No evidence of coronary plaque stabilization by allopurinol in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Allopurinol, a xanthine inhibitor that lowers uric acid concentration, has been proven to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, it is unknown whether these beneficial effects translate into favorable plaque modification in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This study aimed to investigate whether allopurinol could improve coronary plaque stabilization using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial began in March 2019. A total of 162 ACS patients aged 18-80 years with a blood level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ​> ​2 ​mg/L were included. The subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either allopurinol sustained-release capsules (at a dose of 0.25 ​g once daily) or placebo for 12 months. The plaque analysis was performed at CCTA. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in low-attenuation plaque volume (LAPV) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 162 patients, 54 in allopurinol group and 51 in placebo group completed the study. The median follow-up duration was 14 months in both groups. Compared with placebo, allopurinol therapy did not significantly alter LAPV (-13.4 ​± ​3.7 ​% vs. -17.8 ​± ​3.6 ​%, p ​= ​0.390), intermediate attenuation plaque volume (-16.1 ​± ​3.0 ​% vs. -16.2 ​± ​2.9 ​%, p ​= ​0.992), dense calcified plaque volume (12.2 ​± ​13.7 ​% vs. 9.7 ​± ​13.0 ​%, p ​= ​0.894), total atheroma volume (-15.2 ​± ​3.2 ​% vs. -16.4 ​± ​3.1 ​%, p ​= ​0.785), remodeling index (2.0 ​± ​3.9 ​% vs. 5.4 ​± ​3.8 ​%, p ​= ​0.536) or hsCRP levels (-73.6 [-91.6-17.9] % vs. -81.2 [-95.4-47.7] %, p ​= ​0.286).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that allopurinol does not improve atherosclerotic plaque stability or inflammation in ACS.

[Clinical analysis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, evaluate the accuracy of preoperative enhanced CT in judging retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on the prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analyses were made on 398 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery as the primary therapy and accepted retropharyngeal lymph node exploration and clearance during surgery in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to clarify the related risk factors of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis on prognosis. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes of 218 cases with available preoperative enhanced CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists and compared with postoperative pathological results. Results: Retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were confirmed in 54 of 398 (13.6%) cases according to postoperative pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative enhanced CT in the diagnosis of retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis were 34.6% and 91.1%, respectively, and the overall accuracy was 84.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the site of the primary lesion and pathological N stage were independent risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with primary lesion located in the posterior wall of hypopharynx (OR=4.83, 95% CI: 1.27-18.40), N2 stage (OR=6.30, 95% CI: 2.25-17.67), and N3 stage (OR=26.89, 95% CI: 5.76-125.58) were prone to retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate of the 398 patients was 50.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 48.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy were independent influencing factors for overall survival (T stage: HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54; N stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.40; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.47-3.08; radiotherapy: HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.76) and disease-free survival of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (T stage: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51; N stage: HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.37; retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis: HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.56-3.21; radiotherapy: HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.77). Conclusions: Metastasis of retropharyngeal lymph nodes in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is not rare. Enhanced CT is of low accuracy and limited value in diagnosing retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Primary lesions located in the posterior wall of the hypopharyngx, N2 stage, and N3 stage are independent high-risk factors for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. The prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis is worse, and active surgical exploration and clearance can effectively reduce the mortality caused by retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis.

MicroRNA-146a Promotes Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation towards Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Regulation of Kruppel-like Factor 4

OBJECTIVE

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation from stem cells is one source of the increasing number of VSMCs that are involved in vascular remodeling-related diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been proven to be involved in cell proliferation, migration, and tumor metabolism. However, little is known about the functional role of miR-146a in VSMC differentiation from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This study aimed to determine the role of miR-146a in VSMC differentiation from ESCs.

METHODS

Mouse ESCs were differentiated into VSMCs, and the cell extracts were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. In addition, luciferase reporter assays using ESCs transfected with miR-146a/mimic and plasmids were performed. Finally, C57BL/6J female mice were injected with mimic or miR-146a-overexpressing ESCs, and immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays were carried out on tissue samples from these mice.

RESULTS

miR-146a was significantly upregulated during VSMC differentiation, accompanied with the VSMC-specific marker genes smooth muscle-alpha-actin (SMαA), smooth muscle 22 (SM22), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), and h1-calponin. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-146a enhanced the differentiation process in vitro and in vivo. Concurrently, the expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), predicted as one of the top targets of miR-146a, was sharply decreased in miR-146a-overexpressing ESCs. Importantly, inhibiting KLF4 expression enhanced the VSMC-specific gene expression induced by miR-146a overexpression in differentiating ESCs. In addition, miR-146a upregulated the mRNA expression levels and transcriptional activity of VSMC differentiation-related transcription factors, including serum response factor (SRF) and myocyte enhancer factor 2c (MEF-2c).

CONCLUSION

Our data support that miR-146a promotes ESC-VSMC differentiation through regulating KLF4 and modulating the transcription factor activity of VSMCs.

[Exploration on appropriate fetal weight of twin pregnancies at different gestational weeks and pregnancy complications and outcomes]

Objective: To explore the appropriate fetal weight of twin pregnancies at different gestational weeks and the association with pregnancy complications and outcomes. Methods: Fetal weight at different gestational weeks and related pregnancy complications and outcomes from 1 225 twin pregnancies, who gave birth at Peking University First Hospital from January 2004 to December 2020, were analyzed in this study, including hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), fetal growth restriction (FGR), fetal distress, preterm birth and neonatal asphyxia. The appropriate fetal weight of twin pregnancies at different gestational weeks were analysed based on the information from 616 twin pregnancies without complications (except preterm birth), and were expressed as P₁₀~P₉₀. The chi-square test was used to compare the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes in large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) twin pregnancies and the difference in incidence of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes in different years. Results: The appropriate fetal weights of normal twin pregnancies at 28 to 37 weeks and 38-40 weeks of gestation were 910-1 255 g, 996-1 518 g, 1 105-1 785 g, 1 295-1 825 g, 1 336-2 000 g, 1 754-2 321 g, 1 842-2 591 g, 1 913-2 615 g, 2 150-2 847 g, 2 350-3 130 g and 2 450-3 250 g, respectively. The incidences of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, FGR, fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia related to SGA twin pregnancies were significantly higher than AGA twin pregnancies (all P<0.05). The incidence of GDM in twin pregnant from 2017 to 2020 was higher than that from 2004 to 2009 or from 2010 to 2016, but the incidence of fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia were lower than those from 2010 to 2016, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The appropriate weights of twin fetuses at different gestational weeks are different from singleton. The incidence of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes in AGA fetuses is significantly lower than that in SGA fetuses under the specific weight standard for twin fetuses, which could provide a practical basis for clinical management of twin pregnancy.

[Comparison of four-coagulation-tests values in normal pregnant women during early and late pregnancy and the influence of age]

Objective: To explore and compare the reference ranges of four coagulation tests in normal pregnant women during early and late pregnancy and the influence of age. Methods: Values of four coagulation tests from 4 974 pregnant women, who gave single birth at Peking University First Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, West China Second University Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital and Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from February 2017 to July 2020, were measured and analyzed in this study, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fib) and thrombin time (TT). The four normal reference ranges of coagulation during early and late pregnancy phases were expressed as P_2.5-P_97.5. The difference of two pregnancy phases was compared by non-parametric test of two related samples. And the difference between pregnant women of advanced and non-advanced age in the same pregnancy phase was compared by independent sample non-parametric test. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of pregnancy complications in different coagulation reference ranges. Results: The reference ranges of PT of normal pregnant women's early and late pregnancy were 10.0-13.9 s and 9.6-12.3 s, the reference ranges of APTT were 22.6-35.3 s and 22.4-30.9 s, the reference ranges of Fib were 2.4-5.0 g/L and 3.0-5.7 g/L, the reference ranges of TT were 12.0-19.0 s and 11.5-18.4 s. Compared with early pregnancy, PT, APTT and TT shortened significantly, while the Fib significantly increased in late pregnancy (all P<0.001). PT, APTT and TT of advanced and non-advanced age pregnant women were significantly different (all P<0.01). Compared with the ranges of non-pregnant population, more pregnant women were included in the normal pregnant reference ranges of PT in early pregnancy and APTT in the early and late pregnancy, while the incidence of pregnancy complications had no significant differences (all P>0.05). The incidence of fetal distress was higher and the incidence of preterm birth was lower in the reference range of PT in late pregnancy. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus was higher in the early and late gestational Fib reference ranges, and the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was higher in the late gestational Fib reference range (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The coagulation function of pregnant women increases significantly with the growth of pregnancy, and there is a significant difference between advanced significantly and non-advanced age pregnant women. The recommended ranges of normal pregnant women's early and late pregnancy PT are 10.0-13.9 s and 9.6-12.3 s, the recommended ranges of APTT are 22.6-35.3 s and 22.4-30.9 s, the recommended ranges of TT are 12.0-19.0 s and 11.5-18.4 s. The appropriate ranges of normal pregnant women's early and late pregnancy Fib still need further exploration.

[The effect of cervical lymph node metastasis density on prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the cervical lymph node density (LND) and the prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 241 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent surgery in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, including 229 males and 12 females, aged 37-81 years. The LND was calculated, i.e. the ratio of the number of lymph nodes with metastasis to the total number of lymph nodes removed. The patients were divided into low LND group and high LND group based on the cutoff value of LND determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve). The univariate and multivariate analyses of the disease-free survival (DFS) and the overall survival (OS) were performed in two groups. Results: With the cutoff value of 0.068, 165 patients were in the low LND group (<0.068) and 76 patients in the high LND group (≥0.068). T stage, N stage, maximum lymph node diameter, extracellular invasion of lymph node, and postpharyngeal lymph node metastasis were associated with LND (statistical values were -3.15, -6.82, 23.37, 20.44, and 30.18, respectively, all P values were<0.05). The univariate analysis showed that age, T stage, N stage, maximum diameter of cervical lymph nodes, extracapsular invasion, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis and LND were the main factors affecting the patients' DFS (χ²=9.31, 7.30, 20.09, 15.30, 9.04, 19.44, 50.27, all P values<0.05) and OS (χ² were 5.02, 12.94, 18.28, 15.91, 7.95, 16.88, 49.45, all P values<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with age≤60 years old and LND≥0.068 had reduced DFS [HR values were 0.61 (95%CI 0.43-0.88) and 2.23 (95%CI 1.44-3.45), both P values<0.05]; patients with advanced T stage and LND≥0.068 had reduced OS [HR values were 1.73 (95%CI 1.02-2.93) and 2.39 (95%CI 1.51-3.80), both P values<0.05]. Conclusion: LND is a prognostic factor for patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma after surgery, with worse prognosis in patients with LND≥0.068.

[Establishment and preliminary application of a recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay-based multiplex nucleic acid assay for detection of three Echinococcus species]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a multiplex nucleic acid assay for rapid detection of Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay (RAA) and to preliminarily assess its diagnostic efficiency.

METHODS

The mitochondrial genomic sequences of E. multilocularis (GenBank accession number: NC_000928), E. granulosus (GenBank accession number: NC_044548) and E. shiquicus (GenBank accession number: NC_009460) were used as target sequences, and three pairs of primers were designed based on the RAA primer design principle and synthesized for the subsequent multiple RAA amplification. The genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus at different concentrations and the recombinant plasmids containing the target gene at various concentrations were amplified to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex RAA assay, and the genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus, E. shiquicus, Taenia multiceps, T. saginata, T. asiatica, Dipylidium caninum, T. hydatigena, Toxocara canis, Fasciola hepatica, T. pisiformis, Mesocestoides lineatus and Cryptosporidiumn canis was detected using the multiplex RAA assay to evaluate its specificity. In addition, the reaction condition of the multiplex RAA assay was optimized, and was then employed to detect the tissues with echinococcosis lesions, simulated canine fecal samples and field captured fox fecal samples to examine its application values.

RESULTS

The multiplex RAA assay was effective to specifically amplify the mitochondrial gene fragments of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus within 40 min at 39 °C, with sequence lengths of 540, 430 bp and 200 bp, respectively. This multiplex RAA assay showed the minimum detection limits of 2.0, 2.5 pg/μL and 3.1 pg/μL for detection of the genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus, and presented the minimum detection limit of 200 copies/μL for detection of the recombinant plasmids containing E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus target genes. This multiplex RAA assay was effective to simultaneously detect single and multiple infections with E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus, but failed to amplify the genomic DNA of T. multiceps, T. saginata, T. asiatica, D. caninum, T. hydatigena, T. canis, F. hepatica, T. pisiformis, M. lineatus and C. canis. In addition, the optimized multiplex RAA assay was effective to detect all positive samples from the tissue samples with echinococcosis lesions, simulated canine fecal samples and field captured fox fecal samples, which was fully consistent with the detection of the single PCR assay.

CONCLUSIONS

A sensitive and specific multiplex nucleic acid assay for rapid detection of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus has been successfully established.

[Effects of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy: a multicenter retrospective study]

Objective: To explore the effects of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 21 hospitals in China. Information of age, height, pre-pregnancy weight, IPI, history of diseases, complications of pregnancy, gestational age of delivery, delivery mode, and pregnancy outcomes of the participants were collected by consulting medical records of pregnant women who had two consecutive deliveries in the same hospital during 2011 to 2018. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to IPI:<18 months, 18-23 months, 24-59 months and ≥60 months. According to the WHO's recommendation, with the IPI of 24-59 months group as a reference, to the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy were analyzed. Stratified analysis was further carried out based on age, history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), macrosomia, and premature delivery, to explore the differences in the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes among women with different characteristics. Results: A total of 8 026 women were included in this study. There were 423, 623, 5 512 and 1 468 participants in <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group, respectively. (1) The age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), history of cesarean section, GDM, gestational hypertension and cesarean section delivery rate of <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group were gradually increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, the risk of premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and oligohydramnios were increased by 42% (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.07-1.88, P=0.015), 46% (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.13-1.88, P=0.004), and 64% (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.13-2.38, P=0.009) respectively for women in the IPI≥60 months group. No effects of IPI on other pregnancy outcomes were found in this study (P>0.05). (3) After stratified by age and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of oligohydramnios for women with advanced age (OR=2.87, 95%CI: 1.41-5.83, P=0.004); and <18 months could increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women under the age of 35 (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.04-2.43, P=0.032). Both the risk of premature rupture of membranes (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.18-2.13, P=0.002) and premature delivery (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.07-2.17, P=0.020) were significantly increased in the IPI≥60 months group. After stratified by history of GDM and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would lead to an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage for women with a history of GDM (OR=5.34, 95%CI: 1.45-19.70, P=0.012) and an increased risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of GDM (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.10-1.90, P=0.009). After stratified by history of macrosomia and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months could increase the proportion of cesarean section for women with a history of macrosomia (OR=4.11, 95%CI: 1.18-14.27, P=0.026) and the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of macrosomia (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.12-1.89, P=0.005). After stratified by history of premature delivery and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of premature delivery (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.13-1.92, P=0.004). Conclusions: Both IPI≥60 months and <18 months would increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Healthcare education and consultation should be conducted for women of reproductive age to maintain an appropriate IPI when they plan to pregnant again, to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.

[Effect of glucose on Akt2 mRNA and methylation level and the association between early-pregnancy Akt2 mRNA level in peripheral blood and pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM]

Objective: To explore the effect of glucose on Akt2 gene methylation and mRNA level in the trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo and the association between first-trimester Akt2 mRNA level in peripheral blood and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: The cell model of intrauterine hyperglycemia in pregnant women with GDM was established, and divided into 5 groups based on the different glucose concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0, and 40.0 mmol/L). The mRNA levels of Akt2 gene were detected by real-time quantitative PCR, and the methylation levels of Akt2 gene promoter region were detected by mass spectrometry. According to pre-pregnancy BMI and diagnosis of GDM, 60 pregnant women who had given birth at Peking University First Hospital during December 2014 to July 2016 were classified into overweight non-GDM group, overweight GDM group, obese non-GDM group and obese GDM group. Real-time quantitative PCR analyses were used to detect the levels of Akt2 mRNA in first-trimester peripheral blood of the 4 groups. Results: (1) Level of Akt2 mRNA significantly rose with the glucose concentration of medium increased, showing concentration dependency (all P<0.05). Compared with the 25.0 mmol/L group, the following methylation levels changed significantly (all P<0.05): cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) 10, CpG23, and CpG24.5 of Akt2 gene promoter region in the 5.0 mmol/L group, CpG23 and CpG24.5 in the 2.5 mmol/L group, and CpG10 in the 10.0 mmol/L group. Compared with the 5.0 mmol/L group, CpG10 in the 40.0 mmol/L group showed methylation change (P<0.05). (2) Compared with the overweight non-GDM group [1.04(0.90~1.26)], overweight GDM group [2.10(1.85~2.28)] and obese GDM group [1.68(0.82~2.43)] all had higher Akt2 mRNA levels and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared to obese GDM group [1.68(0.82~2.43)], the level of Akt2 mRNA was higher in overweight GDM group [2.10(1.85~2.28)] and lower in obese non-GDM group [1.00(0.71~2.17)], but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Glucose might affect Akt2 mRNA level by changing the methylation of Akt2 gene promoter region, and the change might appear in the first trimester of pregnant women with GDM, especially for women with lower pre-pregnancy BMI.

Effects of main cereal type and feed form on production performance, egg quality and egg sanitary indices of laying hens

1. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of cereal types (maize or wheat) and feed forms (pelleted or mash feed) on production performance, egg quality and egg sanitary indices in laying hens.2. Three hundred and sixty hens (Jinghong No. 1) at 18 weeks of age were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates of 15 hens per replicate according to a 2 × 2 factorial design with two cereal types (maize or wheat) and two feed forms (pelleted or mash feed).3. Compared with the wheat-based diet, the maize-based diet improved (P < 0.05) average egg weight of laying hens. Yolk colour of hens fed with the maize-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to those fed the wheat-based diet, while Haugh units were lower (P < 0.05) for the maize-based treatment. Egg mass and average daily feed intake of hens fed the pelleted diet were higher (P < 0.05) than of those fed the mash diet. However, the mash diet improved (P < 0.05) yolk colour compared with the pelleted diet. The percentage of dirty eggs for the wheat-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the maize-based diet. The percentage of dirty eggs was higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed the pelleted diet compared with those fed the mash diet. There were interactions (P < 0.05) between cereal type and feed form, with regard to average egg weight and shell thickness.4. In conclusion, dietary cereal type affected average egg weight, yolk colour and Haugh units in eggs, while feed form influenced egg mass, average daily feed intake and yolk colour.

[Spatial-temporal cluster of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Hebei province, 2005-2016]

Objective: To explore the spatial-temporal distribution and epidemic characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Hebei province from 2005 to 2016. Methods: Records of HFRS cases reported from each county in Hebei during January 2005 to December 2016 were collected from National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). Global and local spatial association statistics were used to measure the spatial autocorrelation and software GeoDa 1.2.0. Software SaTScan 9.4.1 was used to analyze spatiotemporal clusters. Software ArcGIS 10.2 was used to visualize the yearly scan results. Results: In Hebei province, a total of 8 437 human HFRS cases reported from 170 counties with an annual incidence rate of 0.99/100 000 population during 2005-2016. The peak incidence season was spring. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis on the incidence of HFRS at county-level showed that the value of Moran's I were all above 0 (P<0.05), indicating that the significant spatial cluster. The result of local indicators on spatial association (LISA) analysis revealed that identified hot spots were mainly in northeastern area, while cold spots were found in some counties of central and southern areas. Spatial-temporal scan detected that the primary cluster of HFRS incidence was mainly distributed in Qinhuangdao city and Tangshan city, including 11 counties (city/district): Beidaihe district, Haigang district, Funing district, Shanhaiguan district, Changli county, Lulong county and Qinglong Manchu autonomous county in Qinhuangdao city, and Qian'an city, Laoting county, Luanzhou city and Luannan county in Tangshan city (RR=39.64, P<0.001), during January-July in 2005. Conclusions: There were significant spatial-temporal cluster of HFRS in Hebei from 2005 to 2016. The cluster areas of HFRS were mainly in northeastern Hebei, it is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control programs of HFRS in these areas.

[Characteristics of pre-gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during pregnancy and the effects on pregnancy outcomes]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) diagnosed during pregnancy (missed diagnosis before pregnancy), and to evaluate the effects of diagnostic time on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of 746 pregnant women who were diagnosed PGDM and delivered in Peking University First Hospital from January 1st, 2005 to December 31st, 2015 was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 group. Those diagnosed PGDM before pregnancy were defined as Group diagnosed before pregnancy, and those diagnosed during pregnancy were defined as Group diagnosed during pregnancy. In Group diagnosed during pregnancy, those diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks were defined as Group diagnosed during pregnancy A, and those diagnosed after 24 weeks were defined as Group diagnosed during pregnancy B. The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in each group were analyzed. Results: (1) Rate of missed diagnosis for PGDM: the incidence of PGDM diagnosed before pregnancy was 32.2% (240/746), and those diagnosed during pregnancy (missed diagnosis before pregnancy) was 67.8% (506/746). (2) Blood glucose control during pregnancy: ①Group diagnosed before pregnancy and Group diagnosed during pregnancy: the highest glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Group diagnosed before pregnancy was (6.6±1.1)%, higher than that in Group diagnosed during pregnancy [(6.3±1.0)%, P=0.019]. However, there was no significant difference in the average HbA1c level between the 2 groups (P=0.616). The insulin needed percentage [90.8%(218/240) vs. 53.8%(272/506)] in Group diagnosed before pregnancy were higher than that in Group diagnosed during pregnancy (P<0.01). ②Group diagnosed during pregnancy A and B: the highest HbA1c in Group diagnosed during pregnancy A was (6.9±1.3)%, higher than that in Group diagnosed during pregnancy B [(6.1±0.8)%, P<0.05]. And the average HbA1c in Group diagnosed during pregnancy A [(6.4±0.8)%] was also higher than that in Group diagnosed during pregnancy B [(6.0±0.8)%, P<0.05]. In Group diagnosed during pregnancy B, 46.1% (187/406) used insulin, lower than the percentage in Group diagnosed during pregnancy A (85.0%, 85/100; P<0.01). ③There were no significant differences in the highest HbA1c and the average HbA1c between Group diagnosed during pregnancy A and Group diagnosed before pregnancy (P=0.020, P=0.037). There was neither no significant difference in the percentage used insulin during pregnancy between them (P=0.128). There were significant differences in the highest HbA1c and the average HbA1c between Group diagnosed during pregnancy B and Group diagnosed before pregnancy (P<0.01, P=0.014). There was also significant difference in the percentage used insulin during pregnancy between them (P<0.01). (3) Pregnancy outcome: ①Group diagnosed before pregnancy and Group diagnosed during pregnancy: the cesarean section rate [72.5% (174/240) vs. 59.7% (302/506)] in Group diagnosed before pregnancy were higher than those in Group diagnosed during pregnancy (P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences in preterm birth rate, pre-eclampsia, macrosomia percentage, percentage of neonates being hospitalized between the 2 groups (P=0.546, P=1.000, P=0.671, P=0.804) . ②There was no significant difference in preterm birth rate,cesarean delivery rate, macrosomia percentage, pre-eclampsia rate, percentage of neonates being hospitalized between Group diagnosed during pregnancy A and Group diagnosed during pregnancy B (P=0.887, P=0.495, P=0.841, P=1.000, P=1.000).③There was no significant difference in preterm birth rate, cesarean delivery rate, macrosomia percentage, pre-eclampsia rate, percentage of neonates being hospitalized between Group diagnosed during pregnancy A and Group diagnosed before pregnancy (P=0.875, P=0.093, P=0.662, P=1.000, P=0.837). The cesarean delivery rate was lower in Group diagnosed during pregnancy B than that in Group diagnosed before pregnancy (P=0.001). However, there were no significant differences in preterm birth rate, macrosomia percentage, pre-eclampsia rate, percentage of neonates being hospitalized between them (P=0.530, P=0.776, P=1.000, P=0.797). Conclusions: The diagnosis of PGDM is commonly missed before pregnancy. Fasting plasma glucose should be used as screening test to identify PGDM at pre-pregnancy examination or first antenatal care. Using abnormal value of 2-hour glucose after 24 gestational weeks as the only way to diagnose PGDM is not suitable.

Comparison of Mitochondrial Function in Boar and Bull Spermatozoa Throughout Cryopreservation Based on JC-1 Staining

BACKGROUND

Poor reproductivity hampers the commercialization of cryopreserved boar semen.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to determine the differences in the sperm mitochondrial function between boar and bull semen at different cryopreservation stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Boar and bull fresh, equilibrated, and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were evaluated for mitochondrial function using JC-1 under a fluorescent microscope.

RESULTS

Bull and boar percentage of spermatozoa staining green (PSSG) showed no difference between fresh and equilibrated semen (P> 0.05). However, frozen-thawed bull and boar semen demonstrated significantly higher PSSG (P < 0.01) than fresh and equilibrated semen. Frozen-thawed boar semen represented a significantly higher PSSG (P < 0.01) than bull semen.

CONCLUSION

Negative cryopreservation influence on boar and bull spermatozoa was not significantly produced by pre-freezing procedures, but rather by freezing and thawing. Cryopreservation has more pronounced negative effects on boar than on bull spermatozoa, which partly explains lagged commercialization of frozen boar semen.

[Incidence of singleton macrosomia in Beijing and its risk factors]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of macrosomia in Beijing in 2013 and identify its risk factors.

METHODS

Retrospective six months analysis of 14 188 full-term singleton pregnant women from 15 hospitals with different levels in Beijing in 2013. Each participant's demographic data and medical information were collected individually by questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between variables and the risk of macrosomia.

RESULTS

(1)The total prevalence of macrosomia was 7.069% (1 003/14 188) in Beijing in 2013. (2)The prevalence varied between the 15 hospitals, the lowest was 5.36% (89/1 659), while the highest reached 8.80%(46/523). Furthermore, the incidence of macrosomia was 1.284 times (95% CI: 1.114- 1.480, P=0.001) higher in the second graded hospitals than that in the tertiary hospitals. (3) Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that risk factors for macrosomia were maternal height≥160 cm (adjusted OR=1.875, 95% CI: 1.559- 2.256), pre-pregnant body mass index (p-BMI) ≥24.0 kg/m(2) (24.0- 27.9 kg/m(2): adjusted OR=1.696, 95% CI: 1.426- 2.018; p-BMI≥28.0 kg/m(2): adjusted OR=2.393, 95% CI: 1.831- 3.127), gestational weight gain (GWG) ≥15.9 kg (adjusted OR=2.462, 95% CI: 2.125- 2.853), gravidity>1 (adjusted OR=1.408, 95% CI: 1.224- 1.620), gestational weeks≥40 (adjusted OR=2.007, 95%CI: 1.745-2.308) and gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR=1.522, 95%CI: 1.298-1.784). GWG≥15.9 kg, p-BMI≥28.0 kg/m(2) and gestational weeks≥40 were three risk factors that had the strongest associations with macrosomia (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of macrosomia in hospitals with different levels is obvious different. Gestational weeks, p-BMI and GWG are three main controllable risk factors for macrosomia, thus should receive more attentions.

Second harmonic generation from an individual amorphous selenium nanosphere

Among the numerous nonlinear optics effects, second harmonic generation (SHG) is always a hotspot and it is extensively used for optical frequency conversion, biomedical imaging, etc. However, SHG is forbidden in a medium with inversion symmetry under the electric-dipole approximation. Here, we demonstrated SHG from a single amorphous selenium (a-Se) nanosphere under near-infrared femtosecond pulse excitation. It was found that SH spectra are tunable with the size of a-Se nanospheres and the SHG efficiency of a single a-Se sphere with a diameter over 300 nm is estimated at 10(-8). We also established two physical mechanisms of SHG from the amorphous nanospheres. There is an electric-dipole contribution to the second-order nonlinearity in view of the inevitable structural discontinuity at the surface. The discontinuity of the normal component of the electric field strength leads to the quadrupole-type contributions arising from the large electric field gradient. The SHG process can be enhanced by resonance near the fundamental wavelength, giving rise to the detectable second harmonic (SH) spectra of a single a-Se nanosphere (d > 300 nm) or two small a-Se nanospheres (d = 200 nm) aggregated into a dimer, while the single nanosphere with smaller size (d > 300 nm) is undetectable. As an essential trace element for animals, a-Se features unique biological compatibility and has specific properties of optical nonlinearity within the optical window in biological tissue. This discovery makes a-Se nanospheres promising both in nonlinear optics and biomedicine.

Effectiveness of a 95 SNP panel for the screening of breed label fraud in the Chinese meat market

Breed assignment has proved to be useful to control meat trade and protect the value of special productions. Meat-related frauds have been detected in China; therefore, 95 SNPs selected from the ISAG core panel were evaluated to develop an automated and technologically updated tool to screen breed label fraud in the Chinese meat market. A total of 271 animals from four Chinese yellow cattle (CYC) populations, six Bos taurus breeds, two Bos indicus and one composite were used. The allocation test distinguished European, Japanese and Zebu breeds, and two Chinese genetic components. It correctly allocated Japanese Black, Zebu and British breeds in 100, 90 and 89% of samples, respectively. CYC evidenced the Zebu, Holstein and Limousin introgression. The test did not detect CYC components in any of the 25 samples from Argentinean butchers. The method could be useful to certify Angus, Hereford and Japanese Black meat, but a modification in the panel would be needed to differentiate other breeds.

First Report on the Occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus on Fragaria ananassa in China

More than 20 viruses are known to infect strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), and a substantial number of these include new viruses identified since 2000 that can contribute to disease complexes (2). The most serious virus related losses in commercial strawberries are caused by aphid transmitted viruses (3,4,5). A survey was undertaken from 2012 to 2013 to investigate virus prevalence in commercial strawberries in rural areas of Hebei Province around Beijing, China, that were exhibiting virus symptoms. Visual observations revealed that the incidence of virus-like symptoms ranged from 30 to 50% of the plants and these symptoms included yellowing, leaf malformation, sometimes combined with severe stunting and deformed flowers or fruits. Leaf samples were tested for Strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV), Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV), Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), and Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV), which are the four most prevalent aphid-transmitted viruses in single or mixed infections (2). Testing was conducted by RT-PCR using total RNA extracted from fresh symptomatic strawberry leaves (3). SVBV was detected in 58 of 190 samples, but all of the samples tested negative for SMoV, SMYEV, and SCV. Aphids were present on many of the plants, so the samples were tested for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) because CMV is prevalent in Beijing gardens and farms, and recently had been shown to infect maize in China (5). This RT-PCR was carried out with the CMV primer pair CM420-F (5'-TGATTCTACCGTGTGGGTGA-3') and CM420-R (5'-CCGTAAGCTGGATGGACAAC-3') to amplify a portion of the capsid protein coding region and the conserved 3'non-translated regions of the genomic RNAs. This test revealed the presence of 43 CMV-positives out of 190 samples, and only 16 of these samples were co-infected with both SVBV and CMV. Samples infected with CMV only had leaf malformations and yellowing, while no CMV was found in symptomless samples. One of the amplified, CMV-specific DNA fragments was sequenced directly from the PCR product and showed 93.8% nucleotide sequence identity and 100% amino acid sequence identity to the CMV subgroup I (GenBank Accession No. D10538) (1). Subsequent ELISA tests for the CMV presence verified the RT-PCR results (Agdia, Elkhart, IN), and transmission electron microscopy observations revealed 28 nm spherical particles characteristic of CMV in strawberry samples tested positive for CMV. However, we were unable to detect either CMV or SVBV in 89 of the 169 samples from symptomatic plants, which suggested possible presence of the other pathogen(s). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infections of CMV in strawberry plants. These data suggests that CMV is a potential threat to strawberry production. References: (1) M. Q. K. Andrew et al. Virus taxonomy: IXth Report of the ICTV, 970, Elsevier, 2012. (2) R. R. Martin and I. E. Tzanetakis. Plant Dis. 97:1358, 2013. (3) J. R. Thompson et al. J. Virol. Methods 111:85, 2003. (4) I. E. Tzanetakis et al. Plant Dis. 90:1343, 2006. (5) R. Wang et al. J. Phytopathol. 161: 880, 2013.

Effect of active immunization against angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor on hypertension & arterial remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

a0 ngiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. t0 his study was undertaken to explore the effect of active immunization against AT1 receptor on blood pressure and small artery remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).

METHODS

Male SHR and Wistar rats aged two months were actively immunized with different peptides (ATR12185ͱͲATR10014 and ATR12181) corresponding to particular sequences of rat AT1 receptor, while another SHR group was given losartan (10 mg/kg/day) orally once a day. Anti-AT1 receptor antibodies were detected by ELISA and blood pressure was measured. The effect of the antibodies on the artery and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation was studied.

RESULTS

all immunized animals produced antibodies against the particular peptides. The systolic blood pressure was decreased in the SHR immunized with peptide-ATR12181 compared with the control. However, no changes were observed in the SHR immunized with other two peptides. The Wistar rats immunized with the three peptides did not show any changes in blood pressure. The media/lumen area ratio of the mesenteric artery was reduced in SHR immunized with ATR12181 and similar to that of the SHR treated with losartan. The antibody from SHR immunized with ATR12181 had no effect on the proliferation of VSMC. But it could inhibit the proliferation caused by angiotensin II and its effect at the titre of 1:40 was similar to that of 1µmol/l losartan.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that the antibody from SHR immunized with ATR12181 had the effect of reducing blood pressure and target organ protection similar to losartan. Active immunization against AT1 receptor may be a promising strategy in future for the treatment of hypertension.

TaALMT1 promoter sequence compositions, acid tolerance, and Al tolerance in wheat cultivars and landraces from Sichuan in China

Previous genetic studies on wheat from various sources have indicated that aluminum (Al) tolerance may have originated independently in USA, Brazil, and China. Here, TaALMT1 promoter sequences of 92 landraces and cultivars from Sichuan, China, were sequenced. Five promoter types (I', II, III, IV, and V) were observed in 39 cultivars, and only three promoter types (I, II, and III) were observed in 53 landraces. Among the wheat collections worldwide, only the Chinese Spring (CS) landrace native to Sichuan, China, carried the TaALMT1 promoter type III. Besides CS, two other Sichuan-bred landraces and six cultivars with TaALMT1 promoter type III were identified in this study. In the phylogenetic tree constructed based on the TaALMT1 promoter sequences, type III formed a separate branch, which was supported by a high bootstrap value. It is likely that TaALMT1 promoter type III originated from Sichuan-bred wheat landraces of China. In addition, the landraces with promoter type I showed the lowest Al tolerance among all landraces and cultivars. Furthermore, the cultivars with promoter type IV showed better Al tolerance than landraces with promoter type II. A comparison of acid tolerance and Al tolerance between cultivars and landraces showed that the landraces had better acid tolerance than the cultivars, whereas the cultivars showed better Al tolerance than the landraces. Moreover, significant difference in Al tolerance was also observed between the cultivars raised by the National Ministry of Agriculture and by Sichuan Province. Among the landraces from different regions, those from the East showed better acid tolerance and Al tolerance than those from the South and West of Sichuan. Additional Al-tolerant and acid-tolerant wheat lines were also identified.

Aberrant gene expression profiles in hepatocellular carcinoma detected by microdissection

The aim of this study was to identify genomic aberrations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using laser capture microdissection (LCM) combined with microarray analysis. Samples were procured by LCM from HCC and patient-matched normal liver tissue surgically resected from 4 patients. RNA was isolated from the samples and reverse transcribed into cDNA. After 2-cycle linear amplification and 2-color fluorescent labeling, the cRNA was hybridized onto a whole genome microarray. All genes expressed in the normal and HCC samples were counted and analyzed. Differentially expressed genes were identified and the top 10 up and downregulated genes (totally 20 genes) were further evaluated. LCM was able to accurately capture 50-200 cells from HCC and control tissues. The microarray spectrum showed satisfactory detection of HCC-enriched genes. A total of 1361 differentially expressed genes were identified, among which, 607 were upregulated and 754 were downregulated. Among the top 20 up and downregulated genes, 4 genes had not been documented in the literature as being differentially expressed in any tumors. Thus, LCM is an effective approach for identifying aberrantly expressed genes in HCC, and may lead to the discovery of biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Major QTL for Fusarium crown rot resistance in a barley landrace

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a serious cereal disease in semi-arid regions worldwide. In assisting the effort of breeding cultivars with enhanced resistance, we identified several barley genotypes with high levels of FCR resistance. One of these genotypes, AWCS079 which is a barley landrace originating from Japan, was investigated by developing and assessing three populations of recombinant inbred lines. Two QTL, one located on the long arm of chromosome 1H (designated as Qcrs.cpi-1H) and the other on 3HL (designated as Qcrs.cpi-3H), were found to be responsible for the FCR resistance of this genotype. Qcrs.cpi-1H is novel as no other FCR loci have been reported on this chromosome arm. Qcrs.cpi-3H co-located with a reduced height (Rht) locus and the effectiveness of the former was significantly affected by the latter. The total phenotypic variance explained by these two QTL was over 60 %. Significant effects were detected for each of the QTL in each of the three populations assessed. The existence of these loci with major effects should not only facilitate breeding and exploitation of FCR-resistant barley cultivars but also their further characterization based on fine mapping and map-based gene cloning.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of the Taxol-producing endophytic fungus Ozonium sp EFY21

An efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation method was successfully established for a newly isolated Taxol-producing fungus, Ozonium sp EFY21. A specific hygromycin B resistance expression vector, pCAMBIA1304'AN7-1, was constructed for fungal transformation. Key factors affecting transformation efficiency were thoroughly investigated and optimized. PCR amplification and Southern hybridization were used to verify the transformation events. This study should pave the way for future genetic modification studies of Ozonium sp EFY21.

Enhancement of autophagy by simvastatin through inhibition of Rac1-mTOR signaling pathway in coronary arterial myocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In addition to their action of lowering blood cholesterol levels, statins modulate biological characteristics and functions of arterial myocytes such as viability, proliferation, apoptosis, survival and contraction. The present study tested whether simvastatin, as a prototype statin, enhances autophagy in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs) to thereby exert their beneficial effects in atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that simvastatin significantly increased the autophagsome formation in CAMs. Western blot analysis confirmed that simvastatin significantly increased protein expression of typical autophagy markers LC3B and Beclin1 in these CAMs. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated that simvastatin increased fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, which was blocked by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or silencing of Atg7 genes. Simvastatin reduced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, which was reversed by Rac1-GTPase overexpression and the mTOR agonist phosphatidic acid. Moreover, both Rac1-GTPase overexpression and activation of mTOR by phosphatidic acid drastically blocked simvastatin-induced autophagosome formation in CAMs. Interestingly, simvastatin increased protein expression of a contractile phenotype marker calponin in CAMs, which was blocked by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. Simvastatin markedly reduced proliferation of CAMs under both control and proatherogenic stimulation. However, this inhibitory effect of simvastatin on CAM proliferation was blocked by by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or silencing of Atg7 genes. Lastly, animal experiments demonstrated that simvastatin increased protein expression of LC3B and calponin in mouse coronary arteries.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that simvastatin inhibits the Rac1-mTOR pathway and thereby increases autophagy in CAMs which may stabilize CAMs in the contractile phenotype to prevent proliferation and growth of these cells.

Attenuation by statins of membrane raft-redox signaling in coronary arterial endothelium

Membrane raft (MR)-redox signaling platforms associated with NADPH oxidase are involved in coronary endothelial dysfunction. Here, we studied whether statins interfere with the formation of MR-redox signaling platforms to protect the coronary arterial endothelium from oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL)-induced injury and from acute hypercholesterolemia. In cultured human coronary arterial endothelial cells, confocal microscopy detected the formation of an MRs clustering when they were exposed to OxLDL, and such MR platform formation was inhibited markedly by statins, including pravastatin and simvastatin. In these MR clusters, NADPH oxidase subunits gp91(phox) and p47(phox) were aggregated and were markedly blocked by both statins. In addition, colocalization of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and ceramide was induced by OxLDL, which was blocked by statins. Electron spin resonance spectrometry showed that OxLDL-induced superoxide (O2(.-)) production in the MR fractions was substantially reduced by statins. In coronary artery intima of mice with acute hypercholesterolemia, confocal microscopy revealed a colocalization of gp91(phox), p47(phox), ASM, or ceramide in MR clusters. Such colocalization was rarely observed in the arteries of normal mice or significantly reduced by pretreatment of hypercholesterolemic mice with statins. Furthermore, O2(.-) production in situ was 3-fold higher in the coronary arteries from hypercholesterolemic mice than in those from normal mice, and such increase was inhibited by statins. Our results indicate that blockade of MR-redox signaling platform formation in endothelial cell membrane may be another important therapeutic mechanism of statins in preventing endothelial injury and atherosclerosis and may be associated with their direct action on membrane cholesterol structure and function.

Characterization of a QTL affecting spike morphology on the long arm of chromosome 3H in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) based on near isogenic lines and a NIL-derived population

Traits related to spike morphology (SM), including grain density (GD), spike length (SL) and awn length (AL), are of central importance in cereal improvement. A recent study based on a two-row landrace of barley, TX9425, detected QTL controlling all of the three traits in a similar region on the long arm of chromosome 3H. To further characterize this chromosomal region, 12 pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) for GD were generated from two populations between TX9425 and two different commercial cultivars. A population consisting of 1,028 lines segregating primarily for the target region was also developed using materials generated during the production of these NILs. Results from the analysis of the NILs and the NIL-derived population showed that these three traits were likely controlled by a single-locus which was mapped to a 2.84 cM interval between two SSR markers, GBM1495 and HVM33. Across the 12 pairs of NILs, the presence of the 3HL locus increased GD by 53.4 %, reduced SL and AL by 38.8 % and 62.7 %, respectively. In the NIL-derived population, the presence of the 3HL locus increased GD by 64.6 %, reduced SL and AL by 33.7 % and 62.6 %, respectively. An interesting question arising from this research is why some loci such as the one reported here affect several SM-related traits while others appear to affect one of these traits only. The NILs and the NIL-derived population generated in this study will help answer such questions by providing the germplasm to enable cloning and comparative analysis of the genes responsible for these SM-related traits.

First Report of Pilidium concavum Causing Tan-Brown Leaf Spot on Strawberry in China

In April 2011, a survey of diseases was conducted on strawberry plants grown in greenhouses in the town of Xingshou, Changping District, Beijing, China. A tan-brown leaf spot with the presence of pink spore masses was observed on older leaves of strawberry plants. In general, the leaf spots began as small, round, water-soaked lesions in the middle or on the margin of leaves, which enlarged gradually up to 1 to 3 cm in diameter and were circular or irregular and brown to dark brown. Occasionally, the center of some spots cracked in the middle lesion under dry conditions. Eventually, black sporodochia were produced on the upper surface of spots and exuded pink conidial masses under humid conditions. Fungal structures were taken directly from the diseased leaves and examined microscopically for morphological characteristics. Sporodochia, 172 to 451 × 138 to 343 μm, were dark and suborbicular. Conidiophores, 8.4 to 48.3 × 0.8 to 2.1 μm, were hyaline, unicellular, and cylindrical. Conidia, 3.1 to 10.2 × 1.5 to 3.0 μm, were hyaline, aseptate, and canoe-shaped to allantoid, forming singly. For further study, the fungus was isolated in pure culture on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium from symptomatic leaf tissue. In culture, the mycelium was white at first and then changed to brownish. The sporodochia were light colored at first and turned brownish or almost black in older cultures. To identify the fungus, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region of the isolate was amplified by PCR with primers ITS1 (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3') and sequenced. The 462-nt sequence (GenBank Accession No. JQ995228) was identical to that of Pilidium concavum (1). To validate Koch's postulates, pathogenicity was tested by inoculating 20 leaves on 10 healthy strawberry plants with a mycelial plug from a 15-day-old colony (0.5 cm in diameter). Controls were treated with plugs of PDA medium. The inoculated and control plants were then maintained in growth chambers at 25°C (12 h of light per day, 80% humidity). After 12 days, 100% of the inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed on leaves in the field while the control leaves remained healthy. The original fungus was reisolated from inoculated leaves showing the symptoms. Thus, it was concluded that the fungus was the causal organism of the leaf spot. On the basis of morphological characteristics, molecular features, and pathogenicity tests, the pathogen of tan-brown leaf spot on strawberry was identified as P. concavum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. concavum causing tan-brown leaf spot on strawberry in China. This fungus was reported to cause leaf spot on Paeonia suffruticosa in China (2). It also caused tan-brown rot on strawberry fruit in our pathogenicity test. References: (1) L. Cardin et al. Plant Dis. 93:548, 2009. (2) Y. B. Duan et al. Plant Dis. 94:271, 2010.

Evaluation of the compositional and nutritional values of phytase transgenic corn to conventional corn in roosters

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the compositional and nutritional values of corn grains [phytase transgenic corn (PTC) and isogenic conventional corn (CC)] and compare the efficacy of corn-based phytase and extraneous microbial phytase for enhancing the utilization of phytate phosphorus (P) in single corn or corn-soybean mixed meals (corn:soybean = 2.5:1, wt:wt) fed to roosters. Following a 48-h fasting period, 16 roosters were given 50 g of each sample via crop intubation and excreta were collected for 48 h. Nitrogen-free and phosphorus-free diets were used to evaluate endogenous amino acid and endogenous P losses, respectively. Chemical composition was not different between PTC and CC, whereas the phytase content for PTC was greater than CC (8,047 vs. 37 FTU/kg of corn, DM basis; P < 0.001). No difference was observed in the TME and true amino acid availability values between the PTC and CC in roosters. The true P utilization for PTC was greater than CC (37.92 vs. 55.85%; P < 0.001), and CC and PTC contained 0.13 and 0.19% available P (AP, DM basis; P < 0.001), respectively. There was no difference in P utilization (72.76 vs. 70.23%; P > 0.05) between roosters fed PTC and extraneous microbial phytase in equivalent FTU/kg of diets. The results of this study indicated that the chemical composition, TME, and true amino acid availability in PTC are essentially equivalent to that in CC, and the true P utilization for roosters is higher in PTC than in CC. Corn expressing phytase is as efficacious as equivalent microbial phytase when supplemented in corn-soybean diets for chickens.

Immunisation against inhibin enhances follicular development, oocyte maturation and superovulatory response in water buffaloes

This study was carried out to test the feasibility of enhancing embryo production in vivo and in vitro by immunoneutralisation against inhibin or follistatin. In Experiment 1, multi-parity buffaloes were assigned into three groups: High group (n=8), which received one primary (2mg) and two booster (1mg) vaccinations (28-day intervals) with a recombinant inhibin α subunit in 1 mL of white oil adjuvant; Low group (n=8), which received half that dose; and Control group (n=7), which received only adjuvant. Immunisation against inhibin stimulated development of ovarian follicles. Following superovulation and artificial insemination, inhibin-immunised buffaloes had more developing follicles than the Control buffaloes. The average number of embryos and unfertilised ova (4.5±0.6, n=6) in the High group was higher (P<0.05) than in the Control group (2.8±0.6, n=5) and was intermediate (4.1±0.7, n=7) in the Low group. The pooled number of transferable embryos of the High and Low groups (3.2±0.5, n=13) was also higher (P<0.05) than that (1.6±0.7, n=5) of the controls. The immunised groups also had higher plasma concentrations of activin, oestradiol and progesterone. In Experiment 2, the addition of anti-inhibin or anti-follistatin antibodies into buffalo oocyte IVM maturation medium significantly improved oocyte maturation and cleavage rates following parthenogenic activation. Treatment with anti-follistatin antibody also doubled the blastocyst yield from activated embryos. These results demonstrated that immunisation against inhibin stimulated follicular development, enhanced oocyte quality and maturation competence, yielded more and better embryos both in vivo and in vitro.

Plant height affects Fusarium crown rot severity in wheat

Effects of plant height on Fusarium crown rot (FCR) disease severity were investigated using 12 pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs) for six different reduced height (Rht) genes in wheat. The dwarf isolines all gave better FCR resistance when compared with their respective tall counterparts, although the Rht genes involved in these NILs are located on several different chromosomes. Treating plants with exogenous gibberellin increased FCR severity as well as seedling lengths in all of the isolines tested. Analysis of the expression of several defense genes with known correlation with resistance to FCR pathogens between the Rht isolines following FCR inoculation indicated that the better resistance of the dwarf isolines was not due to enhanced defense gene induction. These results suggested that the difference in FCR severity between the tall and dwarf isolines is likely due to their height difference per se or to some physiological and structural consequences of reduced height. Thus, caution should be taken when considering to exploit any FCR locus located near a height gene.

Characterization of alpha-gliadin genes from diploid wheats and the comparative analysis with those from polyploid wheats

To carry out the comparative analysis of alpha-gliadin genes on A genomes of diploid and polyploid wheats, 8 full-length alpha-gliadin genes, including 3 functional genes and 5 pseudogenes, were obtained from diploid wheats, among which 2, 2 and 4 alpha-gliadin genes were isolated from T. urartu, T. monococcum and T. boeoticum, respectively. The results indicated that higher number of alpha-gliadin pseudogenes have been present in diploid wheats before the formation of polyploid wheats. Amino acid sequence comparative analysis among 26 alpha-gliadin genes, including 16 functional genes and 10 pseudogenes, from diploid and polyploid wheats was conducted. The results indicated that all alpha-gliadins contained four coeliac toxic peptide sequences (i.e., PSQQ, QQQP, QQPY and QPYP). The polyglutamine domains are highly variable, and the second polyglutamine stretch is usually disrupted by the lysine or arginine residue at the fourth position. The unique domain I is the most conserved domain. There are 4 and 2 conserved cysteine residues in the unique domains I and II, respectively. Comparative analysis indicated that the functional alpha-gliadin genes from A genome are highly conserved, whereas the identity of pseudogenes in diploid wheats are higher than those in hexaploid wheats. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the analyzed functional alpha-gliadin genes could be clustered into two major groups, among which one group could be further divided into 5 subgroups. The origin of alpha-gliadin pseudogene and functional genes were also discussed.

Identification of X- and Y-chromosome bearing buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm

The aim of this study was to identify the difference in DNA content characterizing the X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm of buffalo. Sperm from six Murrah buffaloes and six Nili-Ravi buffaloes were collected and stained with Hoechst 33342 followed by flow cytometry analysis of the DNA content. Two symmetrical, separate but overlapping peaks presumed to be X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm were detected. The difference in fluorescence intensity, which related to the DNA content, between the X- and Y-sperm was 3.59+/-0.11% for Murrah buffalo and 3.55+/-0.14% for Nili-Ravi buffalo, respectively. Significant differences were observed among males within each breed, but there were no differences between the averages of the two breeds. The results indicate that flow cytometric sorting of X- and Y-sperm of buffalo is feasible.

[Biochemical and molecular characterization of gliadins]

Gliadins account for about 40-50% of the total proteins in wheat seeds and play an important role on the nutritional and processing quality of flour. Usually, gliadins could be divided into alpha- (alpha/beta-), gamma- and omega-groups, whereas the low-molecular-weigh (LMW) gliadins were novel seed storage proteins. The low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GSs) were also designated as gliadins in a few literatures. The genes encoding gliadins were mainly located on the short arms of group 6 and group 1 chromosomes, and not evenly distributed. Repetitive sequences covered most of un-coding regions, which attributed greatly to the evolution of wheat genome. Primary structure of each gliadin has been divided into several domains, and the long repetitive domains consisted of peptide motifs. Conserved cysteine residues mainly formed intramolecular disulphide bonds. The rare potential intermolecular disulphide bonds and the long repetitive domains played an important role in the wheat flour quality. There was a general idea that gliadin genes, even prolamin genes, have a common origin and subsequent divergence lead to the gene polymorphism. The gamma-gliadins have been considered to be the most ancient of the wheat prolamin family. Several elements in the 5'-flanking (e.g. CAAT and TATA box) and the 3'-flanking sequences had been detected, which had been shown necessary for the proper expression of gliadins.

Genetic diversity of Triticum turgidum L. based on microsatellite markers

Using microsatellite (SSR) markers, the genetic diversity and genetic relationships among 48 Triticum turgidum L. accessions, including 30 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turgidum, 7 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum, 4 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. carthlicum, 3 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. paleocolchicum, 2 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turanicum and 2 Triticum turgidum L. ssp. polonicum accessions, were investigated. A total of 97 alleles were detected on 16 SSR loci. At each locus, the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 14, with an average of 6.1. The Genetic similarity (GS) value ranged from 0.20 to 0.92, with the mean of 0.59. In cluster analysis, it was found the 48 Triticum turgidum L. accessions could be distinguished easily by SSR markers, whereas the 6 subspecies taxonomic entities of T. turgidum L. could not differentiate with each other, indicating that the morphological differences present among the 6 subspecies could not be reflected by the SSR markers. These results suggested that SSR markers had the superiority in detecting the genetic diversity of T. turgidum L., while it was not good for the studies of the phylogenic relationships among the subspecies of T. turgidum L.

Characterization of low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit genes from Hordeum brevisubulatum ssp. turkestanicum

Three novel low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS) genes (designated as Ht1, Ht2, and Ht3) were isolated from the genomic DNA of Hordeum brevisubulatum ssp. turkestanicum by PCR amplification (accession no. Y0695). The coding regions of Ht1, Ht2, and Ht3 were 924, 924, and 903 bp, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences were 306, 306, and 299 amino acid residues each with a signal peptide, a central repetitive region rich in proline and glutamine, and N- and C-terminal non-repetitive domains. A comparison was carried out of these genes with other known B hordein genes from cultivated barley and LMW glutenin genes from wheat. The results indicated that Ht1, Ht2, and Ht3 had a more similar structure and a higher level of homology with the LMW-GS genes than the B hordein genes. In order to investigate the evolutionary relationship of the novel genes with the prolamin genes from barley and wheat, the phylogenetic tree was constructed and the subfamilies of these prolamin genes were identified. The results suggested that the three novel genes were glutenin-like proteins designated as LMW-m type genes.

Identification of LMW glutenin-like genes from Secale sylvestre host

Three low-molecular-weight (LMW) glutenin-like genes (designated as Ssy1, Ssy2 and Ssy3) from Secale sylvestre Host were isolated and characterized. The three genes consist of a predicted highly conservative signal peptide with 20 amino acids, a short N-terminal region with 13 amino acids, a highly variable repetitive domain and a less variable C-terminal domain. The deduced amino acid sequences of the three genes were the LMW-m type due to a methionine residue at the N-terminus. The phylogenic analysis indicated that the prolamin genes could be perfectly clustered into five groups, including HMW-GS, LMW-GS, alpha/beta-, gamma- and omega-prolamin. The LMW glutenin-like genes of S. sylvestre were more orthologous with the LMW-GS genes of wheat and B hordein genes of barley, which also had been confirmed by the homology analysis with the LMW-GS of wheat at Glu-A3, Glu-B3 and Glu-D3 loci. These results indicated that a chromosome locus (designated as Glu-R3) might be located on the R genome of S. sylvestre with the functions similar to the Glu-3 locus in wheat and its related species.

Autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor in patients with hypertension

This study will explore the autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor in patients with hypertension. Forty normotensives and 194 patients with hypertension were recruited for participation in this study. All patients accepted systemic combination drug treatment for antihypertension. According to the treatment results and the definition of refractory hypertension, the patients were divided into two groups: a refractory hypertension group and a non-refractory hypertension group. The epitope of the 2nd extracellular loop of type 1 angiotensin (AT1) receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor were synthesized and used as antigens to screen the autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor by ELISA. The plasma renin activity and concentration of angiotensin II and catecholamine were also examined. The positive rates of the autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor in patients with hypertension, 26.8% (52/194) and 25.3% (49/194), respectively, were higher than those in normotensives (7.5% and 5%)(p < 0.01). Further investigation showed that the frequencies of the autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor in patients with refractory hypertension, 42.9% (42/98) and 36.7% (36/98), respectively, were higher than those in patients with non-refractory hypertension under systematic treatment (10.4% and 13.5%)(p < 0.01). The levels of circulating angiotensin II, catecholamine, proteinuria and serum creatine were also higher in the refractory hypertension group than in the non-refractory hypertension group. The findings showed that the frequencies of autoantibodies against AT1-receptor and alpha1-adrenergic receptor were higher in patients with hypertension, particularly in those with refractory hypertension, and that these autoantibodies might play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

[Effects of composition of mobile phases on retention behavior of solutes in hydrophobic interaction chromatography]

The retention behavior of aromatic alcohol homologues in hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) was investigated for the first time. The differences in retention behavior between proteins and small solutes, and the eluted range and ability of different salts to small solutes and biopolymers, are elucidated with the parameter Z of the stoichiometric displacement retention model. The retention of aromatic alcohols follows the homologue rule. By the comparison of the changes of Z in different salt solutions, it is found that for small molecules the salt type only changes the hydration degree; but for proteins, it not only changes the hydration of proteins and stationary phase, but also affects the conformation of protein molecules near the contact regions between the protein and the stationary phase surface.

Effects of diethyldithiocarbamate on proliferation, redifferention, and apoptosis in human hepatoma cells

AIM

To examine the effects of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on the proliferation, redifferentiation, and apoptosis in human hepatoma cells.

METHODS

Cell surface charge, biochemical changes, cell growth in soft agar, single cell electrophoresis, electron microscopy examination, and flow cytometry analysis were measured.

RESULTS

After being treated with DDC 3 mmol/L the growth curve and mitotic index of human hepatoma cells decreased remarkably, and the cellular growth inhibitory rate amounted to 52.4 %. The indices related with cell malignancy were alleviated significantly, such as the cell surface charge decreased significantly, the electrophoresis rate dropped from 1.6 to 0.8 micron . s-1 . V-1 . cm-1, the average value of alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) content decrease d from 314 to 95 microg/g (protein), and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity from 0.9 to 0.14 U/g (protein). The cell differentiation index increased significantly, such as the average levels of tyrosine-alpha-ketoglutarate transaminase (TAT) activity increased from 11.6 to 36 micromol/g (protein), and the colonogenic potential decreased by 95.6 %. The apoptotic bodies, detached cells, and apoptotic morphological features appeared, and the treated cells DNA was fragmented as observed by the comet assay. The flow cytometric results showed that a 42.9 % fractional DNA content existed in the treated cells.

CONCLUSION

DDC can inhibit human hepatoma cells proliferation, and can induce redifferentiation as well as apoptosis.

Down-regulation of four arsenic antagonists on apoptosis and telomerase activity induced by arsenic trioxide in three myelocytic leukemia cell lines

AIM

To investigate regulative effects of thiol reagents, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and natrii dimercaptosussinas (NDMS), catalase (CAT), and calcium chelator 2-[(2-bis-[carboxymethyl]-amino-5-methyl-phenoxy)-met]-6-methoxy-8-bis-[carboxy-methyl]-aminoquinoline (Quin 2) on apoptosis and telomerase activity induced by arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in three myelocytic leukemia cell lines.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to examine apoptosis and a PCR ELISA kit was used to detect telomerase activity.

RESULTS

As2O3 induced about 40 % - 60 % of apoptosis in NB4, K562, and HL-60 cells at the concentration of 0.6, 2.7, and 8.1 micromol/L respectively, as well as down-regulated telomerase activities in three cell lines. NAC 4 mmol/L, NDMS 200 micromol/L, CAT 80 kU/L, and Quin 2 20 micromol/L could down-regulate apoptosis variously induced by As2O3. NAC and CAT alone could decline telomerase activity in three cell lines and further decline telomerase activities that had been decreased by As2O3, whereas Quin 2 antagonized the decline in K562 and HL-60 cells.

CONCLUSION

Thiol activity loss, free radical alteration, intracellular calcium changes, and decline of telomerase activity might be involved in As2O3-induced apoptosis. NAC, NDMS, CAT, and Quin 2 antagonized in some extent the effect of As2O3 on the three tested cell lines.

Autologous bone marrow mixed with HLA-haploidentical allogeneic marrow transplantation for treatment of patients with malignant blood diseases

We have previously demonstrated that syngeneic marrow mixed with H-2 haploidentical marrow transplantation could provide not only protection against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) but also anti-leukemic (GVL) effects in mice. In the present studies, we report clinical observations using autologous marrow mixed with HLA-haploidentical allogeneic marrow transplantation for treatment of patients with malignant blood diseases. Sixteen cases, including 12 with acute leukemia and four with advanced malignant lymphoma, were treated by autologous marrow, which was purged in vitro by hyperthemia (42.5 degrees C for 70 min) following incubation for 5 days with interleukin 2 (IL-2) in liquid culture and mixed with HLA haploidentical marrow cells from their sibling or parent. Acute GVHD was not observed in any patient after transplantation. Hematological rescue in the clinical setting was demonstrated in all cases but one who died early from hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Five cases who were transplanted at the time of CR2 or CR3 and in advanced phase of lymphoma, relapsed 4 to 7 months after transplantation. The relapse rate was 31.3%. None of eight patients who received allogeneic BMT within 2 h after ABMT relapsed with median follow-up of 12 months and two of them died from procedure-related complications. Seven cases are still alive and disease-free with a median follow-up of 12 months. Mixed chimerism was found in 3/6 cases, who had different sex donors, by analysis of sex chromosomes. These results show that mixed transplantation is a safe, effective and new approach to treating patients with malignant tumors. In order to detect the effects of GVL, studies are now in progress in our clinic.

Antinociceptive effect of intracerebroventricular injection of a tetrapeptide Asn-Ala-Gly-Ala in rats

The antinociceptive effect of intracerebroventricular injection (icv) of Asn-Ala-Gly-Ala (NAGA), a partial sequence of beta-lipotropin, was studied in rats. The potassium iontophoresis-induced tail flick was used to measure the pain threshold. The antinociceptive effect of NAGA, which was dose-dependent (icv, 0.03-0.24 mumol/rat) and long-lasting (90 min), was reversed by naloxone (icv, 0.26 mg.kg-1) and inhibited by anti-MEK serum (titre: 1:5000, 5 microliters) or anti-LEK serum (titre: 1:5000, 5 microliters). NAGA-induced antinociception was scarcely affected by anti-beta-EP serum (titre: 1:30,000, 5 microliters) or anti-Dyn A1-13 serum (titre: 1:30,000, 5 microliters). It was suggested that the antinociceptive effect of NAGA may be associated with the release of met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin in rat brain.

A simplified method for the preparation of WGA-Sepharose 4B and its use in the purification of MN blood group antigens

A simplified method for the preparation of wheat germ agglutinin(WGA)-Sepharose 4B by coupling highly purified WGA, prepared by improved affinity chromatography, with BrCN activated Sepharose 4B in a solution of high carbonate buffer is described. The amount of WGA linked to Sepharose 4B was 82.40% (3.07 mg WGA per ml Sepharose 4B). MN blood group antigens of human erythrocyte membranes purified with WGA-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). The yield of the antigens from 400 mL fresh blood was 32-40 mg. The WGA-Sepharose 4B column could be used several times without loss of activity.