Synthesis and Fluorescence Sensing for Nitro Explosives and Pesticides of Two Cd-Coordination Polymers.

Two cadmium coordination polymers (CPs), {[Cd(zgt)(2,2'-bipy)(H2O)]·H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(zgt)(BPP)(H2O)]·H2O}n (2) (H2zgt = 5-methoxyresorcinic acid, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, and BPP = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The structures of CPs 1-2 were characterized by IR, TGA, X-ray powder diffraction, and elemental analysis. The single-crystal structure analysis shows that CP 1 is a typical 1D chain structure and CP 2 belongs to a 2D layered structure. Based on the excellent luminescence properties of CP 1 and 2, fluorescence sensing experiments were carried out for explosives and pesticides. The results of the explosion sensing experiment showed that CP 1 and 2 had an excellent fluorescence quenching effect on PNBA (p-nitrobenzoic acid) and TNP (2,4,6-trinitrophenol), respectively, and the detection limits were 3.28 and 11.4 nM, respectively. Interestingly, both CP 1 and 2 showed good fluorescence quenching against the pesticide fluridine (Flu), and CP 1 had a lower detection limit and was more sensitive. In addition, the fluorescence quenching mechanism was discussed in detail by the UV absorption spectrum and density functional theory. In order to explore its practical application, the content of Flu in water samples was detected by a labeling recovery method.

Genome structure and evolutionary history of frankincense producing Boswellia sacra.

Boswellia sacra Flueck (family Burseraceae) tree is wounded to produce frankincense. We report its de novo assembled genome (667.8 Mb) comprising 18,564 high-confidence protein-encoding genes. Comparing conserved single-copy genes across eudicots suggest >97% gene space assembly of B. sacra genome. Evolutionary history shows B. sacra gene-duplications derived from recent paralogous events and retained from ancient hexaploidy shared with other eudicots. The genome indicated a major expansion of Gypsy retroelements in last 2 million years. The B. sacra genetic diversity showed four clades intermixed with a primary genotype-dominating most resin-productive trees. Further, the stem transcriptome revealed that wounding concurrently activates phytohormones signaling, cell wall fortification, and resin terpenoid biosynthesis pathways leading to the synthesis of boswellic acid-a key chemotaxonomic marker of Boswellia. The sequence datasets reported here will serve as a foundation to investigate the genetic determinants of frankincense and other resin-producing species in Burseraceae.

Computational identification of N4-methylcytosine sites in the mouse genome with machine-learning method.

N4-methylcytosine (4mC) is a kind of DNA modification which could regulate multiple biological processes. Correctly identifying 4mC sites in genomic sequences can provide precise knowledge about their genetic roles. This study aimed to develop an ensemble model to predict 4mC sites in the mouse genome. In the proposed model, DNA sequences were encoded by k-mer, enhanced nucleic acid composition and composition of k-spaced nucleic acid pairs. Subsequently, these features were optimized by using minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) with incremental feature selection (IFS) and five-fold cross-validation. The obtained optimal features were inputted into random forest classifier for discriminating 4mC from non-4mC sites in mouse. On the independent dataset, our model could yield the overall accuracy of 85.41%, which was approximately 3.8% -6.3% higher than the two existing models, i4mC-Mouse and 4mCpred-EL respectively. The data and source code of the model can be freely download from https://github.com/linDing-groups/model_4mc.

Preferential gene retention increases the robustness of cold regulation in Brassicaceae and other plants after polyploidization.

Cold stress profoundly affects plant growth and development and is a key factor affecting the geographic distribution and evolution of plants. Plants have evolved adaptive mechanisms to cope with cold stress. Here, through the genomic analysis of Arabidopsis, three Brassica species and 17 other representative species, we found that both cold-related genes (CRGs) and their collinearity were preferentially retained after polyploidization followed by genome instability, while genome-wide gene sets exhibited a variety of other expansion mechanisms. The cold-related regulatory network was increased in Brassicaceae genomes, which were recursively affected by polyploidization. By combining our findings regarding the selective retention of CRGs from this ecological genomics study with the available knowledge of cold-induced chromosome doubling, we hypothesize that cold stress may have contributed to the success of polyploid plants through both increasing polyploidization and selectively maintaining CRGs during evolution. This hypothesis requires further biological and ecological exploration to obtain solid supporting evidence, which will potentially contribute to understanding the generation of polyploids and to the field of ecological genomics.

Coordination between vapor pressure deficit and CO2 on the regulation of photosynthesis and productivity in greenhouse tomato production.

The high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in some arid and semi-arid climates creates undesirable conditions for the growth of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Jinpeng). The global CO2 concentration ([CO2]) has also risen in recent years to levels above 400 µmol·mol-1. However, the coordinated effect of VPD and [CO2] on tomato plant growth remains unclear, especially at VPDs of 5-6 kPa or even higher that are extremely detrimental to plant growth. Here, we explore the interaction of VPD and [CO2] on plant water status, stomatal characteristics, and gas exchange parameters in summer greenhouses in a semi-arid area. Plants were grown in four adjacent glass greenhouses with different environmental conditions: (i) high VPD + low [CO2] representing natural/control conditions; (ii) high VPD + high [CO2] representing enriched CO2; (iii) low VPD + low [CO2] representing reduced VPD; and (iv) low VPD + high [CO2] representing reduced VPD and enriched CO2. Reducing the VPD alleviated the water stress of the plant and increased the gas exchange area of the leaf, which was beneficial to the entry of CO2 into the leaf. At this time, the increase of [CO2] was more beneficial to promote the photosynthetic rate and then improve the water use efficiency and yield.

[Down-regulated PTTG1 expression promotes the senescence of human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the down-regulated expression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) on the senescence of human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells. METHODS: Human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells were induced in vitro and transfected with siRNA targeting PTTG1 (the siRNA-PTTG1 group), the reagent lip3000 only (the mock group) or siRNA negative control vector (the NC group). All the cells were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) or charcoal-stripped bovine serum (CSS) and counted with the cell counting chamber. The senescence characteristics of the transfected LNCaP-AI cells were examined by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-Gal) staining, and the expressions of the senescence-related ß-galactosidase-1-like proteins (Glb1), the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p-21CIP1 and p-27Kip1, and the chromatin-regulating heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of PTTG1 in the human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells was significantly reduced in the siRNA-PTTG1 group compared with those in the mock and NC groups (0.21 ± 0.01 vs 0.56 ± 0.02 and 0.61 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). Culture with FBS markedly increased while that with CSS decreased the number of LNCaP-AI cells transfected with siRNA, but both FBS and CSS enhanced the proliferation of the LNCaP-AI cells in the mock and NC groups. SA-ß-Gal staining revealed that reducing the expression of PTTG1 induced a remarkably higher positive rate of the LNCaP-AI cells in the siRNA-PTTG1 than in the mock and NC groups (ï¼»63.5 ± 2.35ï¼½% vs ï¼»11.3 ± 1.24ï¼½% and ï¼»12.4 ± 1.15ï¼½%, P < 0.05). The siRNA-PTTG1 group, in comparison with the mock and NC groups, showed a significantly down-regulated expression of PTTG1 (0.21 ± 0.01 vs 0.56 ± 0.02 and 0.61 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), but up-regulated expressions of p-21CIP1 (0.32 ± 0.03 vs 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.21 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), p-27Kip1 (0.38 ± 0.02 vs 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.22 ± 0.01, P < 0.05), Glb1 (0.24 ± 0.01 vs 0.13 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.01, P < 0.05), and HP1γ (0.41 ± 0.01 vs 0.26 ± 0.01 and 0.27 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) in the LNCaP-AI cells. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulated expression of PTTG1 induces senescence of human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells.

Two Likely Auto-Tetraploidization Events Shaped Kiwifruit Genome and Contributed to Establishment of the Actinidiaceae Family.

The genome of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) was sequenced previously, the first in the Actinidiaceae family. It was shown to have been affected by polyploidization events, the nature of which has been elusive. Here, we performed a reanalysis of the genome and found clear evidence of 2 tetraploidization events, with one occurring ∼50-57 million years ago (Mya) and the other ∼18-20 Mya. Two subgenomes produced by each event have been under balanced fractionation. Moreover, genes were revealed to express in a balanced way between duplicated copies of chromosomes. Besides, lowered evolutionary rates of kiwifruit genes were observed. These findings could be explained by the likely auto-tetraploidization nature of the polyploidization events. Besides, we found that polyploidy contributed to the expansion of key functional genes, e.g., vitamin C biosynthesis genes. The present work also provided an important comparative genomics resource in the Actinidiaceae and related families.

[Downregulation of PTTG1 expression inhibits the proliferation and invasiveness and promotes the apoptosis of human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of down-regulation of PTTG1 expression on the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of androgen-independent human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells and their sensitivity to androgen antagonists. METHODS: Human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells were transfected with siRNA targeting the PTTG1 gene using the Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent. The proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of the cells were detected by MTT, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expressions of PTTG1, p-Akt, and p-ERK were determined by Western blot and the mRNA expression of PTTG1 measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The siRNA expression vector markedly down-regulated the expression of PTTG1, which effectively suppressed the proliferation of the LNCaP-AI cells, with the inhibition rates of (19.47 ± 2.12), (24.01 ± 2.13) and (48.02 ± 2.22)% at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively, after transfection, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (P <0.05). The number of the cells passing through the polycarbonate film was remarkably decreased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (74.67 ± 9.85, 56.44 ± 8.66 and 37.33 ± 6.14) as compared with the baseline (111.11 ± 13.47) (P <0.01), while the apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (18.32 ± 0.94), (19.94 ± 1.30) and (21.73 ± 1.88)% in comparison with the baseline (ï¼»2.17 ± 0.49ï¼½%)， (P <0.05). PTTG1 siRNA combined with androgen antagonist flumatide exhibited even more significant effects in inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of the LNCaP-AI cells than either used alone, and in a flumatide dose-dependent manner. The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the LNCaP-AI cells treated with 50 nmol/L flumatide were (27.13 ± 3.52) and (3.94 ± 0.48)%, and those treated with siRNA + 50 nmol/L flumatide were (67.51 ± 5.13) and (19.93 ± 1.72)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05). The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the cells treated with 100 nmol/L flumatide were (43.72 ± 3.90) and (5.33 ± 0.66)%, and those treated with siRNA + 100 nmol/L flumatide were (73.19 ± 4.78) and (23.43 ± 1.76)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The siRNA expression vector can down-regulate the expression of PTTG1, which can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of LNCaP-AI cells, promote their apoptosis, and increase their sensibility to androgen antagonists. Suppressing the expression of PTTG1 may enhance the effect of androgen-deprivation therapy on advanced prostate cancer.

[Expression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 during the development of androgen-independent prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) during the transformation of prostate cancer from androgen-dependent (ADPC) to androgen-independent (AIPC). METHODS: We established an AIPC cell model LNCaP-AI by culturing the androgen-dependent LNCaP cell line in the hormone-deprived medium for over 3 months. The cell model was verified and the PTTG1 expression in the LNCaP cells was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR during hormone deprivation. RESULTS: The AIPC cell model LNCaP-AI was successfully established. The PTTG1 expression was gradually increased in the LNCaP cells with the prolonged time of hormone deprivation and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and -9 were elevated at the same time. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of PTTG1 is increased gradually in AIPC, which may be a target of gene therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

Genome-wide analysis of the SBP-box gene family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis).

The SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (SBP)-box gene family contains highly conserved plant-specific transcription factors that play an important role in plant development, especially in flowering. Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) is a leafy vegetable grown worldwide and is used as a model crop for research in genome duplication. The present study aimed to characterize the SBP-box transcription factor genes in Chinese cabbage. Twenty-nine SBP-box genes were identified in the Chinese cabbage genome and classified into six groups. We identified 23 orthologous and 5 co-orthologous SBP-box gene pairs between Chinese cabbage and Arabidopsis. An interaction network among these genes was constructed. Sixteen SBP-box genes were expressed more abundantly in flowers than in other tissues, suggesting their involvement in flowering. We show that the MiR156/157 family members may regulate the coding regions or 3'-UTR regions of Chinese cabbage SBP-box genes. As SBP-box genes were found to potentially participate in some plant development pathways, quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed and showed that Chinese cabbage SBP-box genes were also sensitive to the exogenous hormones methyl jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. The SBP-box genes have undergone gene duplication and loss, evolving a more refined regulation for diverse stimulation in plant tissues. Our comprehensive genome-wide analysis provides insights into the SBP-box gene family of Chinese cabbage.

Genome-wide analysis of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) reveals their stress and hormone responsive patterns.

BACKGROUND: The MYB superfamily is one of the most abundant transcription factor (TF) families in plants. MYB proteins include highly conserved N-terminal MYB repeats (1R, R2R3, 3R, and atypical) and various C-terminal sequences that confer extensive functions. However, the functions of most MYB genes are unknown, and have been little studied in Chinese cabbage. RESULTS: Here, we analyzed 256 (55.2% of total MYBs) R2R3-MYB genes from Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) and anchored them onto the 10 chromosomes and three subgenomes. The R2R3-, 3R- and atypical MYB proteins in Chinese cabbage formed 45 subgroups based on domain similarity and phylogenetic topology. Organization and syntenic analysis revealed the genomic distribution and collinear relationships of the R2R3-BrMYBs. Synonymous nucleotide substitution (Ka/Ks) analysis showed that the Chinese cabbage MYB DNA-binding domain is under strong purifying selection. Moreover, RNA-seq data revealed tissue-specific and distinct R2R3-BrMYB expression profiles, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis in leaves showed stress responsive expression and crosstalk with ABA-auxin signaling cascades. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified the largest MYB gene family in plants to date. Our results indicate that members of this superfamily may be involved in plant development, stress responses and leaf senescence, highlighting their functional diversity.

Breeding and preliminarily phenotyping of a congenic mouse model with alopecia areata.

In the current study, the alopecia areata gene was introduced into the C57BL/6 (B6) mouse through repeated backcrossing/intercrossing, and the allelic homozygosity of congenic AA(tj)mice (named B6.KM-AA) was verified using microsatellites. The gross appearance, growth characteristics, pathological changes in skin, and major organs of B6.KM-AA mice were observed. Counts and proportions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Results show that congenic B6.KM-AA mice were obtained after 10 generations of backcrossing/intercrossing. B6.KM-AA mice grew slower than B6 control mice and AA skin lesions were developed by four weeks of age. The number of hair follicles was reduced, but hair structures were normal. Loss of hair during disease progression was associated with CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes infiltration peri-and intra-hair follicles. No pathological changes were found in other organs except for the skin. In the peripheral blood of B6.KM-AA mice, the percentage of CD4⁺ T cells was lower and percentage of CD8⁺ T cells higher than in control mice. These findings indicate that B6.KM-AA mice are characterized by a dysfunctional immune system, retarded development and T-cell infiltration mediated hair loss, making them a promising new animal model for human alopecia areata.

Genome-wide analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis).

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and are thought to be one of the largest families of regulatory proteins. This important family of transcriptional regulators plays crucial roles in plant development. However, a systematic analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family has not been reported in Chinese cabbage. In this study, 230 bHLH transcription factors were identified from the whole Chinese cabbage genome and compared with proteins from other representative plants, fungi and metazoans. The Chinese cabbage bHLH (BrabHLH) gene family could be classified into 24 subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis of BrabHLHs along with bHLHs from Arabidopsis and rice indicated 26 subfamilies. The identification, classification, phylogenetic reconstruction, conserved motifs, chromosome distribution, functional annotation, expression patterns and interaction networks of BrabHLHs were analyzed. Distribution mapping showed that BrabHLHs were non-randomly located on the ten Chinese cabbage chromosomes. One hundred and twenty-four orthologous bHLH genes were identified between Chinese cabbage and Arabidopsis, and the interaction networks of the orthologous genes were constructed in Chinese cabbage. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that expressions of BrabHLH genes varied widely under different abiotic stress treatments for different times. Thus, this comprehensive analysis of BrabHLHs represents a rich resource, aiding the elucidation of the roles of bHLH family members in plant growth and development. Furthermore, the comparative genomics analysis deepened our understanding of the evolution of this gene family after a polyploidy event.

Genome-wide analysis of the GRAS gene family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis).

The GRAS gene family is one of the most important families of transcriptional regulators. In this study, 48 GRAS genes are identified from Chinese cabbage, and they are classified into eight groups according to the classification of Arabidopsis. The characterization, classification, gene structure and phylogenetic construction of GRAS proteins are performed. Distribution mapping shows that GRAS proteins are nonrandomly localized in 10 chromosomes. Fifty-five orthologous gene pairs are shared by Chinese cabbage and Arabidopsis, and interaction networks of these orthologous genes are constructed. The expansion of GRAS genes in Chinese cabbage results from genome triplication. Among the 17 species examined, 14 higher plants carry the GRAS genes, whereas two lower plants and one fungi species do not. Furthermore, the expression patterns of GRAS genes exhibit differences in three tissues based on RNA-seq data. Taken together, this comprehensive analysis will provide rich resources for studying GRAS protein functions in Chinese cabbage.

catena-Poly[[(tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)silver(I)]-µ-4,4'-bi-pyridine-κ(2) N:N'-[(tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)silver(I)]-di-µ-chlorido].

In the title coordination polymer, [Ag2Cl2(C10H8N2)(C18H15P)2] n , the Ag(I) cation is coordinated by a 4,4'-bi-pyridine N atom, a tri-phenyl-phosphane P atom and two Cl(-) anions in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The 4,4-bi-pyridine and Cl(-) anions bridge the Ag(I) cations, forming polymeric chains running along [21-1]. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯Cl inter-actions link the polymeric chains into a three-dimensiona supra-molecular architecture.

catena-Poly[[[aqua-(1,10-phenanthroline-κ(2)N,N')manganese(II)]-{µ-4,4'-[(4-carb-oxy-benz-yl)nitrilo]-dibenzoato-κ(4)O,O':O'',O'''}] monohydrate].

The title compound, {[Mn(C(22)H(15)NO(6))(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O]·H(2)O}(n), was obtained under solvothermal conditions. The Mn(2+) cation exhibits a distorted penta-gonal-bipyramidal MnN(2)O(5) coordination sphere with the water O atom and one of the phenanthroline N atoms in the axial positions. The cation is bridged by the doubly deprotonated 4,4'-[(4-carb--oxy-benz-yl)nitrilo]-dibenzoate ligand, generating a polymeric chain parallel to [100]. O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding, as well as π-π inter-actions between neighbouring phenanthroline ligands, with centroid-centroid distances of 3.695 (1) Å, lead to the construction of a three-dimensional network.

Genome-wide and interaction linkage scan for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in two multiplex families in Shenyang, China.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the loci involved in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in Northern Chinese people in Shenyang by using genomewide and interaction linkage scan. METHODS: Two multiplex families in Shenyang from North China were ascertained through probands with NSCL/P. Blood of every member was drawn for DNA extraction and analysis. Genotypes were available for 382 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers from the ABI Prism Linkage Mapping Set version 2.5. Linkage between markers and NSCL/P was assessed by 2-point parametric LOD scores, multipoint-heterogeneity parametric LOD scores (HLODs), and multipoint nonparametric linkage score (NPL). RESULTS: The initial scan suggested linkage on Chromosomes 1, 2, and 15. In subsequent fine mapping, 1q32-q42 showed a maximum multipoint LOD score of 1.9(empirical P=0.013) and an NPL score of 2.35 (empirical P=0.053). For 2p24-p25, the multipoint NPL increased to 2.94 (empirical P=0.007). 2-locus interaction analysis obtained a maximum NPL score of 3.73 (P=0.00078) and a maximum LOD score of 3 for Chromosome 1 (at 221 cM) and Chromosome 2 (at 29 cM). CONCLUSION: Both parametric and nonparametric linkage scores greatly increased over the initial linkage scores on 1q32-q42, suggesting a susceptibility locus in this region. Nonparametric linkage gave a strong evidence for a candidate region on chromosome 2p24-p25. The superiority of 2-locus linkage scores compared to single-locus scores gave additional evidence for linkage on 1q32-q42 and 2p24-p25, and suggested that certain genes in the two regions may contribute to NCSL/P risks with interaction.

[Negative association of FGA gene 128C/G polymorphism with cerebral infarction and its effect on plasma fibrinogen in Hunan Hans].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of FGA gene 128C/G polymorphism and cerebral infarction (CI) and evaluate the effect of FGA-128C/G polymorphism on plasma fibrinogen in Hunan Hans. METHODS: FGA-128C/G polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing in 194 CI patients and 114 healthy controls. RESULTS: There were CG and CC genotypes in the FGA-128C/G locus. No GG genotype was observed in Hunan Hans. There was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between the controls and CI group (P> 0.05), and statistically significant difference was not found in fibrinogen (Fg) level between the CG and CC genotypes (P>0.05). After analyzing blood plasma Fg using the influencing factor multiple regression analysis, it was shown that the Fg level had no relationship with the FGA-128C/G genotype, but it increased with age. And the Fg level in males was higher than that in females. CONCLUSION: There was FGA gene 128C/G polymorphism in the Hunan Han population. There was no association of this polymorphism with the increased Fg level of CI patient in the population. FGA-128C/G might not be the predisposing gene of CI in Hunan Han population. The age and sex were the major factors affecting the plasma Fg level in this population.

Effect of the extract made from Cochinchina momordica seeds on the humoral immune responses of mice to a commercial foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (serotypes O and Asia 1).

The extract from ECMS was investigated for its effect on the humoral immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease vaccination. Fifty-six mice were randomly divided into seven groups with eight animals in each. Mice in groups 5 to 7 were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 0.5 mg DEX daily for 4 days to induce immunosuppression. The animals were then orally given ECMS (200 microg in 250 microl saline) in groups 3 and 6 or 250 microl saline in group 2, or s.c. injected with ECMS (50 microg in 100 microl saline) in groups 4 and 7 or 100 microl saline in group 5. After that, the animals in groups 2 to 7 were s.c. immunized twice with 100 microl of commercial oil-adjuvanted bivalent FMDV vaccine (serotypes O and Asia 1) at intervals of 21 days. Mice in group 1 received injection of 100 microl saline only. After 2 weeks, blood was sampled to determine FMDV-specific IgG and isotype IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3. Results indicated that oral administration or s.c. injection of ECMS augmented responses of specific IgG and most IgG isotypes. Giving ECMS tended to enhance serum-specific IgG and IgG isotype responses of mice immunosuppressed by s.c. injection of DEX. Considering the safety and immunomodulatory effect of ECMS in both normal and immunosuppressed mice demonstrated in the present study, this extract deserves further investigation to evaluate its potential in improving FMD vaccination in farm animals such as pigs, sheep and cattle.

[Relationship between genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate in Chinese population. METHODS: There were 97 NSCL/P case-parent triads that were selected as case group. At the same period, 104 healthy subjects were selected together with their biological parents as control group. For all the subjects the polymorphism of MTHFR C677T was examined by PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in genotype and gene frequencies for MTHFR C677T variants among family members between case group and control group in the offspring, fathers and mothers. The odds ratio(OR) between heterozygotes (CT) versus wild homozygotes (CC) were 1.02 (95% CI 0.47-2.21), 0.62 (95% CI 0.29-1.32) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.31-1.40) in the offspring, fathers and mothers, respectively. The OR between mutant homozygotes(TT) versus wild homozygotes (CC) were 1.10 (95% CI 0.44-2.74), 0.95 (95% CI 0.39-2.32) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.28-1.66) in the offspring, fathers and mothers, respectively. The OR between allele (T) versus allele (C) were 1.07 (95% CI 0.72-1.58), 0.98 (95% CI 0.66-1.46) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.56-1.24) in the offspring, fathers and mothers, respectively. T allele could not increase the risk of NSCL/P. For the MTHFR gene C677T variant, transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis yielded no evidence of linkage in the presence of disequilibrium (chi(2) = 1.817, P > 0.05). Results of haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) analysis (chi(2) = 1.76, P > 0.05) and family-based association tests (FBAT) (Z = 1.348, P > 0.05) also showed that there was no association between MTHFR C677T variant and the risk of NSCL/P . CONCLUSION: No association between genetic polymorphism of MTHFR C677T and NSCLP was observed. Our findings suggest that the MTHFR gene variations C677T do not contribute to the development of NSCLP in Chinese population.