Genetic dissection of an elite rice hybrid revealed that heterozygotes are not always advantageous for performance

We introduced an experimental design that produced an "immortalized F(2)" population allowing for complete dissection of genetic components underlying quantitative traits. Data for yield and three component traits of the immortalized F(2) were collected from replicated field trials over 2 years. Using 231 marker loci, we resolved the genetic effects into individual components and assessed relative performance of all the genotypes at both single- and two-locus levels. Single-locus analysis detected 40 QTL for the four traits. Dominance effects for about one-half of the QTL were negative, resulting in little "net" positive dominance effect. Correlation between genotype heterozygosity and trait performance was low. Large numbers of digenic interactions, including AA, AD, and DD, were detected for all the traits, with AA as the most prevalent interaction. Complementary two-locus homozygotes frequently performed the best among the nine genotypes of many two-locus combinations. While cumulative small advantages over two-locus combinations may partly explain the genetic basis of heterosis of the hybrid as double heterozygotes frequently demonstrated marginal advantages, double heterozygotes were never the best genotypes in any of the two-locus combinations. It was concluded that heterozygotes were not necessarily advantageous for trait performance even among genotypes derived from such a highly heterotic hybrid.

IGFBP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation via regulating CD144 and MMP2 expression in glioma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the fluid-conducting channels formed by aggressive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells (EC) with elevated expression of genes associated with vascularization. VM has been considered as one of the reasons that glioblastoma becomes resistant to anti-VEGF therapy. However, the molecular basis underlying VM formation remains unclear. Here we report that the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) acts as a potent factor to enhance VM formation in glioma. Evidence showed that elevated IGFBP2 expression was positively related with VM formation in patients with glioma. Enforced expression of IGFBP2 increased network formation of glioma cells in vitro by activating CD144 and MMP2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase 2). U251 cells with stable knockdown of IGFBP2 led to decreased VM formation and tumor progression in orthotopic mouse model. Mechanistically, IGFBP2 interacts with integrin α5 and β1 subunits and augments CD144 expression in a FAK/ERK pathway-dependent manner. Luciferase reporter and ChIP assay suggested that IGFBP2 activated the transcription factor SP1, which could bind to CD144 promoter. Thus, IGFBP2 acts as a stimulator of VM formation in glioma cells via enhancing CD144 and MMP2 expression.

De novo RNA synthesis catalyzed by HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The 65 kDa RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B), encoded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, is a key component involved in viral replication. Here we provide the direct evidence that purified HCV polymerase catalyzed de novo RNA synthesis in a primer-independent manner using homopolymers and HCV RNA as templates. The enzyme could utilize both polyC and polyU as templates for de novo RNA synthesis, suggesting that NS5B specifically recognized pyrimidine bases for initiation. More importantly, NS5B also catalyzed de novo RNA synthesis with an HCV RNA template; the resulting nascent RNA products, smaller than the template used, contained ATP as the first nucleotide. These results indicate that the newly synthesized RNAs did not result from template self-priming and suggest that a replication initiation site in the HCV RNA genome is a uridylate.

Structure of recombinant human lactoferrin expressed in Aspergillus awamori

Human lactoferrin (hLf) has considerable potential as a therapeutic agent. Overexpression of hLf in the fungus Aspergillus awamori has resulted in the availability of very large quantities of this protein. Here, the three-dimensional structure of the recombinant hLf has been determined by X-ray crystallography at a resolution of 2.2 A. The final model, comprising 5339 protein atoms (residues 1-691, 294 solvent molecules, two Fe3+and two CO32- ions), gives an R factor of 0.181 (free R = 0.274) after refinement against 32231 reflections in the resolution range 10-2.2 A. Superposition of the recombinant hLf structure onto the native milk hLf structure shows a very high level of correspondence; the main-chain atoms for the entire polypeptide can be superimposed with an r.m.s. deviation of only 0.3 A and there are no significant differences in side-chain conformations or in the iron-binding sites. Dynamic properties, as measured by B-value distributions or iron-release kinetics, also agree closely. This shows that the structure of the protein is not affected by the mode of expression, the use of strain-improvement procedures or the changes in glycosylation due to the fungal system.

Deferoxamine inhibition of Cr(V)-mediated radical generation and deoxyguanine hydroxylation: ESR and HPLC evidence

Electron spin resonance (ESR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were utilized to investigate the effect of deferoxamine on free radical generation in the reaction of Cr(V) with H2O2 and organic hydroperoxides. ESR measurements demonstrated that deferoxamine can efficiently reduce the concentration of the Cr(V) intermediate as formed in the reduction of Cr(VI) by NAD(P)H or a flavoenzyme glutathione reductase/NADH. ESR spin trapping studies showed that deferoxamine also inhibits Cr(V)-mediated .OH radical generation from H2O2, as well as Cr(V)-mediated alkyl and alkoxy radical formation from t-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide. HPLC measurements showed that .OH radicals generated by the Cr(VI)/flavoenzyme/NAD(P)H enzymatic system react with 2'-deoxyguanine to form 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanine (8-OHdG), a DNA damage marker. Deferoxamine effectly inhibited the formation of 8-OHdG also.

Isolation and characterization of a folate receptor mRNA-binding trans-factor from human placenta. Evidence favoring identity with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein E1

The interaction of an 18-base cis-element in the 5'-untranslated region of human folate receptor (FR)-alpha mRNA with a cytosolic trans-factor protein is critical for the translation of FR (Sun, X.-L., and Antony, A. C. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 25539-25547). This trans-factor was isolated to apparent homogeneity as a 43- and 38-kDa doublet from human placenta using poly(U)-Sepharose, followed by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electro-elution as major purification steps. Amino acid microsequencing of two cyanogen bromide-generated peptide fragments of the 43-kDa trans-factor revealed complete identity with 43-kDa heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein E1 (hnRNP E1). Purified specific rabbit anti-hnRNP E1 peptide antibodies (generated against a synthetic oligopeptide that was not represented in microsequenced peptides of the trans-factor) also recognized the purified trans-factor on Western blots. Conversely, the 18-base FR RNA cis-element also bound hnRNP E1 protein on Northwestern blots. Moreover, a 19-base RNA cis-element in the 3'-untranslated region of 15-lipoxygenase mRNA that is known to bind hnRNP E1 also interacted with placental 43-kDa trans-factor. In addition, several murine tissues containing a hnRNP E1-related protein (also known as alphaCP-1) readily interacted with the 18-base FR RNA cis-element. Finally, anti-hnRNP E1 antibodies specifically inhibited translation of FR in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and the antibody effect could be reversed in a dose-dependent manner by either purified trans-factor or hnRNP E1. Collectively, the data favor identity of the FR mRNA-binding trans-factor and hnRNP E1, confirm its critical role in the translation of FR, and highlight yet another role of multifunctional hnRNP E1 in eukaryotic mRNA regulation.

Transduction of folate receptor cDNA into cervical carcinoma cells using recombinant adeno-associated virions delays cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo

Although folate receptors (FRs) mediate folate uptake into cells, the independent role of FRs in cell proliferation remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that transduction of FR cDNA in sense or antisense orientation using recombinant adeno-associated virus modulated FR expression and altered proliferation of cervical carcinoma cells (which constitutively overexpress FR genes). We determined that the integration of recombinant adeno-associated virions was not site specific. When compared with untransduced cells, sense and antisense FR cDNA-transduced cells exhibited an increase and decrease in FR mRNA and FR expression on the cell surface, respectively. However, when compared with antisense FR cDNA-transduced and untransduced cells, sense FR cDNA-transduced cells exhibited statistically significant (a) increased in total FRs, (b) smaller colonies, (c) lowered cell proliferation in vitro, and (d) less tumor volume with dramatic prolongation of tumor doubling times (225.6 h vs. 96 h) after transplantation into nude mice. Finally, (f) using single cell-derived transduced clones, an inverse relationship between cell proliferation and FR expression was established (r = 0.90, P < 0.001). Thus, transduction of sense/antisense FR cDNA into cervical carcinoma cells modulated expression of FRs and had an impact on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid on growth performance, creatine and energy metabolism, and carcass characteristics in growing-finishing pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, creatine and energy metabolism, and carcass characteristics in growing-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (n = 180, 33.61 ± 3.91 kg average BW) were blocked by weight and sex, and allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates (3 gilts and 3 barrows per replicate pen). Diets were corn-soybean meal-basal diets supplemented with 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1,200 mg/kg of GAA and fed to the pigs for 98 d. From days 1 to 98, G:F increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing addition of dietary GAA. Using a broken-line model, the optimum level of dietary GAA was 300 mg/kg during the overall experimental period (days 1 to 98) to maximize G:F. Hot carcass weight, carcass length, and lean percentage showed a tendency to increase (quadratic, 0.05 < P < 0.10) with increasing addition of dietary GAA. On day 98, serum GAA and liver creatine tended to increase (linear, P = 0.10, 0.07) as dietary GAA increased. In addition, serum ATP on day 98 increased linearly (linear, P < 0.01), and muscle ATP and adenosine monophosphate increased quadratically (quadratic, P = 0.05) with incremental GAA supplementation. In Exp. 2, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (n = 180, 53.19 ± 5.63 kg average BW) were blocked by weight and sex, and allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates (3 gilts and 3 barrows per replicate pen). Diets were corn-soybean meal-basal diets supplemented with 0, 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg of GAA for 35 d. As dietary GAA increased, final BW, ADG, and G:F increased quadratically (quadratic, P < 0.01), and 300 mg/kg of GAA maximized ADG and final BW (P < 0.05).The results indicate that dietary GAA could increase the creatine and ATP load in the tissues of pigs and accordingly improve growth performance. Dietary supplementation with 300 mg/kg of GAA was suitable to maximize the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.

Specificity and mechanism analysis of hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase encoded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B gene has been expressed as a nonfusion protein in bacterial cells and purified to homogeneity using sequential chromatographic columns. The purified NS5B protein exhibited RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity using poly(A) template and the K(m) and V(max) were determined as 8.4 microM and 1976 pmol/mg-min, respectively. This full-length NS5B protein exhibited much stronger binding affinity toward the 30-mer poly(G) than other homopolymeric RNAs of the same size. For the first time, we demonstrate that the HCV NS5B was able to bind various ribonucleotides. Using a panel of oligonucleotides varying in length, we studied the NS5B catalytic efficiency and proposed the size of the NS5B active site to be 8-10 nucleotides. The multifunctional nature of NS5B protein is also discussed and compared with other viral RNA polymerases.

Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the mouse asparagine synthetase gene: relationship to asparaginase sensitivity in lymphoma cells. Partial methylation in normal cells

We have sequenced the promoter region of the murine asparagine synthetase gene and examined its methylation profile in the CpG islands of L-asparaginase-sensitive 6C3HED cells (asparagine auxotrophs) and resistant variants (prototrophs). In the former, complete methylation of the CpG island is correlated with failure of expression of mRNA: cells of the latter possess both methylated and unmethylated alleles, as do cells of the intrinsically asparagine-independent lines L1210 and EL4. A similar phenomenon was seen in normal splenic cells of adult mice. This was age related: no methylation was found in weanlings, but up to 45% of gene copies in animals 18 weeks or older were methylated. It was also tissue related, with methylation occurring rarely in liver cells. The relationship of these changes to oncogenesis is considered.

Synthesis and inhibitory activities of isochromophilone analogues against gp120-CD4 binding

Several isochromophilone analogues were synthesized from sclerotiorin (1) by Wittig reactions and aldol condensation reaction. The structures of the products were elucidated from MS, elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra, and their inhibitory activities against gp120-CD4 binding were determined.

Synthesis and terminal functionalization of a polymerizable phosphatidylethanolamine

We report the design and synthesis of bifunctional phospholipid conjugates, which contain a polymerizable acrylate group and a terminal linker, such as biotin or N-(epsilon-maleimidocaproyl (EMC), to facilitate bioconjugation reactions. The lipid conjugate can be used to generate a multifunctional substrate-supported phospholipid film that is further stabilized via in-situ photocopolymerization.

Serum soluble CD25 as a risk factor of renal impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus - a prospective cohort study

Objective Serum soluble CD25 (sCD25) could be used as a biomarker for disease activity in conditions associated with T-cell activation including various autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the role of sCD25 as an indicator of disease activity and organ involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Serum samples were collected from 107 SLE patients and 92 age-matched healthy controls (HCs). All patients were followed up for 24 weeks, and sCD25 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at baseline and then every two weeks until week 24. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI)-2K was adopted for assessing disease activity at all visits. Results Serum sCD25 levels were significantly increased in SLE patients compared to those in HCs ( p < 0.001). More patients in the high-sCD25 group had lupus nephritis, arthritis and vasculitis ( p = 0.010, p = 0.023 and p = 0.042, respectively). SLEDAI-2K, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and 24-hour urinary protein excretion were all associated with high levels of sCD25 ( p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.038 and p = 0.029, respectively). During the 24-week follow-up, more patients in the high-sCD25 group developed renal impairment (48% vs 6.2%, p = 0.005), and higher levels of sCD25 ( p = 0.033) were found at the time of onset of renal disease. Conclusions Serum sCD25 is a hallmark of disease activity and a predictor of renal disease in patients with SLE.

Novel practical synthesis of Kdn2en and its C-4 nitrogen-modified derivatives

A practical synthesis of Kdn2en and 4-amino-4-deoxy-Kdn2en has been achieved via a key intermediate, methyl 4,5,7,8,9-penta-O-acetyl-2,6-anhydro-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-non-2- enonate, which has been prepared from Kdn in three steps in 91% overall yield.

Association between serum angiopoietin-2 concentration and clinicopathological parameters in patients with colorectal cancer

We examined the expression of angiopoietin-2 in serum samples from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and healthy volunteers and investigated the feasibility of using angiopoietin-2 as a potential diagnostic colorectal cancer biomarker. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of angiopoietin-2 in patients with colorectal cancer and healthy control subjects. Correlations between serum angiopoietin-2 levels and clinicopathological factors were investigated. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict cut-off values of the markers. Serum concentrations of angiopoietin-2 were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in controls (2896 ± 1273 vs 1554 ± 991 pg/mL, P = 0.004). Serum angiopoietin-2 expression levels were significantly positively correlated with TNM stage (P = 0.003), lymph node involvement (P = 0.04), and distant metastases (P = 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that serum level of angiopoietin-2 was a potential biomarker for differentiating colorectal cancer patients from controls and had a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.859 (95% confidence interval = 0.740-0.978). At a cut-off value of 2710 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 79.3% and the specificity was 82.4%. Our results suggest that angiopoietin-2 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer in clinical practice. Additional studies are needed to clarify the detailed mechanism of angiopoietin-2 in the carcinogenesis and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated with a loose-seton technique

AIM

The study evaluated the effect of a loose-seton technique for perianal necrotizing fasciitis.

METHOD

The medical records of seven patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated by the loose-seton technique between December 2005 and June 2010 were reviewed. Age, gender, status of diabetes mellitus, duration of symptoms, the length of hospital stay and number of debridements were investigated.

RESULTS

Five of the patients were men. The mean age was 53 years and the range was 43-79 years. All seven patients had a past history of acute perianal abscess. Six (85.7%) patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean time for removal of the seton was 24 (14-32) days and the mean hospitalization time was 31 (23-45) days. All patients had primary wound healing. There was no mortality. At a median follow-up 18 (6-60) months one patient required inpatient treatment with cutting-seton for complex anal fistula after 11 months. All patients had normal faecal continence and none of them required a reconstructive procedure during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The loose-seton technique is an effective treatment for perianal necrotizing fasciitis. The advantages include inhibiting the spread of inflammation, reducing the frequency of debridements, decreasing the area of the wound and limiting extensive scar formation.

Detection of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus in the peripheral blood during the pre-clinical period of ovine pulmonary adenomatosis

The envelope protein (Env) of the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is known to be a unique oncoprotein responsible for inducing ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The objective of this study was to prepare a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the JSRV Env protein using bioinformatic analysis. According to the structure and epitope prediction results of JSRV Env, the JSRV-Env_572-615 antigen was prepared via peptide synthesis (amino acid sequence 572-615, denoted as JSRV-Env_572-615). BALB/c mice were immunized to prepare the anti-JSRV-Env_572-615 mAb. Spleen cells were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells after being screened by indirect ELISA and cloned by limiting dilution. The specificity of mAb was evaluated by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry assays. Western blot results showed that the JSRV Env protein was able to bind to mAb with high specificity. Immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated that the mAb was able to recognize JSRV Env in adenomatous hyperplasia of the lung. Furthermore, JSRV was detected in peripheral blood leukocytes during the pre-clinical period of OPA in 2 of the 25 sheep using this newly synthesized mAb. Therefore, this mAb may be a useful tool for the detection of JSRV in sheep.

[Pelvic floor function of 5 143 women in early postpartum stage and analysis on the effect factors]

Objective: To describe the situation of early stage of pelvic floor function and investigate the effect factors in postpartum women. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted, and women who did regular examination and gave birth in Peking University People's Hospital and had an annual pelvic floor examination at 6-12 weeks after delivery from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2017 were interviewed. General information and pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes were collected and analyzed. Results: Totally 5 143 puerpera were included in the study. The normal strength of type Ⅰ muscle was 52.40% (2 695/5 143) and the normal strength of type Ⅱ muscle was 52.69% (2 710/5 143). The abnormal degree of fatigue of type Ⅰ muscle was 55.84% (2 872/5 143) and the abnormal degree of fatigue of typeⅡmuscle was 27.34% (1 406/5 143). Pelvic floor dynamic pressure was (93±37) cmH(2)O (1 cmH(2)O=0.098 kPa). The incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was 23.49% (1 208/5 143) after delivery and it was as high as 57.58% (95/165) for women who had family history of pelvic floor dysfunction. Family history of pelvic floor dysfunction was the risk factor of the fatigue index of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ muscle (P<0.05). The incidence of SUI was associated with vaginal delivery and age (≥30 years old) and family history of pelvic floor dysfunction (P<0.01). Conclusions: Pelvic floor electrical physiological indicators are reduced in about half of women in early postpartum stage. Age (≥30 years old) and vaginal delivery and family history of pelvic floor dysfunction are the risk factors.

[Stress distribution and deformation of uterosacral ligament and cardinal ligament under different working conditions simulated by the finite element model]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the finite element model of uterosacral ligament (USL) and cardinal ligament (CL) and analyze the stress distribution and deformation with USL and CL under different working conditions.

METHODS

Patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and healthy female volunteers were selected for research subject, and divided into anterior uterus group and posterior uterus group. Two POP patients and two volunteers were selectd into the anterior uterus group and posterior uterine group respectively. Pelvic MRI scan was performed in two groups. Based on the original MRI data sets, the finite element model of USL and CL was constructed by using the software such as the Mimics, and the stress distribution and deformation of USL and CL were simulated.

RESULTS

Under the premise of the elastic modulus fixed and three different working conditions such as 60 cmH2O, 99 cmH2O and 168 cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) with abdominal pressure generated by maximum Valsalva maneuver, according to the present conditions and the simulation, the trend was analyzed: the stress and deformation of the uterus, anterior vaginal wall, USL and CL in two groups were mainly distributed in the middle and lower part of the anterior vaginal wall or the ligament and the cervix-vagina junction, the maximum stress and the maximum displacement were mainly concentrated in the lower region of the anterior vaginal wall. With increasing of abdominal pressure generated by the maximum Valsalva maneuver, the maximum stress values of the POP patient in anterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.027 9, 0.046 0, 0.078 0 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 9.145 5, 15.090 0, 25.607 0 mm. The maximum stress values of the volunteer in anterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.012 6, 0.020 8, 0.035 3 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 1.816 7, 2.997 5, 5.086 7 mm. The maximum stress values of the POP patient in posterior uterine group under three different conditions were: 0.069 4, 0.114 6, 0.194 5 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 11.658 0, 19.236 0, 32.643 0 mm. The maximum stress values of the volunteer in posterior uterus group under three different working conditions were: 0.009 1, 0.015 1, 0.025 6 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were: 2.581 6, 4.259 6, 7.228 4 mm. The maximum stress values and the maximum displacement values were all increased with increasing of abdominal pressure in the two groups. The maximum stress values and the maximum displacement values of the POP patients were greater than those of volunteers. Under different working conditions, the maximum stress values and maximum displacement values of the posterior uterus POP patient were all greater than those of the anterior uterus POP patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The finite element model of USL and CL is completely based on the MRI technology and the model is real and reliable. The increase of abdominal pressure will produce a larger stress and deformation of USL and CL, which is one of the reasons causing the injury of the ligament.

[Intervention effects and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine of supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation on chronic intermittent hypoxia composite insulin resistance ApoE~(-/-) mice model]

This study aims to observe the intervention effects of Chinese herbal medicine of supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation on chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH) composite insulin resistance(IR) mediated atherosclerosis(AS) mice model,and to observe the mechanism of SREBP-1 c signaling molecule.IR Apo E-/-mice model was induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ injection.Then the mice were treated with hypoxic animal incubator for 8 h per day and 8 weeks to establish a CIH+IR-ApoE-/-mouse model.Model mice were randomly and averagely divided into normoxic control group(NC),model group(CIH) and SREBPs inhibitor group(betulin),atorvastatin group(WM),TCM low-dose group(TCM-L),TCM middle-dose group(TCM-M) and TCM high-dose group(TCM-H) group.Chinese herbal medicine of supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation including ginsenosides combined with ligustrazine(TMP) were used as intervention drugs.The study observed the effect of drugs on IR,serum lipid,inflammation,stress,AS and SREBP-1 c related molecules.The results showed that fasting blood glucose in TCM-H group decreased compared with other experimental groups(P<0.05).HDL-C level in betulin group,WM group,TCM-H group was higher than that in CIH group(P<0.05).LDL-C level in TCM-M group,TCM-H group is lower than that in CIH group(P<0.05).The level of CRP in CIH group was higher than that in other groups(P<0.05).The level of SOD in TCM-H group was higher than that in CIH group(P<0.05).NC group and CIH group showed obvious AS aortic plaque,while betulin group,WM group,TCM-H group showed reduction in AS plaque(P<0.05).For descending aorta,AS plaque in CIH group was multiple and large,while less and smaller in WM group and TCM-H(P<0.05).The expression of SREBP-1 c and FAS in aorta and skeletal muscle in TCM-H group was lower than that in CIH group(P<0.05).In aorta,the expression of TNF-α and CD106(VCAM-1) was lower in TCM-H group than that in CIH group(P<0.05).In aorta,skeletal muscle and liver,the level of p-IRS-1 in TCM-H group was significantly higher than that in CIH group(P<0.05).In aorta and liver,the expression of HIF-1α in TCM-H group was lower than that in CIH group(P<0.05).The study demonstrated that combination ginsenosides with TMP could improve IR and serum lipid level and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress as well as ultimately alleviate AS to some extent.And the mechanism of its interventional effects might be related to the inhibition of CIH-induced upregulation of SREBP-1 c related molecules.

Epstein-Barr virus growth-transformed cells are converted to malignancy following transfection of a 1.3-kb CATR1 antisense construct independent of a change in the level of c-myc expression followed by a 8;14 chromosomal translocation

The AGLCL Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) growth-transformed cell line is incapable of inducing tumors in nude mice. When the cells were transfected with a 1.3-kb CATR1 antisense cDNA construct, progressively growing lymphomas could be induced in nude mice. Chromosome analysis of the parental, transfected, and tumor cells revealed that a chromosomal translocation t(8;14)(q24.1;q32) had occurred in the transfected cells and was retained in cells derived from tumors. Moreover, enhanced c-myc expression, usually associated with this translocation, was either unchanged or under-expressed. These data suggest that the malignant transformation of the EBV growth-transformed cells was independent of c-myc expression and suggest that the CATR1 gene may act synergistically with the chromosomal translocation facilitating the conversion of AGLCL cells from a growth-transformed state to a malignant phenotype.

Slow Release of Plant Volatiles Using Sol-Gel Dispensers

The black citrus aphid, also known as the tea aphid, (Toxoptera aurantii Boyer) attacks economically important crops, including tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). In the current study, silica sol-gel formulations were screened to find one that could carry and release C. sinensis plant volatiles to lure black citrus aphids in a greenhouse. The common plant volatile trans-2-hexen-1-al was used as a model molecule to screen for suitable sol-gel formulations. A zNose (Electronic Sensor Technology, Newbury Park, CA) transportable gas chromatograph was used to continuously monitor the volatile emissions. A sol-gel formulation containing tetramethyl orthosilicate and methyltrimethoxysilane in an 8:2 (vol:vol) ratio was selected to develop a slow-release dispenser. The half-life of trans-2-hexen-1-al in the sol-gel dispenser increased slightly with the volume of this compound in the dispenser. Ten different volatiles were tested in the sol-gel dispenser. Alcohols of 6-10 carbons had the longest half-lives (3.01-3.77 d), while esters of 6-12 carbons had the shortest (1.53-2.28 d). Release of these volatiles from the dispensers could not be detected by the zNose after 16 d (cis-3-hexenyl acetate) to 26 d (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol). In greenhouse experiments, trans-2-hexen-1-al and cis-3-hexen-1-ol released from the sol-gel dispensers attracted aphids for ≍17 d, and release of these volatiles could not be detected by the zNose after ≍24 d. The sol-gel dispensers performed adequately for the slow release of plant volatiles to trap aphids in the greenhouse.

Quantum chemical study of reaction mechanism between plutonium and nitrogen

The study of the reaction between plutonium and nitrogen is helpful in further understanding the interaction between plutonium and air molecules. Currently, there is no research on the microscopic reaction mechanism of plutonium nitridation reactions. Therefore, the microscopic mechanism of the Pu with N₂ gas phase reaction is explored in this study, based on density functional theory (DFT) using different basis functions. In this paper, the geometry of stationary points on the potential energy surface is optimized. In addition, the transition states are verified by frequency analysis and intrinsic reaction coordination (IRC). Finally, we obtained the reaction potential energy curve and micro reaction pathways. Analysis of the reaction mechanism shows that the reaction of Pu with N₂ has two pathways. Pathway 1 (Pu + N₂ → R1 → TS1 → PuN₂) has a T-shaped transition state and pathway 2 (Pu + N₂ → R2 → TS2 → PuN + N) has an L-shaped transition state. Both transition states have only one imaginary frequency. According to the comparison of the energy at each stagnation point along the two pathways, and the heat energy emitted by the two reaction paths, we found that pathway 1 is the main reaction pathway. The nature of Pu-N bonding evolution along the pathways was studied by atoms in molecules (AIM) and electron localization function (ELF) topological approaches. In order to analyze the role of the plutonium atom 5f orbital in the reaction, the variation in density state along the pathways was measured. Results show that the 5f orbital mainly contributes to the formation of Pu-N bonds, and the influence of temperature on the reaction rate is revealed by calculating the rate constants of the two reaction pathways.