CCL2 mediates cross-talk between cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts that regulates breast cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSC) play critical roles in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic refractoriness. Although many studies have focused on the genes and pathways involved in stemness, characterization of the factors in the tumor microenvironment that regulate CSCs is lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of stromal fibroblasts on breast cancer stem cells. We found that compared with normal fibroblasts, primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and fibroblasts activated by cocultured breast cancer cells produce higher levels of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), which stimulates the stem cell-specific, sphere-forming phenotype in breast cancer cells and CSC self-renewal. Increased CCL2 expression in activated fibroblasts required STAT3 activation by diverse breast cancer-secreted cytokines, and in turn, induced NOTCH1 expression and the CSC features in breast cancer cells, constituting a cancer-stroma-cancer signaling circuit. In a xenograft model of paired fibroblasts and breast cancer tumor cells, loss of CCL2 significantly inhibited tumorigenesis and NOTCH1 expression. In addition, upregulation of both NOTCH1 and CCL2 was associated with poor differentiation in primary breast cancers, further supporting the observation that NOTCH1 is regulated by CCL2. Our findings therefore suggest that CCL2 represents a potential therapeutic target that can block the cancer-host communication that prompts CSC-mediated disease progression.

Phylogenetic and Pathogenic Analyses Show That the Causal Agent of Apple Ring Rot in China Is Botryosphaeria dothidea

Apple ring rot and Botryosphaeria canker are severe diseases affecting apple production in China, but there is confusion regarding which pathogens cause these diseases and their similarity to other diseases, such as white rot of apple, and ring rot and Botryosphaeria canker of pear. In this study, the pathogen of apple ring rot in China was compared with the pathogen of apple ring rot in Japan and Korea, the pathogen of Botryosphaeria canker of apple and pear in China, the pathogen of pear ring rot in China, and the pathogen of white rot of apple in the United States. Comparisons were based on morphology, pathogenicity on branches and fruit, and sequences of rDNA in the internal transcribed spacer region and of the β-tubulin and actin genes. Results showed that the causal agent of apple ring rot and Botryosphaeria canker of apple in China was Botryosphaeria dothidea, which has also been reported to be the pathogen of apple ring rot in Korea and Japan. Pathogenicity tests showed that B. dothidea infection on apple and pear branches may induce wart or canker symptoms depending on the conditions. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the same pathogen causes the wart symptom of apple ring rot and the Botryosphaeria canker symptom on apple branches in China. The results also suggest that apple ring rot and white rot are the same disease and are caused by B. dothidea. Finally, B. dothidea isolates from pear and other fruit or forest trees may serve as inoculum for apple ring rot.

Imaging features of paediatric haemophilic pseudotumour of the maxillary bone: report of three cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Haemophilic pseudotumour (HP) is an extremely rare lesion. The purpose of this study was to describe the CT and MRI features of maxillary bone HPs and introduce the key points to differentiate HP from the mimicking entities in the region.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed three paediatric patients with histology-proven HPs arising from the maxillary bone. All three patients underwent CT and/or MRI. Combined with six previously reported cases in the literature, the imaging features were comprehensively analysed.

RESULTS

All HPs showed a well-demarcated, multilobulated expansile osteolytic lesion in the maxillary bone. On non-enhanced CT, HPs appeared of mixed density relative to grey matter. The lesions appeared to have markedly heterogeneous signal intensity on both T(1) and T(2) weighted images, with septa-like enhancement following the administration of contrast material, which corresponded to blood products in various stages of evolution. The lesions caused cortical thinning and even focal disappearance and multiple bone septa were identified within the involved maxillary bone. Some HPs were associated with radiated periosteal proliferation, which can easily be misdiagnosed as a malignant bone tumour.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion for HP and a familiarity with imaging findings may help to accurately diagnose this rare entity.

MR evaluation of sinonasal angiomatous polyp

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SAP is a rare lesion of the sinonasal cavity, which may be misdiagnosed as a benign or malignant neoplasm. The purpose of our study was to comprehensively evaluate the MR imaging features of SAP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with SAP confirmed pathologically were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 40 patients undergoing MR imaging, 39 had postcontrast T1WI; 30, DCE MR imaging; and 17, DWI. The image features assessed included the location, shape, margin, size, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern on DCE MR imaging and ADC maps.

RESULTS

All 40 SAPs originated from the maxillary sinus, but the lesions frequently extended into the ipsilateral nasal cavity (38/40), toward the choana (19/40), and into the nasopharynx (8/40). The lesions demonstrated hypointensity on T1WI and heterogenous hyperintensity on T2WI. All 40 lesions showed a peripheral hypointense rim on T2WI. Postcontrast MR imaging revealed marked heterogeneous nodular and patchy enhancement. Progressive enhancement was found on DCE MR imaging in 30 cases. The TIC showed a steady enhancement pattern in 3 cases, a rapidly enhancing and slow washout pattern in 6 cases, and a rapidly enhancing and rapid washout pattern in 21 cases. On DWI, the mean ADC value was (1.40 ± 0.20) × 10(-3) mm(2)/s.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinctive features of SAP on conventional MR imaging include internal heterogeneous hyperintensity and a peripheral hypointense rim on T2WI, as well as strong nodular and patchy enhancement on postcontrast MR images. The progressive enhancement on DCE MR imaging can also suggest the diagnosis.

Potential use of the anti-inflammatory drug, sulfasalazine, for targeted therapy of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive, drug-resistant disease; its first-line chemotherapeutic, gemcitabine, is only marginally effective. Intracellular depletion of glutathione, a major free-radical scavenger, has been associated with growth arrest and reduced drug resistance (chemosensitization) of cancer cells. In search of a new therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer, we sought to determine whether specific inhibition of the plasma membrane x(c) (-) cystine transporter could lead to reduced uptake of cysteine, a key precursor of glutathione, and subsequent glutathione depletion. Sulfasalazine (approximately 0.2 mmol/L), an anti-inflammatory drug with potent x(c) (-)-inhibitory properties, markedly reduced l¹⁴C]-cystine uptake, glutathione levels, and growth and viability of human MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. These effects were shown to result primarily from inhibition of cystine uptake mediated by the x(c) (-) cystine transporter and not from inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB activation, another property of sulfasalazine. The efficacy of gemcitabine could be markedly enhanced by combination therapy with sulfasalazine both in vitro and in immunodeficient mice carrying xenografts of the same cell lines. No major side effects were observed in vivo.The results of the present study suggest that the x(c) (-) transporter plays a major role in pancreatic cancer by sustaining or enhancing glutathione biosynthesis, and as such, represents a potential therapeutic target. Sulfasalazine, a relatively nontoxic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, may, in combination with gemcitabine, lead to more effective therapy of refractory pancreatic cancer.

Nasal cavity eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis: CT and MR imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

EAF consists of exceedingly rare lesions and presently lacks specific imaging reports. The purpose of this study was to determine the CT and MR imaging features of nasal cavity EAF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with histology-proven EAF in the nasal cavity. All 6 patients underwent CT and 3 patients also underwent MR imaging. The following imaging features were reviewed: 1) location, 2) shape, 3) margin, 4) CT attenuation, and 5) MR imaging signal intensity. In addition, the accompanying changes and the TIC of the DCE MR imaging were analyzed.

RESULTS

All occurrences of EAF were located at the anterior nasal cavity, arising from the nasal septum in 4 patients, with irregular shape, and the lateral nasal wall in 2, with oval configuration. The mean size was 29.8 mm (range 12-52 mm). On nonenhanced CT, EAF lesions appeared isoattenuated relative to gray matter. On the T1-weighted image, the lesions were isointense in 3 (100%) patients. On the T2-weighted image, the lesions were isointense in 1 (33.3%) patient and hypointense in 2 (66.7%) patients. Occurrences of EAF revealed moderate inhomogeneous contrast enhancement. Three patients underwent DCE MR imaging and the TICs exhibited a rapidly enhancing and slow washout pattern. One patient had bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement, which displayed low signal intensity on the T2-weighted image.

CONCLUSIONS

A familiarity with imaging findings, including lesion location, isoattenuation and bony changes, and hypointensity on T2-weighted images may help to accurately diagnose this rare entity.

[The common and variation peak ratio dual index sequence analysis in UV fingerprint spectra of Gentiana rigescens]

With the common and variation peak ratio dual index sequence analysis method, using mean value, smoothness and derivative processing methods to calibrate and exclude interference, in order to increase resolution of spectrum, and then inspected the RSD of stability and repeatability of three different polarity solvent extracts of Gentiana rigescens, calculated the common and variation peak ratio in the UV fingerprint spectral, to evaluate the quality of G. rigescens from different areas. The results showed that, at 40 min, the extract ratio was the best in chloroform, absolute ethyl alcohol or water, and in 30h the RSD of stability respectively were between 0.078-0.455, 0.158-0.462, 0.052-0.682; the RSD of repeatability respectively were between 0.044-0.753, 0.156-0.288, 0.191-2.413. The fingerprint spectral implicated that the largest common peak ratio was 67.6%, while the least was 45.2%, and the largest variation peak ratio was 78.9%, the least was 21.7% among different areas of G. rigescens. The method could be used exactly in qualitative evaluation of two more herb samples, and clarified the similarity level among different areas, also applied the basement for authenticity identification and quality evaluation of herbs.

Fibrous dysplasia-like appearance of the frontal process of the maxilla on CT: prevalence in North China

The frontal process of the maxilla occasionally shows a localized FD-like appearance. The purpose of this study was to determine its prevalence and findings on CT. A retrospective study of 1000 consecutive paranasal sinus CT scans was preformed on outpatients without a history of trauma or previous surgery in our hospital during 6 months. CT images were interpreted independently by 2 experienced head and neck radiologists on a PACS system in a bone window setting. Of the 1000 patients (546 males; 454 females), 51 (5.1%,41 males and 10 females) had an FD-like appearance in the frontal process of the maxilla. There was a statistically significant difference between sexes (P < .001). Twenty-nine (56.9%) entities arose from the right frontal process and 22 (43.1%) from the left frontal process. These entities, with well-defined margins, were located at the base of the frontal process of the maxilla, appearing as an ovoid or triangular configuration on axial-plane CT and as a spindle or elliptic shape on the coronal plane. The mean maximal diameter was 9.8 mm (range, 3.6-16.1 mm). These entities exhibited a pagetoid appearance (type I) in 37 (72.5%), a ground-glass appearance (type II) in 8 (15.7%), and a cyst-like appearance (type III) in 6 (11.8%) patients on CT. The FD-like appearance of the frontal process of the maxilla is not rare and can be readily detected by CT.

[Spectrometric determination of trace elements in anticancer new medicine Fagopyrum dibotrys]

The golden buckwheat Fagopyrum dibotrys produced in Yunnan has a unique anti-cancer effects. It is a main raw material of "Wei Mai ning" capsules which is the national second-class anti-cancer drug. The present paper used (5 : 1) mixed acid as digestive juice to process the sample, and determine the twelve elements including K, Ca, Cu, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Co in the Fagopyrum dibotrys by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES). The detection limits of this method were 0.017-0.084 microg x mL(-1), the RSDs (n = 8) were all 0.09%-1.87%, and the addition standard recoveries(ASR) (n = 8) were 98.2%-107.4% for all elements. The research results showed that there is rich K(1 477.3 microg x g(-1)) in the Fagopyrum dibotrys, there are not harmful elements Cd and Pb, and this result is mainly related to the geochemistry background where the sample lived. The contents of seven remaining kinds of elements ranked as Na (826.1) > Ca (765.2 > Mg (493.4) > Zn (112.7) > Fe (56.5) > Cu (11.4) > Mn (4.49 microg x g(-1)). This result provides some theoretical basis for the study of internal relations between trace elements in Fagopyrum dibotrys and efficacy. It' s also useful for better development and utilization of the resource.

Highly efficient phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode with a nanometer-thick Ni silicide/polycrystalline p-Si composite anode

A phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (PhOLED) with a nanometer-thick (approximately 10 nm) Ni silicide/ polycrystalline p-Si composite anode is reported. The structure of the PhOLED is Al mirror/ glass substrate / Si isolation layer / Ni silicide / polycrystalline p-Si/ V(2)O(5)/ NPB/ CBP: (ppy)(2)Ir(acac)/ Bphen/ Bphen: Cs(2)CO(3)/ Sm/ Au/ BCP. In the composite anode, the Ni-induced polycrystalline p-Si layer injects holes into the V(2)O(5)/ NPB, and the Ni silicide layer reduces the sheet resistance of the composite anode and thus the series resistance of the PhOLED. By adopting various measures for specially optimizing the thickness of the Ni layer, which induces Si crystallization and forms a Ni silicide layer of appropriate thickness, the highest external quantum efficiency and power conversion efficiency have been raised to 26% and 11%, respectively.

[Determination of trace elements in Paris polyphylla var. Yunnanensis by ICP-AES]

Determination of metal elements in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis was studied by ICP-AES after HNO3-H2O2 digestion. The average recovery of the method for K, Mg and trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Mn and Pb in the Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis was found to be 93.7%-108.2%, while RSD (n = 5) was 0.7%-4.6% for the metal elements. The method was applied to the analysis of some practical samples, and the results obtained were satisfactory. There is rich Fe in the samples. It is of important significance to assess the value of the Chinese medicine by the determination of trace elements in it with ICP-AES.

Preparation, characterization and immunomodulatory activity of selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide produced by bacterium Enterobacter cloacae Z0206

The tolerant-selenium exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial strain Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 was batch cultured in PDA medium containing optimal concentration of sodium selenite. Selenium was accumulated efficiently in Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 during cultivation with selenium. Inorganic selenite could be transformed into organic forms. Selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide (Se-ECZ-EPS-1) was purified from the fermentation liquid. Selenium content of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 was 12.962microg/g. Se-ECZ-EPS-1 with Mw of 29,300Ka was composed of Glc, Gal and Mann with molar ratio of 8.530:0.061:0.706. Administration of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 to cyclophosphamide (CP)-exposed animals resulted in improvement of cellular and humoral immune responses. These findings indicated that Se-ECZ-EPS-1 may act as potent immunomodulatory agents.

The xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter: a mediator of pancreatic cancer growth with a role in drug resistance

The x_c⁻ cystine transporter enhances biosynthesis of glutathione, a tripeptide thiol important in drug resistance and cellular defense against oxidative stress, by enabling cellular uptake of cystine, a rate-limiting precursor. Because it is known to regulate glutathione levels and growth of various cancer cell types, and is expressed in the pancreas, we postulate that it is involved in growth and drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. To examine this, we characterised expression of the x_c⁻ transporter in pancreatic cancer cell lines, MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1 and BxPC-3, as subjected to cystine-depletion and oxidative stress. The results indicate that these cell lines depend on x_c⁻-mediated cystine uptake for growth, as well as survival in oxidative stress conditions, and can modulate x_c⁻ expression to accommodate growth needs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the transporter was differentially expressed in normal pancreatic tissues and overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues from two patients. Furthermore, gemcitabine resistance of cells was associated with elevated x_c⁻ expression and specific x_c⁻ inhibition by monosodium glutamate led to growth arrest. The results suggest that the x_c⁻ transporter by enhancing glutathione biosynthesis plays a major role in pancreatic cancer growth, therapy resistance and represents a potential therapeutic target for the disease.

[Determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus by flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometry]

Various test conditions and effect factors for the determination of mercury by flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometry were discussed, and a method for the determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus has been developed. The linear range for mercury is 0-60 microg x L(-1). The relative standard deviation is less than 3.0%, and the recovery is 96%-107%. This method is simple, rapid and has been applied to the determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus samples with satisfactory results.

[Direct determination of copper and manganese in Pinellia ternata by atomic absorption spectrometry using secondary sensitive wavelength]

A method for the direct determination of copper and manganese in Pinellia ternata by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with secondary sensitive wavelength was developed. This method can greatly decrease the analytical errors caused by small amount of samples orbig dilution multiple, so its accuracy is better than that with normal atomic absorption spectrometry using sensitive line when determining Cu-rich and Mn-rich Pinellia ternata samples. The detection limits of Cu-rich and Mn-rich are 0-25 mg x (-1) and 0-12 mg x L(-1), the relative standard deviations are 0.42% and 0.66%, and the recovery rates 96%-103% and 97%-102%, respectively. It was found that the method is simple, rapid, useful, accurate and free from the interference of coexistent ions. It has been widely applied to the determination of Pinellia ternata samples with satisfactory results.

[Spectrometric determination of trace elements in Tricholoma giganteum Massee]

The eight trace elements in Tricholoma giganteum Massee, including K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu, were determined simultaneously by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The relative standard deviation of the method is 0.1%-2.2%, and the recovery is 98.1%-106.4%. The analytical results were satisfactory. The results showed that some elements essential to human such as Zn, K, Ca, Mg and Mn in Tricholoma giganteum Massee are abundant, implying that the nutritive value of Tricholoma giganteum Massee is high.

Universal and scaling behavior at the proximity of the solid to the deformable air-water interface

The scaling descriptions of the deformation of the air-water interface due to van der Waals attractive forces induced by a paraboloid shaped solid as well as of the force vs distance behavior are systematically discussed theoretically and experimentally. It is demonstrated that the force-distance curves at the proximity of the solid to the air-water interface without contact satisfy a simple and universal scaling law, which can be useful to help study various systems involved in the deformable interface. Moreover, an analytical solution to the E-L differential equation governing the deformation of the water surface profile is obtained from the scaling relation, and the two length scales that quantitatively evaluate the lateral and longitudinal deformation of the air-water interface respectively are hence determined.

Comparative analysis of internal friction and natural frequency measured by free decay and forced vibration

Relations between various values of the internal friction (tgdelta, Q(-1), Q(-1*), and Lambda/pi) measured by free decay and forced vibration are analyzed systemically based on a fundamental mechanical model in this paper. Additionally, relations between various natural frequencies, such as vibration frequency of free decay omega(FD), displacement-resonant frequency of forced vibration omega(d), and velocity-resonant frequency of forced vibration omega(0) are calculated. Moreover, measurement of natural frequencies of a copper specimen of 99.9% purity has been made to demonstrate the relation between the measured natural frequencies of the system by forced vibration and free decay. These results are of importance for not only more accurate measurement of the elastic modulus of materials but also the data conversion between different internal friction measurements.

[Determination of trace elements in cardiocrinum giganteum by FAAS]

Conditions for simultaneous determination of multi-tract elements in Cardiocrinum giganteum by flame atomic absorption spectrometry were studied. Elements K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cr in different growth periods of Cardiocrinum giganteum were determined, the relative standard deviation of the method is between 0.20% and 2.1%, and the recovery is between 97.8% and 104.9%. Analytical results were satisfactory. The results showed that some elements essential to human such as Zn, K, Ca, Mg and Mn in Cardiocrinum giganteum are abundant, implying that the nutritive value of Cardiocrinum giganteum is high.

[Determination of selenium in Tricholoma giganteum by flow injection-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry]

Various test conditions and effect factors for the determination of selenium by flow injection-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry were discussed and a method for the determination of selenium in tricholoma giganteum has been developed. The linear range for selenium is 0-50 microg x L(-1). The relative standard deviation is less than 3% and the recovery is 96%-105%. This method is simple, rapid and has been applied to the determination of selenium in tricholoma giganteum with satisfactory results.

Comparison of age-related differences in expression of antioxidant enzyme mRNA and activity in various tissues of pigs

Antioxidant enzymes (AOEs), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase (CAT) play an important role in protecting tissues from reactive oxygen species (ROS) reactions. The objective of this study was to determine the developmental regulation of AOEs mRNA levels and activity in tissues of different growing phases pigs (Sus scrofa). Nine different tissues were collected from thirty Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire male pigs with six animals in each age (1, 42, 84, 126 and 168 days) to assay for GPx, CAT and CuZnSOD mRNA expression and activities. Results showed that GPx, CAT, and CuZnSOD mRNA levels in liver increased (P<0.05) at the first stage, and thereafter their levels began to decline (P<0.05), and the maximal mRNA levels of these AOEs were seen at the age of 42, 84, and 126 days, respectively. In Muscle, GPx and CAT mRNA level increased from 1 to 84 days and 1 to 126 days, respectively, and thereafter their levels began to decline, whereas CuZnSOD mRNA level steadily increased (P<0.05) following birth. Activity expression of AOEs in selected tissues was increased as pigs became older (P<0.05) with the exception of CuZnSOD activity in muscle, but changes in AOEs mRNA levels between ages did not fully account for all changes in activity. GPx and CuZnSOD mRNA were most abundantly expressed in muscle, while CAT mRNA were most abundant in brain. AOEs may exert cell and tissue-specific roles in metabolic regulation beyond their mere antioxidant potential. In conclusion, expression of AOEs mRNA and activity exhibit different developmental profiles in various tissues of pigs, and the regulation of AOEs is not tightly coordinated in either tissue.

Identification of trait-improving quantitative trait loci for grain yield components from a dent corn inbred line in an advanced backcross BC2F2 population and comparison with its F2:3 population in popcorn

Normal maize germplasm could be used to improve the grain yield of popcorn inbreds. Our first objective was to locate genetic factors associated with trait variation and make first assessment on the efficiency of advanced backcross quantitative trait locus (AB-QTL) analysis for the identification and transfer of favorable QTL alleles for grain yield components from the dent corn inbred. A second objective was to compare the detection of QTL in the BC2F2 population with results using F(2:3) lines of the same parents. Two hundred and twenty selected BC2F2 families developed from a cross between Dan232 and an elite popcorn inbred N04 were evaluated for six grain yield components under two environments, and genotyped by means of 170 SSR markers. Using composite interval mapping (CIM), a total of 19 significant QTL were detected. Eighteen QTL had favorable alleles contributed by the dent corn parent Dan232. Sixteen of these favorable QTL alleles were not in the same or near marker intervals with QTL for popping characteristics. Six QTL were also detected in the F(2:3) population. Improved N04 could be developed from 210 and 208 families with higher grain weight per plant and/or 100-grain weight, respectively, and 35 families with the same or higher popping expansion volume than N04. In addition, near isogenic lines containing detected QTL (QTL-NILs) for grain weight per plant and/or 100-grain weight could be obtained from 12 families. Our study demonstrated that the AB-QTL method can be applied to identify and manipulate favorable QTL alleles from normal corn inbreds and combine QTL detection and popcorn breeding efficiently.

Identification of trait-improving quantitative trait loci for grain yield components from a dent corn inbred line in an advanced backcross BC2F2 population and comparison with its F2:3 population in popcorn

Normal maize germplasm could be used to improve the grain yield of popcorn inbreds. Our first objective was to locate genetic factors associated with trait variation and make first assessment on the efficiency of advanced backcross quantitative trait locus (AB-QTL) analysis for the identification and transfer of favorable QTL alleles for grain yield components from the dent corn inbred. A second objective was to compare the detection of QTL in the BC2F2 population with results using F(2:3) lines of the same parents. Two hundred and twenty selected BC2F2 families developed from a cross between Dan232 and an elite popcorn inbred N04 were evaluated for six grain yield components under two environments, and genotyped by means of 170 SSR markers. Using composite interval mapping (CIM), a total of 19 significant QTL were detected. Eighteen QTL had favorable alleles contributed by the dent corn parent Dan232. Sixteen of these favorable QTL alleles were not in the same or near marker intervals with QTL for popping characteristics. Six QTL were also detected in the F(2:3) population. Improved N04 could be developed from 210 and 208 families with higher grain weight per plant and/or 100-grain weight, respectively, and 35 families with the same or higher popping expansion volume than N04. In addition, near isogenic lines containing detected QTL (QTL-NILs) for grain weight per plant and/or 100-grain weight could be obtained from 12 families. Our study demonstrated that the AB-QTL method can be applied to identify and manipulate favorable QTL alleles from normal corn inbreds and combine QTL detection and popcorn breeding efficiently.

Effects of fermented soybean meal on digestive enzyme activities and intestinal morphology in broilers

The experiment was performed to compare the effects of fermented soybean meal (fermented with Aspergillus oryzae 3.042, FSBM) and soybean meal on digestive enzyme activities and intestinal morphology in broilers. Three hundred twenty 1-d-old Ross x Ross male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 2 dietary treatments for a 6-wk feeding trial, including 0- to 21-d and 21- to 42-d periods. At the end of each stage, 8 broilers of each treatment were killed, and pancreas, small intestine digesta, and duodenum, jejunum, and ileum segments were collected for digestive enzymes and intestinal morphology evaluation. Results of the experiment showed that replacing soybean meal with FSBM in diet increased the activities of trypsin, lipase, and protease significantly in intestinal content of starter broilers (P<0.05) and enhanced the protease activity of grower broilers (P<0.05). Amylase activity was not affected in both feeding periods by the treatments. Compared with the control, broilers fed with FSBM had lower pancreatic trypsin activity (P<0.05) in the starter phase. There were no significant differences on lipase, amylase, and protease activity between the treatments in both growth phases. Increased villus height (P<0.05) and decreased crypt depth (P<0.05) of jejunum mucosa could be observed in the whole growth stage of broilers fed with FSBM. Also, duodenal villus height of starter chicks was also significantly increased (P<0.05).