Single cell sequencing revealed the mechanism of CRYAB in glioma and its diagnostic and prognostic value

Background

We explored the characteristics of single-cell differentiation data in glioblastoma and established prognostic markers based on CRYAB to predict the prognosis of glioblastoma patients. Aberrant expression of CRYAB is associated with invasive behavior in various tumors, including glioblastoma. However, the specific role and mechanisms of CRYAB in glioblastoma are still unclear.

Methods

We assessed RNA-seq and microarray data from TCGA and GEO databases, combined with scRNA-seq data on glioma patients from GEO. Utilizing the Seurat R package, we identified distinct survival-related gene clusters in the scRNA-seq data. Prognostic pivotal genes were discovered through single-factor Cox analysis, and a prognostic model was established using LASSO and stepwise regression algorithms. Moreover, we investigated the predictive potential of these genes in the immune microenvironment and their applicability in immunotherapy. Finally, in vitro experiments confirmed the functional significance of the high-risk gene CRYAB.

Results

By analyzing the ScRNA-seq data, we identified 28 cell clusters representing seven cell types. After dimensionality reduction and clustering analysis, we obtained four subpopulations within the oligodendrocyte lineage based on their differentiation trajectory. Using CRYAB as a marker gene for the terminal-stage subpopulation, we found that its expression was associated with poor prognosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking out CRYAB in U87 and LN229 cells reduced cell viability, proliferation, and invasiveness.

Conclusion

The risk model based on CRYAB holds promise in accurately predicting glioblastoma. A comprehensive study of the specific mechanisms of CRYAB in glioblastoma would contribute to understanding its response to immunotherapy. Targeting the CRYAB gene may be beneficial for glioblastoma patients.

[Association between short-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide and the risk of heart failure hospitalization]

Objective: To assess the association between short-term exposure level of nitrogen dioxide and the hospitalization risk of heart failure. Methods: Based on China-PEACE Retrospective Heart Failure Study, 117 364 hospitalized patients with heart failure were recruited from 92 hospitals in 62 cities throughout China between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The daily exposure level of nitrogen dioxide, temperature, and humidity in the same cities during the same period were also collected. We applied the generalized additive model and Bayesian hierarchical model to quantify the lagged effect and cumulative effect of short-term (0-3 days) exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide on the hospitalization risk of heart failure. We further conducted stratified analyses by age, region, and season to identify any difference in the associations between short-term nitrogen dioxide exposure and heart failure among subgroups. Results: The mean age for participants in the analysis was (70.32±12.22) years. The median, minimum and maximum of daily nitrogen dioxide concentration in 62 cities from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was 26.4 μg/m³, 2.33 μg/m³ and 150.25 μg/m³, respectively. The exposure level of nitrogen dioxide at the same day was associated with the hospitalization risk of heart failure (OR=1.022, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.031). Significant effects were also observed in the moving average concentrations from lag 0-1 to lag 0-3 day (OR=1.020, 95%CI: 1.009, 1.030; OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.004, 1.028; OR=1.013, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.026). Moreover, all of the associations between short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and the risk of heart failure hospitalization were statistically significant, with no significant difference in all subgroups stratified by age, region, and season. Conclusion: A higher level of short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide could trigger more hospitalizations with heart failure.

[Correlation study of Staphylococcus aureus superantigens and formation of human ear keloid]

Objective: To investigate the correlation of Staphylococcus aureus superantigens and human ear keloid formation. Methods: The retrospective case-control study method was used. The discarded keloid tissue was collected from 10 patients (9 females and 1 male, aged 19-59 years) with ear keloid after core excision of ear keloid, and the discarded normal skin tissue was collected from 3 female patients (aged 20-24 years) with pigmented nevus after operation, who were admitted to affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from June 2017 to March 2018. The exudation from ear keloid surface was collected for bacteria culture and identification. The keloid and normal skin tissue were collected to detect the protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) by Western blotting, and the keloid was divided into superantigen positive group and superantigen negative group according to the protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+TSST-1. The protein expressions of T cell receptor (TCR) V β of keloid in 2 groups were detected by Western blotting. Collagen fibers formation and inflammatory cells infiltration in keloid dermis of 2 groups were observed by Masson and hematoxylin eosin staining, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to detect expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A, enterotoxin B, and TSST-1 in keloids with superantigen positive. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: Bacteria were cultured from the exudation on ear keloid surface, hemolysis was observed around the dominant bacteria after being cultured for 24 hours, and the colony was white or golden yellow, which was identified as Staphylococcus aureus. The protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+TSST-1 of normal skin was negative in 3 patients, and the protein expression was 0.267±0.016. The protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+TSST-1 of keloid was positive in 4 patients, with the protein expression of 0.472±0.016, which was included into superantigen positive group, and the protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+TSST-1 of keloid was negative in 6 patients, with the protein expression of 0.255±0.004, which was included into superantigen negative group. The protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A+enterotoxin B+TSST-1 of keloid in superantigen positive group was obviously higher than that of keloid in superantigen negative group and that in normal skin (t=15.22, 8.63, P＜0.01). The protein expression of TCR Vβ in keloid of superantigen positive group was 0.389±0.023, which was significantly higher than 0.169±0.014 in superantigen negative group (t=8.62, P＜0.01). Masson staining showed that a large number of collagen fibers existed in dermis of keloid in 2 groups. HE staining showed that there were a small number of inflammatory cells infiltration around the blood vessels of keloid dermis in superantigen negative group and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration around the blood vessels of keloid in superantigen positive group. Among the 4 patients with superantigen positive keloid, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A was positive in 2 patients, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B was positive in 2 patients, and among that Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A and enterotoxin B were both positive in 1 patient, with no TSST-1 detected in any patient. Conclusions: The superantigen secreted by Staphylococcus aureus is one of the many causes of ear keloid, which may be related to the activation of keloid signal pathway by superantigen of Staphylococcus aureus.

[A comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with and without"recurrence"RNA positive with COVID-19]

Objective: To analysis the clinical characteristics of"recurrence"RNA positive patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） and compared with those without"recurrence". Methods: 98 patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital and designated treatment hospitals in Quanzhou were included in this study from February 2020 to April 2020. There were 55 males and 43 females， aged from15 to 83 years， with a median age of 57.5 years， in which 20 cases were complicated with basic diseases. 15 of these patients had been diagnosed and hospitalized had been found as"recurrence"2019-nCoV RNA positive after discharge while the other 83 cases were all negative. The clinical classification of all patients was common type. Clinical data of the COVID-19 RNA"recurrence"patients were collected， and general situations， symptoms， laboratory examinations and CT images were also observed and analyzed. The patients were divided into 2019-nCoV"recurrent"group and 2019-nCoV"non-recurrent"group. There are 10 males and 5 females in 2019-nCoV"recurrent"group while 45 males and 38 females in"non-recurrent"group （χ²=0.800，P=0.371）. The age of 2019-nCoV"recurrent"group （57±21） was higher than that of"non-recurrent"group（53±17）. 8 of 15 the COVID-19"recurrent"group patients and 12 of 83"non-recurrent"patients have basic diseases. IgG and IgM of 2019-nCoV， IL-6， procalcitonin， ESR， CRP， BNP and other serum biochemical index levels were measured and compared between groups. Results: （1） The proportion of patients with common type of COVID-19 was 15.3% during 2-week medical observation after discharge. （2） All of the 2019-nCoV"recurrent"patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19 RNA positive， when they were quarantined after discharged from hospital. All the patients with mild symptoms which were clarified as common type， including 5 cases of fever， 6 cases of cough， 5 cases of expectoration， and 2 cases of slight shortness of breath. The time of symptoms appeared on （5.73±2.82） days after discharge. （3） The serum procalcitonin of all 2019-nCoV"recurrent"group patients were normal（all<0.05 ng/ml）. The BNP of"recurrent"group （151±171） ng/L， was higher than that of"non-recurrent"group （63±78） ng/L （t = 3.207， P = 0.000）. There was no significant difference in laboratory tests like leukocyte ［（6.17±2.4） and （6.04±2.41）×10⁹/L］， lymphocyte［（1.59±0.52） and （1.32±0.64）×10⁹/L］， CRP ［（12.54±28.20） and （21.74±25.63）mg/L］， ESR ［（31.07±28.72） and （34.10±22.16）mm/1 h］， AST ［（24.73±9.15） and （30.24±23.20）U/L］， ALT ［（22.60±12.82） and （36.47±34.12）U/L）， LDH ［（268±208） and （270±164）U/L］， D-dimer ［（0.60±0.50） and （0.84±0.98）μg/L］， ferritin ［（294±195） and （395±319）μg/L］， IL-6 ［（9.17±6.42） and （14.28±17.74）ng/L］ and BUN （5.77±2.66） and （4.74±2.81）U/L］ between"recurrent"and"non-recurrent"groups （all P>0.05）. （4） In"recurrent"group， ground glass， exudative or solid lesions could be found in most of the chest CT performed on re-admission. Meanwhile， fibrosis lesion was relatively rare. （5） There were no secondary transmissions were found to be caused by the 2019-nCoV"recurrent"group patients. Conclusions: Most of the 2019-nCoV patients had underlying diseases and active lesions were still found in CT images， so the possibility of virus replication may still exist. All"recurrent"patients had mild illness which may suggest that they were in recovery stage, and no evidence of transmission is found.

Ultrastrong and Stiff Carbon Nanotube/Aluminum-Copper Nanocomposite via Enhancing Friction between Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers have been aiming to replace copper with carbon nanotube/copper nanocomposites, which are lighter and exhibit better electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, the strength is far below pure carbon nanotube assembly and even much lower than some copper-based alloys. This disadvantage hinders the extensive application of carbon nanotube/copper nanocomposites. In this study, the carbon nanotube/aluminum-copper nanocomposites with ultra-strength and stiffness were prepared. The strength and elasticity modulus of composite reached as high as 6.6 and 500 GPa, respectively, while a high conductivity of 1.8 × 10⁷ S/m was maintained. This can be attributed to the diffusion of Cu and Al atoms into the carbon nanotube fiber, which enhances friction between the carbon nanotubes by "pinning" and "bridging". This structure provides us with novel insights into the design of carbon nanotubes/metal nanocomposites with ultrahigh strength and conductivity.

Computer-assisted diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy

BACKGROUND

We developed a computer-assisted diagnosis model to evaluate the feasibility of automated classification of intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) to improve the detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

We recruited patients who underwent magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging for evaluation of a suspicious esophageal condition. Case images were evaluated to establish a gold standard IPCL classification according to the endoscopic diagnosis and histological findings. A double-labeling fully convolutional network (FCN) was developed for image segmentation. Diagnostic performance of the model was compared with that of endoscopists grouped according to years of experience (senior > 15 years; mid level 10 - 15 years; junior 5 - 10 years).

RESULTS

Of the 1383 lesions in the study, the mean accuracies of IPCL classification were 92.0 %, 82.0 %, and 73.3 %, for the senior, mid level, and junior groups, respectively. The mean diagnostic accuracy of the model was 89.2 % and 93.0 % at the lesion and pixel levels, respectively. The interobserver agreement between the model and the gold standard was substantial (kappa value, 0.719). The accuracy of the model for inflammatory lesions (92.5 %) was superior to that of the mid level (88.1 %) and junior (86.3 %) groups (P < 0.001). For malignant lesions, the accuracy of the model (B1, 87.6 %; B2, 93.9 %) was significantly higher than that of the mid level (B1, 79.1 %; B2, 90.0 %) and junior (B1, 69.2 %; B2, 79.3 %) groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Double-labeling FCN automated IPCL recognition was feasible and could facilitate early detection of ESCC.

MALAT1 promotes angiogenesis of breast cancer

Metastasis‑associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) that has an oncogenic role in some types of cancers, uncluding breast cancer (BC). To investigate the role of MALAT1 in human BC progression, we detected MALAT1 expression levels based on tissue samples from 20 BC cases and 20 healthy controls and found MALAT1 expression levels to be significantly high (P<0.05). Then, we knocked down endogenous MALAT1 in MCF‑7 cells using MALAT1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The results revealed that MALAT1 knockdown could significantly inhibit proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. In addition, miR‑145 expression inversely changed in BC tissue cases. Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous MALAT1 significantly increased miR‑145 levels in MCF‑7 cells. This finding indicated an interaction between MALAT1 and miR‑145. In addition, knockdown of MALAT1 significantly reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in MCF‑7 cells. This outcome revealed that MALAT1 promoted angiogenesis in BC, which may be related to the expression of miR‑145.

Genomic Comparison of the P-ATPase Gene Family in Four Cotton Species and Their Expression Patterns in Gossypium hirsutum

Plant P-type H⁺-ATPase (P-ATPase) is a membrane protein existing in the plasma membrane that plays an important role in the transmembrane transport of plant cells. To understand the variety and quantity of P-ATPase proteins in different cotton species, we combined four databases from two diploid cotton species (Gossypium raimondii and G. arboreum) and two tetraploid cotton species (G. hirsutum and G. barbadense) to screen the P-ATPase gene family and resolved the evolutionary relationships between the former cotton species. We identified 53, 51, 99 and 98 P-ATPase genes from G. arboretum, G. raimondii, G. barbadense and G. hirsutum, respectively. The structural and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the gene structure was consistent between P-ATPase genes, with a close evolutionary relationship. The expression analysis of P-ATPase genes showed that many P-ATPase genes were highly expressed in various tissues and at different fiber developmental stages in G. hirsutum, suggesting that they have potential functions during growth and fiber development in cotton.

Genome-wide analysis of the GST gene family in Gossypium hirsutum L

Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) is a ubiquitous multi-functional protein superfamily that plays important roles in plant primary and secondary metabolism, stress and intercellular signal transduction. Concomitantly, it also functions as a ligand in the metabolism of plant hormones and substance transport. In order to understand the GST gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), herein we analyzed the species, evolutionary relationship, physical location, gene structure, conserved motifs and expression patterns. We identified 70 GST genes in the whole genome of upland cotton, and divided them into U, F, T, Z, EF1Bγ and TCHQD groups by phylogenetic tree and gene structure analyses. The gene mapping analysis indicated that the GST genes were on every chromosome except chromosome AD/At2, AD/At4, AD/At5, AD/Dt5 and AD/Dt10. Moreover, the GST gene cluster appeared on four chromosomes (AD/At9, AD/Dt7, AD/Dt12 and AD/Dt13). qRT-PCR assays showed that eight genes (GhGSTF2-9) were expressed in the root, stem, leave and fiber of different developmental stages while GhGSTF1 might be a pseudogene. Combining qRT-PCR and bioinformatic analysis, we speculated that GhGSTF8 might be involved in the transport and accumulation of proanthocyanidins/anthocyanins; GhGSTF4, 6 and 9 might play roles in regulating the growth and stress response of upland cotton; the function of GhGSTF2, 3, 5 and 7 remains to be further investigated. Our work provides a theoretical basis for further studies on the molecular evolution and function of the GST gene family in upland cotton.

[Distribution and drug resistance of pathogens at hematology department of Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015: results from a multicenter, retrospective study]

Objective: To describe the distribution and drug resistance of pathogens at hematology department of Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015 to provide reference for empirical anti-infection treatment. Methods: Pathogens were from hematology department of 26 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or agar dilution method. Collection of drug susceptibility results and corresponding patient data were analyzed. Results: The separated pathogens amounted to 4 306. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 64.26%, while the proportions of gram-positive bacteria and funguses were 26.99% and 8.75% respectively. Common gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli (20.48%) , Klebsiella pneumonia (15.40%) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.50%) , Acinetobacter baumannii (5.04%) and Stenotropho-monas maltophilia (3.41%) respectively. CRE amounted to 123 (6.68%) . Common gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (4.92%) , Staphylococcus hominis (4.88%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (4.71%) respectively. Candida albicans were the main fungus which accounted for 5.43%. The rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia resistant to carbapenems were 3.5%-6.1% and 5.0%-6.3% respectively. The rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to tobramycin and amikacin were 3.2% and 3.3% respectively. The resistant rates of Acinetobacter baumannii towards tobramycin and cefoperazone/sulbactam were both 19.2%. The rates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia resistant to minocycline and sulfamethoxazole were 3.5% and 9.3% respectively. The rates of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis resistant wards vancomycin were 0, 6.4% and 1.4% respectively; also, the rates of them resistant to linezolid were 1.2%, 0 and 1.6% respectively; in addition, the rates of them resistant to teicoplanin were 2.8%, 14.3% and 8.0% respectively. Furthermore, MRSA accounted for 39.15% (83/212) . Conclusions: Pathogens were mainly gram-negative bacteria. CRE accounted for 6.68%. The rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia resistant to carbapenems were lower compared with other antibacterial agents. The rates of gram-positive bacteria resistant to vancomycin, linezolid and teicoplanin were still low. MRSA accounted for 39.15%.

Development of a fuzzy-stochastic programming with Green Z-score criterion method for planning water resources systems with a trading mechanism

This study developed a fuzzy-stochastic programming with Green Z-score criterion (FSGZ) method for water resources allocation and water quality management with a trading-mechanism (WAQT) under uncertainties. FSGZ can handle uncertainties expressed as probability distributions, and it can also quantify objective/subjective fuzziness in the decision-making process. Risk-averse attitudes and robustness coefficient are joined to express the relationship between the expected target and outcome under various risk preferences of decision makers and systemic robustness. The developed method is applied to a real-world case of WAQT in the Kaidu-Kongque River Basin in northwest China, where an effective mechanism (e.g., market trading) to simultaneously confront severely diminished water availability and degraded water quality is required. Results of water transaction amounts, water allocation patterns, pollution mitigation schemes, and system benefits under various scenarios are analyzed, which indicate that a trading-mechanism is a more sustainable method to manage water-environment crisis in the study region. Additionally, consideration of anthropogenic (e.g., a risk-averse attitude) and systemic factors (e.g., the robustness coefficient) can support the generation of a robust plan associated with risk control for WAQT when uncertainty is present. These findings assist local policy and decision makers to gain insights into water-environment capacity planning to balance the basin's social and economic growth with protecting the region's ecosystems.

A putative molybdate transporter LjMOT1 is required for molybdenum transport in Lotus japonicus

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential micronutrient that is required for plant growth and development, and it affects the formation of root nodules and nitrogen fixation in legumes. In this study, Lotus japonicus was grown on MS solid media containing 0 nmol l^-1 (-Mo), 103 nmol l^-1 (+Mo) and 1030 nmol l^-1 (10 × Mo) of Mo. The phenotypes of plants growing on the three different media showed no obvious differences after 15 days, but the plants growing on -Mo for 45 days presented typical symptoms of Mo depletion, such as a short taproot, few lateral roots and yellowing leaves. A Mo transporter gene, LjMOT1, was isolated from L. japonicus. It encoded 468 amino acids, including two conserved motifs, and was predicted to locate to chromosome 3 of the L. japonicus genome. A homology comparison indicated that LjMOT1 had high similarities to other MOT1 proteins and was closely related to GmMOT1. Subcellular localization indicated that LjMOT1 is localized to the plasma membrane. qRT-PCR analyses showed that increasing Mo concentrations regulated the relative expression level of LjMOT1. Moreover, the Mo concentration in shoots was positively correlated to the expression of LjMOT1, but there was no such evident correlation in the roots. In addition, changes in the nitrate reductase activity were coincident with changes in the Mo concentration. These results suggest that LjMOT1 may be involved in the transport of Mo and provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of the mechanism of Mo transport in higher plants.

μSR investigation of a new diluted magnetic semiconductor Li(Zn,Mn,Cu)As with Mn and Cu codoping at the same Zn sites

We report the successful synthesis and characterization of a new type I-II-V bulk form diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) Li(Zn,Mn,Cu)As, in which charge and spin doping are decoupled via (Cu,Zn) and (Mn,Zn) substitution at the same Zn sites. Ferromagnetic transition temperature up to  ∼33 K has been observed with a coercive field  ∼40 Oe for the 12.5% doping level. μSR measurements confirmed that the magnetic volume fraction reaches nearly 100% at 2 K, and the mechanism responsible for the ferromagnetic interaction in this system is the same as other bulk form DMSs.

[Significance of SATB2 in the pathologic diagnosis of osteosarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of SATB2 in the pathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Immunostaining of SATB2 was performed in 47 cases of osteosarcomas, 5 osteoblastomas, 4 fibrous dysplasias, 5 myositis ossificans, 10 chondroblastomas, 8 chondrosarcomas, 5 Ewing sarcomas, 5 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, 6 fibrosarcomas and 2 leiomyosarcomas.

RESULTS

All osteoblastomas (5/5) and myositis ossificans (5/5), 83.0%(39/47) of osteosarcomas and 2/10 of chondroblastomas showed nuclear immunoreactivity for SATB2. SATB2 staining was negative in all cases of fibrous dysplasia, chondrosarcomas, Ewing sarcomas and all bone primary spindle cell sarcomas(undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma).

CONCLUSION

SATB2 is a reliable osteoblastic marker for differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma and non-osteoid sarcoma, although with a limited role in separating osteosarcoma from non-malignant osteoblastic lesions.

Microcystic/Reticular Schwannoma of the Mandible First Case Report and Review of the Literature

Schwannoma comprises a group of nerve sheath tumors. Morphologic variants of schwannoma have no distinct relationship to clinical behavior, but unawareness of rare variants may lead to diagnostic pitfall and risk of mistreatment. Microcystic/reticular schwannoma is a recently described rare variant of schwannoma. We report a case of a 61-year-old female with a 5.0 cm × 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm mass in the right mandible, which has never been reported to date. Light microscopic evaluation showed that the mass was circumscribed with focal infiltration. Arranged in a prominent microcystic and reticular growth pattern, tumor cells were spindle-shaped with eosinophilic cytoplasm. No evidence of cytologic atypia, mitosis, or necrosis was observed. The stroma of the tumor mainly contained myxoid material with local infiltration of hyalinized collagen. Tumor cells showed diffuse and strong nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for S100 protein. Tumor cells were also positive for CD34, CD99, and NSE, but negative for CK, EMA, CK5/6, P63, Calponin, CD10, SMA, Desmin, GFAP, NF, Syn, and CgA. The proliferation marker MIB-1 showed <1% nuclear reaction. Furthermore, we reviewed the clinical and pathological features of 24 previously reported cases of microcystic/reticular schwannoma. Unlike classic schwannoma, the reticular variant showed striking microcystic and reticular architecture microscopically. Recognition of these distinct entities is essential in avoiding misdiagnosis. Unlike classic schwannoma with a complete capsule, some masses were reported to lack encapsulation or contain focal infiltration. Further follow-up of tentative or identified cases is necessary to better understand this schwannoma.

Orbital characters and electronic correlations in KCo2Se2

We report a comprehensive study of the tridimensional nature and orbital characters of the low-energy electronic structure in KCo2Se2, using polarization- and photon energy-dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observed one electron-like Fermi surface (FS) at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center, four electron-like FSs centered at the BZ corner, and one hole-like FS at the BZ boundary. The FSs show weak dispersion along the kz direction, indicating the near-two-dimensional nature of FSs in KCo2Se2. In combination with the local-density approximation calculations, we determined the orbital characters of the low-energy electronic bands, which are mainly derived from the Co 3d orbital, mixed with part of the Se 4p states. The [Formula: see text] orbital gives a significant contribution to the band crossing the Fermi level. A band renormalization of about 1.6 is needed to capture the essential dispersive features, which suggests that electronic correlations are much weaker than that in KyFe2-xSe2.

Isolation and molecular characterization of an ethylene response factor NtERF1-1 in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi

Apetala2/Ethylene Response Factors (AP2/ERF) play important roles in regulating gene expression under abiotic and biotic stress in the plant kingdom. Here, we isolated a member of the AP2/ERF transcription factors, NtERF1-1, from Nicotiana tabcum cv. Xanthi NN carrying the N gene, which is resistant to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). NtERF1-1 encoded a putative protein of 229 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 24.58 kDa. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that NtERF1-1 contained a conserved DNA-binding domain at the N-terminal. Comparison of amino acid sequences revealed that NtERF1-1 possessed high similarities to ERFs from diverse plants. Semi-quantitative and real-time quantitative RT-PCR analyses indicated that NtERF1-1 was up-regulated following TMV infection. In addition, we speculated that NtERF1-1 might participate in the signal transduction pathway of defence response inducted by the interaction between the N gene and TMV.

An integrated simulation and optimization approach for managing human health risks of atmospheric pollutants by coal-fired power plants

This research developed a simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM). This model incorporated the consideration of pollutant dispersion modeling, and the management of coal blending and the related human health risks within a general modeling framework In SNPM, the simulation effort (i.e., California puff [CALPUFF]) was used to forecast the fate of air pollutants for quantifying the health risk under various conditions, while the optimization studies were to identify the optimal coal blending strategies from a number of alternatives. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach was proposed, where the support vector regression (SVR) was used to create a set of easy-to-use and rapid-response surrogates for identifying the function relationships between coal-blending operating conditions and health risks. Through replacing the CALPUFF and the corresponding hazard quotient equation with the surrogates, the computation efficiency could be improved. The developed SNPM was applied to minimize the human health risk associated with air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicated that it could be used for reducing the health risk of the public in the vicinity of the two power plants, identifying desired coal blending strategies for decision makers, and considering a proper balance between coal purchase cost and human health risk.

IMPLICATIONS

A simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM) is developed. It integrates the advantages of CALPUFF and nonlinear programming model. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach based on the combination of support vector regression and genetic algorithm is proposed. SNPM is applied to reduce the health risk caused by air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicate that it is useful for generating coal blending schemes, reducing the health risk of the public, reflecting the trade-offbetween coal purchase cost and health risk.

Waste management with recourse: an inexact dynamic programming model containing fuzzy boundary intervals in objectives and constraints

The existing inexact optimization methods based on interval-parameter linear programming can hardly address problems where coefficients in objective functions are subject to dual uncertainties. In this study, a superiority-inferiority-based inexact fuzzy two-stage mixed-integer linear programming (SI-IFTMILP) model was developed for supporting municipal solid waste management under uncertainty. The developed SI-IFTMILP approach is capable of tackling dual uncertainties presented as fuzzy boundary intervals (FuBIs) in not only constraints, but also objective functions. Uncertainties expressed as a combination of intervals and random variables could also be explicitly reflected. An algorithm with high computational efficiency was provided to solve SI-IFTMILP. SI-IFTMILP was then applied to a long-term waste management case to demonstrate its applicability. Useful interval solutions were obtained. SI-IFTMILP could help generate dynamic facility-expansion and waste-allocation plans, as well as provide corrective actions when anticipated waste management plans are violated. It could also greatly reduce system-violation risk and enhance system robustness through examining two sets of penalties resulting from variations in fuzziness and randomness. Moreover, four possible alternative models were formulated to solve the same problem; solutions from them were then compared with those from SI-IFTMILP. The results indicate that SI-IFTMILP could provide more reliable solutions than the alternatives.

[Studies on genetic diversity of medicinal Dendrobium by SRAP]

OBJECTIVE

To study the genetic diversity of medicinal Dendrobium by SRAP.

METHOD

The genetic diversity of 9 spices Dendrobium was studied by using the optimized SRAP reaction system. The NTSYS software was used to analyze the markers.

RESULT

Forty primer pairs were selected from 88 amplified 1 782 polymorphic bands with an average of 44.55 polymorphic bands per primer pair. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method based on the data of SRAP amplified bands by 40 primer pairs showed that 9 spices of could be distinguished into two main groups. Jaccard's similarity coefficient ranged from 0.330 2-0.789 2.

CONCLUSION

The results of this research indicate that SRAP molecular marker is efficient to study the medical Dendrobium genetic diversity.

[Comparison on growth, physiology and medicinal components of Dendrobium huoshanense hybrid and its parents]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the hybrid between species of Dendrobium huoshanense and its parents on growing, physiologic indexes and content of medicinal components, and provide theoretical basis for species quality improvement.

METHOD

The chlorophyll content, the photosynthesis rate, the polysaccharides content and the alkaloids content were measured by anhydrous ethanol method, Cl-310 photosynthesis determination system, colorimetry of concentrated sulphuric acid-phenol and acid dyes colorimetry respectively.

RESULT

The growth of hybrid was close to D. moniliforme, and apparently higher than D. huoshanense. The chlorophyll content and the photosynthesis rate of one-year-hybrid were markedly higher than its parents. The content of polysaccharides and alkaloids in two-year-stem and three-year-stem of hybrid were close to that of D. huoshanense.

CONCLUSION

The hybrid integrates superiority of parents on growth and accumulation of medicinal components opens vast vistas for development and utilization.

[Studies on the growth, chemical components and physiological characteristics of F1 generation of Dendrobium huoshanense]

OBJECTIVE

Through a comparison between F1 and its' parents on the growth, chemical components and physiology, this study aims to find the possibility of selecting new dendrobium hybrids with high yield and good quality.

METHOD

To determinate the growth, chemical components, photosynthesis, hormones and isoenzyme in the plants.

RESULT

Photosynthetic area, content of chlorophyll, net photosynthesis and yield of F1 generation are higher than those of the parents; chla/b rate is lower; growth is almost the same as in Dendrobium moniliforme; content of chemical components are the same as in D. huoshanense. F1 is approaching of advantages of parents.

CONCLUSION

Physiological characters, yield and quality of F1 are greatly improved by hybridization.

[Selective isolation of anethole from volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill by inclusion crystalline with chela-shape host]

AIM

To isolate the components from the volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

METHODS

According to the function of molecular recognition of supramolecular chemistry, chela shape molecule, trans-1, 2-biphenyl-1, 2-acenaphthendiol was used as host molecule and the volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill as guest molecule. Trans-1, 2-biphenyl-1, 2-acenaphthendiol can recognize the components that endowed with interactional complementarity and form inclusion compound as crystals.

RESULTS

The anethole in the volatile oil was selectively included as trans-1,2-biphenyl-1,2-acenaphthendiol which was obtained in pure state from the inclusion compound by Kugelrohr vacuum technology. The formation of inclusion compound was confirmed by means of IR and powder XRD. The structure of the selectively isolated component was elucidated as trans-anethole by means of IR, 1HMMR and MS.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results showed that the method is simple, rapid and selective for isolation anethole from volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Characterization of epitopes for virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to Ross River virus E2 using phage-displayed random peptide libraries

Ross River virus (RRV) is the predominant cause of epidemic polyarthritis in Australia, yet the antigenic determinants are not well defined. We aimed to characterize epitope(s) on RRV-E2 for a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize overlapping conformational epitopes on the E2 envelope protein of RRV and that neutralize virus infection of cells in vitro. Phage-displayed random peptide libraries were probed with the MAbs T1E7, NB3C4, and T10C9 using solution-phase and solid-phase biopanning methods. The peptides VSIFPPA and KTAISPT were selected 15 and 6 times, respectively, by all three of the MAbs using solution-phase biopanning. The peptide LRLPPAP was selected 8 times by NB3C4 using solid-phase biopanning; this peptide shares a trio of amino acids with the peptide VSIFPPA. Phage that expressed the peptides VSIFPPA and LRLPPAP were reactive with T1E7 and/or NB3C4, and phage that expressed the peptides VSIFPPA, LRLPPAP, and KTAISPT partially inhibited the reactivity of T1E7 with RRV. The selected peptides resemble regions of RRV-E2 adjacent to sites mutated in neutralization escape variants of RRV derived by culture in the presence of these MAbs (E2 210-219 and 238-245) and an additional region of E2 172-182. Together these sites represent a conformational epitope of E2 that is informative of cellular contact sites on RRV.

Tris(2-cyanoethyl)amine

In the title compound, N(CH(2)CH(2)CN)(3), (I), the three cyanoethyl groups adopt a conformation with the CN groups oriented in the same direction, suggesting the compound may behave as a potential tripodal ligand.

Multiple alignment and sorting of peptides derived from phage-displayed random peptide libraries with polyclonal sera allows discrimination of relevant phagotopes

Biopanning of phage-displayed random peptide libraries is a powerful technique for identifying peptides that mimic epitopes (mimotopes) for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). However, peptides derived using polyclonal antisera may represent epitopes for a diverse range of antibodies. Hence following screening of phage libraries with polyclonal antisera, including autoimmune disease sera, a procedure is required to distinguish relevant from irrelevant phagotopes. We therefore applied the multiple sequence alignment algorithm PILEUP together with a matrix for scoring amino acid substitutions based on physicochemical properties to generate guide trees depicting relatedness of selected peptides. A random heptapeptide library was biopanned nine times using no selecting antibodies, immunoglobulin G (IgG) from sera of subjects with autoimmune diseases (primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and type 1 diabetes) and three murine ascites fluids that contained mAbs to overlapping epitope(s) on the Ross River Virus envelope protein 2. Peptides randomly sampled from the library were distributed throughout the guide tree of the total set of peptides whilst many of the peptides derived in the absence of selecting antibody aligned to a single cluster. Moreover peptides selected by different sources of IgG aligned to separate clusters, each with a different amino acid motif. These alignments were validated by testing all of the 53 phagotopes derived using IgG from PBC sera for reactivity by capture ELISA with antibodies affinity purified on the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2), the major autoantigen in PBC: only those phagotopes that aligned to PBC-associated clusters were reactive. Hence the multiple sequence alignment procedure discriminates relevant from irrelevant phagotopes and thus a major difficulty with biopanning phage-displayed random peptide libraries with polyclonal antibodies is surmounted.

[Effect of norepinephrine on the thermosensitive neurons in preoptic area of hypothalamus tissue slices in cold acclimatized rats]

In this work, single unit firing activities were recorded in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) brain slices of cold acclimatized and room-temperature housed rats (CR and RR) and the effects of NE on the neuronal discharges were observed. The neurons of POAH in CR became much more sensitive to NE than that in RR (the threshold concentration of NE of CR became significantly lowered). In comparison with RR, the percentage of warm sensitive neurons that could be excited by NE was decreased and some of them even showed inhibitory responses. On the other hand, the percentage of cold sensitive neurons that could be inhibited by NE was decreased and some of them even showed excitatory responses. The percentage of thermo-insensitive neurons that could be either excited or inhibited by NE were increased.

[Adaptive changes of preoptic thermosensitive neurons in hypothalamic tissue slices of rats after long-term exposure to cold environmental temperature]

In the present work, thermosensitivity and spontaneous firing rate of 86 preoptic neurons in hypothalamic tissue slices from 20 cold acclimated rats (CR, at 5 +/- 1 degrees C for more than 3 weeks) and 127 neurons from 35 warm acclimated rats (WR, at 20 +/- 3 degrees C for the same period) were recorded and compared. The results showed that: (1) The percentage of cold-sensitive neurons in CR were higher than that in WR, the critical temperature and the lowest temperature of the spontaneous firing activity of cold-sensitive neurons in CR were also lower than that in WR. (2) Thermosensitivity and critical temperature of the warm-sensitive neurons in CR were remarkably decreased, and spontaneous firing rate under 37 degrees C was increased. (3) Spontaneous firing rate (37 degrees C) of temperature insensitive neurons in CR were conspicuously increased and the lowest temperature extended downward. These profound changes in response to long-term cold exposure suggested that plasticity of preoptic neurons was involved in the thermoregulation in cold adaptation.

[Changes of opioid contents in brain and plasma through the hibernation bout cycle of ground squirrels-]

Measurements of beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and Met-enkephalin (MEK) contents in various brain areas and plasma of ground squirrels were carried out by radioimmunoassay (RIA) through euthermia, entrance, deep hibernation and arousal phases of natural hibernation bout. The main results showed that, the beta-EP content in hypothalamus and pituitary during the entrance phase were increased and further deepened during deep hibernation, whereas in hippocampus and plasma the tendency of the changes of beta-EP content took place in an opposite direction, i.e. being lowered down from the euthermia level upon entering the entrance and deep hibernation phase. The content in pons and medulla showed little change through the bout. The contents of MEK were increased during entrance and lowered when entering into deep hibernation to different extent in different brain areas, being most significant change has taken place in hippocampus. These results indicated that the role of beta-EP and MEK in hibernation was different both in regard to brain regional changes of their content and in the degree of the changes.

[Modulation of norepinephrinergic control of hypothalamus preoptic areas on hibernation bouts in ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus)]

In our previous work, it was shown that hibernation could be enhanced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 200 micrograms) into the lateral cerebral ventricle of ground squirrels by destructing norepinephrine (NE) nerve terminals in brain areas including hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and periaqueductal gray matter of middle brain. In order to identify the specific area contributing for the modulation of NE system on hibernation, small doses of 6-OHDA (4 micrograms) were microinjected bilaterally into medial preoptic hypothalamus (MPA), lateral preoptic hypothalamus (LPA) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH). The results showed: (1) Depletion of NE on MPA may facilitate hibernation. (2) Little effect was seen by microinjection of 6-OHDA into LPA. (3) The effect of 6-OHDA on VMH was similar to that on MPA, through the mechanism remains to be investigated.

Arousal following intra-preoptic area administration of naltrexone, ICI 174864 or nor-BNI in hibernating ground squirrels

Experiments were performed from January 1 to 30 January, 1989. Drugs were administered to the preoptic area of hibernating ground squirrels through a chronically implanted cannula on the 2nd day of a torpor bout. When naltrexone (an antagonist of opioid receptor) was injected, part (naltrexone, 0.5 or 1 microgram/microliter/32 min) or all (naltrexone, 2 micrograms/microliters/32 min) of the animals' body temperature was increased and they aroused from hibernation within 20 h after the injection. Further experiments showed that intra-preoptic area perfusion of 1 nmol of ICI 174864 (an antagonist of delta receptor) or nor-BNI (an antagonist of kappa receptor), but not beta-FNA (an antagonist of mu receptor), were able to increase the body temperature of hibernating ground squirrels and arouse them from hibernation in 20 h after the injection. These results indicate that (1) opioid peptides in the preoptic area may be involved in the mechanisms of hibernation; (2) activation of delta and kappa receptors in the preoptic area is indispensable for the maintenance of hibernation in ground squirrels.

Effects of opioid receptors antagonists administration to suprachiasmatic nucleus on hibernation of ground squirrels Citellus dauricus

1. Drugs were administered to a suprachiasmatic nucleus through a chronically implanted cannula at the second day of a torpor bout of hibernating ground squirrels. After naltrexone injection, the body temperature of the hibernating animals increased and they aroused from hibernation within 20 hr after the injection. 2. Further experiments show that intra-suprachiasmatic nucleus perfusion of 1 nmol of ICI 174864 or nor-BNI, not beta-FNA, were able to increase the body temperature of hibernating ground squirrels and aroused them from hibernation within 20 hr after the injection.

[Effect of intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine on the initiation of hibernation in ground squirrels]

The effect of forced depletion of brain norepinephrine (NE) on the onset of hibernation was observed in the ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus) by intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The results showed: (1) Intraventricular injection of 100-200 micrograms 6-OHDA, which depleted 50-60% NE, markedly facilitated the onset of hibernation, i.e. the average induction period for hibernation in the treated animals was significantly shorter than that of the natural hibernating animals. (2) The average total torpor time in the treated animals was longer than that of natural hibernating animals. (3) All hibernating animals treated with 6-OHDA were able to wake up from deep hibernation spontaneously and undergo normal hibernation bouts. The results indicate the decrease of NE system activity in brain is one important factor in triggering the onset of hibernation.

Calcium-dependent protease of the cyanobacterium Anabaena: molecular cloning and expression of the gene in Escherichia coli, sequencing and site-directed mutagenesis

It has been suggested that a calcium-dependent intracellular protease of the cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp., participates in the differentiation of heterocysts, cells that are specialized for fixation of N2. Clones of the structural gene (designated prcA) for this protease from Anabaena variabilis strain ATCC 29413 and Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 were identified via their expression in Escherichia coli. The prcA gene from A. variabilis was sequenced. The genes of both strains, mutated by insertion of a drug resistance cassette, were returned to these same strains of Anabaena on suicide plasmids. The method of sacB-mediated positive selection for double recombinants was used to achieve replacement of the wild-type prcA genes by the mutated forms. The resulting mutants, which lacked Ca2(+)-dependent protease activity, were not impaired in heterocyst formation and grew on N2 as sole nitrogen source.

Use of a conditionally lethal gene in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 to select for double recombinants and to entrap insertion sequences

Use of the sacB gene (J. L. Ried and A. Collmer, Gene 57:239-246, 1987) provides a simple, effective, positive selection for double recombinants in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, a filamentous cyanobacterium. This gene, which encodes the secretory levansucrase of Bacillus subtilis, was inserted into the vector portion of a suicide plasmid bearing a mutant version of a chromosomal gene. Cells of colonies in which such a plasmid had integrated into the Anabaena chromosome through single recombination were plated on solid medium containing 5% sucrose. Under this condition, the presence of the sacB gene is lethal. A small fraction of the cells from initially sucrose-sensitive colonies became sucrose resistant; the majority of these sucrose-resistant derivatives had undergone a second recombinational event in which the sacB-containing vector had been lost and the wild-type form of the chromosomal gene had been replaced by the mutant form. By the use of this technique, we mutated two selected genes in the chromosome of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. The conditionally lethal nature of the sacB gene was also used to detect insertion sequences from this Anabaena strain. Sucrose-resistant colonies derived from cells bearing a sacB-containing autonomously replicating plasmid were analyzed. Five different, presumed insertion sequences were found to have inserted into the sacB gene of the plasmids in these colonies. One of them, denoted IS892, was characterized by physical mapping. It is 1.7 kilobases in size and is present in at least five copies in the genome of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120.