Antisense-oligonucleotide-mediated perturbation of long non-coding RNA reveals functional features in stem cells and across cell types

Within the scope of the FANTOM6 consortium, we perform a large-scale knockdown of 200 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and systematically characterize their roles in self-renewal and pluripotency. We find 36 lncRNAs (18%) exhibiting cell growth inhibition. From the knockdown of 123 lncRNAs with transcriptome profiling, 36 lncRNAs (29.3%) show molecular phenotypes. Integrating the molecular phenotypes with chromatin-interaction assays further reveals cis- and trans-interacting partners as potential primary targets. Additionally, cell-type enrichment analysis identifies lncRNAs associated with pluripotency, while the knockdown of LINC02595, CATG00000090305.1, and RP11-148B6.2 modulates colony formation of iPSCs. We compare our results with previously published fibroblasts phenotyping data and find that 2.9% of the lncRNAs exhibit a consistent cell growth phenotype, whereas we observe 58.3% agreement in molecular phenotypes. This highlights that molecular phenotyping is more comprehensive in revealing affected pathways.

A novel DCL2-dependent miRNA pathway in tomato affects susceptibility to RNA viruses

Wang et al. show that Dicer-like 2 (DCL2) is the major Dicer in tomato defense against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus X (PVX) and that it is involved in the biogenesis of endogenous 22-nt sRNA.

Tomato Dicer-like2 (slDCL2) is a key component of resistance pathways against potato virus X (PVX) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). It is also required for production of endogenous small RNAs, including miR6026 and other noncanonical microRNAs (miRNAs). The slDCL2 mRNAs are targets of these slDCL2-dependent RNAs in a feedback loop that was disrupted by target mimic RNAs of miR6026. In lines expressing these RNAs, there was correspondingly enhanced resistance against PVX and TMV. These findings illustrate a novel miRNA pathway in plants and a crop protection strategy in which miRNA target mimicry elevates expression of defense-related mRNAs.

A two-stage refinement approach for the enhancement of excretory production of an exoglucanase from Escherichia coli

Hyper-expression of a secretory exoglucanase, Exg, encoded by the cex gene of Cellulomonas fimi was previously shown to saturate the SecYEG pathway and result in dramatic cell death of recombinant Escherichia coli (Z.B. Fu, K.L. Ng, T.L. Lam, W.K.R. Wong, Cell death caused by hyper-expression of a secretory exoglucanase in Esherichia coli, Protein Expr. Purif. 42 (2005) 67-77). We propose here that the cell lysate ratio (Pre/Mat RQ) of the unprocessed precursor Exg protein (Pre-Exg) and its processed mature product (Mat-Exg) reflects the capacity of E. coli to secrete Exg. A Pre/Mat RQ of 20/80, designated the "Critical Value," was an important threshold measurement. A rise in the Pre/Mat RQ triggered a mass killing effect. The use of various secretion signal peptides did not improve the viability of cells expressing high levels of Pre-Exg under strong tac promoter control. However, use of the weaker vegG promoter in conjunction with a change in start codon of the spa leader sequence from ATG to TTG in a pM1vegGcexL plasmid construct resulted in a high level (0.9 U ml(-1)) of excreted Exg in shake-flask cultures. This was 50% higher than the best result obtained from plasmid construct lacUV5par8cex, using the lacUV5 promoter and the ompA leader sequence. Variations in the excreted Exg activities were attributable to differences in the Pre/Mat RQ values of the induced cultures harboring pM1vegGcexL and lacUV5par8cex. These values were 18/82 and 10/90, respectively. Employing fed-batch cultivation in two-liter fermentors, an induced JM101(pM1vegGcexL) culture yielded 4.5 U ml(-1) of excreted Exg, which was over six fold greater that previously reported. Our results illustrate the successful application of the Pre/Mat RQ ratio as a guide to the attainment of a maximum level of secreted/excreted Exg.

Continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia for breast augmentation

Thirty consecutive cases were scheduled for submuscular breast augmentation under continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia. The epidural tube was placed into the intervertebral space between the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae. An average of 15 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine was used as a primary anesthetic agent. There were no significant changes in respiratory function; only a transient elevation of blood pressure and increased heart rate were noted. All cases were successfully anesthetized, except one case (3%) who had a partial analgesic effect and needed to combine general anesthesia. One patient needed a single dose of ephedrine, 20 mg, to treat hypotension. Perioperative complications included transient shivering (33%), stuffy nose (20%), nausea (7%), and shortness of breath (13%). These symptoms were alleviated after reassurance or light sedation and oxygen inhalation. Immediate postoperative pain of the operative site was effectively controlled by injection of local anesthetics through the epidural tube. This study revealed that thoracic epidural anesthesia was feasible, effective, and even better than conventional alternative anesthetic techniques for breast augmentation.

Cardiovascular responses to graded doses of three catecholamines during lactic and hydrochloric acidosis in dogs

We have studied the cardiovascular effects of incremental doses of three catecholamines in dogs subjected to lactic (LAC) and hydrochloric (HCl) acidosis. Fifty-four dogs were allocated randomly to one of three groups: control, LAC and HCl acidosis (n = 18 each group). In the acidotic models, 2 mol litre-1 of lactic acid (4 ml kg-1 h-1) or 2 mol litre-1 of HCl (1 ml kg-1 h-1) was infused i.v. until arterial pH was reduced to 7.00 +/- 0.1. Within each group, six dogs received one of three different drugs in logarithmically incremental doses: adrenaline 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 micrograms kg-1 min-1, noradrenaline 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 micrograms kg-1 min-1 and dobutamine 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 micrograms kg-1 min-1. Cardiovascular variables were monitored, with periodic measurements of plasma electrolyte and lactate concentrations. The pH reduction induced by HCl or lactic acid was associated with a statistically significant increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), prominent especially in the LAC group where MPAP increased from mean 18 (SD 5) to 27 (6) mm Hg. In the acidotic models, the reduction in myocardial responsiveness to adrenaline or noradrenaline was more prominent than that for the control for corresponding doses of drugs. In the LAC group mean cardiac index decreased significantly from 5.2 (1.8) to 2.2 (0.7) litre min-1 m-2 after infusion of adrenaline 3.2 micrograms kg-1 min-1 and decreased from 5.1 (1.1 to 2.4 (0.9) litre min-1 m-2 after infusion of noradrenaline 3.2 micrograms kg-1 min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Intravenous midazolam for sedation in epidural anesthesia]

30 cases receiving epidural anesthesia for lower extremities and abdominal surgery were selected in this study. Their physical status and average age were ASA I or II and 41 +/- 10.0 years old. Premedication included intramuscular injection of pethidine, atropine and promethazine. Epidural anesthesia was accomplished with 15 ml 2% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:80,000). After the stabilization of vital signs, the patients were put asleep by 0.1 mg/kg of midazolam intravenously. They were then evaluated by the sedative, cardiovascular, respiratory and recovery effects of intravenous midazolam in epidural anesthesia. The results were as follows: The patients receiving IV midazolam averagely fell asleep in 61.6 +/- 20.5 seconds and maintained asleep for 55.4 +/- 12.7 minutes. Pain on injection was not noted in these cases. Cardiovascular parameters revealed midazolam with general depression on systolic pressure (17.4 +/- 7.3%), diastolic pressure (13.4 +/- 8.4%), mean arterial pressure (12.7 +/- 7.0%), heart rate (10.9 +/- 7.2%), stroke volume (13.7 +/- 8.9%) and cardiac output (18.4 +/- 7.0%) respectively. The peak depression reached around 10 minutes after drug administration. Respiratory parameters dropped with SaO2 (1.1 +/- 1.6%) and respiratory rate (9.7 +/- 5.7%) and fell into trough after 5 minutes of drug administration. Although all the above parameters measured were statistically significant, they were of no clinical importance that required further management. No case had delirium, anxiety and vomiting in the recovery period. Conclusively, patients receiving epidural anesthesia with supplement of intravenous midazolam provides a good sedative effect. Clinically, there was less severe untowards reaction either in cardiovascular or respiratory systems. Smooth and stable recovery was also noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The safety of geriatric anesthesia]

Perioperative abnormalities and complications were reviewed in 556 geriatric patients retrospectively to assess the safety of geriatric anesthesia. Preoperatively, the percentages of cases with cardiovascular and pulmonary abnormalities were 49.6% (276 cases) and 21.8% (121 cases) respectively. 77 percent of out patients (428 cases) were in the ASA class II physical status. The most common intraoperative complication was blood pressure instability and the incidence was noted to be of 34.8% (130 cases) with general anesthesia and of 15.8% (26 cases) with regional anesthesia. With general anesthesia, incidence for postoperative events such as non-fatal complications (i.e., sore throat and eye dryness), cardiovascular abnormalities and pulmonary disorders were found to be 39.0% (146 cases), 22.2% (83 cases) and 6.2% (23 cases) respectively. With regional anesthesia, the most common postoperative event was blood pressure instability (incidence: 21.2%, 35 cases). Total mortality rate of the first 15 postoperative days was 2.0% (11 cases). Mortality rate in elective and emergency surgery was 1.1% (5 cases) and 6.8% (6 cases) respectively. Causes of death were mainly related to illness deterioration (cancer and infection) or location of surgery. Death due to anesthetic mishap was nil in this study.

IN CONCLUSION

Most geriatric patients had more than one system or one organ dysfunction before operation. Cardiovascular instability was the most common intraoperative complication. Postoperative mortality correlates closely with the preoperative ASA physical status. Mortality rate was significantly higher in emergency cases than in elective cases. A thorough pre-operative assessment and proper perioperative management are mandatory in geriatric anesthesia.

[The functional assessment of chronic pain patients activity of daily living and psychosocial disability]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of activity of daily living and psychosocial function in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain. From Jun. 1989 to Nov. 1989, one hundred and eleven cases were assessed by Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and Taita Symptom Check List (TSCL) to evaluate the disabilities associated with chronic pain. Patients showed significant impairment in the functions of physical psychosocial work and recreational activities. It was also apparent that the psychosocial disabilities were more severe than physical disabilities. Specifically, they showed anxiety depression and significant somatization. Analysis by stepwise multiple regression indicates that sex age educational level employment status diagnosis and pain intensity were the significant influencing factors related to the disabilities of activity of daily living and psychosocial function. The results supported the validity of the SIP as a measurement of functional status with chronic pain patients. Specifically, the psychosocial dimension was significantly correlated with the psychological and psychosocial distress categories of the TSCL. Based upon its reliability validity breadth of assessment and ease of administration, the SIP appeared to be well suited for the assessment of patients with chronic pain and for evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain treatment.

Heavy-Metal Complexes With (2-Chlorophenoxy)acetic Acid: The Crystal Structures of Polymeric Mercury(II) (2-Chlorophenoxy)acetate and the Thallium(I) (2-Chlorophenoxy)acetate(2-Chlorophenoxy)acetic Acid Adduct

The crystal structures of the mercury(II) and thallium(I) complexes with (2-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid have been determined by X-ray diffraction, and refined to residual values R 0.040 and 0.060 for 1130 and 1612 observed reflections respectively. catena-[ Bis {(2- chlorophenoxy ) acetato }mercury(II)] is monoclinic, space group Cc with Z 4 in a cell of dimensions a 25.449(7), b 7.335(2), c 10.154(1) Ǻ, β 112.83(2)°. Mercury is bonded linearly to two carboxylate oxygens [Hg-O, 2.02(1), 2.04(1)Ǻ; O-Hg-O, 175.5(6)°] and forms a polymer link to a third oxygen [Hg-O, 2.60(2)Ǻ; O-Hg-O, 88.8(6), 87.6(7)°] giving triangular coordination about the mercury. The complex adduct {(2-chlorophenoxy) acetato }thallium(I)-(2-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid is monoclinic, space group C2/c with a 27.97(1), b 4.798(1), c 13.389(6) Ǻ, β 94.23(3)° and Z 4. This is an example of an ML.LH compound, having twofold rotational symmetry with the acid proton not located. The Tl -O bonds to each ligand molecule are 2.826(7)Ǻ with two longer bonds to adjacent carboxylate oxygens [3.002(7)Ǻ] completing a distorted square-planar stereochemistry about thallium. This results in a linear polymer structure.

The Crystal Structure of Bis(2-chlorophenyl) Disulfide

The crystal structure of bis(2-chlorophenyl) disulfide has been determined and refined to a residual of 0.035 for 1573 observed reflections. Crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/a with Z 4 in a cell of dimensions a 7.724(1), b 22.360(7), c 7.917(2) � , β 114. 75�. The two chlorophenyl rings are synclinally related with a torsion angle of -85.0 � down the disulfide bond vector.

The Crystal and Molecular Structure of catena-{Aquabis[2-methyl-2-(phenylthio)-propanoato]cadmium(II) monohydrate}

The crystal structure of the cadmium complex of 2-methyl-2-(phenylthio) propanoic acid, [ Cd (C6H5SC(CH3)2CO2)2(H2O)]. H2O has been determined by X-ray diffration and refined to a residual R 0.051 for 2725 observed reflections. Crystals are orthorhombic, space group Pbca with a 10.819(2), b 9.030(1), c 47.24(2) A and Z 8. The stereochemistry about cadmium is distorted MO6S seven-coordinate with Cd -S 2.747(2)Ǻ and a Cd -O range 2.277-2.491(5)Ǻ. Bonds are from cadmium to a water, and to four oxygens from two bidentate carboxylate groups, one of which also forms a polymer link. The same carboxylate group is also involved in a five- membered (S,O) chelate ring.

Univalent Metal Complexes of (Perfluorophenoxy)acetic Acid. The Crystal Structures of (2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenoxy)acetic Acid, Bis-μ-[(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenoxy)acetato-O,O']-bissilver(I) and catena-Bis-μ-[(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenoxy)acetato-O]-bismercury(I)

The crystal structures of perfluorophenoxyacetic acid [(2,3,4,5,6- pentafluorophenoxy )acetic acid] and its anhydrous complexes with silver(I) and mercury(I) have been determined by X-ray diffraction and refined to residuals R = 0.046, 0.042 and 0.104 for 1235, 1789 and 2750 observed reflections respectively. The acid forms the usual hydrogen- bonded cyclic dimers [O---O, 2.705(3)Ǻ] with the oxyacetic acid side- chain synclinally oriented. Crystals age triclinic, space group Pī with Z 2 in a cell of dimensions a 7.479(1), b 7.592(2), c 8.463(2)Ǻ,α 80.15(2),β 85.34(2),γ 61.31(1)Ǻ. The silver complex, [Ag2L2],(1), has crystals with a 5.992(3), b 30.22(2), c 5.277(2)Ǻ, β 106.42(5)°, space group P21/a and Z 2. The bis-carboxylato (O,O′) dimers have Ag-Ag 2.943(1)Ǻ with Ag-O, 2.203, 2.230(3)Ǻ and O-Ag-O 161.6(2)°. The complex with mercury(I), [Hg2L2]n, (2), is centrosymmetric with the usual linear O-Hg-Hg-O-bonds [Hg-Hg, 2.514(1)Ǻ; Hg-O, 2.13(1)Ǻ; O-Hg-Hg, 173.9(2)°]. Longer peripheral bonds to Hg [Hg-O, 2.63(1)Ǻ] produce a polymeric structure. Crystals of (2) are triclinic, space group Pī with Z 1 in a cell of dimensions a 5.038(1), b 5.970(1), c 15.774(6)Ǻ, α 80.77(2),β 86.42(2),γ 84.38(2)°.

Metal (Phenylthio)Alkanoic Acid Interactions. VII. The Crystal Structures of catena-[(Phenylthio)ethanoatosilver(I)] and Tetrakis-μ-[2-(2-chlorophenylthio)-2-Methyl-Propanoato-O,O']-bis[aquacopper(II)]

Metal complexes of two (phenylthio) alkanoic acids have been prepared and their structures determined by X-ray diffraction. catena-[( Phenylthio ) ethanoatosilver (1)] (1) forms crystals which are orthorhombic, space group Pccn, Z 8 and a 26.772(8), b 10.479(3) c 6.007(1) �. The polymer structure consists of a distorted trigonal pyramidal AgO3S repeating unit with coordination in the trigonal plane by a bidentate chelate thioethanoate group [Ag-O, 2.508(3); Ag-S, 2.513(2) �]. The third position in the plane and the axial position are occupied by bridging carboxylate oxygens [Ag-0, 2.454(3), 2.230(4) �], giving the two-dimensional structure. Complex (2) is a tetracarboxylate bridged dimer of the copper(11) ethanoate hydrate type, with a Cu-Cu separation of 2.624(2) � and Cu-OH2 (axial) distances of 2.155(7) and 2.182(6) �. Crystals are triclinic, space group PI with two dimers in a cell of dimensions a 7.340(2), b 14.863(5), c 22.963(8) �; α 104.33(2), β98.18(2), γ 102.18(2)�. Final residuals for (1) and (2) were 0.045 and 0.051 for 1688 and 3467 observed reflections respectively.

The Crystal Structure of catena-{μ-[2-Methyl-2-(phenylthio)propanoato-O,O′]-{tris-μ-[2-methyl-2 -(phenylthio)propanoato-O,O′]-dizinc(II)}}

.The crystal structure of the anhydrous zinc(11) complex of 2-methyl-2-(phenylthio) propanoic acid, with formula [Zn2(C10H12O2)4]n, has been determined by X-ray diffraction at 20�C and refined to a residual R 0.041 for 2885 observed reflections. Crystals are monoclinic, space group P 21, with two diper units of the polymer in a unit cell with dimensions a 12.710(4), b 13.760(2), c 12.699(6) �, β 95.44(5)�. The polymer structure is based on a repeating tris -carboxylate-bridged dimer unit with each zinc centre tetrahedral [Zn-O (mean) 1.958(5) �, Zn-Zn 3.393(2) �]. The dimer is extended into a linear polymer chain by an O,O' bridge through the carboxy group of the fourth carboxylate ligand.

The Crystal-Structure of Silver(I) (2-Carbamoylphenoxy)Acetate

The crystal structure of anhydrous silver(I)(2-carbamoylphenoxy)acetate has been determined by X-ray diffraction and refined to a residual of 0.041 for 1532 observed reflections. The complex forms crystal: with space group C2/c and Z4 in a unit cell of dimensions a 20.789(6), b 5.202(1) c 17.318(6)Ǻ, β 105.89(2)°. The structure is based on a centrosymmetric bis-carboxylate bridged dimer [Ag-O 2.228(3), 2.266(3)Ǻ, O-Ag-O 155.8(1)°; Ag…Ag 3.001(1)Ǻ] which is extended into an infinite zigzag polymer through the axial positions via the carbamoyl oxygens of adjacent ligands [Ag-O 2.494(3)Ǻ]. Symmetrical long-rang interactions of phenyl-carbon to silver are also found in the structure [Ag-C 3.094, 3.078(4)Ǻ].