Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in fundus imaging, a review and update

Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO) has been a promising technique in funds imaging with growing popularity. This review firstly gives a brief history of adaptive optics (AO) and AO-SLO. Then it compares AO-SLO with conventional imaging methods (fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography) and other AO techniques (adaptive optics flood-illumination ophthalmoscopy and adaptive optics optical coherence tomography). Furthermore, an update of current research situation in AO-SLO is made based on different fundus structures as photoreceptors (cones and rods), fundus vessels, retinal pigment epithelium layer, retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and lamina cribrosa. Finally, this review indicates possible research directions of AO-SLO in future.

Cobalt(II) Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework with an Effective Kagomé Lattice, Large Surface Area, and High Spin-Canted Ordering Temperature

To make a porous material with high magnetic ordering temperature is challenging because the low density of the material is adverse to the dense magnetic moment, a prerequisite to high-performance magnets. Herein, we report a hollow magnetic metal-organic framework (MMOF) [Co₃(bpdc)₃(tpt)_0.66] 1 (H₂bpdc = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid) with a Langmuir surface area of 1118 m²/g and spin-canted long-range magnetic ordering up to 22 K. Such a high performance is owing to the unique antiferromagnetic Kagomé lattice made of ferromagnetic Co₃ clusters and conjugated 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridinyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tpt) ligands, which is closely coupled with each other via double-interpenetration of the porous networks. Moreover, a parameter defined as the product of magnetic ordering/blocking temperature and the surface area for measuring the performance of porous molecular magnets is proposed.

Roles played by invertase and gene expression in the development of the horn-shaped gall on leaves of Rhus chinensis

The present study deals with the growth and development of the horn-shaped gall, which is induced by Schlechtendalia chinensis Bell. on leaves of Rhus chinensis Mill. The relationship between gall formers and their host plants was investigated by means of the activities of various invertases, the expressions of the cell wall invertase gene (INV2), and vacuolar invertase gene (INV3) during gall development. Our results show that the increase in the sink strength of the galls required cell wall invertase and vacuolar invertase, and that vacuolar invertase had a particular impact during the early development. In addition, vacuolar invertase activity was always significantly higher in galls than in leaves. However, ionically bound cell wall invertase showed a slightly significant increased activity level when compared with the leaves after galls had entered the fast growing period. This result indicates that vacuolar invertase is related to the rapid expansion of the galls, but ionically bound cell wall invertase is involved in the rapid growth of tissues. The enhanced activity of cell wall invertase and the expression of INV2 may be a plant response to a gall-induced stress. Cytoplasmic invertase that acts as a maintenance enzyme, or takes part in the production of secondary metabolites, was elevated when intracellular acid invertase activity decreased.

[Effect of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit gene on liver inflammatory reaction in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and related mechanisms]

Objective: To investigate the effect of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (α7nAChR) subunit gene on liver inflammation in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and related mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6J mice and α7nAChR gene knockout mice were fed for 24 weeks to establish the NASH model, and the mice were sacrificed to isolate and culture the primary liver macrophages. After the treatment with nicotine and endotoxin, ELISA was used to measure the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in supernatant; indirect immunofluorescence assay and Western blot were used to observe the effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway, and quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) in macrophages. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of means between multiple groups. Results: The results of ELISA showed that compared with the endotoxin+nicotine group of C57 NASH mice, the endotoxin+nicotine group of gene knockout NASH mice had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in supernatant (IL-6: 1 599±65 pg/ml vs 1 465±45 pg/ml, P < 0.05; TNF-α: 1 567±66 pg/ml vs 1 433±50 pg/ml, P < 0.05). The results of Western blot showed that compared with the endotoxin+nicotine group of C57 NASH mice, the endotoxin+nicotine group of gene knockout NASH mice had significantly higher relative protein expression of phosphorylated NF-κB and TLR-4 (NF-κB: 69 425±600 vs 51 133±200, P < 0.05; TLR-4: 93 387±684 vs 64 198±630, P < 0.05). The results of indirect immunofluorescence assay showed that the endotoxin+nicotine group of gene knockout NASH mice had a significantly higher fluorescence intensity of NF-κB than the endotoxin+nicotine group of C57 NASH mice. The results of PCR showed that the endotoxin+nicotine group of gene knockout NASH mice had significantly higher relative mRNA expression of TLR-4 than the endotoxin+nicotine group of C57 NASH mice (4.13±0.13 vs 2.93±0.14, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The α7nAChR gene knockout can aggravate the degree of inflammatory reaction in NASH, and its mechanism may be related to the fact that the NF-κB signaling pathway cannot be inhibited, which aggravates inflammatory reaction.

[The potential use of serum HBV RNA to guide the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in infected hepatocytes is the main cause of off-therapy viral rebound. The half-life of cccDNA is only 33-50 days, so the conversion of newly synthesized rcDNA to cccDNA in the nucleus is essential for the maintenance of cccDNA pool in infected hepatocytes. Though not directly targeting the existing cccDNA, current nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) may exhaust the cccDNA reservoir by blocking the rcDNA formation. Indeed, a prolonged consolidation therapy post loss of serum HBV DNA can achieve sustained remission and thus safe drug discontinuation in a small proportion of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In recent studies, we and others have demonstrated that it is the serum HBV RNA that reflects the cccDNA activity in infected hepatocytes, particularly among the patients on NAs. Here we suggest that instead of measuring serum HBV DNA only, simultaneous measurement of both viral DNA and RNA would improve the accuracy to reflect the cccDNA activity; therefore, the virological response should be redefined as consistent loss (less than the lower limit of detection) of both serum HBV DNA and RNA, which indicates the safety of drug discontinuation. Accumulating evidence has suggested that for the CHB patients with lower serum HBsAg, switch-to or add-on pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) treatment would result in loss of serum HBsAg in a relatively large proportion of CHB patients. Since serum HBV RNA is an ideal biomarker to reflect the intrahepatic cccDNA activity, for the patients with a serum HBsAg level lower than 1 500 IU/ml after long-term NAs treatment, the serum HBV RNA should be measured. If serum HBV RNA is detected, peg-IFN should be added on; if serum HBV RNA is not detected, NAs treatment should be switched to peg-IFN treatment. We believe the therapy based on serum HBV RNA would make the functional cure of CHB (serum HBsAg loss or even conversion to anti-HBs) more efficient.

Hyperfine adjustment of flexible pore-surface pockets enables smart recognition of gas size and quadrupole moment

Continuous pore-size adjustments are achieved in a series of ultramicroporous MOFs, giving flexible pore-surface pockets for the smart recognition of highly similar gases and high gas separation/storage performances.

The pore size and framework flexibility of hosts are of vital importance for molecular recognition and related applications, but accurate control of these parameters is very challenging. We use the slight difference of metal ion size to achieve continuous hundredth-nanometer pore-size adjustments and drastic flexibility modulations in an ultramicroporous metal–organic framework, giving controllable N₂ adsorption isotherm steps, unprecedented/reversed loading-dependence of H₂ adsorption enthalpy, quadrupole-moment sieving of C₂H₂/CO₂, and an exceptionally high working capacity for C₂H₂ storage under practical conditions (98 times that of an empty cylinder). In situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements and multilevel computational simulations revealed the importance of pore-surface pockets, which utilize their size and electrostatic potential to smartly recognize the molecular sizes and quadruple moments of gas molecules to control their accessibility to the strongest adsorption sites.

Full-length cloning, sequence analysis and expression detection of the β-tubulin gene from the Chinese gall aphid (Schlechtendalia chinensis)

Some insect galls are formed on sumac plants by certain aphid species and have been used for medicinal and chemical purposes as they are rich in tannins. The most prominent species among gall aphids in China is Schlechtendalia chinensis, which formed horn-shaped galls on the winged rachis of Rhus chinensis. S. chinensis has a complex life cycle, with a switch of hosts between R. chinensis and certain mosses, and a switch of sexual and asexual reproduction (cyclical parthenogenesis). We have cloned a full-length cDNA of the β-tubulin gene from S. chinensis, using qPCR and RACE. This cDNA has 1606 base pairs with a 251 bp 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) and a 15 bp 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). The gene encodes a protein with 376 amino acids residues. The expression levels of the β-tubulin gene in S. chinensis were investigated among fundatrigeniae and overwintering larvae rearing under either natural conditions, or at 7.5 °C and 18 °C. No significant differences (P > 0.01) in gene expression levels were found in insects under these conditions. It is indicates that the β-tubulin gene is highly conserved and then it may be used as a reference for further research in gene expression and reproduction determination in this important aphid.

Integrin β3/Akt signaling contributes to platelet-induced hemangioendothelioma growth

Hemangioendothelioma (HE) is a type of angiomatous lesions that features endothelial cell proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms orchestrating HE angiogenesis can provide therapeutic insights. It has been shown that platelets can support normal and malignant endothelial cells during angiogenesis. Using the mouse endothelial-derived EOMA cell line as a model of HE, we explored the regulatory effect of platelets. We found that platelets stimulated EOMA proliferation but did not mitigate apoptosis. Furthermore, direct platelet-EOMA cell contact was required and the proliferation was mediated via integrin β3/Akt signaling in EOMA cells. SiRNA knockdown of integrin β3 and inhibition of Akt activity significantly abolished platelet-induced EOMA cell proliferation in vitro and tumor development in vivo. These results provide a new mechanism by which platelets support HE progression and suggest integrin β3 as a potential target to treat HE.

[Two families of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 characterized by agammaglobulinemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and immunological laboratory features, mutations in SH2D1A gene and SAP protein expression in four children of two families with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1(XLP-1). Method: Four patients (Family A including Patient 1 and Patient 2, Family B including Patient 3 and Patient 4) and their maternal relatives were enrolled in this study. The clinical manifestation, EBV infection status and chest CT scan were analyzed. The absolute and relative numbers of lymphocyte subsets, T lymphocyte proliferative response, SAP protein expression were assessed by flow cytometry. Quantification of signal joint TCR rearrangementexcision circle (sjTRECs), CDR3 spectratyping of TCRvβ and gene mutation of SH2D1A were detected by PCR based on genomic DNA or cDNA. Result: Four male patients from two families were diagnosed with XLP-1. The ages of disease onset were more than 1 year, more than 1 year, more than 1 month and 6 months. The ages at diagnosis were nine years and ten months, sixteen years and eight months, fourteen years and ten months, four years and nine months. All patients had recurrent infections and EBV infection. Patients 1, 2, and 3 had agammaglobulinemia and Patient 4 had hypogammaglobulinemia. Chest CT scan showed all patients had atelectasis and pneumonia, and Patient 3 had bronchiectasis. Patient 3 was diagnosised as Burkitt lymphoma. For immunological function, all patients exhibited reduced CD4/CD8 ratios, increased numbers of exhausted T lymphocyte, decreased number of NK cell. The numbers of total B lymphocyte and naïve B lymphocyte were normal, but the number of memory B lymphocyte declined in all cases. Four patients' copy numbers of sjTRECs were low and CDR3 spectratypings of TCRvβ showed mildly skewed. But their T lymphocyte proliferative response was normal. SAP protein expression in four cases were measured by flow cytometry. Two patients from Family A were absent and two patients from Family B showed decreased values. SH2D1A gene sequence analysis showed that the patients of Family A harbored a nonsense mutation (c.163 C>T; p.R55X) in exon 2. Their mother and two sisters were carriers. A missense mutation of SH2D1A gene (c.278 G>A; p.G93D) in exon 3 was found in the patients of Family B. The mother was carrier. Four patients remain survived, Patient 3 gave up treatment, other three patients received IVIG therapy. Conclusion: Four patients with XLP-1 from two families characterized by agammaglobulinemia have an extreme vulnerability to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The functions of T cell, B cell and NK cell are impaired at different stages. The detection of SAP protein and SH2D1A gene are the key methods for diagnosis of XLP-1.

Mixed-Lanthanide Porous Coordination Polymers Showing Range-Tunable Ratiometric Luminescence for O2 Sensing

Luminescent porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are emerging as attractive oxygen-sensing materials, but they are mostly based on single-wavelength luminometry. Here, we report a special mixed-lanthanide strategy for self-referenced ratiometric oxygen sensing. A series of isostructural, pure-lanthanide, or mixed-lanthanide PCPs, MCF-53(Tb/Eu_x), were synthesized by solvothermal reactions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that MCF-53(Tb/Eu_x) is composed of complicated two-dimensional coordination networks, which interdigitate to form a three-dimensional supramolecular structure retaining one-dimensional ultra-micropores. MCF-53(Tb/Eu_x) can undergo multiple single-crystal to single-crystal structural transformations upon desorption/adsorption of coordinative and lattice guest molecules, and the lanthanide metal ions are partially exposed on the pore surface at the guest-free state. Tb(III) ions are not luminescent and only act as separators between Eu(III) ions, and the Tb(III)/Eu(III) mixing ratio can tune the relative emission intensities, luminescence lifetimes of the Eu(III) phosphorescence, and the ligand fluorescence, giving rise to not only ratiometric photoluminescence oxygen sensing but also tunable emission-color-changing ranges.

Hyperfine-Interaction-Driven Suppression of Quantum Tunneling at Zero Field in a Holmium(III) Single-Ion Magnet

An extremely rare non-Kramers holmium(III) single-ion magnet (SIM) is reported to be stabilized in the pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry by a phosphine oxide with a high energy barrier of 237(4) cm^-1 . The suppression of the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) at zero field and the hyperfine structures originating from field-induced QTMs can be observed even from the field-dependent alternating-current magnetic susceptibility in addition to single-crystal hysteresis loops. These dramatic dynamics were attributed to the combination of the favorable crystal-field environment and the hyperfine interactions arising from ¹⁶⁵ Ho (I=7/2) with a natural abundance of 100 %.

Neuroprotective effects of BDNF and GDNF in intravitreally transplanted mesenchymal stem cells after optic nerve crush in mice

AIM

To assess the neuro-protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following optic nerve crush in mice.

METHODS

C56BL/6J mice were treated with intravitreal injection of PBS, BMSCs, BDNF-interference BMSCs (BIM), and GDNF-interference BMSCs (GIM) following optic nerve crush, respectively. The number of surviving RGCs was determined by whole-mount retinas and frozen sections, while certain mRNA or protein was detected by q-PCR or ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS

The density (cell number/mm²) of RGCs was 410.77±56.70 in the retina 21d after optic nerve crush without any treatment, compared to 1351.39±195.97 in the normal control (P<0.05). RGCs in BMSCs treated eyes was 625.07±89.64/mm², significantly higher than that of no or PBS treatment (P<0.05). While RGCs was even less in the retina with intravitreal injection of BIM (354.07+39.77) and GIM (326.67+33.37) than that without treatment (P<0.05). BMSCs injection improved the internal BDNF expression in retinas.

CONCLUSION

Optic nerve crush caused rust loss of RGCs and intravitreally transplanted BMSCs at some extent protected RGCs from death. The effect of BMSCs and level of BDNF in retinas are both related to BDNF and GDNF expression in BMSCs.

[Clinical and immunological analysis of the patient with autoimmunity due to germline STAT3 gain-of-function mutation]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and immunological laboratory features and gene mutation in a female patient who carried a germline gain-of-function mutation in STAT3. Method: A patient with lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia, visited the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in May 2016. The clinical and laboratory characteristics, results of immunophenotyping and exome sequencing were analyzed retrospectively and related literature was reviewed. Result: The patient was a four years old girl. The clinical manifestation consisted of autoimmune pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Multiple exams showed that peripheral blood leukocyte count was (2.2-4.9)×10⁹/L, red blood cell count was (2.09-5.75)×10⁹/L, hemoglobin level was 64-165 g/L, platelet count was (52-138) ×10⁹/L. Percentages of lymphocyte subsets showed that CD3⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.716 0 (CD4⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.326 0, CD8⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.323 0 and CD4^- CD8^-T TCRαβ⁺ lymphocyte was 0.029 0), CD19⁺ B lymphocyte was 0.235 0 (transitional B was 0.004 3), NK was 0.032 0. Percentages of CD4⁺ T lymphocyte release IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-21 were 0.014 9, 0.213, 0.024 0 and 0.021 0, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation function and TCRVβ diversity were normal. The serum immunoglobulin levels were 16.4 g/L (IgG), 1.53 g/L (IgA), 3.99 g/L (IgM) and 3.20 kU/L (IgE). The patient carried a missense variant in the 21^st exon of STAT3, c. 1974G>C, p.K658N, which was previously described as a gain-of-function mutation. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and prednisone intermittently. There were significant improvements of hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia. We searched internal database and literature for cases with gain-of-function mutations in STAT3. A total of 19 cases were identified, all were non-Chinese. Among 16 cases who had clinical data, age of onset of 11 patients was less than 5 years. 14 cases had autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia or autoimmune neutropenia. Twelve patients had lymphadenopathy while 11 had infections and 5 had endocrine abnormalities. Conclusion: The patient with Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) due to gain-of-function mutation in STAT3 gene often has early-onset autoimmune disorders, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Since the routine immunological examination may be normal or slightly abnormal, comprehensive evaluation of immune function should be done. Genetic testing ultimately helps to confirm the diagnosis.

A near-room-temperature organic–inorganic hybrid ferroelectric: [C6H5CH2CH2NH3]2[CdI4]

The features of synchronously switchable dielectric constant, SHG, and pyroelectric current provide a promising multifunctional switching material applied in the field of electrical/optical switches and sensors at near room temperature.

[Significance of different T follicular helper subsets in rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expressions of T follicular helper (Tfh) subsets and T follicular helper effect memory (Tfhem) cells in circulation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to examine their roles in providing biomarkers for active RA.

METHODS

This study enrolled 41 patients with RA, who were navely-treated or had no application of hormone and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in recent 3 months, as well as 32 healthy controls. The percentages of Tfhem (CD4⁺CXCR5⁺CCR7^lowPD1^high) cells, Tfh (CD3⁺CD4⁺CXCR5⁺CD45RA^-) subsets, Tfh1 (CXCR3⁺CCR6^-Tfh),Tfh2 (CXCR3^-CCR6^-Tfh),and Tfh17 (CXCR3^-CCR6⁺Tfh), were determined by flow cytometry of peripheral blood from the patients with RA and health controls. Serum levels of cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). The correlations of Tfhem/Tfh subsets with clinical indicators were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was (56.1±14.0) years (range: 20-82 years), the mean disease duration was (8.2±8.1) years. There was no significant difference between the RA patients and the health controls with age and gender. As compared with the health control, the percentage of Tfhem was significantly increased in the peripheral blood of the RA patients (12.8%±5.7% vs. 8.7%±2.0%, P=0.001). Moreover, the increased Tfhem was correlated with the higher disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), but not with other clinical indicators, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies, and rheumatoid factors (RF). In addition, the percentage of Tfh2 subset, but not Tfh1 or Tfh17, was significantly increased in the RA patients (3.002%±0.408% vs. 1.730%±0.160%, P=0.013). As compared with Tfh2-low group, serum levels of Ig (immunoglobulin) A [(3.045±0.261) g/L vs.(3.963±0.815) g/L, P=0.172], IgG [(13.800±0.862) g/L vs.(16.980±0.224) g/L, P=0.161], IgM [(1.135±0.083) g/L vs.(1.731±0.380) g/L, P=0.140], IL (interleukin)-4 [(2.322±0.214) ng/L vs.(3.994±0.751) ng/L, P=0.056] and IL-10[(1.898±0.105) ng/L vs. (3.125±0.880) ng/L, P=0.140] in Tfh2-high group tended to increase with no significant statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that Tfhem is associated with disease activity and is a valuable marker for active RA. It also presents a potential pathogenesis in the development of RA and the target for future therapies. Meanwhile, the increased Tfh2 and associated cytokines might be involved in the development of RA.

A "Molecular Water Pipe": A Giant Tubular Cluster {Dy72 } Exhibits Fast Proton Transport and Slow Magnetic Relaxation

A lanthanide cluster, PCC-72, which is the second largest, with 72 Dy(III) ions assembled into an unprecedented tubular structure, is synthesized. Remarkably, PCC-72 exhibits superionic proton conductivity (>10^-4 S cm^-1 ) under both ambient (with relative humidity RH < 75%) and hot (T > 90 °C, RH = 95%) conditions. Moreover, slow magnetic relaxation is observed, making PCC-72 the largest Dy(III) cluster that is a single-molecule magnet.

[Biological evaluation of three-dimensional printed co-poly lactic acid/glycolic acid/tri-calcium phosphate scaffold for bone reconstruction]

Objective: To biologically evaluate the three-dimensional(3D) printed co-poly lactic acid/glycolic acid/tri-calcium phosphate(PLGA/TCP) scaffold which could be used for repairing oral and maxillofacial bone defects, and to provide experimental evidence for its further research and clinical application. Methods: PLGA/TCP scaffolds were fabricated using low temperature rapid prototyping technique. Micro-CT and scanning electron microscope(SEM) were used to characterize the surface morphology. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto the scaffold and stained with the rhodamine phalloidin and calcein acetomethoxy. After that, confocal laser scanning microscope was exploited to observe the features and viability of the cells. Moreover, the cells were co-cultured with the extract of PLGA/TCP and complete medium, respectively. The proliferation capability of the cells was assessed by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day. The PLGA/TCP scaffolds incorporated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2) of 0, 30, 60 μg(i.e. blank control group, low-dose group and high-dose group) were implanted into the latissimus dorsi muscle of the rats, and 6 weeks later, the samples were harvested to estimate the volume and pattern of new bone. Results: The 3D printed PLGA/TCP scaffold possessed a regular and well-defined porous stereo-structure with porosity of (73±3)%. Micro-CT and SEM showed that pore size were (379±32) and (453±29) μm respectively, and distance between layers were (452± 24) and (415±25) μm, and cylinder diameter were (342±24) and (350±28) μm. It also exhibited excellent cell adhesion and growth ability on the exterior and inner surface through rhodamine phalloidin and calcein acetomethoxy staining. The CCK-8 test demonstrated that the absorbance value of extract group on the 1st and 2nd day(0.51±0.08 and 0.63±0.09) were significantly higher than those in the blank control group(0.39± 0.05 and 0.53±0.05)(P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the extract group(0.67±0.06) and the blank control group(0.68±0.04)(P>0.05) on the 3rd day. For in vivo test, there was obvious ectopic new bone formation on the PLGA/TCP scaffold incorporated with rhBMP-2, and this was demonstrated using the histological examination and micro-CT. The bone formation in the low-dose group was similar to the shape of the pre-implanted 3D printed scaffold, while much diversity was revealed in the high-dose group duo to over osteogenesis which was validated by the examinations of gross observation, histology and micro-CT. Conclusions: Customized PLGA/TCP scaffolds can be manufactured by 3D printing technique. The scaffold showed an excellent biocompatibility and ectopic osteogenesis when incorporated with rhBMP-2. However, further research is needed to validate it's effect on repairment of the oral and maxillofacial bone defects.

Barley Stripe Rust Resistance QTL: Development and Validation of SNP Markers for Resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for barley stripe rust resistance were mapped in recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a 'Lenetah' × 'Grannelose Zweizeilige' (GZ) cross. GZ is known for a major seedling resistance QTL on chromosome 4H but linked markers suitable for marker-assisted selection have not been developed. This study identified the 4H QTL (log of the likelihood [LOD] = 15.94 at 97.19 centimorgans [cM]), and additional QTL on chromosomes 4H and 6H (LOD = 5.39 at 72.7 cM and 4.24 at 34.46 cM, respectively). A QTL on chromosome 7H (LOD = 2.04 at 81.07 cM) was suggested. All resistance alleles were derived from GZ. Evaluations of adult plant response in Corvallis, OR in 2013 and 2015 provided evidence of QTL at the same positions. However, the minor QTL on 4H was not statistically significant in either location/year, while the 7H QTL was significant in both. The single-nucleotide polymorphism markers flanking the resistance QTL were validated in RIL from a '95SR316A' × GZ cross for their ability to predict seedling resistance. In 95SR316A × GZ, 91 to 92% of RIL with GZ alleles at the major 4H QTL and at least one other were resistant to moderate in reaction. In these populations, at least two QTL were required to transfer the barley stripe rust resistance from GZ.

[Nicotine alleviates the liver inflammation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high-fat and high-fructose in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-inflammation effects by activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and its mechanisms in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model mice.

METHODS

6-week-old male C57BL/6J (B6) mice were randomly divided into four groups: the first group was normal mice, injected with saline; the second group was normal mice, injected with nicotine; the third group was NASH model mice, injected with saline; the fourth group was NASH model mice, injected with nicotine. The experimental mice were fed with either standard chow (SC) or high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) for 17 weeks to generate an NASH model mice. The mice received injection once daily for 3 weeks [nicotine dose, 400 μg/kg]. Then, their pathological characteristics and function of the liver were assessed. The expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR), Toll-like receptors-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor κB of phosphory-lation (p-NF-κB) in Kupffer cells were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTS

We successfully generated NASH model mice by imitating the high-fat and high-fructose dietary style of NASH patients. The results of our investigation demonstrated that nicotine could reduce significantly the levels of IL-6, and TNF-α in serum (P<0.05). The expression of p-NF-κB protein in the group which was NASH model mice injected with nicotine declined significantly as compared with the group which was NASH model mice injected with saline (P<0.05). And the expression of α7nAChR protein elevated significantly conversely (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway could inhibit the release of inflammatory factors as TNF-α and IL-6 in NASH model mice, and the mechanism for the inhibition of inflammatory was mediated by NF-κB pathway.

Remarkable Stability of Charge Density Wave Order in La_{1.875}Ba_{0.125}CuO_{4}

The occurrence of charge-density-wave (CDW) order in underdoped cuprates is now well established, although the precise nature of the CDW and its relationship with superconductivity is not. Theoretical proposals include contrasting ideas such as that pairing may be driven by CDW fluctuations or that static CDWs may intertwine with a spatially modulated superconducting wave function. We test the dynamics of CDW order in La_{1.825}Ba_{0.125}CuO_{4} by using x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy at the CDW wave vector, detected resonantly at the Cu L_{3} edge. We find that the CDW domains are strikingly static, with no evidence of significant fluctuations up to 2 ¾  h. We discuss the implications of these results for some of the competing theories.

Retraction: Origin of colossal permittivity in (In1/2Nb1/2)TiO2via broadband dielectric spectroscopy

Retraction of 'Origin of colossal permittivity in (In1/2Nb1/2)TiO2via broadband dielectric spectroscopy' by Xiao-gang Zhao et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 23132-23139.

Th17 cells associated cytokines and cancer

Cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, which is a serious threat to human life. However, the etiology of cancer is not entirely clear. Under the action of tumorigenic factors, tissue cells lose normal regulation, resulting in abnormal proliferation and differentiation, so as to form a tumor. Cytokines promote the development of chronic inflammation, which may affect the development of cancer, and Th17 cells are a kind of immune cells which are closely related to the tumor. Therefore, this article focused on the role of Th17 cells and its related cytokines in tumor, which is very important for understanding the mechanism of tumor development. This will provide a direction for immunotherapy and gene-targeted therapy of cancer.

Molecular Mapping of Stripe Rust Resistance Gene Yr76 in Winter Club Wheat Cultivar Tyee

Tyee, one of the wheat cultivars used to differentiate races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in the United States, was identified to have a single gene for all-stage resistance, tentatively named YrTye. To map the gene, Tyee was crossed with 'Avocet Susceptible' (AvS). Genetic analysis of the F₁, F₂, F_2:3, and BC₁ progenies confirmed a single dominant gene for resistance to race PSTv-37 that is avirulent to YrTye. A mapping population of 135 F₂ plants was phenotyped with PSTv-37 and the derived F_2:3 lines were tested with races PSTv-37, PSTv-40, and PSTv-79. The F₂ mapping population was genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A genetic map comprising 13 SSR markers located YrTye in chromosome 3AS flanked distally by SSR marker wmc11 and proximally by wmc532 at 2.6 and 3.4 cM, respectively. Amplification of Chinese Spring 3A deletion lines placed the gene in the distal bin 3AS4-0.45 to 1.00. Because YrTye is different from all formally named Yr genes in chromosomal location, we permanently name the gene Yr76. A near-isogenic line of spring common wheat was developed and selected by testing F₃ lines derived from a AvS*4/Tyee cross with Tyee-avirulent and virulent races and the flanking markers. The specific SSR alleles flanking Yr76 were validated using cultivars and breeding lines with and without the gene, and showed high polymorphisms. The specificity of Yr76 is useful in differentiating P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races, and its tightly linked markers will be useful in developing resistant cultivars when combining the gene with other genes for resistance to stripe rust.

Influence of interleukin-18 gene polymorphisms on acute pancreatitis susceptibility in a Chinese population

We investigate the relationship between IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/C genetic polymorphisms and development of acute pancreatitis in a Chinese population. A total of 153 patients were consecutively recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2013 and November 2014. Genotyping of IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/C variants was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We observed a significant difference between acute pancreatitis patients and control subjects with respect to age (t = 2.15, P = 0.02), gender (chi-square = 3.95, P = 0.04), body mass index (t = 5.85, P < 0.001), and alcohol consumption (chi-square = 9.74, P = 0.002). Using chi-square tests, we found that the genotype distributions of IL-18 -607C/A (chi-square = 0.81, P = 0.67) and -137G/C (chi-square = 1.16, P = 0.56) polymorphisms did not differ between the acute pancreatitis and control groups. Genotype frequencies of these variants were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patient and control groups. In addition, logistic regression analysis failed to identify a significant association between these polymorphisms and acute pancreatitis risk. Our study firstly examined their association in a Chinese population, and we suggest that the IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/ C polymorphisms do not influence susceptibility to acute pancreatitis in the Chinese population studied in the present study.

Effects of miR-26a on the expression of Beclin 1 in retinoblastoma cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-26a on Beclin 1 expression in retinoblastoma (RB) cell lines (Y79 and WERi-RB-1). RB cells were transfected with miR-26a mimic, antagomir-26a, or control mimic. The Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The activity of Beclin 1 3ꞌ-UTR reporter gene was detected with the luciferase assay. After transfection with miR-26a mimic, Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels as well as the activity of the 3'-UTR reporter gene decreased. However, all were increased upon inhibition of miR-26a with antagomir-26a. Beclin 1 is the target of miR-26a in human RB cell lines Y79 and WERi-RB-1, and miR-26a inhibits the expression of Beclin 1 by reducing its mRNA and protein levels.