Learning from Classic: DNA-Based Conditional Equilibrium Constant To Regulate Affinity "On-the-Fly" for Bioassays.

Artificial programming of affinity is beneficial to optimize responsiveness in biomolecules for various applications. In one classical theory, one comprehensive parameter, conditional equilibrium constant (K'EDTA), can accurately and quantitatively define the affinity of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for metal ions. Learning from the classic, we have proposed a novel DNA-based conditional equilibrium constant (K'DNA) to regulate DNA probes' affinity and response "on-the-fly", long after the probe design and synthesis. Artificial regulation of affinity over several magnitudes has been simply realized via short oligonucleotides with different lengths, concentrations, and combinations. The thermodynamic response can be quantitatively simulated by one DNA-based conditional equilibrium constant (K'DNA), acting as an analogue to the classical EDTA system. The proof of concept of affinity programming also allows improved discrimination of single-nucleotide variants as well as assaying ribonuclease and doxycycline in a homogeneous solution. Therefore, the theory of DNA-based conditional equilibrium constant (K'DNA) will enable to engineer versatile DNA switches with programmable affinity in assays and bionanotechnology.

Infrared and Visible Image Fusion with Significant Target Enhancement.

Existing fusion rules focus on retaining detailed information in the source image, but as the thermal radiation information in infrared images is mainly characterized by pixel intensity, these fusion rules are likely to result in reduced saliency of the target in the fused image. To address this problem, we propose an infrared and visible image fusion model based on significant target enhancement, aiming to inject thermal targets from infrared images into visible images to enhance target saliency while retaining important details in visible images. First, the source image is decomposed with multi-level Gaussian curvature filtering to obtain background information with high spatial resolution. Second, the large-scale layers are fused using ResNet50 and maximizing weights based on the average operator to improve detail retention. Finally, the base layers are fused by incorporating a new salient target detection method. The subjective and objective experimental results on TNO and MSRS datasets demonstrate that our method achieves better results compared to other traditional and deep learning-based methods.

TGFBI gene mutation analysis in a Chinese pedigree of Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To analyze transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene mutations in a Chinese pedigree with Reis-Bücklers dystrophy (RBCD). METHODS: In a four-generation Chinese family with Reis-Bücklers dystrophy, six members were patients and the rest were unaffected. All members of the family underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations. Exons of TGFBI were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and compared with a reference database. The sequencing results were reconfirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: A single heterozygous C>T (R124C) point mutation was found in exon 4 of TGFBI in all six members of the pedigree affected with RBCD, but not in the unaffected members. CONCLUSIONS: Within this pedigree, RBCD segregates with the R124C variance, which is a known mutation for lattice corneal dystrophy type I. Therefore, along with G623D and R124L, the R124C mutation in TGFBI is also found to be responsible for RBCD.

Effects of immunosuppressants after penetrating keratoplasty: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of immunosuppressants in the prophylaxis of corneal allograft rejection after high-risk keratoplasty and normal-risk keratoplasty. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP and reference lists of articles. Date of most recent search: 18 June, 2011. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of immunosupressants in the prevention of graft rejection, irrespective of publication language. Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. Only dichotomous outcomes (clear graft survival, ratio of immune reactions and side effects) were available and were expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this review. In the comparing of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with placebo, the results showed MMF could significantly reduce immune reactions compared with placebo (RR 1.08 95% Cl 0.95 to 1.21), but no effect on clear graft survival (RR 1.11 95% Cl 0.90 to 1.35). In clear graft survival and immune reactions, MMF and cyclosporine A (CsA) showed similar effect (RR 1.11 95% Cl 0.90 to 1.35, and RR 1.48, 95% Cl 0.56 to 3.93, respectively). Tacrolimus (FK506) and steroid showed similar effects on clear graft survival and immune reactions (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.02 to 6.21, and RR 1.00, 95%CI 0.88 to 1.14, respectively). No drug relative side effect has been found. CONCLUSION: MMF may reduce immune reactions in both normal-risk and high-risk rejection of penetrating keratoplasty. CsA and FK506 showed similar effects as MMF. However, due to the lack of large clinical trials, the evidence remain weak, the quality of evidences were rated as very low to moderate. Large, properly randomised, placebo-controlled, double masked trials are needed to evaluate the effect of immunosuppressants.