Peg3/Pw1 is an imprinted gene involved in the TNF-NFkappaB signal transduction pathway

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mediates a variety of biological activities including cell proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. The specific response to TNF depends upon cell type and reflects the presence of specific regulatory proteins that participate in the TNF response pathway. TNF signal transduction is mediated by TRAF2 which binds the TNF Receptor2 (TNFR2) and activates NFkappaB. We previously identified a gene Pw1, which encodes a large zinc-finger containing protein. We have determined that Pw1 is identical to Peg3, a paternally expressed gene of unknown function (and will therefore be referred to as Peg3 throughout this text). We report here that Peg3 associates specifically with TRAF2 but not with other TRAF family members. Peg3 expression activates NFkappaB via IkappaB-NFkappaB dissociation and acts synergistically with TRAF2. Transfection of a truncated Peg3 containing the TRAF2 interaction site, abolishes NFkappaB activation by TRAF2 and/or TNF. We conclude that Peg3 is a regulator of the TNF response. These data reveal the involvement of an imprinted gene in this pathway.

An EMG-driven exoskeleton hand robotic training device on chronic stroke subjects: task training system for stroke rehabilitation

An exoskeleton hand robotic training device is specially designed for persons after stroke to provide training on their impaired hand by using an exoskeleton robotic hand which is actively driven by their own muscle signals. It detects the stroke person's intention using his/her surface electromyography (EMG) signals from the hemiplegic side and assists in hand opening or hand closing functional tasks. The robotic system is made up of an embedded controller and a robotic hand module which can be adjusted to fit for different finger length. Eight chronic stroke subjects had been recruited to evaluate the effects of this device. The preliminary results showed significant improvement in hand functions (ARAT) and upper limb functions (FMA) after 20 sessions of robot-assisted hand functions task training. With the use of this light and portable robotic device, stroke patients can now practice more easily for the opening and closing of their hands at their own will, and handle functional daily living tasks at ease. A video is included together with this paper to give a demonstration of the hand robotic system on chronic stroke subjects and it will be presented in the conference.

The effects of post-stroke upper-limb training with an electromyography (EMG)-driven hand robot

Loss of hand function and finger dexterity are main disabilities in the upper limb after stroke. An electromyography (EMG)-driven hand robot had been developed for post-stroke rehabilitation training. The effectiveness of the hand robot assisted whole upper limb training was investigated on persons with chronic stroke (n=10) in this work. All subjects attended a 20-session training (3-5times/week) by using the hand robot to practice object grasp/release and arm transportation tasks. Significant motor improvements were observed in the Fugl-Meyer hand/wrist and shoulder/elbow scores (p<0.05), and also in the Action Research Arm Test and Wolf Motor Function Test (p<0.05). Significant reduction in spasticity of the fingers as was measured by the Modified Ashworth Score (p<0.05). The training improved the muscle co-ordination between the antagonist muscle pair (flexor digitorum (FD) and extensor digitorum (ED)), associated with a significant reduction in the ED EMG level (p<0.05) and a significant decrease of ED and FD co-contraction during the training (p<0.05); the excessive muscle activities in the biceps brachii were also reduced significantly after the training (p<0.05).

Biological significance of miR-126 expression in atrial fibrillation and heart failure

We investigated the biological significance of microRNA-126 (miR-126) expression in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or heart failure (HF) to examine the possible mechanism of miR-126-dependent AF and development of HF. A total of 103 patients were divided into three groups: AF group (18 men and 17 women, mean age: 65.62±12.72 years), HF group (17 men and 15 women, mean age: 63.95±19.71 years), and HF-AF group (20 men and 16 women, mean age: 66.56±14.37 years). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure relative miR-126 expression as calculated by the 2-ΔΔCt method. miR-126 was frequently downregulated in the 3 patient groups compared with controls. This reduction was significantly lower in permanent and persistent AF patients than in those with paroxysmal AF (P<0.05, t-test). Moreover, miR-126 expression was markedly lower in the HF-AF group compared with the AF and HF groups. The 3 patient groups had higher N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), larger left atrial diameter, and higher cardiothoracic ratio compared with controls. There were significant differences in NT-proBNP levels and LVEF among the AF, HF, and HF-AF groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that relative miR-126 expression was positively associated with LVEF, logarithm of NT-proBNP, left atrial diameter, cardiothoracic ratio, and age in HF-AF patients. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that miR-126 expression was positively correlated with LVEF, but negatively correlated with the logarithm of NT-pro BNP and the cardiothoracic ratio (all P<0.05). Serum miR-126 levels could serve as a potential candidate biomarker for evaluating the severity of AF and HF. However, to confirm these results, future studies with a larger and diverse patient population are necessary.

An intention driven hand functions task training robotic system

A novel design of a hand functions task training robotic system was developed for the stroke rehabilitation. It detects the intention of hand opening or hand closing from the stroke person using the electromyography (EMG) signals measured from the hemiplegic side. This training system consists of an embedded controller and a robotic hand module. Each hand robot has 5 individual finger assemblies capable to drive 2 degrees of freedom (DOFs) of each finger at the same time. Powered by the linear actuator, the finger assembly achieves 55 degree range of motion (ROM) at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and 65 degree range of motion (ROM) at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Each finger assembly can also be adjusted to fit for different finger length. With this task training system, stroke subject can open and close their impaired hand using their own intention to carry out some of the daily living tasks.

Fine mapping and characterization of a novel dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl1 in rice

Plant height is one of the most important agronomic traits of rice (Oryza sativa). Dwarf mutants are ideal materials for research on the mechanisms of regulation of rice plant height. We examined a new dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl1. Phenotypic analysis showed that the dnl1 mutant has a thinner culm and more tillers, but the number of grains per panicle, the seed setting rate and the grain weight of dnl1 mutant were found to be significantly lower than in the wild-type. Based on scanning electron microscopic observations, the number of cells in the y-axis in internodes was significantly lower than in the wild-type. In phytohormone induction experiments, dnl1 was gibberellic acid-insensitive. The expression of some genes involved in the gibberellins metabolic pathways was affected in the dnl1 mutant, based on the real-time PCR analysis, suggesting that the dnl1 gene likely plays a role in gibberellin metabolic pathways. Genetic analysis showed that the dwarf and narrow leaf phenotype is controlled by a novel single recessive gene, here referred to as the dwarf and narrow leaf 1 (dnl1), which is located within the region between markers Ind12-11 and RM8214 on the short arm of chromosome 12. By means of fine-mapping strategy, the dnl1 gene was localized within an interval of 285.75 kb physical distance. These results will be useful for dnl1 gene cloning and to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of growth and development of rice.

Physiochemical properties of rice starch for production of vermicelli with premium quality

Rice vermicelli is a main food consumed in China and Southeast Asia. Quality of rice vermicelli varies with rice cultivars. Parameters including amylose content, amylopectin distribution, thermal and pasting characteristics, gel texture and starch granules of three rice cultivars "Zhongjiazao 17", "Xiangzaoxian 24" and "Thai Jasmine Rice", were studied for their impacts on vermicelli quality. Results showed significant differences for the measurements of the quality traits and indicated that a favorable quality of vermicelli was not determined by any single factor instead of a combination of multi-parameters. A vermicelli with a favorable quality could be produced from a rice variety with a high apparent amylose content (>25%), a protein content of 11%, an intermediate gelatinization temperature and gel consistency, and a gel hardness (~3 N for a Rapid Viscosity Analyzer pasting) and moderate retrogradation capacity (a setback viscosity of 30-100 RVU).

Ag-embedded MnO nanorod: facile synthesis and oxygen reduction

TEM images of as-prepared nanocomposites under a Ag/Mn molar ratio of 1/200. Inset in (b): HR-TEM image taken from image (b); inset in (c): SAED pattern taken from one individual nanorod.

Coordinated upper limb training assisted with an electromyography (EMG)-driven hand robot after stroke

An electromyography (EMG)-driven hand robot had been developed for post-stroke rehabilitation training. The effectiveness of the hand robot assisted whole upper limb training on muscular coordination was investigated on persons with chronic stroke (n=10) in this work. All subjects attended a 20-session training (3-5 times/week) by using the hand robot to practice object grasp/release and arm transportation tasks. Improvements were found in the muscle co-ordination between the antagonist muscle pair (flexor digitorum and extensor digitorum) as measured by muscle co-contractions in EMG signals; and also in the reduction of excessive muscle activities in the biceps brachii. Reduced spasticity in the fingers was also observed as measured by the Modified Ashworth Score.

Characterization and gene cloning of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl3

The dwarf and narrow-leaf rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant dnl3 was isolated from the Japonica cultivar Zhonghua 11 (wild-type). dnl3 exhibited pleiotropic developmental defects. The narrow-leaf phenotype resulted from a marked reduction in the number of vascular bundles, while the dwarf stature was caused by the formation of foreshortened internodes and a reduced number of parenchyma cells. The suggestion that cell division is impaired in the mutant was consistent with the transcriptional behavior of various genes associated with cell division. The mutant was less responsive to exogenously supplied gibberellic acid than the wild-type, and profiling the transcription of genes involved in gibberellin synthesis and response revealed that a lesion in the mutant affected gibberellin signal transduction. The dnl3 phenotype was inherited as a single-dominant gene, mapping within a 19.1-kb region of chromosome 12, which was found to harbor three open reading frames. Resequencing the open reading frames revealed that the mutant carried an allele at one of the three genes that differed from the wild-type sequence by 2-bp deletions; this gene encoded a cellulose synthase-like D4 (CSLD4) protein. Therefore, OsCSLD4 is a candidate gene for DNL3. DNL3 was expressed in all of the rice organs tested at the heading stage, particularly in the leaves, roots, and culms. These results suggest that DNL3 plays important roles in rice leaf morphogenesis and vegetative development.

Association of the g.19074G>A genetic variant in the osteoprotegerin gene with bone mineral density in Chinese postmenopausal women

Primary osteoporosis is a common health problem in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to detect the association of the g.19074G>A genetic variant in the osteoprotegerin gene (OPG) with bone mineral density (BMD) and primary osteoporosis. The created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction method was used to investigate the g.19074G>A genetic variant. The BMD of the femoral neck hip, lumbar spine (L2-4), and total hip were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 856 unrelated Chinese postmenopausal women. We found significant differences in the BMDs of the femoral neck hip, lumbar spine (L2-4), and total hip among different genotypes; individuals with the GG genotype had significantly higher BMDs than those with the GA and AA genotypes (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that the A allele was an increased risk factor for primary osteoporosis and the g.19074G>A genetic variant of the OPG gene was associated with BMD and primary osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women.

[Adrenocortical oncocytic tumors: a clinicopathological analysis of 44 cases]

Objective: To study the clinicopathological features of adrenocortical oncocytic tumors (ACOT) and to compare the diagnostic values of Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia (LWB) score and Helsinki score. Methods: Forty-four cases of ACOT diagnosed at Beijing Friendship Hospital, China from March 2008 to July 2019 were histologically analyzed to evaluate their malignant potential (benign versus malignant) according to two scoring criteria. Immunohistochemical studies (EnVision method) were also used. Results: There were 23 males and 21 females with an average age of 46 years. Histologically, the tumor cells were arranged in trabecular, chrysanthemum-shaped, glandular and microcapsule structures, while clear cells were rare or absent. Most of the tumor cells were moderately atypical, and intranuclear inclusion bodies were conspicuous. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells were positive for Melan A, inhibin, Syn and calretinin. The average proliferation index was 3% in benign ACOT, about 5% in ACOT of malignant potential, and>20% in malignant ACOT. According to the LWB score, 61.4% (27/44) of the tumors were on the left side and had multiple lesions. The percentage of benign ACOT was 59.1% (26/44), malignant potential 6.8% (3/44), malignant 34.1% (15/44), respectively. Among the 15 malignant ACOT, the mitotic figures>5/50 HPF were found in 13 cases, necrosis in 11 cases and capsule invasion in 10 cases. According to the Helsinki score, 65.9% (29/44) of the tumors were benign, and 34.1% (15/44) were malignant. There was no significant difference between the two scoring standards (P>0.05). During the follow-up of 9 to 144 months, 31 patients survived without disease and 13 patients relapsed or had metastasis. Conclusions: ACOT more likely be benign than malignant. The left side is more common. Malignant tumors are prone to recurrence and metastasis. The morphological parameters (high mitotic index, necrosis, and capsular invasion) in the LWB scoring standards combined with immunohistochemical parameters (Ki-67) in the Helsinki score are helpful for the diagnosis of malignant ACOT and are important predictors of poor prognosis.

Dephosphorylation of Vav is associated with the induction of mouse erythroleukemia cell differentiation: effects of orthovanadate and levamisole

Mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cell erythroid differentiation induced by dimethyl sulfoxide or hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) is accompanied by the production of hemoglobin, terminal cell division and decreases in lactate production and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels. A number of studies have suggested that decreases in the cellular level of protein phosphotyrosine content may play a role in MEL cell differentiation. In particular, it was shown that the expression of several protein tyrosine phosphatase genes accompany this process and that the transfection of one of these genes into MEL cells followed by its subsequent expression induced eythroid differentiation. However, none of the physiological substrates for these protein tyrosine phosphatases have been identified. It is shown here that MEL cell differentiation is accompanied by decreases in tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav and possibly of the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR). Immunoprecipitation of the EpoR and analysis of co-precipitated proteins, indicates that the EpoR associates with Vav, STAT5 and an unidentified 60 Kd protein, . HMBA-induced erythroid differentiation abrogates these associations. The phosphatase inhibitors, Na3VO4 and levamisole, inhibit HMBA-induced differentiation as well as the association of the EpoR with Vav, STAT5 and the 60 Kd protein. This is of interest since Na3VO4, at the concentrations used here, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatases. These results suggest that levamisole, at least indirectly, acts by a molecular mechanism similar to that of Na3VO4 and that the loss of the association of the EpoR with Vav, STAT5, and and/or the reduction in the level of tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins may play a role in MEL cell differentiation.

[Effect of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 gene mutations on the secondary myelofibrosis of JAK2V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasms patients]

Objective: To investigate the effect of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) gene mutations on the secondary myelofibrosis (SMF) of JAK2V617F+ myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) patients. Method: A retrospective collection was conducted on MPN patients with JAK2V617F mutation detected by second-generation sequencing in the Department of Hematology, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. TET2+JAK2V617F+ MPN patients were selected as the mutant group, and TET2-JAK2V617F+ MPN patients matched for age and gender were selected as the non-mutant group. The differences in mortality and SMF between the two groups were followed up until November 11, 2022. The second-generation sequencing technology was used to detect 325 mutated genes in hematological malignancies, in order to determine the differences between two groups of mutated genes. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect and compare the levels of cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-17, interferon (IFN)-γ in the bone marrow supernatant of the both groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of SMF in JAK2V617F+ MPN patients. Result: A total of 96 patients were included, with 32 in the mutant group, including 16 males and 16 females, aged [M (Q1, Q3)] 61 (53, 70) years, and 64 in the non-mutant group, including 32 males and 32 females, aged 58 (51, 68) years. After a follow-up of 61(43, 116) months, the mortality rate of patients in the mutant group [15.6% (5/32) vs 1.6% (1/64), P=0.007] and the proportion of SMF [43.8% (14/32) vs 14.1% (9/64), P=0.001] were higher than those in the non-mutant group. The proportion of FAT1 [25.0% (8/32) vs 7.8% (5/64), P=0.028], U2AF1 [15.6% (5/32) vs 0, P=0.003], and KMT2D [15.6% (5/32) vs 3.1% (2/64), P=0.039] gene mutations in the mutant group was higher than that in the non-mutant group. The mutant group had higher levels of TGF-β1 [13 837(8 298, 17 509) vs 7 915 (3 586, 10 545) ng/L, P=0.016], IL-17 [7.4 (6.3, 7.5) vs 6.1 (5.9, 7.1) ng/L, P=0.007], and IFN-γ[8.5 (8.1, 9.1) vs 8.0 (7.5, 8.3) ng/L, P=0.007] compared to the non-mutant group. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TET2 mutation (HR=8.483, 95%CI: 1.278-56.330) was a risk factor of SMF in JAK2V617F+ MPN patients. Conclusion: TET2 mutation is a risk factor for SMF in JAK2V617F+ MPN patients.

Purification and cloning of nicosulfuron-degrading enzymes from Bacillus subtilis YB1

The nicosulfuron-degrading enzymes from Bacillus subtilis strain YB1 were purified and their genes were cloned. The proteins of bacterial culture filtrate were precipitated with ammonium sulfate or acetone. The extracellular proteins concentrated by acetone were purified from DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow chromatography. The four protein peaks eluted from DEAE-column were separated and purified by native PAGE. Three components (P1-1, P3-2, P4-3) had nicosulfuron-degrading activity, and component P4-3 degradated 57.5% of this compound. The molecular weights of the components were 33.5, 54.8 and 37.0 kDa, respectively. The amino acid sequences of nicosulfuron-degrading enzymes from B. subtilis YB1 were determined by MALDI-TOF-MS, indicating these enzymes as manganese ABC transporter, vegetative catalase 1 and acetoin dehydrogenase E1, respectively. Using PCR amplification, genes 918, 1428, 1026 bp in size were detected for the enzymes studied.

[Effect of boayuan qiangshen II tablet on plasma and urine superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in patients with chronic renal failure]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Chinese herbs of replenishing Kidney in treating chronic renal failure (CRF).

METHODS

Forty patients with CRF wrer randomly divided into two groups, Baoyuan Qiangshen (BQ) II tablet group and essential amino acid added capoten group. The changes of plasma and urine superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the kidney function indices were investigated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Before treatment, SOD reduced and MDA of both groups increased (P < 0.01), while urine SOD and MDA increased (P < 0.01). After treatment, plasma SOD increased but MDA was reduced and urine SOD, MDA were also reduced (P < 0.01). Although the BUN and serum creatinine reduced significantly, creatinine clearance rate elevated significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The BQ II tablet could strengthen antioxidation and inhibit lipid peroxidation, so it was effective to improve kidney function.

Degradation of 4-chlorophenol by the anodic-cathodic cooperative effect with a Pd/MWNT gas-diffusion electrode

Pd/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) catalyst used for the gas-diffusion electrode was prepared by ethylene glycol (EG) reduction and characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that Pd particles with an average size of 8.0 nm were highly dispersed in the MWNTs with amorphous structure. In a diaphragm electrolysis system with a Ti/RuO(2)/IrO(2) anode and the Pd/MWNT gas diffusion cathode, the degradation of 4-chlorophenol was performed by a combination of electrochemical reduction and oxidation. The combined process was in favor of improving 4-chlorophenol degradation efficiency. The optimum reaction conditions were as following: initial pH 7, aeration with hydrogen and air. Under the optimized electrolysis conditions the removal of 4-chlorophenol in the anodic and cathodic compartments were 98.5 and 90.5%, respectively. Additionally, based on the analysis of electrolysis intermediates using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ion chromatography (IC), the electrolysis degradation of 4-chlorophenol was proposed containing the intermediates, such as phenol, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid and formic acid.

[Establishment and comparison of three human multiple myeloma cell line transplantation models in mice]

Objective: To establish three types of xenotransplantation models using human myeloma cell lines ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 and to compare the proliferation, tumor load, and biological characteristics of the three types of cells after transplantation. Methods: Suspensions of human myeloma cell lines ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 were implanted into NOD/SCID mice by subcutaneous injection or tail vein injection. The survival of the mice was observed weekly, and the tumor load was measured. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD138(+) cells in tumor tissue or the mouse bone marrow. CD138(+) cells and light chains were detected by immunofluorescence. Light chains in bone marow and peipheral blood were measured by ELISA, and bone disease was assessed by micro-CT. Results: Mice injected with ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929 cells all formed tumors subcutaneously in about 2 weeks. Immunofluorescence detection supported plasma cell tumors. Kappa light chains were detected in the peripheral blood of ARP1 mice on day 20 after tail vein transplantation (8.2±1.0 ng/ml) . After 6 weeks of tail vein transplantation, mice in the ARP1 group showed signs of weight loss, mental depression, and dragging legs, and human CD138(+)CD38(+) cells were detected in the bone marrow (BM) . Furthermore, bortezomib (BTZ) treatment given once the tumor was established significantly reduced the tumor burden[ (5.7±0.2) % vs (21.3±2.1) %, P<0.01]. Human CD138(+)CD38(+) cells were not detected in the BM of the MM.1S or NCI-H929 groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the mouse models constructed by the three cell lines (ARP1, MM.1S, and NCI-H929) can be used as models for the pathogenesis and clinical research of MM.