Field-based tree mortality constraint reduces estimates of model-projected forest carbon sinks.

Considerable uncertainty and debate exist in projecting the future capacity of forests to sequester atmospheric CO2. Here we estimate spatially explicit patterns of biomass loss by tree mortality (LOSS) from largely unmanaged forest plots to constrain projected (2015-2099) net primary productivity (NPP), heterotrophic respiration (HR) and net carbon sink in six dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) across continents. This approach relies on a strong relationship among LOSS, NPP, and HR at continental or biome scales. The DGVMs overestimated historical LOSS, particularly in tropical regions and eastern North America by as much as 5 Mg ha-1 y-1. The modeled spread of DGVM-projected NPP and HR uncertainties was substantially reduced in tropical regions after incorporating the field-based mortality constraint. The observation-constrained models show a decrease in the tropical forest carbon sink by the end of the century, particularly across South America (from 2 to 1.4 PgC y-1), and an increase in the sink in North America (from 0.8 to 1.1 PgC y-1). These results highlight the feasibility of using forest demographic data to empirically constrain forest carbon sink projections and the potential overestimation of projected tropical forest carbon sinks.

MARCH1 silencing suppresses growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma through regulation of PHLPP2.

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent type of oral cancer and is associated with high mortality. Membrane-associated ring-CH type finger 1 (MARCH1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase with roles in immune regulation and cancer development. Whether MARCH1 has a specific role in OSCC, and if so through what mechanism, has not been explored. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine MARCH1 expression in OSCC clinical samples and adjacent paracancerous tissues. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were conducted to determine mRNA expression and protein levels, respectively. Knockdown and overexpression experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of MARCH1 on proliferation and apoptosis. To test protein-protein interaction, co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed. Finally, tumor cell grafting was utilized to test the function of MARCH in vivo. RESULTS: High MARCH1 expression in OSCC clinical samples correlated with poor patient prognosis. Functionally, MARCH1 knockdown in OSCC cells suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while MARCH1 overexpression displayed the opposite effects. We identified PH Domain And Leucine Rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase (PHLPP) 2 as an important target of MARCH1. Mechanistically, MARCH1 interacted with PHLPP2 and promoted PHLPP2 ubiquitination. Lastly, MARCH1 knockdown suppressed OSCC tumorigenicity in vivo and increased PHLPP2 protein level. CONCLUSION: Our study uncovered a function of MARCH1 in OSCC and identified PHLPP2 as an important target of MARCH1 to modulate OSCC cell proliferation and apoptosis.

High levels of copper and zinc supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, carcase traits and apparent ileal mineral absorption.

1. This study investigated the effects of hydroxy trace minerals (HTM) compared to sulphate trace minerals (STM) supplementation on growth performance, carcase parameters and mineral retention in broilers.2. A total of 1792 male Cobb 500 d-old were allocated in a completely randomised trial design to one of eight dietary treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The HTM sources used were two levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CHC) (low and high), combined with three levels of Zn hydroxychloride (ZHC) (low, med and high) and two additional treatments STM; Cu sulphate monohydrate (CSM) (low and high) combined with high Zn sulphate monohydrate (ZSM). At 21 and 42 d-old growth performance was evaluated. Additionally, at 42 d-old the carcase traits, meat quality, apparent ileal absorption and activity of antioxidant enzymes were accessed.3. A data showed that broilers receiving high-CHC had higher body weight, weight gain and better feed conversion ratio as compared to low-CHC at 21 d-old. On day 42, the feed conversion ratio was improved for birds supplemented with high-CHC in diets containing med-ZHC, as compared to low-CHC.4. Dietary Cu increased the redness of breast colour at the level of high-CHC compared to low-CHC. Greater results were observed on carcase traits for the med-ZHC group as compared to low- or high-ZHC. The ceruloplasmin activity in serum increased in the high-CSM diets containing high-ZSM as compared to low-CSM. The AIA of Cu was higher in broilers supplemented with high-CHC containing med-ZHC as compared to low-CHC. Otherwise, the AIA of Zn increased in broilers fed low-CHC containing low- or med-ZHC as compared to high-CHC.5. The trial showed that mineral trace supplementation of broilers diets with high-CHC (150 mg/kg) and low-ZHC (80 mg/kg) was a good alternative to replace sulphate mineral sources in diets.

Role of tumour location and surgical extent on prognosis in T2 gallbladder cancer: an international multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: In gallbladder cancer, stage T2 is subdivided by tumour location into lesions on the peritoneal side (T2a) or hepatic side (T2b). For tumours on the peritoneal side (T2a), it has been suggested that liver resection may be omitted without compromising the prognosis. However, data to validate this argument are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of tumour location in T2 gallbladder cancer, and to clarify the adequate extent of surgical resection. METHODS: Clinical data from patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer were collected from 14 hospitals in Korea, Japan, Chile and the USA. Survival and risk factor analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Data from 937 patients were available for evaluation. The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate was 70·6 per cent, 74·5 per cent for those with T2a and 65·5 per cent among those with T2b tumours (P = 0·028). Regarding liver resection, extended cholecystectomy was associated with a better 5-year disease-free survival rate than simple cholecystectomy (73·0 versus 61·5 per cent; P = 0·012). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was marginally better for extended than simple cholecystectomy in both T2a (76·5 versus 66·1 per cent; P = 0·094) and T2b (68·2 versus 56·2 per cent; P = 0·084) disease. Five-year disease-free survival rates were similar for extended cholecystectomies including liver wedge resection versus segment IVb/V segmentectomy (74·1 versus 71·5 per cent; P = 0·720). In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for recurrence were presence of symptoms (hazard ratio (HR) 1·52; P = 0·002), R1 resection (HR 1·96; P = 0·004) and N1/N2 status (N1: HR 3·40, P < 0·001; N2: HR 9·56, P < 0·001). Among recurrences, 70·8 per cent were metastatic. CONCLUSION: Tumour location was not an independent prognostic factor in T2 gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy was marginally superior to simple cholecystectomy. A radical operation should include liver resection and adequate node dissection.

ANTECEDENTES: En el cáncer de vesícula biliar, la ubicación del tumor subdivide el estadio T2 en tumores con invasión del lado peritoneal y del lado del hígado (T2a y T2b). Para los tumores que invaden el lado peritoneal (T2a) se sugiere que se puede obviar la resección hepática sin que ello comprometa el pronóstico. Sin embargo, este argumento no ha sido validado. El estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el valor pronóstico de la localización del tumor en el cáncer de vesícula biliar T2 y establecer la extensión adecuada de la resección quirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron los datos clínicos de pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía por cáncer de vesícula biliar en 14 hospitales de Corea, Japón, Chile y Estados Unidos. Se realizaron análisis de la supervivencia y de los factores de riesgo. RESULTADOS: Se dispuso de datos de 937 pacientes para ser evaluados. La tasa de supervivencia global libre de enfermedad a los 5 años fue del 70,6%, y las de T2a y T2b del 74,5% y 65,5% (P = 0,028). Con respecto a la resección hepática, la colecistectomía extendida presentó una tasa mejor de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años que la colecistectomía simple (73,0% versus 61,5%, P = 0,012). La tasa de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años fue marginalmente mejor para la colecistectomía extendida que para la colecistectomía simple tanto en T2a (76,5% versus 66,1%, P = 0,094) como en T2b (68,2% versus 56,2%, P = 0,084). Las tasas de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años no fueron diferentes entre la resección hepática en cuña y la segmentectomía S4b+S5 (74,1% versus 71,5%, P = 0,720). En el análisis multivariable, los factores de riesgo independientes para la recidiva fueron la presencia de síntomas (cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR 1,52, P = 0,002), la resección R1 (HR 1,96, P = 0,004) y el estadio N1/N2 (N1 HR 3,40, P < 0,001; N2 HR 9,56, P < 0,001). El 70,8% de las recidivas eran metastásicas. CONCLUSIÓN: La localización del tumor no fue un factor pronóstico independiente en el cáncer de vesícula biliar T2. La colecistectomía extendida fue marginalmente superior que la colecistectomía simple. La cirugía radical debe incluir una resección hepática y una linfadenectomía adecuada.

Variation in training requirements within general surgery: comparison of 23 countries.

Background: Many differences exist in postgraduate surgical training programmes worldwide. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the training requirements in general surgery across 23 different countries. Methods: A collaborator affiliated with each country collected data from the country's official training body website, where possible. The information collected included: management, teaching, academic and operative competencies, mandatory courses, years of postgraduate training (inclusive of intern years), working-hours regulations, selection process into training and formal examination. Results: Countries included were Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Zambia. Frameworks for defining the outcomes of surgical training have been defined nationally in some countries, with some similarities to those in the UK and Ireland. However, some training programmes remain heterogeneous with regional variation, including those in many European countries. Some countries outline minimum operative case requirement (range 60-1600), mandatory courses, or operative, academic or management competencies. The length of postgraduate training ranges from 4 to 10 years. The maximum hours worked per week ranges from 38 to 88 h, but with no limit in some countries. Conclusion: Countries have specific and often differing requirements of their medical profession. Equivalence in training is granted on political agreements, not healthcare need or competencies acquired during training.

Antecedentes: Existen muchas diferencias entre los programas de formación quirúrgica de posgrado del mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar una visión general de los requisitos formativos en cirugía general en 23 países diferentes. Métodos: En cada uno de los países participantes, un colaborador recopiló datos de la página web del organismo oficial encargado de la formación, si era posible. La información incluyó: gestión, formación, competencias académicas y operatorias, cursos obligatorios, años de formación de postgrado (que incluía el período de internado), regulaciones sobre las horas de trabajo, proceso de selección para la formación y existencia de un examen final. Resultados: Se incluyeron los datos de Australia, Bélgica, Canadá, Colombia, Dinamarca, Alemania, Grecia, Guatemala, India, Irlanda, Italia, Kuwait, Países Bajos, Nueva Zelanda, Rusia, Arabia Saudita, Sudáfrica, Corea del Sur, Suecia, Suiza, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos de América y Zambia. En algunos países existen los marcos normativos para definir los resultados del programa de formación, con ciertas semejanzas a los del Reino Unido e Irlanda. Sin embargo, algunos programas de formación, incluso en muchos países europeos, son muy heterogéneos con variaciones regionales. Pocos países describen el número mínimo de procedimientos quirúrgicos (rango 60 a 1.600), los cursos obligatorios o competencias quirúrgicas, académicos o de gestión exigidos. La duración de la formación postgraduada osciló de los 4 a los 10 años. El número de horas trabajadas máximas por semana oscilaron entre 38 y 88, sin límite en algunos países. Conclusión: Cada país tiene unos requisitos específicos, a menudo diferentes, para la formación de sus médicos. La convalidación se otorga por acuerdos políticos, más que por las necesidades médicas o por las competencias adquiridas durante la formación.

Association between polymorphisms in the APOB gene and hyperlipidemia in the Chinese Yugur population.

We investigated the influence of apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) variants on the risk of hyperlipidemia (HL) in 631 middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population (HL, n=336; normolipidemia, n=295). APOB polymorphisms were identified using mass spectrometry, and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1042034, rs2163204, rs512535, rs676210, and rs679899) and serum lipids were further analyzed. rs1042034 and rs676210 were significantly associated with HL (P<0.05). Compared with the GG or AA genotype, individuals with AG and AG+AA in rs1042034 and with AG and AG+GG in rs676210 had a 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.20-2.33),1.63-fold (95%CI=1.19-2.24), 1.72-fold (95%CI=1.24-2.40), and 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.21-2.291) increased risk of high HL, respectively. rs2163204 was in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs1042034, rs676210, and rs679899, and strong disequilibrium was observed between rs1042034 and rs676210 (D'>0.9). Compared with the GTGAA haplotype, haplotypes ATGGA and ATAGG were more strongly associated with HL [odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95%CI=0.02-2.11; OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.03-2.60, respectively]. The risk factors age (P=0.008), body mass index (P<0.0001), GA+GG genotype in rs676210 (P=0.009), and alcohol consumption (P=0.056) contributed strongly to HL development. The A allele of rs1042034 and the G allele of rs676210 may thus predispose middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population to HL in combination with other genetic or nutritional factors, and could be used as new genetic markers for HL screening.

Association between polymorphisms in the APOB gene and hyperlipidemia in the Chinese Yugur population

We investigated the influence of apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) variants on the risk of hyperlipidemia (HL) in 631 middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population (HL, n=336; normolipidemia, n=295). APOB polymorphisms were identified using mass spectrometry, and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1042034, rs2163204, rs512535, rs676210, and rs679899) and serum lipids were further analyzed. rs1042034 and rs676210 were significantly associated with HL (P<0.05). Compared with the GG or AA genotype, individuals with AG and AG+AA in rs1042034 and with AG and AG+GG in rs676210 had a 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.20-2.33),1.63-fold (95%CI=1.19-2.24), 1.72-fold (95%CI=1.24-2.40), and 1.67-fold (95%CI=1.21-2.291) increased risk of high HL, respectively. rs2163204 was in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs1042034, rs676210, and rs679899, and strong disequilibrium was observed between rs1042034 and rs676210 (D′>0.9). Compared with the GTGAA haplotype, haplotypes ATGGA and ATAGG were more strongly associated with HL [odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95%CI=0.02-2.11; OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.03-2.60, respectively]. The risk factors age (P=0.008), body mass index (P<0.0001), GA+GG genotype in rs676210 (P=0.009), and alcohol consumption (P=0.056) contributed strongly to HL development. The A allele of rs1042034 and the G allele of rs676210 may thus predispose middle-aged and elderly members of the Chinese Yugur population to HL in combination with other genetic or nutritional factors, and could be used as new genetic markers for HL screening.

Differential expression of Toll-like receptors in goat dominant and nondominant follicles.

The mechanism of dominant follicle selection is unclear because of its physiological complexity. However, some studies have reported that the immune system plays an important role in reproductive physiology. The objective of the current study was to investigate the differential expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the dominant (DFs) and nondominant follicles (NFs), and to determine the correlation between the expression of TLRs and the related genes, such as WNT4 and FOXL2. In this comparative study, the expression levels of TLRs, WNT4, and FOXL2 genes of DFs and NFs were obtained from three Dazu black goats were estimated using the real-time PCR. Our results showed no significant difference in the expression of seven TLRs (excluding TLR2, TLR5, and TLR8), WNT4, and FOXL2 between the DFs and NFs. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of WNT4 significantly correlated with the relative expression of TLR6 (r = 0.949739, P < 0.01); however, no significant expression of the TLR genes was found to be associated with FOXL2 mRNA expression. Our results support the fact that TLRs are not involved in the process of dominant follicle selection; however, TLR6 might play a role in the development of follicles by interacting with WNT4.

Effects of sodium lactate Ringer's injection on transfection of human protein kinase C-α antisense oligonucleotide in A549 lung cancer cells.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of four solutions [Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), sodium lactate Ringer's injection (SLRI), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and NaCl] on the transfection of the human protein kinase C-a antisense oligonucleotide (PKC-a ASO) aprinocarsen in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Specifically, SLRI, DMEM, PBS, or NaCl were used as the growth solutions for A549 cells, and OPTI-MEM was used as the PKC-a ASO diluent for transfection. Additionally, SLRI, DMEM, PBS, or NaCl were used as both the growth solutions and diluents for transfection. The cell viability and transfection efficiency were determined. The results demonstrated that when SLRI was used as either the growth solution or both the growth solution and diluent for aprinocarsen transfection in A549 cells, the effects were close to the best effects observed with DMEM as the growth solution and OPTI-MEM as the diluent, which supported the transfection of aprinocarsen into the cells. Moreover, SLRI resulted in higher transfection efficiency than those of PBS and NaCl. In in vitro experiments, aprinocarsen effectively induced apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, SLRI may replace PBS or NaCl in clinical trials as a transfection solution readily accepted by the human body. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the use of SLRI as a transfection solution in lung-cancer cell lines.

Growth hormone polymorphisms and growth traits in Chinese Tibetan sheep Ovis aries.

Growth hormone (GH) plays an important role in promoting growth, protein and muscle accretion, and fat catabolism, suggesting that GH is a potential candidate gene affecting growth traits in vertebrates. In this paper, polymorphisms in GH were investigated in 632 Chinese Tibetan sheep, by using DNA sequencing. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, including two mutations (g.616G>A and g.624G>A) in intron 2 and one synonymous mutation (g.498G>C) in exon 2. Association analyses showed that both g.498G>C and g.616G>A were significantly associated with several growth traits (at P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in three investigated breeds. Our results demonstrate that GH variation may be used as a molecular marker for growth traits in Chinese Tibetan sheep.

Enhancement of dendritic cells with melanoma-associated antigen 3 for inducing cytotoxicity by cytotoxic T lymphocytes on bladder cancer BIU-87 cells.

To determine the cytotoxic effect of lymphocytes activated by melanoma-associated antigen 3 (MAGE-3)-sensitized dendritic cells (DCs) on BIU-87 tumor cells, and to evaluate the possibility of MAGE-3-peptide-pulsed DCs as a vaccine in bladder cancer immunotherapy, the proliferation of T cells and the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were examined by the MTT method. CTLs were induced by MAGE-3-sensitized DCs, or by ovalbumin (OVA) peptide and non-sensitized DCs as controls, respectively. The results indicated that MAGE-3-sensitized DCs have the ability to promote the proliferation of T cells as well as the cytotoxic activity of CTLs on bladder cancer cells in comparison with OVA peptide and non-sensitized DCs. In other words, DCs sensitized by the MAGE-3 antigen peptide could obviously upregulate the proliferation of T cells, which resulted in the growth inhibition of bladder cancer BIU-87 cells. In addition, MAGE-3-sensitized DCs played an important role in inhibiting the growth of human BIU-87 tumor xenografts in nude mice.

Association between miR-137 polymorphism and risk of schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.

miR-137, a brain-enriched microRNA, is involved in the control of neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and dendritic arborization, all of which are important for proper neurogenesis and relevant to schizophrenia. miR-137 is also known to regulate many genes implicated in schizophrenia risk. Although reports have associated the miR-137 polymorphism rs1625579 with this disease, their results have been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between rs1625579 and schizophrenia. Data were obtained from an electronic database, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to test the association using the RevMan 5.3 software. Twelve case-control studies comprising 11,583 cases and 14,315 controls were included. An estimated lambda value of 0.46 was recorded, suggesting that a codominant model of inheritance was most likely. A statistically significant association was established under allelic (T vs G: OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.10-1.21, P < 0.001) and homogeneous codominant models (TT vs GG: OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.13-1.54, P < 0.001), but no such relationship was detected using the heterogeneous codominant model (GT vs GG: OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.97-1.34, P = 0.11). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the rs1625579 miR-137 genetic variant significantly increases schizophrenia risk.

Changes in growth factor levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of autism patients after transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of growth factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with autism, after transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). Twenty patients received two CBMNC intravenous and intrathecal infusions, each followed by two UCMSC intrathecal injections. A 2-mL sample of CSF was taken before each intrathecal injection. CSF levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All data are reported as means ± SD and were analyzed using the SPSS 10.0 software. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc F- and Q-tests was performed for comparison. HGF, BDNF and NGF levels in the CSF were significantly increased after transplantation (P < 0.05), while bFGF levels did not change significantly. Therefore, transplantation of CBMNCs and UCMSCs could increase HGF, BDNF and NGF levels in the CSF of patients with autism.

Colored Sticky Traps to Selectively Survey Thrips in Cowpea Ecosystem.

The bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagrall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important pest of legume crops in South China. Yellow, blue, or white sticky traps are currently recommended for monitoring and controlling thrips, but it is not known whether one is more efficient than the other or if selectivity could be optimized by trap color. We investigated the response of thrips and beneficial insects to different-colored sticky traps on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata. More thrips were caught on blue, light blue, white, and purple traps than on yellow, green, pink, gray, red, or black traps. There was a weak correlation on the number of thrips caught on yellow traps and survey from flowers (r = 0.139), whereas a strong correlation was found for blue traps and thrips' survey on flowers (r = 0.929). On commercially available sticky traps (Jiaduo®), two and five times more thrips were caught on blue traps than on white and yellow traps, respectively. Otherwise, capture of beneficial insects was 1.7 times higher on yellow than on blue traps. The major natural enemies were the predatory ladybird beetles (63%) and pirate bugs Orius spp. (29%), followed by a number of less representative predators and parasitoids (8%). We conclude the blue sticky trap was the best to monitor thrips on cowpea in South China.

Association between IL6 polymorphism and risk of cerebral infarction.

We conducted a case-control study to investigate the influence of IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) and -572C/G (rs1800796) genetic variants on the development of cerebral thrombosis in a Chinese population. This study included 305 cerebral infarction patients and 326 control subjects enrolled between May 2012 and May 2014. The genotyping of IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) and -572C/G (rs1800796) polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. By using logistic regression, we found that when compared with the wild-type genotype, CC and GC+CC IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) genotypes were associated with an increased risk of cerebral infarction. Odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals) were calculated to be 3.10 (1.57-6.41) and 1.63 (1.14-2.33) for the CC and GC+CC genotypes, respectively. In conclusion, our study suggests that the CC genotype and C allele of the IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) polymorphism are associated with an increased risk of cerebral infarction.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Osmanthus fragrans (Oleaceae) using 454 sequencing technology.

Osmanthus fragrans (Oleaceae) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows in south China. In this study, Roche 454 FLX+ sequencing combined with the magnetic bead enrichment method was used to isolate microsatellite markers from the genome of O. fragrans. A total of 1471 microsatellites that contained enough flanking sequences for primer pair design were identified from 89,633 raw sequencing reads. One hundred primer pairs were randomly chosen to test primer amplification efficiency. Among these tested primer pairs, 20 yielded polymorphic amplification products across 16 individuals from the Albus, Luteus, and Aurantiacus groups. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 6, with an average of 3.7. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.813, with an average of 0.460. Shannon's information index ranged from 0.463 to 1.707, with an average of 0.975. Six loci (Of 05, Of 06, Of 08, Of 12, Of 15, and Of 19) deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05), which was due to an excess of homozygotes or heterozygotes. Nine pairs of loci (Of 01 and Of 05; Of 04 and Of 05; Of 01 and Of 06; Of 04 and Of 12; Of 02 and Of 13; Of 04 and Of 13; Of 12 and Of 13; Of 04 and Of 19; Of 05 and Of 19) showed significant linkage disequilibrium, which indicated significant allelic association between the loci. This set of microsatellite markers will be valuable for molecular marker-assisted breeding in O. fragrans.

Diagnostic values of microRNA-31 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis in Chinese patients.

We investigated the diagnostic values of microRNA-31 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis in Chinese patients. Sixty-five children with TB were selected for this study, which was conducted at the Department of Infectious Diseases People's Hospital of Laiwu City between December 2013 and December 2014. Sixty healthy children, selected in parallel, served as the control group. Real-time PCR was used to detect miR-31 expression in PBMCs. Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, and IFN-γ was detected by ELISA. ROC curve was employed to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-31 in pediatric TB. Results show that expression of miRNA-31 in pediatric TB patients was significantly lower than that in normal children (0.48 ± 0.15 vs 1.23 ± 0.36, P < 0.05). By contrast, serum levels of the innate immune response cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, and IFN-γ, were significantly higher in pediatric TB patients compared with normal children (P < 0.05). Furthermore, miRNA-31 expression was negatively correlated with serum levels of IL-6 (t = 69.91, P < 0.001), TNF-α (t = 10.96, P < 0.001), NF-κB (t = 39.94, P < 0.001), and IFN -γ (t = 37.94, P < 0.001). The cut-off threshold of miR-31 for pediatric TB diagnosis is 0.835 with a sensitivity of 98.5% and a specificity of 86.7%. Therefore, miR-31 has the potential to be a diagnostic marker in pediatric TB patients.

Adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival of patients with luminal A breast cancer and positive lymph nodes.

The study examined the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment options in patients with luminal A breast cancer. This retrospective cohort included 1580 patients with luminal A breast cancer treated between January 2005 and June 2007. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to lymph node status. Prognostic factors and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients were analyzed. The median duration of follow-up was 67 months. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed that patients in the LN2 and LN3 subgroups had a higher risk of recurrence and death than patients in the LN0 subgroup (LN2: HR = 2.2 for DFS and HR = 2.1 for OS; LN3: HR = 4.7 for DFS and HR = 4.7 for OS). In the LN2 subgroup, there was a trend towards reduced risk of recurrence and death for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. In the LN0 and LN1 subgroups, there was a trend towards an increased risk of death in patients receiving chemotherapy. Although lymph node status remains one of the most important independent prognostic predictors for luminal A breast cancer, in patients with 0-3 positive lymph nodes endocrine therapy can be considered sufficient. However, patients with ≥4 positive lymph nodes, and especially in those with ≥ 10, should receive chemotherapy.

Telomere-associated factor expression in replicative senescence of human embryonic lung fibroblasts.

The objective of this study was to find the key regulatory molecules in the cell senescence process through observing the expression of telomere-associated factor during the normal cell replicative senescence process. Based on the established cell replicative senescence model, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to detect telomere-associated factor expression at the mRNA and protein levels, including that of human telomere binding protein 1, tankyrase 1, telomerase RNA, telomere protection protein 1 (POT1), and p53 during the process of human embryonic lung fibroblast replicative senescence. The results showed that transcription of human telomere binding protein 1 did not change with cell senescence, whereas the protein expression of human telomere binding protein 1 increased gradually and then decreased rapidly; there was no change in the mRNA and protein expression of POT1; with the replicative senescence of human embryonic lung fibroblasts, expression of POT1 decreased gradually; TRF1 showed an increasing trend with cell senescence; and p53 protein expression did not change. Together, the results from this study suggest that human telomere binding protein 1, POT1, and TRF1 played important roles in cell senescence.

In silico identification and analysis of phytoene synthase genes in plants.

In this study, we examined phytoene synthetase (PSY), the first key limiting enzyme in the synthesis of carotenoids and catalyzing the formation of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate in terpenoid biosynthesis. We used known amino acid sequences of the PSY gene in tomato plants to conduct a genome-wide search and identify putative candidates in 34 sequenced plants. A total of 101 homologous genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PSY evolved independently in algae as well as monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Our results showed that the amino acid structures exhibited 5 motifs (motifs 1 to 5) in algae and those in higher plants were highly conserved. The PSY gene structures showed that the number of intron in algae varied widely, while the number of introns in higher plants was 4 to 5. Identification of PSY genes in plants and the analysis of the gene structure may provide a theoretical basis for studying evolutionary relationships in future analyses.