Dissection and validation of a promising QTL controlling spikelet number on 5B in bread wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: Five environmentally stable QTLs for spikelet number per spike and days to heading were identified using a high-genetic map containing 95,444 SNPs, among which QSns.ucas-5B was validated using residual heterozygous line at multiple environments. Spikelet number per spike (SNS) and days to heading (DTH) play pivotal roles in the improvement of wheat yield. In this study, a high-density genetic map for a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population derived from Zhengnong 17 (ZN17) and Yangbaimai (YBM) was constructed using 95,444 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from the Wheat660K SNP array. Our study identified a total of five environmentally stable QTLs for SNS and DTH, one of which was named QSns.ucas-5B, with a physical interval of approximately 545.4-552.1 Mb on the 5BL chromosome arm. Importantly, the elite haplotype within QSns.ucas-5B showed a consistent and positive effect on SNS, grain number and weight per spike, without extending the days to heading. These findings provide a foundation for future efforts to map and clone the gene(s) responsible for QSns.ucas-5B and further indicate the potential application of the developed and validated InDel marker of QSns.ucas-5B for molecular breeding purposes, aimed at improving wheat grain yield.

A Wheat 660 K SNP array-based high-density genetic map facilitates QTL mapping of flag leaf-related traits in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: A high-density genetic map containing 122,620 SNP markers was constructed, which facilitated the identification of eight major flag leaf-related QTL in relatively narrow intervals. The flag leaf plays an important role in photosynthetic capacity and yield potential in wheat. In this study, we used a recombinant inbred line population containing 188 lines derived from a cross between 'Lankao86' (LK86) and 'Ermangmai' to construct a genetic map using the Wheat 660 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. The high-density genetic map contains 122,620 SNP markers spanning 5185.06 cM. It shows good collinearity with the physical map of Chinese Spring and anchors multiple sequences of previously unplaced scaffolds onto chromosomes. Based on the high-density genetic map, we identified seven, twelve, and eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) for flag leaf length (FLL), width (FLW), and area (FLA) across eight environments, respectively. Among them, three, one, and four QTL for FLL, FLW, and FLA are major and stably express in more than four environments. The physical distance between the flanking markers for QFll.igdb-3B/QFlw.igdb-3B/QFla.igdb-3B is only 444 kb containing eight high confidence genes. These results suggested that we could directly map the candidate genes in a relatively small region by the high-density genetic map constructed with the Wheat 660 K array. Furthermore, the identification of environmentally stable QTL for flag leaf morphology laid a foundation for the following gene cloning and flag leaf morphology improvement.

Simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and acid orange 7 from water solution by dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

A feasibility study was conducted for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) by the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The results showed that there was a synergistic effect between Cr(VI) reduction and AO7 degradation. The presence of Cr(VI) enhanced the degradation efficiency of AO7. Meanwhile, the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) also increased in the presence of AO7. Under acidic conditions (pH = 3.0), the reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) was higher (approximately 94%). However, the presence of Cr(VI) diminished the effect of pH on the AO7 degradation efficiency. By increasing the input voltage from 80 to 120 V, the removal efficiencies of Cr(VI) and AO7 were observably increased from 54% to 88% and 62% to 89%, respectively. Adding organic matters inhibited the degradation of AO7 and promoted the reduction of Cr(VI). The addition of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Fe(III) could inhibit the Cr(VI) reduction, but not significantly affect the degradation of AO7. The degradation intermediates of AO7 were identified by LC-MS/MS system and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. This study showed that the DBD plasma can simultaneously remove Cr(VI) and AO7, which provided a new idea for the actual wastewater treatment.

Decomposition of acetaminophen in water by a gas phase dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with TiO2-rGO nanocomposite: Mechanism and degradation pathway.

Acetaminophen (APAP) served as the model pollutant to evaluate the feasibility of pollutant removal by gas phase dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with the titanium dioxide-reduced Graphene Oxide (TiO2-rGO) nanocomposite. TiO2-rGO nanocomposite was prepared using the modified hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM and XPS before and after plasma process. The results indicated that the APAP degradation efficiency was significantly improved to 92% after 18min of discharge plasma treatment coupling 0.25gL-1 TiO2-rGO 5%wt at 18kV, compared with the plasma alone and plasma combined with P25 TiO2. The degradation mechanism for APAP in this system was studied by investigating the effects of the operational variables (e.g. discharge voltage and pH value) and the amount of the generated active species; and the results showed that O3 and H2O2 yields were influenced notably by adding TiO2-rGO. Also, it was observed that, compared with unused TiO2-rGO, the photocatalytic performance of used TiO2-rGO declined after several recirculation times due to the further reduction of Graphene Oxide in plasma system. Finally, intermediate products were analyzed by UV-vis spectrometry and HPLC/MS, and possible transformation pathways were identified with the support of theoretically calculating the frontier electron density of APAP.

Faraday cage-type electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Vibrio vulnificus based on multi-functionalized graphene oxide.

A novel Faraday cage-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor devoted to the detection of Vibrio vulnificus (VV) was fabricated. The sensing strategy was presented by a unique Faraday cage-type immunocomplex based on immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) and multi-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) labeled with (2,2'-bipyridine)(5-aminophenanthroline)ruthenium (Ru-NH2). The multi-functionalized GO could sit on the electrode surface directly due to the large surface area, abundant functional groups, and good electronic transport property. It ensures that more Ru-NH2 is entirely caged and become "effective," thus improving sensitivity significantly, which resembles extending the outer Helmholtz plane (OHP) of the electrode. Under optimal conditions, the developed immunosensor achieves a limit of detection as low as 1 CFU/mL. Additionally, the proposed immunosensor with high sensitivity and selectivity can be used for the detection of real samples. The novel Faraday cage-type method has shown potential application for the diagnosis of VV and opens up a new avenue in ECL immunoassay. Graphical abstract Faraday cage-type immunoassay mode for ultrasensitive detection by extending OHP.

Genetical study of mutation in maternal-fetal ABO incompatibility.

This study looked into a family involving a rare mother-child ABO blood type inconsistency and explored its genetic and molecular basis. In the family, the mother had type AB blood and the father was blood type B and they gave birth to a baby of blood type O. Their blood types were phenotypically identified by using different techniques, including micro-column gel test, immune inhibition test, absorption and elution tests. The sequences of all 7 exons of ABO allele from the core family members were determined by using PCR and clone-based sequencing. The loci of mutated gene were compared against normal human genes. The result showed that the mother's erythrocytes were agglutinable with monoclonal anti-A antibody (2+) and had agglutination reaction with anti-B antibody (4+). The mother's serum registered agglutination action with standard blood type A cells. The findings showed an ABO inconsistency. When domestic antibodies were used, the mother's erythrocytes yielded agglutination reaction with humanized anti-B serum (4+) and anti-B monoclonal antibody but were non-agglutinable with humanized anti-A serum and anti-A monoclonal antibody. Upon absorption and elution, the titer of anit-A antibody was 128 both before and after the absorption test, with no significant difference found between pre- and post-absorption values. Our results confirmed that the mother's allelic gene was type B and contained type A. The father's blood type was type B, and son's blood type was type O. Clone-based sequencing revealed that the mother carried a heterozygous gene of B101.01 (ntA640→G)/O01, which contained an M214→V mutation that could express a weak expression of antigen A, resulting in blood type AB. However, their son did not have the M214→V mutation, which yielded a false ABO-inconsistency between him and his mother. We were led to conclude that type B gene with a M214→V mutation can encode both antigen B and weak antigen B that can lead to false ABO-inconsistencies.

[Study on serological blood group conversion rule and clinical blood transfusion in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the conversion rule of serological blood group and blood group substance after successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and to provide theory for clinical special blood type identification and blood transfusion. METHODS: The growth cycle of recipient WBC and RBC, RBC chimera, blood group antibody production and remaining in full transition were observed. Conversion rule of blood group substance, contradiction between cells typing and sera typing were detected by saline medium tube method and microcolumn gel method after stem cells transplantation. RESULTS: The average time of engraftment in 21 recipients was about 18.6 days, RBC growth cycle in 8 major blood type incompatibility was 56.6 days, 25.9 days in 9 minor blood type incompatibility, 67 days in 4 bidirectional blood type incompatibility (P < 0.01). The ratio of RBC chimeric growth was 1:9, gradually converse to donor's blood group. Residue of recipient anti-A(B) was left after conditioning regimen, disappeared after full transformation, and recipient anti-A(B) was converse to donor's blood type in major blood type incompatibility. 5 A blood type recipient donated by O blood type blood generated anti-B instead of anti-A, 3 B blood type recipient generated only anti-A instead of B in minor blood type incompatibility, and 1 AB blood type recipient donated by A did not generate anti-B. Among 4 bidirectional blood type incompatibility, 2 B blood type recipient donated by A blood type blood did not generate anti-B, 2 A recipient by B could not produce anti-A. Recipient blood group substance helped original ABO blood type substance remain unchanged. CONCLUSION: Among patient with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, recipient's ABO and RBC blood type can be converse to donor's, but there is significant difference between patients of serological blood group and of normal people (P < 0.01). Recipient blood group substance helps original ABO blood type substance remain unchanged (P > 0.01).

[Identification of genotype III Japanese encephalitis virus isolated in Zhejiang province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular characteristics and genotype of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) found in vector mosquitoes in Zhejiang province from 1982 to 1983. METHODS: A total of 3188 mosquitoes were collected in Dinghai district and Yiwu city in Zhejiang province, during year 1982 and 1983. The virus was isolated by C6/36 cell, and then identified by hemagglutination inhibition test. The isolated strains were activated in year 2011, and plaque forming unit (PFU) were applied to test the virus titer. The suckling rats were tested under intracranial inoculation, where PrM and E genes were amplified and sequenced. Their nucleotide and amino acid sequences were analyzed and compared with the JEV vaccine strain SA14-14-2 and the JEV isolated in Zhejiang province during 2007 and 2010; and phylogenetic tree were constructed by bioinformatic software. RESULTS: From the 3188 mosquitoes captured, eleven virus strains were isolated and found to be able to cause cytopathogenic effect (CPE) in C6/36 cells within 72 hours. Virus titer ranged from 2.5 to 6.47 lg PFU/ml. The suckling rats would die within 72 hours since the inoculation. The phylogenetic analysis with the PrM and E genes showed that the JEV isolated in Zhejiang during 1982 and 1983 belonged to genotype III; while the JEV isolated in Zhejiang during 2007 and 2010 belonged to genotype I. The analysis of E genes from 5 isolated strains found that the homology of nucleotide sequence was over 98.9%, and the homology of amino acid sequence was over 99.8%. The compare between the 5 virus strains and the vaccine strain SA14-14-2 found 10 common amino acid variation sites, and showed that the homology of nucleotide sequence was over 97.7%, and the homology of amino acid sequence was 99.2%. The compare between the 5 virus strains and the JEV isolated in Zhejiang during 2007 and 2010 found a 87.7% - 87.9% nucleotide homology and an over 98.8% amino acid homology. CONCLUSION: The JEV isolated from the mosquitoes in Dinghai district and Yiwu city between year 1982 and 1983, were genotype III.

[Observations on clinic curative effect of oxymatrine to cure hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of oxymatrine to cure hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. METHODS: Randomly divide 418 patients suffering from hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome into a treatment group and a control group, use oxymatrine to give an intravenous drip to the patients in the treatment group, one time a day, each time 600 mg, lasting for 7 days as one period of treatment and meanwhile take a traditional equilibrium salt treatment for the patients in the control group. Observe the change of the illness in both groups and occurrence of complications, dynamically test the magnitude of serum urination-regulated protein (THP) and beta(2) microglobulin (beta(2)M) of the patients, in the meantime observe the change in magnitude of serum white blood cell medium 15 (IL-15) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1). RESULTS: Shorten the course of the disease of the patients in the oxymatrine treatment group, make an improvement after the recovery and obviously reduce the magnitude of serum urination-regulated protein (THP) and beta(2) microglobulin and show a striking difference in magnitude of serum IL-15 and sICAM-1 after the treatment compared with that of the patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine has a certainly true curative effect to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and worth of furthering its widespread use in clinics.

[Preparation of Ge/SiO2 nanometer-crystal doped glass and study of its photoluminescence property].

Ge/SiO2 nanometer-crystal doped glass was prepared through sol-gel method. The gel was synthesized through the hydrolysis of a complex solution of Si (OC2H5)4 and Ge(OC2H5)4. The product gel was then heated at 700 degrees C in H2. Ge crystals appeared after the heating-reducing process. X ray diffraction analysis showed that there were Ge cubic crystals formed in the gel glass. The photoluminescence spectroscopic analysis showed that the Ge/SiO2 fluorescence peaked at 576 nm with excitation wavelength of 494 nm. By using the Brus quantum confinement model, the fluorescence peak energy suggested that the mean size of Ge crystal was about 3 nm.

The popularization and application of cold storage red blood cells or whole blood at -80 degrees C of the Rh (D) negative patients in surgical operation.

The efficiency of cold storage red blood cells (CSRBC) or whole blood at -80 degrees C used in 27 Rh (D) negative patients during surgical operation was reported. The Rh (D) negative patients received the transfusion of CSRBC or whole blood stored at -80 degrees C for 180 to 360 days. The changes in the indexes, such as blood TB, DB, K+, Na+, BUN, Cr, urine protein (URPO), UOB, Hb, HCT, serum total protein, relative to hemolytic reaction and blood volume before and after transfusion were observed. The results showed that after transfusion of CSRBC or whole blood 27 cases were negative for urine protein and UOB, and the levels of BUN and Cr were normal (P > 0.05). Blood TB, DB, Hb, and HCT were increased, while pH, blood K+ and blood Na+ was normal with the difference being not significant before and after operation (P > 0.05). Plasma protein was decreased, but there was no significant difference before and after operation (P > 0.05). It was suggested that CSRBC or whole blood at -80 degrees C could be safely infused to the Rh(D) negative patients without side effects during the surgical operation.