Chlorophyll f production in two new subaerial cyanobacteria of the family Oculatellaceae

Chlorophyll (Chl) f was recently identified in a few cyanobacteria as the fifth chlorophyll of oxygenic organisms. In this study, two Leptolyngbya-like strains of CCNU0012 and CCNU0013 were isolated from a dry ditch in Chongqing city and a brick wall in Mount Emei Scenic Area in China, respectively. These two strains were described as new species: Elainella chongqingensis sp. nov. (Oculatellaceae, Synechococcales) and Pegethrix sichuanica sp. nov. (Oculatellaceae, Synechococcales) by the polyphasic approach based on morphological features, phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene and secondary structure comparison of 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer domains. Both strains produced Chl a under white light (WL) but additionally induced Chl f synthesis under far-red light (FRL). Unexpectedly, the content of Chl f in P. sichuanica was nearly half that in most Chl f-producing cyanobacteria. Red-shifted phycobiliproteins were also induced in both strains under FRL conditions. Subsequently, additional absorption peak beyond 700 nm in the FRL spectral region appeared in these two strains. This is the first report of Chl f production induced by FRL in the family Oculatellaceae. This study not only extended the diversity of Chl f-producing cyanobacteria but also provided precious samples to elucidate the essential binding sites of Chl f within cyanobacterial photosystems.

[Relationship between Personality Traits and Nutrition Package Feeding Behaviors of Infant Caregivers in Remote Rural Areas of Sichuan Province]

Objective To analyze the personality traits and nutrition package feeding behaviors of infant caregivers in remote rural areas of Sichuan province and explore the relationship between them. Methods A multi-stage random cluster sampling method was employed to select the infants of 6-24 months old and their caregivers in the remote rural areas of Sichuan province.A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the basic characteristics of infants and their caregivers,as well as the feeding behaviors of the caregivers.The Ten-Item Personality Inventory in China was used to evaluate the caregivers' personality traits in five dimensions:extraversion,agreeableness,conscientiousness,emotional stability,and openness.Multivariate Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the relationship between personality traits and nutrition package feeding behaviors of infant caregivers. Results A total of 895 pairs of infants and their caregivers were investigated.The caregivers showed the average scores of 9.01±2.64,10.60±1.99,9.41±2.06,9.01±2.38,and 8.57±2.29 in the dimensions of extraversion,agreeableness,conscientiousness,emotional stability,and openness,respectively.The effective feeding rate of nutrition package was 53.3% (477/895).The results of regression analysis showed that under the premise of controlling for other factors,the caregiver's conscientious personality (OR=1.08,95%CI=1.004-1.153,P=0.038) was the protective factor for the effective feeding of nutrition package. Conclusion The feeding behavior of infant caregivers in the remote rural areas of Sichuan province remains to be improved,and the caregivers with high conscientious personality are more likely to feed their infants effectively.

Kovacikia minuta sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae, Cyanobacteria), a new freshwater chlorophyll f-producing cyanobacterium

A few groups of cyanobacteria have been characterized as having far-red light photoacclimation (FaRLiP) that results from chlorophyll f (Chl f) production. In this study, using a polyphasic approach, we taxonomically transferred the Cf. Leptolyngbya sp. CCNUW1 isolated from a shaded freshwater pond, which produces Chl f under far-red light, to the genus Kovacikia and named this taxon Kovacikia minuta sp. nov. This strain was morphologically similar to Leptolyngbya-like strains. The thin filaments were purplish-brown under white light but became grass green under far-red light. The 31-gene phylogeny grouped K. minuta CCNU0001 into order Synechococcales and family Leptolyngbyaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences further showed that K. minuta CCNU0001 was clustered into Kovacikia with similarities of 97.2-97.4% to the recently reported type species of Kovacikia muscicola HA7619-LM3. Additionally, the internal transcribed spacer region between 16S-23S rRNA genes had a unique sequence and secondary structure compared with other Kovacikia strains and phylogenetically related taxa. Draft genome sequences of K. minuta CCNU0001 (8,564,336 bp) were assembled into one circular chromosome and two circular plasmids. A FaRLiP 20-gene cluster comprised two operons with the unique organization. In sum, K. minuta was established as a new species, and it is the first species reported to produce Chl f and for which a draft genome was produced in genus Kovacikia. This study expanded our knowledge regarding the diversity of Chl f-producing cyanobacteria in far-red light-enriched environments and provides important foundational information for future investigations of FaRLiP evolution in cyanobacteria.

[Association of Dietary Diversity with Growth and Development of Children in Multi-ethnic Rural Areas of Sichuan Province]

Objective To understand the growth and dietary diversity status of children in multi-ethnic areas of Sichuan province,and to explore the associations of dietary diversity with growth and development indicators. Methods Children of 18-36 months old and their primary caregivers were selected with multi-stage cluster random sampling method from rural areas of Han,Tibetan,and Yi ethnic groups in Sichuan province. The sociodemographic information of children and their caregivers was collected using self-designed questionnaire.The dietary diversity score(DDS)was calculated according to the criteria in the Guidelines for Measuring Household and Individual Dietary Diversity released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.The body height(length)and body weight of each child were measured by standard equipment for anthropological measurement,and the height for age Z score(HAZ),weight for age Z score(WAZ),and weight for height Z score(WHZ) were calculated.Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between dietary diversity and growth indicators of children. Results A total of 1092 children were enrolled in this study,and the prevalence of stunting(HAZ<-2),underweight(WAZ<-2),and wasting(WHZ<-2)was 21.1%,4.9%,and 2.5%,respectively.The children had the mean DDS of 4.8±1.7,and 45.3% of children had poor dietary diversity(DDS≤4).The children of Han ethnic group(5.8±1.4)had higher DDS than those of Tibetan ethnic group(4.9±1.6)and Yi ethnic group(3.9±1.6)(P<0.001).The results of multivariate linear regression indicated that DDS was positively correlated with HAZ(β=0.206,95%CI=0.158-0.254,P<0.001)after adjustment of sex,age,birth weight,preterm birth,and parental body height.After further adjustment of family fixed assets,ethnic group,caregiver's type,and caregiver's education background,the correlation between DDS and HAZ remained significant(β=0.077,95%CI=0.026-0.128, P=0.003). Conclusions The children in the multi-ethnic rural areas of Sichuan province showed troublesome growth and development status and low dietary diversity,which were conspicuously different between ethnic groups,especially in the rural areas of Yi ethnic group.The dietary diversity was positively associated with HAZ.It is recommended to carry out nutrition and health education according to the local dietary characteristics and thus improve the growth and development of children in multi-ethnic rural areas in Sichuan.

Identifying long-term stable refugia for relict plant species in East Asia

Today East Asia harbors many “relict” plant species whose ranges were much larger during the Paleogene-Neogene and earlier. The ecological and climatic conditions suitable for these relict species have not been identified. Here, we map the abundance and distribution patterns of relict species, showing high abundance in the humid subtropical/warm-temperate forest regions. We further use Ecological Niche Modeling to show that these patterns align with maps of climate refugia, and we predict species’ chances of persistence given the future climatic changes expected for East Asia. By 2070, potentially suitable areas with high richness of relict species will decrease, although the areas as a whole will probably expand. We identify areas in southwestern China and northern Vietnam as long-term climatically stable refugia likely to preserve ancient lineages, highlighting areas that could be prioritized for conservation of such species.

East Asia contains “relict” plant species that persist under narrow climatic conditions after once having wider distributions. Here, using distribution records coupled with ecological niche models, the authors identify long-term stable refugia possessing past, current and future climatic suitability favoring ancient plant lineages.

Shear-band affected zone revealed by magnetic domains in a ferromagnetic metallic glass

Plastic deformation of metallic glasses (MGs) has long been considered to be confined to nanoscale shear bands, but recently an affected zone around the shear band was found. Yet, due to technical limitations, the shear-band affected zone (SBAZ), which is critical for understanding shear banding and design of ductile MGs, has yet to be precisely identified. Here, by using magnetic domains as a probe with sufficiently high sensitivity and spatial resolution, we unveil the structure of SBAZs in detail. We demonstrate that shear banding is accompanied by a micrometer-scale SBAZ with a gradient in the strain field, and multiple shear bands interact through the superimposition of SBAZs. There also exists an ultra-long-range gradual elastic stress field extending hundreds of micrometers away from the shear band. Our findings provide a comprehensive picture on shear banding and are important for elucidating the micro-mechanisms of plastic deformation in glasses.

Metallic glasses deform along nanoscale shear bands, and while it is known that they affect the neighboring glass regions, exactly how is unclear. Here, the authors use magnetic force microscopy to atomically resolve the shear-band affected zone and show its effects extends much further than previously thought.

Effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in those with or at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, double-masked, crossover, randomized controlled trial with 106 subjects: 22 with high tension POAG, 18 with normal tension POAG, 20 with ocular hypertension, 21 POAG suspects, and 25 healthy participants. Subjects ingested either 237 ml of caffeinated (182 mg caffeine) or decaffeinated (4 mg caffeine) coffee for the first visit and the alternate beverage for the second visit. Blood pressure (BP) and pascal dynamic contour tonometer measurements of IOP, OPA, and heart rate were measured before and at 60 and 90 min after coffee ingestion per visit. OPP was calculated from BP and IOP measurements. Results were analysed using paired t-tests. Multivariable models assessed determinants of IOP, OPP, and OPA changes.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in baseline IOP, OPP, and OPA between the caffeinated and decaffeinated visits. After caffeinated as compared with decaffeinated coffee ingestion, mean mm Hg changes (± SD) in IOP, OPP, and OPA were as follows: 0.99 (± 1.52, P<0.0001), 1.57 (± 6.40, P=0.0129), and 0.23 (± 0.52, P<0.0001) at 60 min, respectively; and 1.06 (± 1.67, P<0.0001), 1.26 (± 6.23, P=0.0398), and 0.18 (± 0.52, P=0.0006) at 90 min, respectively. Regression analyses revealed sporadic and inconsistent associations with IOP, OPP, and OPA changes.

CONCLUSION

Consuming one cup of caffeinated coffee (182 mg caffeine) statistically increases, but likely does not clinically impact, IOP and OPP in those with or at risk for POAG.

[Auto-dendritic cell vaccines pulsed with PSA, PSMA and PAP peptides for hormone-refractory prostate cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical safety and effects of auto-dendritic cells pulsed with HLA-A201-binding peptides prostate-specific antigen (PSA) , prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in the treatment of hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer (HRPC).

METHODS

Sixteen HRPC patients with positive HLA-A201 were enrolled and their monocytes isolated and induced into dendritic cells with the combination of rhGM-CSF and rhIL4. The patients were inoculated subcutaneously near the inguinal region with auto-DCs pulsed with peptides PSA (KLQCVDLHV) , PSMA (ALDVYNGL L) and PAP (LLHETDSAV) every 2 weeks for 4 times, and the immunological and clinical responses were examined within 1 -2 weeks after the final vaccination.

RESULTS

Vaccination of dendritic cells was well tolerated and no toxicity was observed. The cytokine levels in the serum such as IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-gamma were significantly increased after the vaccination (P < 0.01). The delayed type hyper- sensitivity (DTH) test was positive in 4 of the patients (4/11), the percentage of antigen-special IFN-gamma+ CD8+ T increased in 5 (5/11), the level of the tumor marker PSA decreased in 6 (6/16) , hydrops abdominis reduced in 1 (1/16), and the size of the cervical lymph node lessened in 1 (1/16). Three patients showed partial remission (PR), 7 stability of the disease (SD), and the other 6 progression of the disease (PD).

CONCLUSION

Auto-DC vaccines loaded with PSA, PSMA and PAP peptides, capable of eliciting specific immune responses in HRPC patients, is a safe and effective option for the treatment of advanced HRPC.

Expression of recombinant human ICOS and in vitro characterization of its bioactivity on B lymphocytes

Inducible costimulator (ICOS) is a novel costimulatory molecule expressed in activated T cell and has critical regulation effect on special immune response. In this study, the cDNA encoding human ICOS was cloned from activated tonsil cells via RT-PCR, and was expressed in E. coli on pET28 expression vector. The recombinant ICOS protein expressed from E. coli showed a molecular weight of 14 kD on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was further confirmed by Western blot. In presence of IL-10, the purified rhICOS significantly increased in vitro B cell growth stimulated by pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and enhanced the secretion of IgG from B cells.

Compact, magneto-optic Q-switched, neodymium-doped bismuth germinate crystal (Nd:BGO) laser pumped by a laser diode

The magneto-optic Q-switched operation of a neodymium-doped bismuth germinate crystal (Nd:BGO) laser that is end pumped by a cw 500-mW laser diode is reported. The crystal is a new host for Nd lasers. Here it acts as a magneto-optic modulator as well as a laser medium. A pulse energy of 2 µJ with a FWHM of 100 ns has been obtained. The device operates at a repetition rate of 1 kHz, and the fluctuation of the shot-to-shot intensity is less than ±1%.

[Changes of enamel intake of fluoride amount while PH and fluoride concentration varies]

The four enamel pieces,which are from one bovine tooth,are treated individually by 2.7% NaF gel(pH4),2.7% NaF gel(pH7),1%NaF gel (pH7.0) and the control group gel.The fluoride amount in enamel pieces is measured by fluoride electrode.The aim of present study is to observe the changer of enamel intake of fluoride amount when the pH and fluoride concentration varies.In results the most fluoride amount in enamel pieces treated by 2.7% NaF gel(pH4) is measured.The more fluoride amount is measured in group of 2.7%NaF gel(pH7) than 1% NaF gel (pH7).The Results show lower pH and higher fluoride concentration can increase more fluoride amount in enamel.