[Arbutin ameliorates liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting macrophage recruitment and regulating the Akt/NF-κB and Smad signaling pathways]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of arbutin against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Twenty-four C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, and low- and high-dose arbutin treatment (25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively) groups. Mouse models of liver fibrosis were established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4, and arbutin was administered daily via gavage for 6 weeks. After the treatments, serum biochemical parameters of the mice were tested, and liver tissues were taken for HE staining, Sirius Red staining and immunohistochemical staining. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of α-SMA, Pdgfb, Col1α1, Timp-1, Ccl2 and Tnf-a, and Western blotting was performed to detect α-SMA protein expression in the liver tissues. In the cell experiment, the effect of arbutin treatment for 24 h on THP-1 and RAW264.7 cell migration and recruitment was examined using Transwell migration assay and DAPI staining; The changes in protein levels of Akt, p65, Smad3, p-Akt, p-p65, p-Smad3 and α-SMA in arbutintreated LX-2 cells were detected with Western blotting.

RESULTS

Arbutin treatment significantly lowered serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, alleviated liver tissue damage and collagen deposition, and reduced macrophage infiltration and α-SMA protein expression in the liver of the mouse models (P < 0.05 or 0.001). Arbutin treatment also significantly reduced CCl4-induced elevation of a-SMA, Pdgfb, Col1α1, Timp-1, Ccl2 and Tnf-a mRNA levels in mice (P < 0.05). In the cell experiment, arbutin treatment obviously inhibited migration and recruitment of THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells and lowered the phosphorylation levels of Akt, p65 and Smad3 and the protein expression level of α-SMA in LX-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Arbutin ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation via reducing macrophage recruitment and infiltration and suppressing activation of the Akt/NF-κB and Smad signaling pathways.

The genome and population genomics of allopolyploid Coffea arabica reveal the diversification history of modern coffee cultivars

Coffea arabica, an allotetraploid hybrid of Coffea eugenioides and Coffea canephora, is the source of approximately 60% of coffee products worldwide, and its cultivated accessions have undergone several population bottlenecks. We present chromosome-level assemblies of a di-haploid C. arabica accession and modern representatives of its diploid progenitors, C. eugenioides and C. canephora. The three species exhibit largely conserved genome structures between diploid parents and descendant subgenomes, with no obvious global subgenome dominance. We find evidence for a founding polyploidy event 350,000-610,000 years ago, followed by several pre-domestication bottlenecks, resulting in narrow genetic variation. A split between wild accessions and cultivar progenitors occurred ~30.5 thousand years ago, followed by a period of migration between the two populations. Analysis of modern varieties, including lines historically introgressed with C. canephora, highlights their breeding histories and loci that may contribute to pathogen resistance, laying the groundwork for future genomics-based breeding of C. arabica.

Clinical value of GRACE score combined with DFR in predicting short-term prognosis of patients undergoing early PCI after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical value of the Global Registry of Arterial Events in Acute Coronary Syndromes (GRACE) score combined with the D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio (DFR) in predicting the short-term prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) early after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 102 patients who underwent PCI early after thrombolysis for AMI during April 2020 to January 2022 in our hospital were picked as study subjects. These subjects were assigned as the good prognosis group (without adverse cardiovascular events) and poor prognosis group (with adverse cardiovascular events) according to whether adverse cardiovascular events occurred during hospitalization and follow-up. Changes in GRACE scores and DFR levels in patients with different prognoses were analyzed. The GRACE score and DFR level of patients with different prognosis were analyzed. The clinic pathological characteristics were collected, and the risk factors for poor prognosis of AMI patients were analyzed by logistic risk regression; ROC curve was used to analyze the prognostic value of GRACE score combined with DFR in early PCI patients after AMI thrombolysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the good prognosis group, the GRACE score and DFR level in the poor prognosis group were much higher (p<0.001). Significant differences existed in blood pressure, ejection fraction, number of diseased branches, and Killip grading between the patients with good prognosis and those with poor prognosis (p<0.05). There existed no significant difference in clinical medication between the patients with good prognosis and those with poor prognosis (p>0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis indicated that GRACE score, DFR, ejection fraction, number of lesion branches, and Killip grade were all risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients undergoing early PCI after thrombolysis in AMI (p<0.05). The ROC curve was established and the area under the curve (AUC) of GRACE score, DFR, and combined detection were 0.815, 0.783, and 0.894, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.24%, 60.42%, 83.71%, 66.78%, 91.42% and 77.83%, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of combined detection were higher than those of the two alone and had a higher predictive value for the short-term prognosis of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The GRACE score combined with DFR was of great value in diagnosing the short-term prognosis of patients undergoing PCI early after thrombolysis for AMI. Furthermore, the GRACE score, DFR, ejection fraction, number of lesion branches, and Killip classification were all important factors influencing the short-term prognosis of patients, which were of great significance in determining the prognosis of patients.

A clinical randomized controlled trial: moxibustion at Laogong interval with Panax notoginseng promoted the maturation of arteriovenous fistulae

BACKGROUND

We aim to study the clinical effect of moxibustion at Laogong interval with Panax notoginseng on the short-term maturation and long-term patency of arteriovenous fistula.

METHODS

Seventy-four pre-dialysis uremic patients who received distal forearm radial-cephalic fistula creations were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the control group and experimental group. After arteriovenous fistula creations, the control group underwent handgrip exercise, and the experimental group received moxibustion at Laogong acupoint interval with Panax notoginseng. Both groups received a 12-week treatment and were followed up for 24 weeks in all at the following time points: before creations and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks after creations. The diameter of anastomosis, the diameter and outflow of draining-veins 5 cm above anastomosis, the diameter and outflow of brachial arteries evaluated the maturation and patency of arteriovenous fistula. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay determined serum levels of endothelin and nitric oxide.

RESULTS

The maturity rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 4 weeks after arteriovenous fistula creations (P = 0.048). The diameter of anastomosis, the diameter of draining veins, and the blood flow of draining veins increased in both groups during the whole 24 weeks. The diameter and blood flow of brachial arteries ascended in both groups during the previous 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, moxibustion at Laogong interval with Panax notoginseng significantly improved the value of the diameter of draining-veins (P = 0.016), the blood flow of draining-veins (P = 0.015), the diameter of brachial arteries (P < 0.001), and the blood flow of brachial arteries (P = 0. 012) at 2 weeks, and enhanced the blood flow of draining-veins (P = 0.029) and brachial arteries (P < 0.001) at 12 weeks. Serum levels of endothelin were significantly lower (P = 0.047), and serum levels of nitric oxide were markedly higher (P < 0.001) in the experimental group than that in the control group at 2 weeks after creations.

CONCLUSIONS

Moxibustion at Laogong interval with Panax notoginseng was non-invasive and promoted the maturation of arteriovenous fistula at 4 weeks after creations. However, its long-term beneficial effect on patency at 24 weeks after creations was not significant. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR1900024042. Registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Two divergent haplotypes from a highly heterozygous lychee genome suggest independent domestication events for early and late-maturing cultivars

Lychee is an exotic tropical fruit with a distinct flavor. The genome of cultivar ‘Feizixiao’ was assembled into 15 pseudochromosomes, totaling ~470 Mb. High heterozygosity (2.27%) resulted in two complete haplotypic assemblies. A total of 13,517 allelic genes (42.4%) were differentially expressed in diverse tissues. Analyses of 72 resequenced lychee accessions revealed two independent domestication events. The extremely early maturing cultivars preferentially aligned to one haplotype were domesticated from a wild population in Yunnan, whereas the late-maturing cultivars that mapped mostly to the second haplotype were domesticated independently from a wild population in Hainan. Early maturing cultivars were probably developed in Guangdong via hybridization between extremely early maturing cultivar and late-maturing cultivar individuals. Variable deletions of a 3.7 kb region encompassed by a pair of CONSTANS-like genes probably regulate fruit maturation differences among lychee cultivars. These genomic resources provide insights into the natural history of lychee domestication and will accelerate the improvement of lychee and related crops.

Two divergent haplotypes from a highly heterozygous lychee genome of the cultivar ‘Feizixiao’ and resequencing of 72 lychee accessions provide insights into the genome evolution and domestication history of lychee.

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Chinese Sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) Reveals Strongly Conserved Synteny Following a Catostomid-Specific Whole-Genome Duplication

Fishes of the family Catostomidae (“suckers”; Teleostei: Cypriniformes) are hypothesized to have undergone an allopolyploidy event approximately 60 Ma. However, genomic evidence has previously been unavailable to assess this hypothesis. We sequenced and assembled the first chromosome-level catostomid genome, Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus), and present clear evidence of a catostomid-specific whole-genome duplication (WGD) event (“Cat-4R”). Our results reveal remarkably strong, conserved synteny since this duplication event, as well as between Myxocyprinus and an unduplicated outgroup, zebrafish (Danio rerio). Gene content and repetitive elements are also approximately evenly distributed across homeologous chromosomes, suggesting that both subgenomes retain some function, with no obvious bias in gene fractionation or subgenome dominance. The Cat-4R duplication provides another independent example of genome evolution following WGD in animals, in this case at the extreme end of conserved genome architecture over at least 25.2 Myr since the duplication. The M. asiaticus genome is a useful resource for researchers interested in understanding genome evolution following WGD in animals.

Atypical DNA methylation, sRNA-size distribution, and female gametogenesis in Utricularia gibba

The most studied DNA methylation pathway in plants is the RNA Directed DNA Methylation (RdDM), a conserved mechanism that involves the role of noncoding RNAs to control the expansion of the noncoding genome. Genome-wide DNA methylation levels have been reported to correlate with genome size. However, little is known about the catalog of noncoding RNAs and the impact on DNA methylation in small plant genomes with reduced noncoding regions. Because of the small length of intergenic regions in the compact genome of the carnivorous plant Utricularia gibba, we investigated its repertoire of noncoding RNA and DNA methylation landscape. Here, we report that, compared to other angiosperms, U. gibba has an unusual distribution of small RNAs and reduced global DNA methylation levels. DNA methylation was determined using a novel strategy based on long-read DNA sequencing with the Pacific Bioscience platform and confirmed by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Moreover, some key genes involved in the RdDM pathway may not represented by compensatory paralogs or comprise truncated proteins, for example, U. gibba DICER-LIKE 3 (DCL3), encoding a DICER endonuclease that produces 24-nt small-interfering RNAs, has lost key domains required for complete function. Our results unveil that a truncated DCL3 correlates with a decreased proportion of 24-nt small-interfering RNAs, low DNA methylation levels, and developmental abnormalities during female gametogenesis in U. gibba. Alterations in female gametogenesis are reminiscent of RdDM mutant phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana. It would be interesting to further study the biological implications of the DCL3 truncation in U. gibba, as it could represent an initial step in the evolution of RdDM pathway in compact genomes.

The cross-polarization scattering system for the magnetic fluctuation measurement in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

The cross-polarization scattering (CPS) system for magnetic fluctuation measurements in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has been designed and installed. Different from the Doppler reflectometer (DR) system, the CPS system detects the perpendicular polarization of the electromagnetic wave induced by magnetic fluctuations B̃. The CPS system in the EAST has been developed from the existing Doppler reflectometer system, and they are integrated together for simultaneous measurement of magnetic and density fluctuations. Ray-tracing simulations are used to calculate the scattering locations and the wavenumber coverage of the magnetic fluctuation for CPS. In the experiments, the CPS and DR system data were different in Doppler shift, amplitude, and spectrum broadening. In this article, the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary results of the system in the EAST are presented.

The clinical value of the combined detection of sEGFR, CA125 and HE4 for epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the clinical value of combined detection of serum soluble epidermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2017 to October 2018, the serum samples were obtained from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, with 30 patients as EOC group, 30 patients with benign ovarian neoplasms as benign group, and 17 healthy subjects as healthy group. Besides, among 30 EOC patients, 9 serum samples were obtained from pre-operative and post-operative EOC patients. The levels of serum sEGFR were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while CA125 and HE4 were detected by enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The diagnostic value was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of serum sEGFR, CA125, and HE4 in EOC group were significantly higher than those in benign group (p<0.05) and healthy group (p<0.05). When using a single tumor marker, the CA125 shows the highest sensitivity (93.30%) and HE4 shows the highest specificity (97.87%). The specificity of combined detection of serum sEGFR, CA125, and HE4 was 100%, which was significantly higher than that using a single tumor marker. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of combined detection of serum sEGFR, CA125, and HE4 (0.965) was much higher than that of the single detection and higher than that of combined detection of CA125 and HE4 (0.940). Moreover, the level of serum sEGFR in post-operative EOC group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding pre-operative EOC group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that combined detection of serum sEGFR, CA125, and HE4 increases the specificity and efficiency in EOC diagnosis, indicating that sEGFR could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of EOC.

TCP and MADS-Box Transcription Factor Networks Regulate Heteromorphic Flower Type Identity in Gerbera hybrida

The large sunflower family, Asteraceae, is characterized by compressed, flower-like inflorescences that may bear phenotypically distinct flower types. The CYCLOIDEA (CYC)/TEOSINTE BRANCHED1-like transcription factors (TFs) belonging to the TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) protein family are known to regulate bilateral symmetry in single flowers. In Asteraceae, they function at the inflorescence level, and were recruited to define differential flower type identities. Here, we identified upstream regulators of GhCYC3, a gene that specifies ray flower identity at the flower head margin in the model plant Gerbera hybrida We discovered a previously unidentified expression domain and functional role for the paralogous CINCINNATA-like TCP proteins. They function upstream of GhCYC3 and affect the developmental delay of marginal ray primordia during their early ontogeny. At the level of single flowers, the Asteraceae CYC genes show a unique function in regulating the elongation of showy ventral ligules that play a major role in pollinator attraction. We discovered that during ligule development, the E class MADS-box TF GRCD5 activates GhCYC3 expression. We propose that the C class MADS-box TF GAGA1 contributes to stamen development upstream of GhCYC3 Our data demonstrate how interactions among and between the conserved floral regulators, TCP and MADS-box TFs, contribute to the evolution of the elaborate inflorescence architecture of Asteraceae.

Attenuation of a virulent swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus strain via cell culture passage

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a newly identified enteric alphacoronavirus that causes fatal diarrhea in newborn piglets in China. Here, we propagated a virulent strain SADS-CoV/CN/GDWT/2017 in Vero cells for up to 83 passages. Four strains of SADS-CoV/GDWT-P7, -P18, -P48 and -P83 were isolated and characterized. Sequence alignments showed that these four novel strains exhibited 16 nucleotide mutations and resultant 10 amino acid substitutions in open reading frame 1a/1b, spike, NS3a, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid proteins. Furthermore, a 58-bp deletion in NS7a/7b was found in P48 and P83 strains, which led to the loss of NS7b and 38 amino acid changes of NS7a. Pig infection studies showed that the P7 strain caused typical watery diarrhea, while the P83 strain induced none-to-mild, delayed and transient diarrhea. This is the first report on cell adaption of a virulent SADS-CoV strain, which gives information on the potential virulence determinants of SADS-CoV.

Five-channel tunable W-band Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

A 5-channel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Through an I/Q-type double sideband modulator and a frequency multiplier, an array of finely spaced (Δf = 400 MHz) frequencies that span 1.6 GHz has been created. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of 75-97.8 GHz, which covers most of the W band (75-110 GHz). The incident angle can be adjusted from -4° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 4-15 cm^-1 with a wavenumber resolution of Δk/k ≤ 0.35. Ray tracing is used to calculate the scattering location and the scattering wavenumber. This article details the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results from EAST plasmas.

Altered Gene Regulatory Networks Are Associated With the Transition From C3 to Crassulacean Acid Metabolism in Erycina (Oncidiinae: Orchidaceae)

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis is a modification of the core C3 photosynthetic pathway that improves the ability of plants to assimilate carbon in water-limited environments. CAM plants fix CO2 mostly at night, when transpiration rates are low. All of the CAM pathway genes exist in ancestral C3 species, but the timing and magnitude of expression are greatly altered between C3 and CAM species. Understanding these regulatory changes is key to elucidating the mechanism by which CAM evolved from C3. Here, we use two closely related species in the Orchidaceae, Erycina pusilla (CAM) and Erycina crista-galli (C3), to conduct comparative transcriptomic analyses across multiple time points. Clustering of genes with expression variation across the diel cycle revealed some canonical CAM pathway genes similarly expressed in both species, regardless of photosynthetic pathway. However, gene network construction indicated that 149 gene families had significant differences in network connectivity and were further explored for these functional enrichments. Genes involved in light sensing and ABA signaling were some of the most differently connected genes between the C3 and CAM Erycina species, in agreement with the contrasting diel patterns of stomatal conductance in C3 and CAM plants. Our results suggest changes to transcriptional cascades are important for the transition from C3 to CAM photosynthesis in Erycina.

A novel, tunable, multimodal microwave system for microwave reflectometry system

Based on a new technique, a tunable, multi-channel system that covers the Q-band (33-55 GHz) is presented in this article. It has a potential use of the Doppler backscattering system diagnostic that can measure the turbulence radial correlation and the perpendicular velocity of turbulence by changing the incident angle. The system consists primarily of a double-sideband (DSB) modulation and a multiplier, which creates four probing frequencies. The probing frequency enables the simultaneous analysis of the density fluctuations and flows at four distinct radial regions in tokamak plasma. The amplitude of the probing frequency can be adjusted by the initial phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) input from the double-sideband, and the typical flatness is less than 10 dB. The system was tested in the lab with a rotating grating, and the results show that the system can operate in the frequency range of 33-55 GHz with a Q-band multitude and that the power of each channel can be adjusted by the phase of the IF input of DSB.

Influence of neutral beam attenuation on beam emission spectroscopy and charge exchange recombination spectroscopy

Neutral beam attenuation is simulated by means of consulting the ADAS (Atomic Data and Analysis Structure) database based on experimentally diagnosed radial plasma density and electron temperature profiles on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Two-dimensional distributions of beam emission and charge exchange recombination photon flux are simulated, taking neutral beam attenuation into account, together with comparison with experimental results of Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) and Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS). A photon number which is over 10¹⁴ promises a sufficient photon flux for typical detectors of BES, CXRS, and UltraFast-CXRS (UF-CXRS) diagnostics. Evidence shows that the ADAS database overvalues neutral beam injection effective stopping coefficient on the EAST tokamak. The joint diagnostic of BES and UF-CXRS which is under development to measure plasma pressure with a high temporal resolution of 1 μs will have strong signals in a radial range of 0.6 < ρ < 0.8. The steep gradients of plasma density and C⁶⁺ density at ρ ∼ 1 bring great difficulty to edge plasma investigation by this joint diagnostic.

Evolutionary history of enigmatic bears in the Tibetan Plateau-Himalaya region and the identity of the yeti

Although anecdotally associated with local bears (Ursus arctos and U. thibetanus), the exact identity of ‘hominid’-like creatures important to folklore and mythology in the Tibetan Plateau–Himalaya region is still surrounded by mystery. Recently, two purported yeti samples from the Himalayas showed genetic affinity with an ancient polar bear, suggesting they may be from previously unrecognized, possibly hybrid, bear species, but this preliminary finding has been under question. We conducted a comprehensive genetic survey of field-collected and museum specimens to explore their identity and ultimately infer the evolutionary history of bears in the region. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences determined clade affinities of the purported yeti samples in this study, strongly supporting the biological basis of the yeti legend to be local, extant bears. Complete mitochondrial genomes were assembled for Himalayan brown bear (U. a. isabellinus) and black bear (U. t. laniger) for the first time. Our results demonstrate that the Himalayan brown bear is one of the first-branching clades within the brown bear lineage, while Tibetan brown bears diverged much later. The estimated times of divergence of the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan bear lineages overlap with Middle to Late Pleistocene glaciation events, suggesting that extant bears in the region are likely descendants of populations that survived in local refugia during the Pleistocene glaciations.

Molecular mechanism of Wnt signal pathway in multiple myeloma cell line H929 cell autophagy

OBJECTIVE

Pathogenic mechanism of multiple myeloma is still unclear yet. Abnormality in cell autophagy is closely correlated with various orthopedic diseases especially multiple myeloma. Therefore, this study investigated the mechanism of cell autophagy abnormality in multiple myeloma occurrence and clinical implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using multiple myeloma cell line H929 as the model, cells were treated with UV irradiation. Western blot was used to measure the autophagy of H929 cell, expression level of autophagy molecules and activation of autophagy signal pathway such as Wnt. Using autophagy activator, H929 cell autophagy was potentiated, followed by quantification of autophagy molecular expression and signal pathway such as Wnt activation. Agonist or antagonist of Wnt signal pathway was used to treat H929 cells followed by measuring autophagy molecules and Wnt pathway activation. The correlation between Wnt signal pathway or cell autophagy and occurrence of multiple myeloma was analyzed.

RESULTS

UV irradiation treatment on multiple myeloma cell line H929 induced autophagy and Wnt signal pathway activation. The inhibitor of Wnt signal pathway suppressed UV-induced H929 cell autophagy. However, over-expression of Wnt signal pathway enhanced UV-mediated autophagy of H929 cells. The condition of Wnt activation and autophagy level were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

UV irradiation can induce autophagy of multiple myeloma cells, suggesting that management of cell autophagy might be one possible treatment for multiple myeloma.

Myocardial late gadolinium enhancement: a head-to-head comparison of motion-corrected balanced steady-state free precession with segmented turbo fast low angle shot

AIM

To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic agreement with a head-to-head comparison of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images acquired by the motion-corrected (MOCO) balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) phase sensitivity inversion recovery (PSIR) and conventional segmented fast low angle shot (FLASH) PSIR methods^15,16 in a patient cohort with a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 59 consecutive patients, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the normal myocardium (NM), LGE, and blood pool (BP) were pair-wise compared between the two different sequences. A further semi-qualitative score system (graded 1 -4) was used to compare the overall image quality (OIQ). The diagnostic agreement of the two techniques were evaluated by both transmural severity and absolutely quantitative size of LGE.

RESULTS

The SNRs of the NM, LGE, and BP of MOCO bSSFP were 4.8±3.4, 53.6±35.6 and 43.2±29.3, compared with 3.9±3.6 (p=0.126), 27.7±18.5 (p<0.001) and 24.3±13.4 (p<0.001) of FLASH LGE, respectively. The CNRs of LGE to NM, LGE to BP, and BP to NM were 48.3±33.1 versus 23.8±16.7 (p<0.001), 6.5±21.6 versus 3.8±10.8 (p<0.001), and 38.3±27.2 versus 20.3±10.7 (p=0.448), respectively. The OIQ of MOCO bSSFP was higher than that of segmented FLASH (median 4 versus median 3, p<0.001). For quantification of LGE size, there is good agreement and high correlation (r=0.992, p<0.001) between the two methods.

CONCLUSIONS

MOCO bSSFP is a feasible, robust sequence for LGE imaging, especially for patients with arrhythmia and those incapable of breath-holding due to severe heart failure.

Dissecting functions of SEPALLATA-like MADS box genes in patterning of the pseudanthial inflorescence of Gerbera hybrida

The pseudanthial inflorescences of the sunflower family, Asteraceae, mimic a solitary flower but are composed of multiple flowers. Our studies in Gerbera hybrida indicate functional diversification for SEPALLATA (SEP)-like MADS box genes that often function redundantly in other core eudicots. We conducted phylogenetic and expression analysis for eight SEP-like GERBERA REGULATOR OF CAPITULUM DEVELOPMENT (GRCD) genes, including previously unstudied gene family members. Transgenic gerbera plants were used to infer gene functions. Adding to the previously identified stamen and carpel functions for GRCD1 and GRCD2, two partially redundant genes, GRCD4 and GRCD5, were found to be indispensable for petal development. Stepwise conversion of floral organs into leaves in the most severe RNA interference lines suggest redundant and additive GRCD activities in organ identity regulation. We show conserved and redundant functions for several GRCD genes in regulation of flower meristem maintenance, while functional diversification for three SEP1/2/4 clade genes in regulation of inflorescence meristem patterning was observed. GRCD genes show both specialized and pleiotropic functions contributing to organ differentiation and flower meristem fate, and uniquely, to patterning of the inflorescence meristem. Altogether, we provide an example of how plant reproductive evolution has used conserved genetic modules for regulating the elaborate inflorescence architecture in Asteraceae.

Promotion of proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by LncRNA00673 based on the targeted-regulation of notch signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relative expression of long non-coding RNA 00673 (lncRNA 00673) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC cells and study its regulation on the malignant phenotype of HCC cells PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples of HCC and adjacent tissues from January 2013 to December 2015 were collected. The expression level of lncRNA00673 in HCC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. lncRNA00673 specific interference sequences were transiently transfected into HCC cells and the effect of HCC cells on the biological behavior of HCC cells was examined by in vitro experiments ((3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay), flow cytometry, transwell, etc.). A tumor model of nude mice with HCC was established for the study of tumor growth condition of tumor-bearing mice after the interference with lncRNA00673 expression. Changes in expression levels of molecular markers on Notch signaling pathway after the interference with lncRNA00673 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

lncRNA00673 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. MTT results showed that interfering with lncRNA00673 inhibited cell proliferation. Flow cytometry results showed that HCC cell cycle was retarded in G1-G0 phase, thus promoting apoptosis after the interference with lncRNA00673. Western blot results showed that expression levels of molecular markers on Notch signaling pathway were changed after the interference with lncRNA00763.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNA00673 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, and can promote the proliferation and metastasis of HCC by the regulation on Notch signaling pathway. lncRNA00673 may be a potential target for the treatment of HCC.

A novel approach to estimating the Doppler shift frequency from quadrature mixer output

Doppler backscattering systems (DBSs) have been widely used in magnetic confinement fusion devices to measure the density fluctuations and propagation velocity of turbulence. However, the received signals of a DBS usually include both zero-order reflection and backscattering components, which results in interference in calculating the Doppler shift frequency from the backscattering components. A novel method is introduced here for estimating the Doppler shift frequency by separating the zero-order reflection and backscattering components using the cross-phase spectrum between the I-signal and Q-signal from a quadrature mixer, based on the difference in symmetrical characteristics between the zero-order reflection and backscattering signal spectra. It is proven that this method is more effective than traditional approaches, such as multiple signal classification and fast Fourier transformation, for extracting Doppler shift information.

An eight-channel Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

Doppler backscattering system can measure the perpendicular velocity and fluctuation amplitude of the density turbulence with intermediate wavenumber. An eight-channel Doppler backscattering system has been installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which can probe eight different radial locations simultaneously by launching eight fixed frequencies (55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 67.5, 70, 72.5, 75 GHz) into plasma. The quasi-optical system consists of circular corrugated waveguide transmission, a fixed parabolic mirror, and a rotatable parabolic mirror which are integrated with quasi-optics front-end of the profile reflectometer inside the vacuum vessel. The incidence angle can be chosen from 5° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 2-15/cm with the wavenumber resolution Δk/k≤0.21. Ray tracing simulations are used to calculate the scattering locations and the perpendicular wavenumber. The dynamic range of this new eight-channel Doppler backscattering system can be as large as 40 dB in the EAST. In this article, the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results in the EAST will be presented.

Comparative genomics and evolution of the amylase-binding proteins of oral streptococci

Background

Successful commensal bacteria have evolved to maintain colonization in challenging environments. The oral viridans streptococci are pioneer colonizers of dental plaque biofilm. Some of these bacteria have adapted to life in the oral cavity by binding salivary α-amylase, which hydrolyzes dietary starch, thus providing a source of nutrition. Oral streptococcal species bind α-amylase by expressing a variety of amylase-binding proteins (ABPs). Here we determine the genotypic basis of amylase binding where proteins of diverse size and function share a common phenotype.

Results

ABPs were detected in culture supernatants of 27 of 59 strains representing 13 oral Streptococcus species screened using the amylase-ligand binding assay. N-terminal sequences from ABPs of diverse size were obtained from 18 strains representing six oral streptococcal species. Genome sequencing and BLAST searches using N-terminal sequences, protein size, and key words identified the gene associated with each ABP. Among the sequenced ABPs, 14 matched amylase-binding protein A (AbpA), 6 matched amylase-binding protein B (AbpB), and 11 unique ABPs were identified as peptidoglycan-binding, glutamine ABC-type transporter, hypothetical, or choline-binding proteins. Alignment and phylogenetic analyses performed to ascertain evolutionary relationships revealed that ABPs cluster into at least six distinct, unrelated families (AbpA, AbpB, and four novel ABPs) with no phylogenetic evidence that one group evolved from another, and no single ancestral gene found within each group. AbpA-like sequences can be divided into five subgroups based on the N-terminal sequences. Comparative genomics focusing on the abpA gene locus provides evidence of horizontal gene transfer.

Conclusion

The acquisition of an ABP by oral streptococci provides an interesting example of adaptive evolution.

Electronic supplementary material

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Initial measurements of plasma current and electron density profiles using a polarimeter/interferometer (POINT) for long pulse operation in EAST (invited)

A double-pass, radially viewing, far-infrared laser-based POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system utilizing the three-wave technique has been implemented for diagnosing the plasma current and electron density profiles in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). POINT has been operated routinely during the most recent experimental campaign and provides continuous 11 chord line-integrated Faraday effect and density measurement throughout the entire plasma discharge for all heating schemes and all plasma conditions (including ITER relevant scenario development). Reliability of both the polarimetric and interferometric measurements is demonstrated in 25 s plasmas with H-mode and 102 s long-pulse discharges. Current density, safety factor (q), and electron density profiles are reconstructed using equilibrium fitting code (EFIT) with POINT constraints for the plasma core.

Optical configuration optimization and calibration for the POINT system on EAST

Calibration of the polarimeter system is one of the key elements to determine the overall measurement accuracy. The anisotropic reflection and transmission properties of the mesh beam splitters can easily distort the polarization state of the circularly polarized beams. Using a rotating crystal quartz λ/2-waveplate to replace the plasma can effectively allow us to obtain the ratio of the measured Faraday rotation angle to the known rotation angle of the waveplate. This ratio is used to estimate the calibration factor for each chord to be accurately determined and help to minimize distortions introduced by the wire-mesh beam splitters. With the novel configuration optimization, the distortion of polarization state is effectively eliminated.

[Development and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Inferior Cervical Spinal Segments C(4-7) for a Healthy Person]

This study aims to develop and validate a three-dimensional finite element model of inferior cervical spinal segments C4-7of a healthy volunteer,and to provide a computational platform for investigating the biomechanical mechanism of treating cervical vertebra disease with Traditional Chinese Traumotology Manipulation(TCTM).A series of computed tomography(CT)images of C4-7segments were processed to establish the finite element model using softwares Mimics 17.0,Geromagic12.0,and Abaqus 6.13.A reference point(RP)was created on the endplate of C4 and coupled with all nodes of C4.All loads(±0.5,±1,±1.5and±2Nm)were added to the RP for the six simulations(flexion,extension,lateral bending and axial rotation).Then,the range of motion of each segment was calculated and compared with experimental measurements of in vitro studies.On the other hand,1Nm moment was loaded on the model to observe the main stress regions of the model in different status.We successfully established a detail model of inferior cervical spinal segments C4-7of a healthy volunteer with 591 459 elements and 121 446 nodes which contains the structure of the vertebra,intervertebral discs,ligaments and facet joints.The model showed an accordance result after the comparison with the in vitro studies in the six simulations.Moreover,the main stress region occurred on the model could reflect the main stress distribution of normal human cervical spine.The model is accurate and realistic which is consistent with the biomechanical properties of the cervical spine.The model can be used to explore the biomechanical mechanism of treating cervical vertebra disease with TCTM.

Influence of lithium coating on the optics of Doppler backscatter system

This paper presents the first investigation of the effect of lithium coating on the optics of Doppler backscattering. A liquid lithium limiter has been applied in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), and a Doppler backscattering has been installed in the EAST. A parabolic mirror and a flat mirror located in the vacuum vessel are polluted by lithium. An identical optical system of the Doppler backscattering is set up in laboratory. The power distributions of the emission beam after the two mirrors with and without lithium coating (cleaned before and after), are measured at three different distances under four incident frequencies. The results demonstrate that the influence of the lithium coating on the power distributions are very slight, and the Doppler backscattering can work normally under the dosage of lithium during the 2014 EAST campaign.

Platelet-activating factor receptor-mediated PI3K/AKT activation contributes to the malignant development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and occurs at a relatively high frequency in China, yet the mechanisms underlying its devastating outcome remain unclear. Here we report that platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR), a type of G-protein-coupled receptor, was upregulated in ESCC tumors and cell lines, compared with controls; PAFR levels were positively correlated with ESCC clinical stages and survival time. Overexpression of PAFR promoted the malignant development of ESCC in vitro and in vivo, whereas depletion of PAFR suppressed these effects. Interestingly, PAFR was observed to activate PI3K/AKT (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT) through the upregulation of FAK kinase activity. AKT-triggered nuclear factor-κB transcriptionally activated PAFR expression. This mutual positive regulation between PAFR and AKT was required for the aggressiveness of ESCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treating mice bearing ESCC tumors with cholesterol-conjugated PAFR small interfering RNA effectively inhibited tumor progression and the expression of AKT-mediated oncogenic proteins. Taken together, we made the first demonstration that dysregulation of PAFR and the positive regulatory loop between PAFR and pAKT contribute to malignant progression of ESCC.

Design of vibration compensation interferometer for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

A vibration compensation interferometer (wavelength at 0.532 μm) has been designed and tested for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). It is designed as a sub-system for EAST far-infrared (wavelength at 432.5 μm) poloarimeter/interferometer system. Two Acoustic Optical Modulators have been applied to produce the 1 MHz intermediate frequency. The path length drift of the system is lower than 2 wavelengths within 10 min test, showing the system stability. The system sensitivity has been tested by applying a periodic vibration source on one mirror in the system. The vibration is measured and the result matches the source period. The system is expected to be installed on EAST by the end of 2014.

Optical layout and mechanical structure of polarimeter-interferometer system for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

A Far-InfaRed (FIR) three-wave POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system for measurement current density profile and electron density profile is under development for the EAST tokamak. The FIR beams are transmitted from the laser room to the optical tower adjacent to EAST via ∼20 m overmoded dielectric waveguide and then divided into 5 horizontal chords. The optical arrangement was designed using ZEMAX, which provides information on the beam spot size and energy distribution throughout the optical system. ZEMAX calculations used to optimize the optical layout design are combined with the mechanical design from CATIA, providing a 3D visualization of the entire POINT system.

Faraday-effect polarimeter-interferometer system for current density measurement on EAST

A multichannel far-infrared laser-based POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system utilizing the three-wave technique is under development for current density and electron density profile measurements in the EAST tokamak. Novel molybdenum retro-reflectors are mounted in the inside wall for the double-pass optical arrangement. A Digital Phase Detector with 250 kHz bandwidth, which will provide real-time Faraday rotation angle and density phase shift output, have been developed for use on the POINT system. Initial calibration indicates the electron line-integrated density resolution is less than 5 × 10(16) m(-2) (∼2°), and the Faraday rotation angle rms phase noise is <0.1°.

The coffee genome provides insight into the convergent evolution of caffeine biosynthesis

Coffee is a valuable beverage crop due to its characteristic flavor, aroma, and the stimulating effects of caffeine. We generated a high-quality draft genome of the species Coffea canephora, which displays a conserved chromosomal gene order among asterid angiosperms. Although it shows no sign of the whole-genome triplication identified in Solanaceae species such as tomato, the genome includes several species-specific gene family expansions, among them N-methyltransferases (NMTs) involved in caffeine production, defense-related genes, and alkaloid and flavonoid enzymes involved in secondary compound synthesis. Comparative analyses of caffeine NMTs demonstrate that these genes expanded through sequential tandem duplications independently of genes from cacao and tea, suggesting that caffeine in eudicots is of polyphyletic origin.

Functional diversification of duplicated CYC2 clade genes in regulation of inflorescence development in Gerbera hybrida (Asteraceae)

The complex inflorescences (capitula) of Asteraceae consist of different types of flowers. In Gerbera hybrida (gerbera), the peripheral ray flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and lack functional stamens while the central disc flowers are more radially symmetrical and hermaphroditic. Proteins of the CYC2 subclade of the CYC/TB1-like TCP domain transcription factors have been recruited several times independently for parallel evolution of bilaterally symmetrical flowers in various angiosperm plant lineages, and have also been shown to regulate flower-type identity in Asteraceae. The CYC2 subclade genes in gerbera show largely overlapping gene expression patterns. At the level of single flowers, their expression domain in petals shows a spatial shift from the dorsal pattern known so far in species with bilaterally symmetrical flowers, suggesting that this change in expression may have evolved after the origin of Asteraceae. Functional analysis indicates that GhCYC2, GhCYC3 and GhCYC4 mediate positional information at the proximal-distal axis of the inflorescence, leading to differentiation of ray flowers, but that they also regulate ray flower petal growth by affecting cell proliferation until the final size and shape of the petals is reached. Moreover, our data show functional diversification for the GhCYC5 gene. Ectopic activation of GhCYC5 increases flower density in the inflorescence, suggesting that GhCYC5 may promote the flower initiation rate during expansion of the capitulum. Our data thus indicate that modification of the ancestral network of TCP factors has, through gene duplications, led to the establishment of new expression domains and to functional diversification.