The dynamic changes of mango (Mangifera indica L.) epicuticular wax during fruit development and effect of epicuticular wax on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides invasion

Mango fruits are susceptible to diseases, such as anthracnose, during fruit development, leading to yield reduction. Epicuticular wax is closely related to resistance of plants to pathogenic bacterial invasion. In this study, the effect of mango fruit epicuticular wax on the invasion of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was investigated, followed by to understand the changes of wax chemical composition and crystal morphology during mango fruit development using GC-MS and SEM. Results showed that the epicuticular wax of mango fruits can prevent the invasion of C. gloeosporioides, and 'Renong' showed the strongest resistance to C. gloeosporioides. The wax content of four mango varieties first increased and then decreased from 40 days after full bloom (DAFB) to 120 DAFB. In addition, 95 compounds were detected in the epicuticular wax of the four mango varieties at five developmental periods, in which primary alcohols, terpenoids and esters were the main wax chemical composition. Furthermore, the surface wax structure of mango fruit changed dynamically during fruit development, and irregular platelet-like crystals were the main wax structure. The present study showed the changes of wax content, chemical composition and crystal morphology during mango fruit development, and the special terpenoids (squalene, farnesyl acetate and farnesol) and dense crystal structure in the epicuticular wax of 'Renong' fruit may be the main reason for its stronger resistance to C. gloeosporioides than other varieties. Therefore, these results provide a reference for the follow-up study of mango fruit epicuticular wax synthesis mechanism and breeding.

[Exosomal FZD10 derived from non-small cell lung cancer cells promotes angiogenesis of human umbilical venous endothelial cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of exosomal FZD10 derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells on angiogenesis of human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression of FZD10 in two NSCLC cell lines (95D and H1299 cells), normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) and their exosomes isolated by ultracentrifugation. Cultured HUVECs were treated with the exosomes derived from NSCLC cells or NSCLC cells transfected with FZD10-siRNA, and the changes in tube formation ability of the cells were analyzed using an in vitro angiogenesis assay. ELISA was performed to determine the concentration of VEGFA and Ang-1 in the conditioned media of HUVECs, and RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA levels of VEGFA and Ang-1 in the HUVECs. The effects of exosomal FZD10 on the activation of PI3K, Erk1/2 and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways were evaluated using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with BEAS-2B cells and their exosomes, 95D and H1299 cells and their exosomes all expressed high levels of FZD10 (P < 0.01). The exosomes derived from 95D and H1299 cells significantly enhanced tube formation ability and increased the expressions of VEGFA and Ang-1 protein and mRNA in HUVECs (P < 0.01), but FZD10 knockdown in 95D and H1299 cells obviously inhibited these effects of the exosomes. Exosomal FZD10 knockdown suppressed the activation of PI3K and Erk1/2 signaling pathways, but had no obvious effect on the activation of YAP/TAZ signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal FZD10 derived from NSCLC cells promotes HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro, the mechanism of which may involve the activation of PI3K and Erk1/2 signaling pathways.

First report of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd bacterial leaf spot caused by Pantoea stewartii subspecies indologenes in China

Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. is an important ornamental flowering plant belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is widely used in landscape designs in tropical and subtropical regions. In December 2020, severe disease-causing leaf spots were discovered on the leaves of B. spectabilis in the Modern Agricultural Park (110°19' E, 21°26' N) Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. Field surveys revealed that the disease was widespread, with an incidence of 60-80%. Early symptoms on the leaves appeared as tiny leaf spots that later developed into concentric circles surrounded by a yellowish halo (Fig. 1). Diseased leaves with typical symptoms were collected for pathogen isolation. The leading edges of the lesions were excised, sanitized in 75% ethanol for 30 s and in 3% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min, and rinsed three times with sterile distilled water (SDW). The diseased tissue was crushed in 1 mL SDW, soaked for 15 min, and then spread onto nutrient agar medium on a petri dish. Circular, bright yellow colonies with smooth margins were observed after 24 h of incubation at 28 °C. The isolate (SJM1) was a gram-negative bacillus with positive results for catalase, indole synthesis, maltose, and arbutin and negative results for sorbitol, lactose, salicin, and starch hydrolysis. The SJM1 genomic DNA was extracted using the TIANamp Bacterial DNA Kit, and partial 16S rDNA gene segments were amplified using the bacterial generic primers 27F and 1492R. The collated 16S rDNA gene sequences were submitted to the NCBI GenBank (MZ723935). BLAST analysis of the sequences revealed 99.38% identity with Pantoea stewartii (MG517424.1). Amplification using subspecies-specific primers galE (#562/564; Gehring et al. 2014), glmS (#356/341; Wensing et al. 2010), and pstC + pstS (#338/339; Wensing et al. 2010) revealed that the genes showed 99-100% identity with P. stewartii subsp. indologenes (galE = 100%, MZ754494.1; glmS = 99.79%, MZ75496.1; and pstC + pstS = 99.89%, MZ754495.1). Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the neighbor-joining method (MEGA X), with both the 16S rDNA sequence (Fig. 2 2A) and the concatenated 16S rDNA, galE, pstC + pstS, and glmS sequences (Fig.2 2B). The SJM1 isolate belonged to the same clade as P. stewartii subsp. indologenes and was 99% homologous to P. stewartii subsp. indologenes strain ZJ-FGZX1 (Fig. 2 2B; Ren et al. 2020). Pathogenicity tests were performed through prick wound inoculation. Sterile needles were used to create fresh wounds on healthy young leaves of one-year-old B. spectabilis plants. Wounds were inoculated with 20 μl bacterial suspension (1 × 108 CFU/ml) or SDW. Four leaves per plant and three plants per treatment were evaluated. The plants were incubated at 28 °C temperature and 80-90% relative humidity. After 4-7 days of inoculation, all plants inoculated with the bacterial suspension had spot symptoms with a halo, similar to those observed in the field. However, leaves inoculated with SDW alone did not show any symptoms. Furthermore, the colony morphology and 16S rDNA sequences of the strains isolated from the inoculated leaves were identical to those of the original isolates. These results verified Koch's postulates. Based on biochemical identification and sequencing analysis, the pathogen causing B. spectabilis leaf spot was identified as P. stewartii subsp. indologenes. Previous reports have shown that P. stewartii subsp. indologenes can cause diseases in Dracaena sanderiana, Cenchrus americanus, and Allium cepa (Zhang et al. 2020, Ashajyothi et al. 2021, Stumpf et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. stewartii subsp. indologenes causing B. spectabilis leaf spot disease in China.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal the Involvement of Multiple Pathways in Flowering Intensity in Mango

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is famous for its sweet flavor and aroma. China is one of the major mango-producing countries. Mango is known for variations in flowering intensity that impacts fruit yield and farmers' profitability. In the present study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of three cultivars with different flowering intensities were performed to preliminarily elucidate their regulatory mechanisms. The transcriptome profiling identified 36,242 genes. The major observation was the differential expression patterns of 334 flowering-related genes among the three mango varieties. The metabolome profiling detected 1,023 metabolites that were grouped into 11 compound classes. Our results show that the interplay of the FLOWERING LOCUS T and CONSTANS together with their upstream/downstream regulators/repressors modulate flowering robustness. We found that both gibberellins and auxins are associated with the flowering intensities of studied mango varieties. Finally, we discuss the roles of sugar biosynthesis and ambient temperature pathways in mango flowering. Overall, this study presents multiple pathways that can be manipulated in mango trees regarding flowering robustness.

Biosynthesis of Novel Naphthoquinone Derivatives in the Commonly-used Chassis Cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli

Naphthoquinones harboring 1,4-naphthoquinone pharmacophore are considered as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. In pharmaceutical industry and fundamental research, polyketide naphthoquinones were widely produced by heterologous expression of polyketide synthases in microbial chassis cells, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Nevertheless, these cell factories still remain, to a great degree, black boxes that often exceed engineers’ expectations. In this work, the biotransformation of juglone or 1,4-naphthoquinone was conducted to generate novel derivatives and it was revealed that these two naphthoquinones can indeed be modified by the chassis cells. Seventeen derivatives, including 6 novel compounds, were isolated and their structural characterizations indicated the attachment of certain metabolites of chassis cells to naphthoquinones. Some of these biosynthesized derivatives were reported as potent antimicrobial agents with reduced cytotoxic activities. Additionally, molecular docking as simple and quick in silico approach was performed to screen the biosynthesized compounds for their potential antiviral activity. It was found that compound 11 and 17 showed the most promising binding affinities against Nsp9 of SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating their potential antiviral activities. Overall, this work provides a new approach to generate novel molecules in the commonly used chassis cells, which would expand the chemical diversity for the drug development pipeline. It also reveals a novel insight into the potential of the catalytic power of the most widely used chassis cells.

Genomic analysis of WD40 protein family in the mango reveals a TTG1 protein enhances root growth and abiotic tolerance in Arabidopsis

WD40 domain-containing proteins constitute one of the most abundant protein families in all higher plants and play vital roles in the regulation of plant growth and developmental processes. To date, WD40 protein members have been identified in several plant species, but no report is available on the WD40 protein family in mango (Mangifera indica L.). In this study, a total of 315 WD40 protein members were identified in mango and further divided into 11 subgroups according to the phylogenetic tree. Here, we reported mango TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (MiTTG1) protein as a novel factor that functions in the regulation of Arabidopsis root growth and development. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay in tobacco leaves revealed that MiTTG1 protein physically interacts with MiMYB0, MiTT8 and MibHLH1, implying the formation of a new ternary regulatory complex (MYB-bHLH-WD40) in mango. Furthermore, the MiTTG1 transgenic lines were more adapted to abiotic stresses (mannitol, salt and drought stress) in terms of promoted root hairs and root lengths. Together, our findings indicated that MiTTG1 functions as a novel factor to modulate protein-protein interactions and enhance the plants abilities to adjust different abiotic stress responses.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly provides insights into the evolution and flavor synthesis of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims)

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an economically valuable fruit that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Here, we report an ~1341.7 Mb chromosome-scale genome assembly of passion fruit, with 98.91% (~1327.18 Mb) of the assembly assigned to nine pseudochromosomes. The genome includes 23,171 protein-coding genes, and most of the assembled sequences are repetitive sequences, with long-terminal repeats (LTRs) being the most abundant. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that passion fruit diverged after Brassicaceae and before Euphorbiaceae. Ks analysis showed that two whole-genome duplication events occurred in passion fruit at 65 MYA and 12 MYA, which may have contributed to its large genome size. An integrated analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data showed that 'alpha-linolenic acid metabolism', 'metabolic pathways', and 'secondary metabolic pathways' were the main pathways involved in the synthesis of important volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in passion fruit, and this analysis identified some candidate genes, including GDP-fucose Transporter 1-like, Tetratricopeptide repeat protein 33, protein NETWORKED 4B isoform X1, and Golgin Subfamily A member 6-like protein 22. In addition, we identified 13 important gene families in fatty acid pathways and eight important gene families in terpene pathways. Gene family analysis showed that the ACX, ADH, ALDH, and HPL gene families, especially ACX13/14/15/20, ADH13/26/33, ALDH1/4/21, and HPL4/6, were the key genes for ester synthesis, while the TPS gene family, especially PeTPS2/3/4/24, was the key gene family for terpene synthesis. This work provides insights into genome evolution and flavor trait biology and offers valuable resources for the improved cultivation of passion fruit.

Morphological description of a novel synthetic allotetraploid(A1A1G3G3) of Gossypium herbaceum L.and G.nelsonii Fryx. suitable for disease-resistant breeding applications

Wild species of Gossypium ssp. are an important source of traits for improving commercial cotton cultivars. Previous reports show that Gossypium herbaceum L. and Gossypium nelsonii Fryx. have better disease resistance characteristics than commercial cotton varieties. However, chromosome ploidy and biological isolation make it difficult to hybridize diploid species with the tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum L. We developed a new allotetraploid cotton genotype (A1A1G3G3) using a process of distant hybridization within wild cotton species to create new germplasms. First of all, G. herbaceum and G. nelsonii were used for interspecific hybridization to obtain F1 generation. Afterwards, apical meristems of the F1 diploid cotton plants were treated with colchicine to induce chromosome doubling. The new interspecific F1 hybrid and S1 cotton plants originated from chromosome duplication, were tested via morphological and molecular markers and confirmed their tetraploidy through flowrometric and cytological identification. The S1 tetraploid cotton plants was crossed with a TM-1 line and fertile hybrid offspring were obtained. These S2 offsprings were tested for resistance to Verticillium wilt and demonstrated adequate tolerance to this fungi. The results shows that the new S1 cotton line could be used as parental material for hybridization with G. hirsutum to produce pathogen-resistant cotton hybrids. This new S1 allotetraploid genotype will contributes to the enrichment of Gossypium germplasm resources and is expected to be valuable in polyploidy evolutionary studies.

Comprehensive ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS based characterization of metabolome of two mango (Mangifera indica L) cultivars from China

Polyphenols based bioactive compounds from vegetables and fruits are known for impressive antioxidant activity. Ingestion of these antioxidants may promote human health against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Mango is a popular tropical fruit with special taste, high nutritional value and health-enhancing metabolites. The aim was to investigate the diversity of phytochemicals between two mango cultivars of china at three stages of fruit maturity. We used ESI-QTRAP-MS/MS approach to characterize comprehensively the metabolome of two mango cultivars named Hongguifei (HGF) and Tainong (TN). HPLC was used to quantify selected catechin based phenolic compounds. Moreover, real-time qPCR was used to study the expression profiles of two key genes (ANR and LAR) involved in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis from catechins and derivatives. A total of 651 metabolites were identified, which include at least 257 phenolic compounds. Higher number of metabolites were differentially modulated in peel as compared to pulp. Overall, the relative quantities of amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, and other metabolites were increased in the pulp of TN cultivar. While the contents of phenolic compounds were relatively higher in HGF cultivar. Moreover, HPLC based quantification of catechin and derivatives exhibited cultivar specific variations. The ANR and LAR genes exhibited an opposite expression profile in both cultivars. Current study is the first report of numerous metabolites including catechin-based derivatives in mango fruit. These findings open novel possibilities for the use of mango as a source of bioactive compounds.

Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome analysis of Pitaya fruit unveiled the mechanisms underlying Peel and pulp color formation

BACKGROUND

Elucidating the candidate genes and key metabolites responsible for pulp and peel coloration is essential for breeding pitaya fruit with new and improved appeal and high nutritional value. Here, we used transcriptome (RNA-Seq) and metabolome analysis (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify structural and regulatory genes and key metabolites associated with peel and pulp colors in three pitaya fruit types belonging to two different Hylocereus species.

RESULT

Our combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses suggest that the main strategy for obtaining red color is to increase tyrosine content for downstream steps in the betalain pathway. The upregulation of CYP76ADs is proposed as the color-breaking step leading to red or colorless pulp under the regulation by WRKY44 transcription factor. Supported by the differential accumulation of anthocyanin metabolites in red pulped pitaya fruit, our results showed the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in addition to betalain biosynthesis. However, no color-breaking step for the development of anthocyanins in red pulp was observed and no biosynthesis of anthocyanins in white pulp was found. Together, we propose that red pitaya pulp color is under the strict regulation of CYP76ADs by WRKYs and the anthocyanin coexistence with betalains is unneglectable. We ruled out the possibility of yellow peel color formation due to anthocyanins because of no differential regulation of chalcone synthase genes between yellow and green and no detection of naringenin chalcone in the metabolome. Similarly, the no differential regulation of key genes in the carotenoid pathway controlling yellow pigments proposed that the carotenoid pathway is not involved in yellow peel color formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our results propose several candidate genes and metabolites controlling a single horticultural attribute i.e. color formation for further functional characterization. This study presents useful genomic resources and information for breeding pitaya fruit with commercially attractive peel and pulp colors. These findings will greatly complement the existing knowledge on the biosynthesis of natural pigments for their applications in food and health industry.

Evolutionary analysis of six chloroplast genomes from three Persea americana ecological races: Insights into sequence divergences and phylogenetic relationships

Chloroplasts significantly influence species phylogenies because of their maternal inheritance and the moderate evolutionary rate of their genomes. Avocado, which is a member of the family Lauraceae, has received considerable attention from botanists, likely because of its position as a basal angiosperm. However, there is relatively little avocado genomic information currently available. In this study, six complete avocado chloroplast genomes from three ecological races were assembled to examine the sequence diversity among the three avocado ecological races. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that 515 simple sequence repeat loci and 176 repeats belonging to four other types were polymorphic across the six chloroplast genomes. Three highly variable regions (trnC-GCA-petN, petN-psbM, and petA-psbJ) were identified as highly informative markers. A phylogenetic analysis based on 79 common protein-coding genes indicated that the six examined avocado accessions from three ecological races form a monophyletic clade. The other three genera belonging to the Persea group clustered to form a sister clade with a high bootstrap value. These chloroplast genomes provide important genetic information for future attempts at identifying avocado races and for the related biological research.

Identification and Characterization of Phospholipase D Genes Putatively Involved in Internal Browning of Pineapple during Postharvest Storage

Phospholipase D (PLD) in plants plays vital roles in growth, development, and stress responses. However, the precise role of PLDs in pineapple remains poorly understood. In this study, 10 putative PLD genes, designated as AcPLD1-AcPLD10, were identified based on the pineapple genome database. The 10 AcPLDs could be clustered into five of the six known PLD families according to sequence characterization. Their deduced amino acid sequences displayed similarities to PLDs from other plant species. Expression analyses of PLD mRNAs from pineapple pulp were performed. The 10 PLDs exhibited differential expression patterns during storage periods of fruits treated with hexaldehyde (a specific PLD inhibitor) which could alleviate internal browning (IB) of pineapple after harvest. Functional subcellular localization signaling assays of two PLD proteins (AcPLD2 and AcPLD9) were performed by fluorescence microscopy. To further detect the potential action mechanism underlying PLD involved in the IB defense response, PLD, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and H₂O₂ associated with antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, NADPH, and ascorbate peroxidase were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This report is the first to provide a genome-wide description of the pineapple PLD gene family, and the results should expand knowledge of this family.

Angioarchitectural characteristics associated with complications of embolization in supratentorial brain arteriovenous malformation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Embolization is an important therapeutic technique in brain arteriovenous malformations; however, little has been reported on the factors contributing to complications. We retrospectively reviewed a large series of supratentorial brain AVMs to identify the angioarchitectural characteristics that might be associated with the complications of embolization and poor clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical and angiographic features of 130 consecutive patients with supratentorial brain AVMs embolized with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer in our hospital from 2005-2008 were retrospectively reviewed. None of these patients had prior embolization. Complications were classified as transient neurologic deficits, persistent neurologic deficits, and death. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the angiographic features in patients with and without complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-three complications occurred in 130 embolization procedures, 13 (10%) were transient neurologic deficits (9 ischemic and 4 hemorrhagic), 9 (6.92%) were persistent neurologic deficits (7 ischemic and 2 hemorrhagic), and 1 death occurred. By univariate analyses, eloquent cortex (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.08-3.42) and exclusive deep venous drainage (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.28-9.67) were correlated with procedural complications. The impaction of eloquent cortical location (P = .001) and exclusive deep venous drainage (P = .035) on complications were also demonstrated by multivariate analysis. Eloquent cortex mainly resulted in permanent ischemic neurologic deficit; occlusion of drainage vein was significantly correlated with periprocedural hemorrhage in supratentorial brain AVMs with subtotal and partial embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study on supratentorial brain AVMs with first-time embolization, 6.92% of patients had permanent neurologic deficit or death. Eloquent cortical location and exclusive deep venous drainage were associated with complications.

Multiple microRNAs modulate p21Cip1/Waf1 expression by directly targeting its 3' untranslated region

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), also known as p21Cip1/Waf1, is a master downstream effector of tumor suppressors. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate through a high-throughput luciferase reporter screen that p21Cip1/Waf1 can be directly targeted by nearly 28 microRNAs (miRNAs). The results were further confirmed by a series of mutational analyses and luciferase reporter assays. These 28 miRNAs can substantially inhibit p21Cip1/Waf1 expression, predominantly at translational level. Many of these miRNAs were upregulated in cancers and might serve as modulators of oncogenesis. Furthermore, 8 of these 28 p21-regulating miRNAs are located in the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster, the largest miRNA gene cluster in humans, and they can clearly promote cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression in choriocarcinoma cells. In conclusion, our screening strategy provides an alternative approach to uncovering miRNA modulators of an individual mRNA, and it has identified multiple miRNAs that can suppress p21Cip1/Waf1 expression by directly targeting its 3' untranslated region.

A giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region: case report

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon benign tumours and seldom extend into the middle cranial fossa. This is a case report of a giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region, which was successfully removed using combined interdisciplinary subtemporal and transmastoid approaches. Complete resection of the tumour was the optimal therapy for this patient because the facial nerve had been severely destroyed by the tumour. The clinical presentation, histological features, radiological findings and management of this case, as well as the relevant literature, are presented.

Isolated intracranial Rosai-Dorfman disease mimicking suprasellar meningioma: case report with review of the literature

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is an idiopathic histiocytic proliferation affecting the lymph nodes. Isolated intracranial RDD is rare and usually appears as a well-defined, dural-based lesion without lymphadenopathy. The clinical and radiological features of intracranial RDD are similar to meningioma. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are essential for a definitive diagnosis. This is a report of a 43-year old male with isolated intracranial RDD, which manifested as a suprasellar meningioma. The clinical, radiological and pathological aspects of the disease are discussed within the context of a review of previously reported cases.

[Long-term follow-up of patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty or thrombolysis. Results of the MITRA trial]

Long-term follow-up after treatment with primary angioplasty compared to treatment with thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains still to be determined. We therefore analyzed the data of the "Maximal Individual Therapy" in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MITRA-1) Registry. Follow-up data for a median of 17 months after discharge were available in 2090 out of 2195 (95%) AMI patients treated with thrombolysis, as well as 293 out of 312 patients (94%) treated with primary angioplasty. There were only small differences in patient characteristics between the two treatment groups. Compared to patients treated with thrombolysis, those treated with primary angioplasty had a higher prevalence of prior myocardial infarction (16.4% versus 12.2%, p = 0.04), longer prehospital delay: 10 minutes (130 minutes versus 120 minutes, p = 0.002), and a longer door-to-treatment time: 45 minutes (p < 0.001). Primary angioplasty patients were more likely to be treated with beta-blockers (primary angioplasty 79.8% versus thrombolysis 66.2%, p < 0.001) or statins (24.5% versus 16.5%, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the treatment groups for total mortality (p = 0.90) nor for the combined endpoint of death or re-infarction (p = 0.85). However, the combined endpoint of death, re-infarction or percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary bypass surgery was significantly lower in the primary angioplasty group (primary angioplasty 25.6% versus thrombolysis 32.3%, univariate odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.95, p = 0.02). This result was confirmed by multivariate analysis after adjusting for confounding parameters (multivariate odds ratio: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.91). The beneficial effect of primary angioplasty compared to thrombolysis achieved during the hospital stay after an AMI is maintained during a 17 month follow-up. AMI patients treated with thrombolysis were more likely to be treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary bypass surgery after discharge.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency causes slow egg embryonation of Schistosoma japonicum

In our attempt to discover a potential cause for accumulation of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) deficiency in Eastern Asia, we studied the association of CETP deficiency with pathogenesis of Schistosoma japonicum, a life-threatening parasite peculiar to this region. The eggs of S. japonicum showed slow embryonation when cultured in CETP-deficient human plasma. Restoration of CETP to the deficient plasma rescued it, while inhibition of CETP in normal plasma did not cause slow embryonation of the cultured eggs. The egg embryonation was also retarded in the liver but not in the intestine of wild-type mice in comparison to the CETP-transgenic mice. The granulomatous lesion around the parasite eggs in the liver was less in the wild-type than in the CETP-transgenic mice. Thus, CETP deficiency may act against Schistosomiasis japonica by retarding egg embryonation, a potential cause of liver granulomatosis. It does not seem directly due to the lack of CETP activity in plasma but to abnormal lipoprotein generated by chronic CETP deficiency.

[The expression of CD15 mRNA CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA in breast cancer and their clinical significance]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship of the expression of CD15 mRNA and its protein, CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA with the clinical pathology parameter and prognosis of breast cancer, and to investigate the correlation of the expression of CD15 mRNA with CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA.

METHODS

Catalyzed signal amplification (CSA) method of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of CD15 mRNA and its protein, CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA in 94 cases of breast cancer.

RESULTS

The overexpression of CD15 mRNA and its protein and CD44v6 mRNA and the low expression nm23H1 mRNA were correlated with the grading, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, recurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. Patients who had overexpression of CD15 mRNA and CD44v6 mRNA and low expression of nm23H1 mRNA had a higher lymph node metastatic rate and a lower survival rate.

CONCLUSION

The expression of CD15 mRNA has a synergistic action in positive and negative regulation with that of CD44v6 mRNA and nm23H1 mRNA. Combining detection of the expression of these three mRNA is a reliable index to evaluate the metastasis, recurrence and prognosis of breast cancer.

Fatty acids and beta-carotene in australian purslane (Portulaca oleracea) varieties

The fatty acid profile and beta-carotene content of a number of Australian varieties of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) were determined by GC and HPLC. The total fatty acid content ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 mg/g of fresh mass in leaves, 0.6 to 0.9 mg/g in stems and 80 to 170 mg/g in seeds. alpha-Linolenic acid (C18:3omega3) accounted for around 60% and 40% of the total fatty acid content in leaves and seeds, respectively. Longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids were not detected. The beta-carotene content ranged from 22 to 30 mg/g fresh mass in leaves. These results indicate that Australian purslane varieties are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid and beta-carotene.

A slotted waveguide field applicator to sustain large diameter uniform plasma cylinders

We describe a slotted waveguide field applicator and present the results of experimental investigation. The experimental results show that it can efficiently transfer power to plasma in the wide pressure range. Specially, it is able to produce a large diameter uniform plasma cylinder with diameter over 160 mm. The electron temperature and density are 2-4 eV and 10(10)-10(11) cm-3, respectively, under conditions of the pressure below 135 Pa and the microwave power 500-900 w. In addition, the primary study of the surface-wave modes indicate that the mode of m = 6 can be excited and propagate.

[HBxAg enhanced p53 protein accumulation in hepatoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

In order to determine the interaction between HBxAg and p53 protein and its role in hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS

Cotransfection was performed using reporter gene, chloramphenical acetyltransferase (CAT), p53 and HBVx gene, and dexamethasone inducible HBx plasmid pMAMHBx was constructed for the experiment. Human hepatoma cell line Hep3B was used as the target cell. The activity of HBxAg and p53 was detected by CAT assay and immunohistochemical staining after transient transfection.

RESULTS

HBxAg could increase the accumulation of p53 protein in cells and enhance CAT expression. Immunohistochemical staining showed that p53 protein bound to HBxAg in the cytoplasm and formed a complex causing a partial block of the process of p53 during passing through the nuclear membrane from the cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

Data strongly suggested that HBxAg is capable of binding p53 and forms a protein-protein complex which might reduce or inactivate p53's antiproliferative activity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Study on tissue culture of Poligonum multiflorum]

In the present thesis, suitable medium for callus inducement and relationship between culture time and callus growth of Poligonum multiflorum were studied by mono-factorial and orthogonal design test. The experiments showed that the best medium for callus inducement was MS + 2,4-D 1 mg/L + 6-BA 1 mg/L + IBA 0.5 mg/L, dark culture was better than light culture, callus grew fast when it was cultured 12 days, whole plant could be induced by callus, the induce rate was 95%.

Lipoprotein and apolipoprotein secretion by a newborn piglet intestinal cell line (IPEC-1)

The aim of these studies was to characterize the synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins and apolipoprotein B (apo B) and apo A-I by a newborn swine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-1). Differentiated cells exhibited enterocytic features, including microvilli. [3H] oleic acid was taken up and incorporated into cellular lipids and secreted into the basolateral medium in lipoproteins. Total apo B and apo A-I secreted increased with oleic acid incubation. However, cellular apo B and apo A-I content did not change. Whereas undifferentiated cells synthesized and secreted only apo B-100, both apo B-100 and apo B-48 were produced by differentiated cells. The ratio of radiolabeled apo B-48 to apo B-100 in both basolateral medium and cell homogenate increased with oleic acid treatment after 24-h steady-state labeling. However, apo B mRNA editing was unchanged, indicating posttranslational regulation of this ratio. Pulse-chase radiolabeling demonstrated no major changes in cellular or basolateral medium apolipoprotein labeling kinetics with oleic acid or dexamethasone incubation. The dissociation of apo B and apo A-I mass secretion from the secretion of radiolabeled apo B and apo A-I in response to oleic acid absorption suggests the presence of an intracellular pool of apolipoprotein with a slow turnover that is mobilized for secretion in response to fatty acid uptake.

Effect of acute feeding of diets of varying fatty acid composition on intestinal apolipoprotein expression in the newborn swine

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fatty acids of varying chain lengths and degrees of saturation on intestinal apolipoprotein (apo) B and A-I expression in the newborn piglet. Two-day-old female piglets received one of three isocaloric formulas containing 48% of total calories (120 kcal/kg/24 h) as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) from MCT oil, intermediate-chain saturated triglycerides (ICST) from coconut oil, or long-chain polyunsaturated triglycerides (LCPUT) from safflower oil by continuous duodenal infusion for 24 h. After in situ radiolabeling, jejunal and ileal mucosal apo B-48 and A-I were immunoprecipitated, and synthesis was expressed as percentage of total protein synthesis. Mucosal apo B and A-I mass was measured by ELISA as nanograms of apoprotein/microgram of total protein. Fifty percent less apo B jejunal synthesis was present in the ICST group versus the MCT and LCPUT groups (0.67 +/- 0.07, 1.19 +/- 0.20, and 1.25 +/- 0.15, respectively, mean +/- SEM, p < 0.05). Jejunal apo B mass was lower in the MCT group versus the ICST and LCPUT groups (0.10 +/- 0.02, 0.21 +/- 0.03, and 0.16 +/- 0.03, respectively, p < 0.05). Ileal apo B synthesis was lowest in the ICST group. No differences were found in ileal apo B mass. Two-fold higher jejunal apo A-I synthesis was found in the LCPUT group versus the MCT and ICST groups (14.18 +/- 1.69, 7.56 +/- 2.63, and 6.36 +/- 0.58, respectively, p < 0.01). No differences were found for jejunal apo A-I mass. In the ileum, the only difference was a higher apo A-I mass in the LCPUT group (p < 0.05). We conclude that in the newborn piglet intestinal apo B and A-I expression is acutely and differentially regulated by dietary lipid varying in fatty acid chain length and saturation. The patterns of regulation are complex and vary among specific apolipoproteins and regions of the small intestine and include co- and posttranslational mechanisms.

Intestinal expression of apolipoprotein A-IV and C-III is coordinately regulated by dietary lipid in newborn swine

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fatty acids on intestinal apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV and C-III expression in the newborn piglet. Two-day-old female piglets received one of three isocaloric formulas containing medium-chain triglycerides (TG) (MCT), intermediate-chain saturated TG (ICST), or long-chain polyunsaturated TG (LCPUT) by continuous duodenal infusion for 24 hrs. Control groups received a low-TG elemental formula infusion (LTG group) and a high-TG long-chain unsaturated lipid emulsion infusion (HTG group). Jejunal synthesis of both apo A-IV and C-III was increased by all infusions compared to the LTG group. Apo A-IV and C-III mRNA levels paralleled synthesis levels except for apo C-III with the MCT diet, where regulation appeared to occur at the translational level. Among all groups, apo A-IV synthesis and mRNA abundance were linearly correlated with that of apo C-III.

Sequence of the porcine apoA-I gene

The nucleotide sequence of the swine apoA-I gene (encoding apolipoprotein) has been determined. The structure of the gene is similar to that of the human gene, and the exons exhibit a high degree of homology with those of the human gene. The porcine apoA-I gene is located adjacent to the apoC-III gene, as in humans.

Modulation of murine hepatic lipase activity by exogenous and endogenous Kupffer-cell activation

Deficiency of hepatic lipase (HL) may play a role in the lipoprotein abnormalities in chronic inflammatory states which are characterized by reticuloendothelial-system activation and cytokine release. HL triacylglycerol hydrolase activity was measured in heparin perfusates of livers from autoimmune MRL/lpr mice, which spontaneously develop a condition closely resembling human lupus erythematosis and exhibit spontaneous Kupffer-cell activation after 8 weeks of age, as well as from normal mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid complex [poly(I.C)] to induce Kupffer-cell activation. HL activity in MRL/lpr mice older than 8 weeks was 29.5% (P = 0.002) of that in age-matched control MRL/++ mice. Treatment of normal mice with C. parvum or poly(I.C) resulted in HL activities 18.6% (P = 0.004) and 13.1% (P = 0.007) respectively of untreated controls. Northern-blot hybridization of liver poly(A)+ RNA showed no differences in HL mRNA abundance in MRL/++ mice compared with the MRL/lpr autoimmune strain after 8 weeks of age, or in normal control mice compared with those treated with C. parvum, indicating attenuation of HL activity at the translational or post-translational level. Deficiency of this enzyme may represent one of the mechanisms contributing to the dyslipoproteinaemia of autoimmune disease and chronic infection.