer happens in the S1 state for MAAQ-F[Formula: see text].

Characterization of Novel Microsatellite Loci for Primula poissonii (Primulaceae) Using High-Throughput Sequencing Technology

Primula poissonii (Primulaceae) is a perennial herb, widely distributed in the Hengduan Mountain region of Southwest China. In this study, Roche 454 pyrosequencing was used to isolate microsatellite markers. A total of 4528 unique sequences were identified from 68,070 unique reads. Of these, eighty-seven microsatellite loci were screened for utility using two criteria: successful PCR amplification and variation of these loci within three wild P. poissonii populations. Twenty loci were successfully amplified and exhibited polymorphic alleles. The number of observed alleles ranged from 1 to 9 with an average of 3.5. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.087 to 1.000 and from 0.124 to 0.828, respectively. Among these SSR loci, only the P69 locus could not be cross-amplified successfully in two closely related species P. wilsonii and P. anisodora. The microsatellite loci developed in this study will be useful for studying genetic diversity and speciation events between P. poissonii and closely related Primula species.

Production of interleukin‑4 in CD133+ cervical cancer stem cells promotes resistance to apoptosis and initiates tumor growth

The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory suggests that cancer growth and invasion is dictated by the small population of CSCs within the heterogenous tumor. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the cause for chemotherapy failure and the resistance of CSCs to apoptosis. A total of ~2.3% cluster of differentiation (CD)133⁺ cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells were identified in cases of uterine cervical cancer. These CD133⁺ SP cells were found to potently initiate tumor growth and invasion, as they exhibit transcriptional upregulation of stemness genes, including octamer-binding transcription factor-4, B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site-1, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, (sex determining region Y)-box 2, Nestin and anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2. In addition, the CD133⁺ SP cells showed resistance to multi-drug treatment and apoptosis. The present study further showed that the secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in CD133⁺ cervical cancer SP cells promoted cell proliferation and prevented the SP cells from apoptosis. Following the neutralization of IL-4 with anti-IL-4 antibody, the CD133⁺ SP cells were more sensitive to drug treatment and apoptosis. Therefore, the data obtained in the present study suggested that the autocrine secretion of IL-4 promotes increased survival and resistance to cell death in CSCs.

RUNX2 Mutation Impairs 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 mediated Osteoclastogenesis in Dental Follicle Cells

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a skeletal disorder characterized by delayed permanent tooth eruption and other dental abnormalities, is caused by heterozygous RUNX2 mutations. As an osteoblast-specific transcription factor, RUNX2 plays a role in bone remodeling, tooth formation and tooth eruption. To investigate the crosstalk between RUNX2 and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25-(OH)₂D₃) in human dental follicle cells (hDFCs) during osteoclast formation, we established a co-culture system of hDFCs from CCD patient and healthy donors with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Expression of the osteoclast-associated genes and the number of TRAP⁺ cells were reduced in CCD hDFCs, indicating its suppressed osteoclast-inductive ability, which was reflected by the downregulated RANKL/OPG ratio. In addition, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃-stimulation elevated the expression of osteoclast-related genes, as well as RANKL mRNA levels and RANKL/OPG ratios in control hDFCs. Conversely, RUNX2 mutation abolished this 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃-induced RANKL gene activation and osteoclast formation in CCD hDFCs. Therefore, RUNX2 haploinsufficiency impairs dental follicle-induced osteoclast formation capacity through RANKL/OPG signaling, which may be partially responsible for delayed permanent tooth eruption in CCD patients. Furthermore, this abnormality was not rescued by 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ application because 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃-induced RANKL activation in hDFCs is mediated principally via the RUNX2-dependent pathway.

A diagnostic kit for the enteroviruses Coxsackie A6 and A10

Recently, there has been an upward trend in the occurrence of hand-foot-mouth disease, which is correlated with Coxsackie A6 and A10 infections. Although two separate diagnostic reagents are available for these two viral strains, the protocol and diagnosis efficiency still need to be improved. More importantly, as co-infection with these viruses is common, the development of a single test kit that can diagnose both viruses would be most beneficial for clinical practice. In our study, specific primers targeting viral nucleic acids were designed and modified. Viral nucleic acids were extracted from fecal or throat swab samples by ultrasonic rupture and silicon membrane purification. The consistency, specificity, and sensitivity of the tests were further optimized by adjusting the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. The efficiency of viral nucleic acid extraction was significantly enhanced by the ultrasonic rupture and silicon membrane elution approach. Specific amplifications of both viral nucleic acids were achieved using modified primers. The optimal conditions for PCR were also determined (60°C for 30 min and 95°C for 2 min, followed by 40 cycles of denaturation for 30 s at 95°C, annealing for 30 s at 60°C, and elongation for 50 s at 72°C). Amplified products were confirmed as viral specific nucleotides by agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing. The minimal nucleic acid concentration required for detection was 0.2 ng/L, which was adequate to yield satisfactory specificity and consistency. This novel diagnostic method has many advantages, including rapid protocols and accurate results, and can be promoted for large-scale clinical trials.

[Airway metal stents removal by rigid bronchoscopy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the techniques and related complication management of airway metal stents removal with rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia.

METHODS

We reviewed 20 patients who had received rigid bronchoscopic stents removal under general anesthesia from Jan. 2008 to Jan. 2015. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. The indications for stents removal and potential difficulties encountered, the relationship between techniques and related complications of stents removal were discussed and analyzed, and our experiences were summarized.

RESULTS

The indications for airway metal stents removal included stent migration, fracture, and granulation related in-stent restenosis. Nineteen airway metal stents were removed from 20 patients, which included 9 covered metal stents, 6 without fragmentation and 3 with fragmentation. The average duration of stenting before removal was (7.4±6.9)months (5 days-24 months). Of the 11 uncovered metal stents, which had stayed in the airway for (10.2±7.0) months (20 days-24 months), 10 were removed successfully and 1 failed. Three of them were removed intact and 7 fragmented. Complications were as follows: airway bleeding requiring management (n=11), airway collapse (n=6), re-obstruction requiring temporary stent placement (n=5), postoperative tracheal intubation (n=1), mucosal tear with tracheoesophageal fistula (n=1), airway firing (n=1), airway obstruction, and death as a result of attempted stent removal (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

Airway metal stent removal is a high-risk operation. Indications for stents removal should be evaluated thoroughly and all the advantages and disadvantages should be evaluated. Once stent removal is decided, the type of the metal stent, the position of the stent implanted, the duration of stenting, and the extent of the stent embedded in granulation tissue should be carefully considered to assess the difficulty of the procedure. Dissection of the stent from the airway wall before extracting it can reduce complications such as airway bleeding, mucosal tear and airway obstruction. At the same time, a standby stent is needed to deal with possible airway collapse after stent removal. Removal of metal airway stents should only be performed by a proficient and experienced interventional pulmonology team to ensure successful operation and to improve patient safety.

Diets of differentially processed wheat alter ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial populations in beef cattle

The influences of differently processed wheat products on rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and serum biochemistry profiles in beef cattle were studied. Four ruminally cannulated Limousin × Luxi beef cattle (400 ± 10 kg) were used in the experiment with a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental diets contained (on a DM basis) 60% corn silage as a forage source and 40% concentrate with 4 differently processed wheat products (extruded, pulverized, crushed, and rolled wheat). Concentrations of ruminal NH-N and microbial protein (MCP) in cattle fed crushed and rolled wheat were greater ( < 0.05) than the corresponding values in cattle fed pulverized and extruded wheat. Ruminal concentrations of total VFA and acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate decreased ( < 0.05) with increased geometric mean particle size (geometric mean diameter) of processed wheat, except for extruded wheat; cattle fed extruded wheat had the lowest concentrations of total VFA and acetate among all treatments. The relative abundance of , , ciliated protozoa, and was lower in cattle fed the pulverized wheat diet than in the other 3 diets ( < 0.05), whereas the relative abundance of was decreased in cattle fed extruded wheat compared with cattle fed crushed and rolled wheat ( < 0.05). No treatment effect was obtained for serum enzyme activity and protein concentration ( > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the method of wheat processing could have a significant effect on ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial populations in beef cattle and that crushed and rolled processing is better in terms of ruminal NH-N and MCP content, acetate-to-propionate ratio, and relative abundance of rumen microorganisms.

Vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques is associated with type I interferon in a murine model of lupus and atherosclerosis

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between type I interferon (IFN-I) and plaque stability in pristane-treated apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and extractable nuclear antigen antibody (ENA) levels were measured by immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected by Sirius red/fast green staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR analyses. We found that pristane-treated ApoE(-/-) mice developed a lupus-like syndrome characterized by an increased production of serum ANA and ENA. Pristane treatment decreased the collagen content and increased the number of apoptotic cells in plaques. Moreover, IFN-induced ISG15, IFIT1-1, and IFIT1-2 gene expression was increased in peripheral blood cells and aortic plaques. An IFN-α-stimulated macrophage supernatant inhibited collagen type I, alpha 1 gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. We concluded that the vulnerability of plaques was associated with the activation of IFN-I in pristane-treated ApoE(-/-) mice. Thus, we speculated that the higher prevalence of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus could be due to plaque instability.

Karyotype analysis with amniotic fluid in 12365 pregnant women with indications for genetic amniocentesis and strategies of prenatal diagnosis

We explored the strategies of prenatal diagnosis by foetal karyotype analysis in pregnant women with indications for genetic amniocentesis. Karyotype analysis of amniotic fluid was performed on 12365 pregnant women with indications for genetic amniocentesis. The detection rates and distributions of abnormal karyotypes were observed in a variety of indications for genetic amniocentesis. The detection rates of abnormal karyotype were 57.4% in either a mother or father with chromosomal abnormality, 8.5% in the pregnant women with pathological ultrasound finding (PUF), 2.79% in the pregnant women with advanced age (35 years and over) and 2.23% in the women with abnormal maternal serum screening (MSS) tests. Foetal abnormal karyotype was found in 86 pregnant women with PUF; of the 86 pregnant women, 42 had trisomy 13, 18 or 21. Of the 12365 pregnant women, foetal abnormal karyotype was found in 428 (3.46%); of the 428 foetuses, only 154 had trisomy 13, 18 or 21. In the pregnant women with abnormal MSS, 111 foetuses had abnormal karyotype, but only 36 foetuses had trisomy 13, 18 or 21. We conclude that (1) ultrasound is an important approach to prevent the birth of foetuses with chromosomal disease. (2) Non-invasive prenatal DNA detection cannot completely replace invasive prenatal diagnosis and MSS. (3) The strategies of prenatal diagnosis: Genetic amniocentesis is strongly recommended for the pregnant women with indications for genetic amniocentesis. For pregnant women who refuse invasive prenatal diagnosis, non-invasive prenatal DNA detection is first performed. If the results of non-invasive prenatal DNA detection are negative, the pregnant women are followed up by ultrasound; if the results of non-invasive prenatal DNA detection are positive, the pregnant women should undergo invasive prenatal diagnosis.

DNA barcoding evaluation and its taxonomic implications in the species-rich genus Primula L. in China

The genus Primula is extremely diverse in the east Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (HHM) in China as a result of rapid radiation. In order to overcome the difficulty of morphological classification of this genus, we surveyed three plastid regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA) and two nuclear markers (ITS and ITS2) from 227 accessions representing 66 Primula species across 18 sections, to assess their discriminatory power as barcodes. We found that ITS alone or combined with plastid regions showed the best discrimination across different infrageneric ranks and at species level. We suggest rbcL + matK + ITS as the first choice at present to barcode Primula plants. Although the present barcoding combination performed poorly in many closely related species of Primula, it still provided many new insights into current Primula taxonomy, such as the underlying presence of cryptic species, and several potential improper taxonomic treatments. DNA barcoding is one useful technique in the integrative taxonomy of the genus Primula, but it still requires further efforts to improve its effectiveness in some taxonomically challenging groups.

Repetitive infusion of levosimendan in patients with chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis

Background

Repetitive or intermittent levosimendan infusion is gradually becoming more commonly considered for patients with advanced chronic heart failure. However, previous randomized controlled studies (RCTs) reported conflicting results on the effects of levosimendan when administered repetitively. The aim of this meta-analysis was to generate up-to-date evidence to assess the effect of levosimendan in this group of patients.

Material/Methods

A literature review identified 8 qualified studies. A meta-analysis was performed to assess mortality and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

Use of levosimendan contributed to significantly reduced mortality at the end of mid-term follow-up. The mortality rates in levosimendan and control group were 23 of 226 (10.2%) and 53 of 198 (26.8%), respectively (RR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.26–0.63, P<0.0001). The trend of significantly decreased mortality was observed in levosimendan vs. placebo subgroup (RR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.15–0.54, P=0.0001, I²=0%) but not in levosimendan vs. dobutamine, PGE1, or furosemide subgroup (p=0.19, p=0.64 and p=0.25, respectively). Levosimendan also contributed to significantly improved LVEF improvement at the end of follow-up (mean difference: 3.69%, 95CI: 0.92–6.45%, p=0.009).

Conclusions

Intermittent or repetitive levosimendan infusion might be a promising strategy to reduce mortality and improve LVEF in patients with advanced chronic, but not necessarily acutely decompensated, heart failure to maintain disease stability.

Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in 33 candidate genes and meat quality traits in commercial pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for meat quality using a custom 96-SNP panel (Illumina Vera Code GoldenGate Assay) on 15 traits collected from 400 commercial pigs. Meat quality measurements included muscle pH, color (L*, a* and b*), drip loss, cooking loss, peak shear force and six sensory traits including appearance (outside and inside), tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall liking as well as carcass weight and probe yield. Thirty-five SNPs with minor allele frequencies > 0.10 remained for the multimarker association using the GLM procedure of sas 9.2. Results showed that 20 SNPs were significantly associated with at least one of the traits with either additive or dominance or both effects (P < 0.05). Among these significant SNPs, five of them in ADIPOQ, FTO, TNF, LEPR and AMPD1 had an effect on more than three traits simultaneously; those in MC4R, CAST, DGAT1 and MYF6 had an effect on two traits, while the others were associated with one trait. The results suggest that these markers could be incorporated into commercial pigs for marker-assisted selection and breeding programs for carcass and meat quality trait improvement.

DNA microarray reveals ZNF195 and SBF1 are potential biomarkers for gemcitabine sensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Gemcitabine is a potential chemotherapy drug for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), however, the poor or partial response of HNSCC patients to gemcitabine demonstrated the urgent need for gemcitabine biomarkers to improve the therapy. In present work, 10 HNSCC cell lines were employed to figure out the biomarkers for gemcitabine sensitivity. The sensitivities of these 10 cell lines to gemcitabine and the basal expression of these cell lines was investigated, the correlation between gemcitabine response (IC50 dose) and gene expression was investigated by Pearson correlation and FDR estimation. The top seven positive genes responsible for gemcitabine sensitivity were validated by qPCR in these 10 HNSCC cell lines, while only two genes (SBF1 and ZNF195) were expression-correlated to gemcitabine response. Furthermore, ZNF195 expression was closely associated with gemcitabine sensitivity in the subsequent independent validation in cell lines from various types of cancer. Our work might provide potential biomarkers for gemcitabine sensitivity in HNSCC and various type of cancer.

GmPTF1, a novel transcription factor gene, is involved in conferring soybean tolerance to phosphate starvation

Phosphorus plays a pivotal role in plant growth and development. In this study, we isolated and characterized GmPTF1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) gene from soybean (Glycine max) with tolerance to inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation. Alignment analysis indicated that GmPTF1 and other reported bHLH TFs share significant similarity in the region of the bHLH domain. As with OsPTF1 and other homologous Pi starvation-related bHLH TFs (His-5, Glu-9, Arg-12, and Arg-13), all recognition motifs for the G-box (CACGTG) were present in the GmPTF1 domain. Prokaryotic expression in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3) plysS showed that a novel 40-kDa polypeptide was expressed when cells containing GmPTF1 were induced. The subcellular localization in cells from onion epidermis and Arabidopsis roots demonstrated that the GmPTF1 protein was found in the nucleus. Furthermore, analysis of transcription activity in yeast revealed that full-length GmPTF1 and its N-terminal and C-terminal domains could activate the histidine, adenine, and uracil reporter genes. This suggested that the N-terminal and C-terminal peptides of GmPTF1 act as transcriptional activators. When real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed, the expression of GmPTF1 under conditions of phosphate starvation was significantly induced in soybean roots of the low-Pi-tolerant variety ZH15. Moreover, the relative level of expression was much higher there than in roots of the sensitive variety NMH from days 7 to 56 of low-Pi stress. These results imply that GmPTF1 is involved in conferring tolerance to phosphate starvation in soybean.