Different subsets of haematopoietic cells and immune cells in bone marrow between young and older donors.

Young donors are reported to be associated with better transplant outcomes than older donors in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the mechanism is still unclear. The current study compared the different subsets of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their progenitors as well as immune cells in bone marrow (BM) between young and older donors. The frequencies of HSCs, multipotent progenitors (MPPs) and myeloid progenitors, including common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs), were decreased, whereas those of lymphoid progenitors, including multi-potent lymphoid progenitors (MLPs) and common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), were increased in the BM of young donors compared with in that of older donors. Lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed in BM HSCs and six progenitor lines in young donors. Furthermore, young donors demonstrated higher frequencies of naive T cells and immune suppressor cells, such as alternative macrophages (M2) and lower frequencies of memory T cells and immune effectors, including T helper-1 and T cytotoxic-1 cells, in BM than older donors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that donor age was independently correlated with BM HSC frequency. Although further validation is required, our results suggest that the differences in the frequency and immune differentiation potential of HSCs in BM between young donors and older donors may partly explain the different outcomes of allo-HSCT.

Physiochemical properties of rice starch for production of vermicelli with premium quality.

Rice vermicelli is a main food consumed in China and Southeast Asia. Quality of rice vermicelli varies with rice cultivars. Parameters including amylose content, amylopectin distribution, thermal and pasting characteristics, gel texture and starch granules of three rice cultivars "Zhongjiazao 17", "Xiangzaoxian 24" and "Thai Jasmine Rice", were studied for their impacts on vermicelli quality. Results showed significant differences for the measurements of the quality traits and indicated that a favorable quality of vermicelli was not determined by any single factor instead of a combination of multi-parameters. A vermicelli with a favorable quality could be produced from a rice variety with a high apparent amylose content (>25%), a protein content of 11%, an intermediate gelatinization temperature and gel consistency, and a gel hardness (~3 N for a Rapid Viscosity Analyzer pasting) and moderate retrogradation capacity (a setback viscosity of 30-100 RVU).

Characterization and gene cloning of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl3.

The dwarf and narrow-leaf rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant dnl3 was isolated from the Japonica cultivar Zhonghua 11 (wild-type). dnl3 exhibited pleiotropic developmental defects. The narrow-leaf phenotype resulted from a marked reduction in the number of vascular bundles, while the dwarf stature was caused by the formation of foreshortened internodes and a reduced number of parenchyma cells. The suggestion that cell division is impaired in the mutant was consistent with the transcriptional behavior of various genes associated with cell division. The mutant was less responsive to exogenously supplied gibberellic acid than the wild-type, and profiling the transcription of genes involved in gibberellin synthesis and response revealed that a lesion in the mutant affected gibberellin signal transduction. The dnl3 phenotype was inherited as a single-dominant gene, mapping within a 19.1-kb region of chromosome 12, which was found to harbor three open reading frames. Resequencing the open reading frames revealed that the mutant carried an allele at one of the three genes that differed from the wild-type sequence by 2-bp deletions; this gene encoded a cellulose synthase-like D4 (CSLD4) protein. Therefore, OsCSLD4 is a candidate gene for DNL3. DNL3 was expressed in all of the rice organs tested at the heading stage, particularly in the leaves, roots, and culms. These results suggest that DNL3 plays important roles in rice leaf morphogenesis and vegetative development.

Fine mapping and characterization of a novel dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl1 in rice.

Plant height is one of the most important agronomic traits of rice (Oryza sativa). Dwarf mutants are ideal materials for research on the mechanisms of regulation of rice plant height. We examined a new dwarf and narrow-leaf mutant dnl1. Phenotypic analysis showed that the dnl1 mutant has a thinner culm and more tillers, but the number of grains per panicle, the seed setting rate and the grain weight of dnl1 mutant were found to be significantly lower than in the wild-type. Based on scanning electron microscopic observations, the number of cells in the y-axis in internodes was significantly lower than in the wild-type. In phytohormone induction experiments, dnl1 was gibberellic acid-insensitive. The expression of some genes involved in the gibberellins metabolic pathways was affected in the dnl1 mutant, based on the real-time PCR analysis, suggesting that the dnl1 gene likely plays a role in gibberellin metabolic pathways. Genetic analysis showed that the dwarf and narrow leaf phenotype is controlled by a novel single recessive gene, here referred to as the dwarf and narrow leaf 1 (dnl1), which is located within the region between markers Ind12-11 and RM8214 on the short arm of chromosome 12. By means of fine-mapping strategy, the dnl1 gene was localized within an interval of 285.75 kb physical distance. These results will be useful for dnl1 gene cloning and to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of growth and development of rice.

Interaction between CYP 2C19*3 polymorphism and smoking in relation to laryngeal carcinoma in the Chinese Han population.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 metabolizes arachidonic acid to biologically active epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, which strongly promote proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Knowing that smoking is the most important risk factor for laryngeal carcinoma, we examined the relationships between CYP2C19*3 polymorphism, smoking and laryngeal carcinoma in the Chinese Han population. In a Chinese Han case-control study of 300 laryngeal carcinoma patients and 300 healthy controls, we investigated polymorphism in the CYP2C19 gene by PCR-RFLP analysis. The CYP2C19*3 AG + AA genotype was significantly more prevalent in laryngeal carcinoma patients (6.67 vs 2.67%; P = 0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 6.353, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.413-9.144; P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (OR = 2.607, 95%CI = 1.130-6.016; P = 0.025) as independent risk factors for laryngeal carcinoma; there was a significant interaction between CYP2C19*3 and smoking (OR = 17.842, 95%CI = 13.32-31.102; P = 0.009). We conclude that CYP2C19*3 polymorphism is significantly associated with laryngeal carcinoma in the Chinese Han population.

Genetic effect of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene on reproductive traits in Beijing You chickens.

We analyzed the effects of the polymorphisms of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene on egg production in a Beijing You chicken population divergently selected for egg number, egg weight, and BW across 3 generations. The FSHR gene encodes the receptor of follicle-stimulating hormone, which controls follicular development and recruitment in the ovary. Seven SNP of the FSHR gene were investigated in 768 pedigreed hens from the G2 generation. Association analysis revealed that g.-310A > G, g.-181A > T, and g.159C > T were associated with egg number at different weeks of age (P < 0.05) and that g.75470A > G and g.75860G > A were associated with egg weight at first egg (P < 0.05). The favorable allele of g.-181A > T and g.159C > T had increased frequencies not only in the high line but also over the 2 generations (G2 vs. G1) within the high line. To confirm the association study, we tested for FHSR mRNA expression level in the chicken ovaries. The results showed that the homozygous favorable genotypes of g.-181A > T and g.-310A > C increased the FSHR mRNA expression level compared with the other genotypes (P = 0.001 and P = 0.026, respectively). Hence, our findings implied that the SNP g.-181A > T could be a potential genetic marker for egg performance in the Beijing You chicken, but further replications of our study in other chicken populations are needed to verify such effects detected here.

[Spatiotemporal distribution and related factors of congenital syphilis in Guangdong province from 2005 to 2017: a spatial panel data analysis].

Objective: To explore the spatiotemporal distribution and macro-related factors of congenital syphilis in Guangdong province and provide suggestions and recommendations for prevention. Methods: Yearly reported cases of syphilis and some influencing factor data of Guangdong province were collected from 2005 to 2017. The spatiotemporal distribution of congenital syphilis was described. Meanwhile, the spatial panel data model was constructed to analyze the relationship between the incidence rates of congenital syphilis and related factors. Results: From 2005 to 2017, 13 361 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Guangdong province. The number of congenital syphilis cases rose to its highest point during 2005-2011. A slow downward trend followed. The peaks of incidence were observed from August to December. The incidence of the non-Pearl River Delta region has experienced a process of rising first and then decreasing. The spatial panel data model results showed that congenital syphilis had significant positive spatial autocorrelation (P<0.001). The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis in women (ß=0.822,P<0.001), gross domestic product per capita (ß=3.511,P<0.001), net migrate rate (ß=0.215,P=0.047) and maternal system management rate(ß=0.017,P=0.021) were all positively correlated with the incidence rates of congenital syphilis. Registered population density (ß=-1.167,P<0.001) and prenatal examination rate (ß=-0.038,P=0.031) was negatively correlated with congenital syphilis. Conclusions: The incidence of congenital syphilis was spatially aggregated in Guangdong province from 2005 to 2017. The intensity of prevention might be strengthened in cities with developed economies and high net migration rates, which have high risks of congenital syphilis. Controlling the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis in women and increasing the prenatal examination rate for pregnant women appears effective prevention measures of congenital syphilis.

Association of Janus kinase 2 polymorphisms with growth and reproduction traits in chickens.

Growth and reproduction are 2 economically important traits in the poultry industry. Janus kinase 2 (JAK) participates in the JAK2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 growth hormone signaling pathway, which plays important roles in the processes of growth and reproduction. The present study was designed to investigate the association of JAK2 SNP and haplotypes with growth as well as with reproductive traits in chickens. Fourteen JAK2 SNP were identified by pooled DNA sequencing, and 5 of these were genotyped for 768 Beijing You hens by using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry assay. For 5 growth traits, BW at 17 wk of age was significantly associated with JAK2 C28109928T and A28135099G (P < 0.05). The 2 SNP were strongly related to BW at first egg, egg weight at first egg, and egg weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05). The SNP JAK2 C28122751T was found to be associated with BW at first egg and egg weight at 36 wk of age (P = 0.041 and P = 0.046, respectively), whereas JAK2 G28132240C was related to egg number at 40 wk of age (P < 0.01). Further haplotype analyses showed that 4 haplotypes checked in the population had no distinct influence on growth traits but were associated with 7 reproductive traits, namely, age at first egg; BW at first egg; egg weight at first egg; egg weight at 36 wk of age; and egg numbers at 32, 36, and 40 wk of age (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the JAK2 polymorphisms could be potential molecular markers to improve laying performance and growth traits in chickens.

Polymorphisms of three neuroendocrine-correlated genes associated with growth and reproductive traits in the chicken.

The identification and utilization of potential candidate genes for QTL with significant effects on economically important traits are becoming increasingly important in poultry breeding programs. Chicken insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 and 3 and signal transducers and activators of transcription 5B (STAT5B) genes are 3 essential nodes for signaling pathways and gene networks of growth and reproduction. The pooled DNA sequencing approach was used for identification of 9 SNP of the 5' upstream region of the 3 genes. A total of 826 individuals from Beijing You chicken were genotyped for 5 SNP using a modified PCR-RFLP method and the association with chicken growth and reproductive traits was studied using the GLM procedure. The T56039403C (T-808C) SNP of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 gene was associated with BW at 10 wk of age (P = 0.0061), and the C56072547T (C-968T) SNP of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 gene was associated with BW at 8 and 10 wk of age (P = 0.0056 and P = 0.0016, respectively). The C4535156T (C-1591T), G4533815A (G-250A), and G4533675C (G-110C) SNP of the STAT5B gene were associated with age at first egg (P = 0.0143, P = 0.0088, and P = 0.0114, respectively). Moreover, Lewontin's D' (|D'|) and r(2) of C4535156T and G4533815A SNP, C4535156T and G4533675C SNP, and G4533815A and G4533675C SNP of the STAT5B gene were 0.939 and 0.852, 0.967 and 0.858, and 0.971 and 0.896, respectively. The 3 SNP were strong-linked with each other and lay within a haplotype block. Our results suggest that these SNP were significantly associated with early growth or with sexual maturation in chickens, or both, and may be potential molecular markers for MAS.

Robust generation of entangled state via ground-state antiblockade of Rydberg atoms.

We propose a mechanism of ground-state antiblockade of Rydberg atoms, which is then exploited to prepare two-atom entangled state via three different kinds of pulses. First we use the pulses in the form of sin2 and cos2 functions and obtain a maximally entangled state at an accurate interaction time. Then the method of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) is adopted for the entanglement generation, which is immune to the fluctuations of revelent parameters but requires a long time. Finally we capitalize the advantages of the former two methods and employ shortcuts to adiabatic passage (STAP) to generate the maximal entanglement. The strictly numerical simulation reveals that the current scheme is robust against spontaneous emission of atoms due to the virtual excitation of Rydberg states, and all of the above methods favor a high fidelity with the present experimental technology.

Core-multishell globular oxidation in a new TiAlNbCr alloy at high temperatures.

Oxidation resistance is one of key properties of titanium aluminide (TiAl) based alloys for high-temperature applications such as in advanced aero-engines and gas turbines. A new TiAlNbCr alloy with micro-addition of yttrium has been developed, but its oxidation behavior is unknown. To provide some fundamental insights, high-temperature oxidation characteristics of this alloy are examined via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction. We show that distinctive core-multishell globular oxidation and "daisy" flower-like oxidation occur exclusively around Y2O3 particles. Globular oxides exhibit multi-layered Y2O3/TiO2/Al2O3-rich/TiO2-rich shell structures from the inside to outside. Flower-like inner oxides consist of core Y2O3 particles surrounded by divergent Al2O3 and oxygen-rich α2-Ti3Al in the near-scale substrate. As the scale-substrate interface moves inward, the inner oxide structures suffer deeper oxidation and transform into the globular oxide structures. Our results demonstrate that the unique oxidation characteristics and the understanding of formation mechanisms pave the way for the exploration and development of advanced oxidation-resistant TiAl-based materials.

Identification and molecular mapping of indica high-tillering dwarf mutant htd4, a mild phenotype allelic mutant of D14 in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Metabolism of strigolactones (SLs) can improve the efficiency of nutrient use by regulating the development of roots and shoots in crops, making them an important research focus for molecular breeding. However, as a very important plant hormone, the molecular mechanism of SL signal transduction still remains largely unknown. In this study, we isolated an indica high-tillering dwarf mutant 4 (htd4), a spontaneous mutant of rice, from the restorer line Gui99. Mapping and sequencing analysis showed that htd4 was a novel allelic mutant of D14, in which a single base substitution forms a premature termination codon. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that expression levels of the genes D10, D17, D27, D3 and D14 increased significantly, while expression of D53 decreased in htd4, compared with the wild type. A subcellular localisation assay showed that the mutant of D14 in htd4 did not disturb the normal localisation of D14 proteins. However, a BiFC assay suggested that the mutant-type D14 could not interact with D3. Additionally, compared with other D14 allelic mutants, htd4 was the first mutant of D14 discovered in indica, and the differences in many yield traits such as plant height, seed-setting rate and grain sizes between htd4 and the wild type were less than those between other D14 allelic mutants and the wild type. Therefore, htd4 is considered a mild phenotype allelic mutant of D14. We conclude that the absence of functional D14 caused the high-tillering dwarf phenotype of htd4. Our results may provide vital information for research on D14 function and the application of htd4 in molecular breeding.

The cadmium and lead content of the grain produced by leading Chinese rice cultivars.

The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content in both white and wholemeal flour milled from 110 leading rice cultivars was assessed. The white flour Cd content ranged from <0.0025 to 0.2530mg/kg (geometric mean (GM)=0.0150mg/kg), while its Pb content ranged from <0.0250 to 0.3830mg/kg (GM=0.0210mg/kg). The indica types took up higher amounts of Cd and Pb than did the japonica types. Although the heavy metal content of wholemeal flour tended to higher than that of white flour, nevertheless 84.5% (Cd) and 95.4% (Pb) of the entries were compliant with the national maximum allowable concentration of 0.2000mg/kg of each contaminant. An analysis of the Cd content in the white flour of three indica type cultivars grown in two consecutive years at two locations indicated that Cd content may be significantly affected by the conditions prevailing in the growing season.

Optimisation of near-infrared reflectance model in measuring protein and amylose content of rice flour.

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to predict the cooking quality parameters of rice, such as the protein (PC) and amylose content (AC). Using brown and milled flours from 519 rice samples representing a wide range of grain qualities, this study was to compare the calibration models generated by different mathematical, preprocessing treatments, and combinations of different regression algorithm. A modified partial least squares model (MPLS) with the mathematic treatment "2, 8, 8, 2" (2nd order derivative computed based on 8 data points, and 8 and 2 data points in the 1st and 2nd smoothing, respectively) and inverse multiplicative scattering correction preprocessing treatment was identified as the best model for simultaneously measurement of PC and AC in brown flours. MPLS/"2, 8, 8, 2"/detrend preprocessing was identified as the best model for milled flours. The results indicated that NIRS could be useful in estimation of PC and AC of breeding lines in early generations of the breeding programs, and for the purposes of quality control in the food industry.

Study on hydroxyapatite-coated titanium implants used as orthodontic anchorage--an experimental investigation of implant stability and peri-implant neck tissue in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Hydroxyapatite-coated titanium endosseous implants as orthodontic anchorage were studied. METHODS: These implants, installed in the mandibles of two dogs, were loaded with the orthodontic force of 150 g for 3 months. The stability of the implant and peri-implant neck tissue were investigated with radiograph and index evaluation. RESULTS: No implants were mobile, loosened or dislocated at the 3-month follow-up. The soft tissue around the cervical part of the implants had slight inflammation because of poor oral hygiene and stimulation of residual foods attached to the stainless steel spring. However, no resorption of marginal alveolar bone was found under sustained orthodontic force. CONCLUSIONS: The HA-coated titanium implant can be used as anchorage for short-term orthodontic treatment.