Cytogenetic study and stripe rust response of the derivatives from a wheat - Thinopyrum intermedium - Psathyrostachys huashanica trigeneric hybrid.

To transfer multiple desirable alien genes into common wheat, we previously reported a new trigeneric hybrid synthesized by crossing a wheat - Thinopyrum intermedium partial amphiploid with wheat - Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploid. Here, the meiotic behavior, chromosome constitution, and stripe rust resistance of F5 derivatives from the wheat - Th. intermedium - P. huashanica trigeneric hybrid were studied. Cytological analysis indicated the F5 progenies had chromosome numbers of 42-50 (average 44.96). The mean meiotic configuration was 1.28 univalents, 21.74 bivalents, 0.04 trivalents, and 0.02 tetravalents per pollen mother cell. In 2n = 42 lines, the average pairing configuration was 0.05 I + 19.91 II (ring) + 1.06 II (rod) + 0.003 IV, suggesting these lines were cytologically stable. Most lines with 2n = 43, 44, 46, 48, or 50, bearing a high frequency of univalents or multivalents, showed abnormal meiotic behavior. Genomic in situ hybridization karyotyping results revealed that 25 lines contained 1-7 Th. intermedium chromosomes, but no P. huashanica chromosomes were found among the 27 self-pollinated progenies. At meiosis, univalents (1-5) possessing Th. intermedium hybridization signals were detected in 19 lines. Bivalents (1-3) expressing fluorescence signals were observed in 12 lines. Importantly, 21 lines harbored wheat - Th. intermedium chromosomal translocations with various alien translocation types. Additionally, two homozygous lines, K13-668-10 and K13-682-12, possessed a pair of wheat - Th. intermedium small fragmental translocations. Compared with the recurrent parent Zhong 3, most lines showed high resistance to the stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) pathogens prevalent in China, including race V26/Gui22. This paper reports a highly efficient technical method for inducing alien translocation between wheat and Th. intermedium by trigeneric hybridization. These lines might be potentially valuable germplasm resources for further wheat improvement.

Cytogenetic Behavior of Trigeneric Hybrid Progeny Involving Wheat, Rye and Psathyrostachys huashanica.

Trigeneric hybrids are commonly used as bridges to transfer genes from some wild species to cultivated wheat and to measure the genomic interaction between donor species. We previously reported that trigeneric germplasms were produced by crossing wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploids (PHW-SA, 2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDNsNs) with hexaploid triticale (Zhongsi 828, 2n = 6x = 42, AABBRR). In the present study, chromosome pairing behavior and the genome constitution of the F4 progenies of wheat-rye-P. huashanica trigeneric hybrids were studied. Cytological analysis showed that the chromosome number of F4 progenies ranged from 39 to 46, and 57.5% of them had 42 chromosomes. The mean meiotic configuration of F4 lines was 1.71 univalents, 20.26 bivalents, 0.04 trivalents, and 0.001 quadrivalents per pollen mother cell. Among the lines with 2n = 42, the average pairing configuration was 1.21 univalents, 16.22 ring bivalents, 4.16 rod bivalents, and 0.01 trivalents. This result indicated that these lines were cytologically stable. Other lines with 2n = 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 46, bearing a high number of univalents or multivalents, showed abnormal meiotic behavior. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) revealed that all F4 lines had 11-14 rye chromosomes, but no P. huashanica chromosomes. The complete set of 14 rye chromosomes was found in 19 lines. At meiosis, GISH detected 1-6 univalents with hybridization signals of rye in 13 lines. Bivalents with fluorescence signals were identified in each line, ranging from 3 to 7. A quadrivalent with hybridization signals was observed in only 1 line, K13-714-8. Lagging chromosomes, chromosome bridges, micronuclei, and chromosome fragments hybridizing with the probe were not discovered in any of the lines. These results inferred that the behavior of rye chromosomes was normal during meiosis. In addition, 21 lines of 2n = 42 (91.3%) with 12 or 14 rye chromosomes, always contained 6 or 7 bivalents bearing fluorescence signals. This suggested that the rye chromosomes exhibiting complete pairing in these lines were cytologically stable during meiosis and may therefore be considered as new hexaploid triticales. Thus, these lines might be potential materials for further hexaploid triticale improvement.

Anti-macrophage-derived chemokine antibody relieves murine lupus nephritis.

We observed the distribution of monocyte's changes in damage to renal tissue and the expression of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in MRL/lpr mice. The 8-week-old MRL/lpr mice were randomly assigned to receive either MDC antibodies (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) at a once-every-other-day dose of 300 µl from week 4. We then quantified the differences in 24-h urine protein and serum creatinine concentrations, performed a histological evaluation of renal tissue and assessed the expression of MDC protein and mRNA between the two groups 4 weeks after treatment was initiated. Antibody-treated mice demonstrated significantly lower urine protein and serum creatinine concentrations and had fewer renal lesions compared with control mice. The expression of MDC protein and mRNA in renal tissues was significantly lower in the antibody-treated mice than in control mice, suggesting that the elevated expression of MDC, which led to monocyte infiltration in the kidney, may play an important role in the development of lupus nephritis. Furthermore, the anti-MDC antibodies may act to alleviate the renal lesions of murine lupus nephritis by inhibiting the infiltration of monocytes in the renal tissue of the lupus mice.

Poly[[(4,4'-bipyridine-κN)[µ(3)-(S)-2-hy-droxy-butane-dioato-κO,O:O:O]zinc] dihydrate].

In the title compound, {[Zn(C(4)H(4)O(5))(C(10)H(8)N(2))]·2H(2)O}(n), the Zn(II) ion displays a distorted tetra-gonal-pyramidal coordination environment with one hy-droxy O and three carboxyl-ate O atoms from three malate anions, and the one remaining position occupied by an N atom from a 4,4'-bipyridine ligand. The pyridine rings of the 4,4'-bipyridine ligand are twisted with respect to each other by a dihedral angle of 35.8 (2)°. The uncoordinated water mol-ecules are linked to the complex mol-ecules by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Each malate anion forms four coordination bonds with three Zn atoms, establishing a layer structure parallel to the ac plane. Adjacent layers are further linked via O-H⋯N hydrogen bonding. π-π stacking between the pyridine rings [face-to-face distance = 3.651 (3) Å] occurs in the crystal structure.

µ(3)-Dodeca-tungsto(V,VI)aluminato-κO:O':O''-tris-[aqua-bis-(ethyl-ene-diamine-κN,N')copper(II)].

The title compound, [AlCu(3)W(12)O(40)(C(2)H(8)N(2))(6)(H(2)O)(3)], was prepared under hydro-thermal conditions. The Cu(2+) ion displays an elongated octa-hedral geometry defined by one bridging O atom from the polyoxidoanion and a coordinated water mol-ecule in axial positions and four N atoms of the two chelating ethyl-enediamine (en) ligands in equatorial positions. The one-electron reduced [AlW(12)O(40)](6-) anion coordinates three [Cu(en)(H(2)O)](2+) fragments, generating a neutral tri-supported Keggin-type polyoxidometalate (POM). This tri-supported POM is located in a special position of [Formula: see text] symmetry and therefore O atoms from the central AlO(4) tetra-hedron are disordered over two sets of sites. Disorder is also observed for three other bridging O atoms of the POM. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected via N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework.

Comparison of transient changes in renal function between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) subsequently develop acute renal failure (ARF). The purpose of the study was to compare early transient changes in renal function within the first post-operative week following CABG in patients that were either off-pump or on-pump. METHODS: Eight hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients with isolated CABG in a single institution between January 1990 and August 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, including 518 off-pump and 331 on-pump patients. A multivariate Logistic regression model was constructed to identify risk factors for the development of AKI. RESULTS: Sixty-one off-pump patients and 63 on-pump patients developed AKI. Risk factors for the development of post-operative AKI included an ejection fraction > or =50% or < or =30%, a pulse pressure > or =60 mmHg, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, emergent procedure, triple-vessel disease, body mass index, peri-operative and post-operative. intra-aortic balloon pumping, NYHA class III and IV, and cardiopulmonary bypass. An ejection fraction > or =50% and peri-operative and post-operative intra-aortic balloon pumping were protective (OR <1). Peak serum creatinine for post-operative AKI was noted 12 hours and 24 hours in the off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively. Serum creatinine kinetics revealed rapid recovery in the 24th to 48th hour (off-pump) and the 48th to 72nd hour (on-pump). CONCLUSION: Renal protection strategies are indicated from general anesthesia induction until 48 and 72 hours post-operatively in off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively.

Wheat Gluten Blends with Maleic Anhydride-Functionalized Polyacrylate Cross-Linkers for Improved Properties.

A family of polyacrylate-based cross-linkers was synthesized to maximize the toughness of high Tg, high modulus wheat gluten blends in the glassy state. Mechanical testing and damping measurements were conducted to provide an example where the work of fracture and strength of the blend substantially exceeds polystyrene while maintaining flexure stiffness in excess of 3 GPa. The new rubbery cross-linkers, polymethyl acrylate-co-maleic anhydride and polyethyl acrylate-co-maleic anhydride, improve WG mechanical properties and reduce water absorption simultaneously. MDSC, FTIR, HPLC, and NMR data confirmed the cross-linking reaction with wheat gluten. Flexural, DMA, and water absorption testing were carried out to characterize the property improvements. DMA was conducted to investigate the relationship between energy damping and mechanical property improvement. If the cross-linker damping temperature is close to the testing temperature, the entire sample exhibits high damping, toughness, and strength.

Electronic structure of ß-RbSm(MoO4)2 and chemical bonding in molybdates.

Microcrystals of orthorhombic rubidium samarium molybdate, ß-RbSm(MoO4)2, have been fabricated by solid state synthesis at T = 450 °C, 70 h, and at T = 600 °C, 150 h. The crystal structure has been refined by the Rietveld method in space group Pbcn with cell parameters a = 5.0984(2), b = 18.9742(6) and c = 8.0449(3) Å (R(B) = 1.72%). Thermal properties of ß-RbSm(MoO4)2 were traced by DSC over the temperature range of T = 20-965 °C, and the earlier reported ß â†” α phase transition at T ∼ 860-910 °C was not verified. The electronic structure of ß-RbSm(MoO4)2 was studied by employing theoretical calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It has been established that the O 2p-like states contribute mainly to the upper part of the valence band and occupy the valence band maximum, whereas the Mo 4d-like states contribute mainly to the lower part of the valence band. Chemical bonding effects have been analysed from the element core level binding energy data. In addition, it was found that the luminescence spectrum of ß-RbSm(MoO4)2 is rather peculiar among the Sm(3+) containing materials. The optical refractive index dispersion in ß-RbSm(MoO4)2 was also predicted by the first-principles calculations.

Signal transduction mechanism of the NZW type IL­10R1 and the effect on B lymphocyte function.

The present study aimed to investigate the signal transduction mechanism of the NZW type interleukin (IL)­10R1 and the effect on the function of B lymphocytes. Vectors for the expression of wild­type, NZW and G1146A IL­10R1 were constructed and transfected into Ba/F3 cells. The cell proliferation curve was determined using an MTT assay. CD32 and leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (LECAM­1) expression levels were assessed using flow cytometry. The phosphorylation of Janus kinase 1 (Jak1), tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) were measured by western blot analysis. As compared with wild­type IL­10R1 cells, the proliferation ability of NZW IL­10R1 cells was increased following stimulation with IL­10, which was even greater for G1146A cells. CD32 levels in NZW IL­10R1 cells were lower, while the expression of LECAM­1 was higher compared with wild­type IL­10R1 cells, which was also observed for G1146A cells. The phosphorylation levels of Jak1 and Stat3 in NZW IL­10R1 and G1146A IL­10R1 cells were significantly lower compared with the wild­type IL­10R1 cells. However, the phosphorylation levels in the three cell types were not significantly different. In conclusion, the deficiency in Jak1­Stat3 signal transduction in NZW IL­10R1 cells induces a loss in the inhibition ability of proliferation and activation as well as a migration tendency of B lymphocytes, which is hypothesized to be associated with the occurrence and development of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Association between polymorphisms of the IKZF3 gene and systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that IKAROS family of zinc finger 3 (IKZF3)-deficient mice spontaneously develop human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like phenotypes and produce anti-dsDNA Ab leading to immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Polymorphism of the IKZF3 gene corresponds with the susceptibility to several immune-related diseases. Our intention was to establish an association between polymorphisms in the IKZF3 gene and SLE in the Chinese Han population. METHODS: The study involved obtaining blood samples for DNA extraction and genotyping the 4 selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IKZF3, including rs12150079, rs9909593, rs907091, and rs2872507, by performing PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP). A group of 366 SLE patients were compared to 455 healthy controls. RESULTS: A significant decrease in frequencies of the rs907091 CC genotype and C allele appeared in the SLE patients unlike that observed in the controls (p = 0.001 and 0.015, respectively). The frequencies of the rs12150079 genotype and allele were different between the SLE patients and the control individuals, although the significance was only marginal (p = 0.046 and 0.049, respectively). In addition, a significantly low frequency of the GGCG haplotype was observed in the SLE patients, suggesting that it may provide protection against SLE (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an important association between polymorphisms in IKZF3 and SLE in the Chinese Han population. A strong association between rs907091 in the IKZF3 gene and SLE was identified.

The association between common genetic variation in the FTO gene and metabolic syndrome in Han Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) identified FTO gene as a locus conferring increased risk for common obesity in many populations with European ancestry. However, the involvement of FTO gene in obesity or T2DM related metabolic traits has not been consistently established in Chinese populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of FTO genetic polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Han Chinese. METHODS: We tested 41 FTO single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association between FTO and MetS-related traits. There were a total of 236 unrelated subjects (108 cases and 128 controls), grouped according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. RESULTS: Of the 41 SNPs examined, only SNP rs8047395 exhibited statistical significance (P = 0.026) under a recessive model, after Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.11-2.42; P = 0.014). The common distributions of this polymorphism among Chinese--with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 36% in the control group versus 48% in the MetS group--greatly improved our test power in a relatively small sample size for an association study. Previously identified obesity- (or T2DM-) associated FTO SNPs were less common in Han Chinese and were not associated with MetS in this study. No significant associations were found between our FTO SNPs and any endophenotypes of MetS. CONCLUSIONS: A more common risk-conferring variant of FTO for MetS was identified in Han Chinese. Our study substantiated that genetic variations in FTO locus are involved in the pathogenesis of MetS.