First Report of Fruit Rot Disease on melon (Cucumis melo L.) Caused by Fusarium ipomoeae in China.

Fusarium rot on melon fruit has become an important postharvest disease for producers worldwide, typically involving multiple Fusarium pathogens (Khuna et al. 2022; Medeiros Araújo et al. 2021). In 2022, Fusarium fruit rot of muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. conomon) occurred sporadically in a field at Huainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (32.658193º N, 117.064922º E) with an incidence of about 10%. Among these diseased muskmelons, a fruit exhibiting a white to yellowish colony athe intersection of the diseased and healthy tissues was collected and labeled TGGF22-17. The streak plate method was employed to isolate fungal spores on Bengal Red PDA (potato dextrose agar), which were then incubated at 25℃ in darkness. Following isolation and purification, a single-spore strain, TGGF22-17, was obtained and analyzed using morphological characters on PDA, synthetic nutrient agar (SNA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA) (Leslie and Summerell 2006), along with molecular identification. Colours were rated according to the color charts of Kornerup and Wanscher (1978). Based on the colony morphology on PDA, the isolate displayed a rosy buff or buff color with a white to buff margin. The colony margin was undulate, with the reverse transitioning from amber-yellow to honey-yellow. Aerial macroconidia on SNA were thin-walled, hyaline, mostly 3-5 septate, falcate, and measured 18.5-46.4 (x̄=34.2) × 2.9-4.8 (x̄ =3.9) µm in size (n =50). Sporodochial macroconidia on CLA were mostly five-septate with long apical and basal cells, exhibiting dorsiventral curvature. They were hyaline, with the apical cell hooked to tapering and the basal cell foot-shaped, measuring 46.5-89.6 (x̄ =72.3) × 3.5-5.0 (x̄ =4.3) µm in size (n = 100). Portions of three loci (TEF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2) were amplified and sequenced as described by Wang et al. (2019). Sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession number PP196583 to PP196585. The three gene sequences (TEF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2) of strain TGGF2022-17 shared 99.5% (629/632bp), 97.9% (1508/1540 bp) and 99.9% (1608/1609 bp) identity to the ex-type strain F. ipomoeae LC12165 respectively by pairwise DNA alignments on the FUSARIOID-ID database (https://www.fusarium.org). Phylogenetic analysis of the partial TEF-1α and RPB2 sequences with PhyloSuite (Zhang et al. 2020) showed the isolated fungus clustered with F. ipomoeae. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic analyses, TGGF22-17 was identified as F. ipomoeae. Pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy melons, which were surface-sterilized with 75% alcohol and wounded using a sterilized inoculation needle. A 4-mm diameter plug from a 7-day-old SNA culture of TGGF22-17 was aseptically inserted in the middle of the wound, sealed with plastic bag after absorbent cotton was included to maintain moisture. Five melons were each inoculated at three points. Noncolonized PDA agar plugs served as the negative control. The inoculated and uninoculated plugs were removed approximately 48 hours after inoculation. The melon inoculated with TGGF22-17 exhibited water-soaked black lesions 48h post-inoculation, resulting in a 100% infection rate (15/15). After 7 days, mycelium was obseved on the inoculated melons. No disease symptoms were observed on the uninoculated melons. To fulfill Koch's postulates, fungi were isolated from the inoculated fruit and confirmed as F. ipomoeae by morphological observation. Fusarium ipomoeae has been reported to cause fruit rot on winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) in Japan (Kitabayashi et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit rot on muskmelon caused by F. ipomoeae in China and this report will be valuable for monitoring and management of fruit rot disease on muskmelons.

2D Zn-Porphyrin-Based Co(II)-MOF with 2-Methylimidazole Sitting Axially on the Paddle-Wheel Units: An Efficient Electrochemiluminescence Bioassay for SARS-CoV-2.

High electrocatalytic activity with tunable luminescence is crucial for the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores. In this study, a porphyrin-based heterobimetallic 2D metal organic framework (MOF), [(ZnTCPP)Co2(MeIm)] (1), is successfully self-assembled from the zinc(II) tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (ZnTCPP) linker and cobalt(II) ions in the presence of 2-methylimidazole (MeIm) by a facile one-pot reaction in methanol at room temperature. On the basis of the experimental results and the theoretical calculations, the MOF 1 contains paddle-wheel [Co2(-CO2)4] secondary building units (SBUs) axially coordinated by a MeIm ligand, which is very beneficial to the electron transfer between the Co(II) ions and oxygen. Combining the photosensitizers ZnTCPP and the electroactive [Co2(-CO2)4] SBUs, the 2D MOF 1 possesses an excellent ECL performance, and can be used as a novel ECL probe for rapid nonamplified detection of the RdRp gene of SARS-CoV-2 with an extremely low limit of detection (≈30 aM).

Borophosphene as a promising Dirac anode with large capacity and high-rate capability for sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted tremendous attention as potential low-cost energy storage alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the intrinsic safety and great abundance of sodium. For developing competitive SIBs, highly efficient anode materials with large capacity and rapid ion diffusion are indispensable. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) Dirac monolayer, that is, borophosphene, is proposed as a promising anode material for high performance SIBs on the basis of density functional theory calculations. The performances of Na adsorption and diffusion, maximum specific capacity, open circuit voltage, cyclical stability and electronic properties combined with Bader charge analysis are explored. It is found that borophosphene can spontaneously adsorb a Na atom with a binding energy of -0.838 eV. A low diffusion energy barrier of 0.221 eV suggests rapid ion conductivity. More intriguingly, a maximum specific capacity of 1282 mA h g-1 can be achieved in borophosphene, which is one of the largest values reported for 2D anode materials for SIBs. A low average voltage of 0.367 V is estimated, implying a suitable operating voltage of the anode material. The metallic properties, tiny surface expansion, and good kinetic stability of sodiated borophosphene give rise to high electrical conductivity and favorable cyclability. These abovementioned advantages suggest that borophosphene can be used as a Dirac anode material for SIBs with excellent performance including a large specific capacity, high-rate capability, and favorable cyclability.

Crosstalk between the Akt/mTORC1 and NF-κB signaling pathways promotes hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by increasing DPP4 expression in PASMCs.

Abnormal wound healing by pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) promotes vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Increasing evidence shows that both the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) are involved in the development of HPH. In this study, we explored the crosstalk between mTORC1 and NF-κB in PASMCs cultured under hypoxic condition and in a rat model of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). We showed that hypoxia promoted wound healing of PASMCs, which was dose-dependently blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin (5-20 nM). In PASMCs, hypoxia activated mTORC1, which in turn promoted the phosphorylation of NF-κB. Molecular docking revealed that mTOR interacted with IκB kinases (IKKs) and that was validated by immunoprecipitation. In vitro kinase assays and mass spectrometry demonstrated that mTOR phosphorylated IKKα and IKKß separately. Inhibition of mTORC1 decreased the level of phosphorylated IKKα/ß, thus reducing the phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Bioinformatics study revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) was a target gene of NF-κB; DPP4 inhibitor, sitagliptin (10-500 µM) effectively inhibited the abnormal wound healing of PASMCs under hypoxic condition. In the rat model of HPH, we showed that NF-κB activation (at 3 weeks) was preceded by mTOR signaling activation (after 1 or 2 weeks) in lungs, and administration of sitagliptin (1-5 mg/kg every day, ig) produced preventive effects against the development of HPH. In conclusion, hypoxia activates the crosstalk between mTORC1 and NF-κB, and increased DPP4 expression in PASMCs that leads to vascular remodeling. Sitagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, exerts preventive effect against HPH.

A Molecular Signature of Two Long Non-Coding RNAs in Peripheral Blood Predicts Acute Renal Allograft Rejection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute rejection (AR) is a major complication post renal transplantation, with no widely-accepted non-invasive biomarker. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the peripheral blood (PB) of renal transplant recipients and their potential diagnostic values. METHODS: The genome-wide lncRNA expression profiles were analyzed in 150 PB samples from pediatric and adult renal transplant (PRTx and ARTx) cohorts. The diagnostic performance of differentially expressed lncRNA was determined using receiver operator characteristic curve, with area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidential interval (CI). Finally, a risk score was constructed with logistical regression model. RESULTS: A total of 162 lncRNAs were found differentially expressed in PRTx cohort, while 163 in ARTx cohort. Among these identified lncRNAs, 23 deregulated accordingly in both cohorts, and could distinguish AR recipients from those without AR. Finally, a risk score with two most significant lncRNAs (AF264622 and AB209021) was generated and exhibited excellent diagnostic performance in both PRTx (AUC:0.829, 95% CI:0.735-0.922) and ARTx cohorts (AUC: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.817-0.960). CONCLUSION: A molecular signature of two lncRNAs in PB could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of AR in both pediatric and adult renal transplant recipients.

Structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of the tricycle-like phosphorene.

Phosphorene exhibits great potential applications in nanoelectronics due to its relatively large and direct band gap and good charge carrier mobility, and thus has attracted extensive attentions over the past few years. In this study, a novel hybrid phosphorene with a tricycle-like bulge is proposed using density functional theory calculations. Herein, structural stability, elastic, electronic, and optical properties have been addressed. It is found that all the hybrid phosphorenes are stable, and their cohesive energies are very close to that of black phosphorene monolayer. Due to the tricycle-like bulge, these hybrid layers are much softer than the black phosphorene. Their electronic band structures show that they are semiconductors with a robust indirect band gap, and their band gaps are strongly dependent on the sizes. Spatial charge distribution to the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum is analyzed to explore the origin of the indirect band gap features. By calculating the complex dielectric function, optical properties have been discussed. Our results suggest that the hybrid phosphorenes with well structural stability, robust indirect band gaps, flexible property, and good optical absorption hold great promise for applications in the field of visible light harvesting and flexible nanoelectronic devices.

Robust indirect band gap and anisotropy of optical absorption in B-doped phosphorene.

A traditional doping technique plays an important role in the band structure engineering of two-dimensional nanostructures. Since electron interaction is changed by doping, the optical and electrochemical properties could also be significantly tuned. In this study, density functional theory calculations have been employed to explore the structural stability, and electronic and optical properties of B-doped phosphorene. The results show that all B-doped phosphorenes are stable with a relatively low binding energy. Of particular interest is that these B-doped systems exhibit an indirect band gap, which is distinct from the direct one of pure phosphorene. Despite the different concentrations and configurations of B dopants, such indirect band gaps are robust. The screened hybrid density functional HSE06 predicts that the band gap of B-doped phosphorene is slightly smaller than that of pure phosphorene. Spatial charge distributions at the valence band maximum (VBM) and the conduction band minimum (CBM) are analyzed to understand the features of an indirect band gap. By comparison with pure phosphorene, B-doped phosphorenes exhibit strong anisotropy and intensity of optical absorption. Moreover, B dopants could enhance the stability of Li adsorption on phosphorene with less sacrifice of the Li diffusion rate. Our results suggest that B-doping is an effective way of tuning the band gap, enhancing the intensity of optical absorption and improving the performances of Li adsorption, which could promote potential applications in novel optical devices and lithium-ion batteries.

Estimation of genomic inbreeding coefficients based on high-density SNP markers in Chinese Holstein cattle.

In livestock, inbreeding coefficient based on pedigree information is usually used to evaluate the level of inbreeding. Recently, with cost reduction of high-density SNP genotyping, it's possible to analyze real genomic inbreeding degree using genomic information. In this study, utilizing high-density SNP chip data, we analyzed the frequency and distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in 2107 Chinese Holstein cattle in Beijing area, and calculated 2 genomic inbreeding coefficients, i.e., 1) the proportion of ROH length in the total length of autosomal genome (Froh), and 2) the percentage of homozygous SNPs (Fhom). Then we analyzed the correlation between 2 genomic inbreeding coefficients and the correlation between genomic and pedigree inbreeding coefficients. We totally detected 44 676 ROHs that mainly ranged from 1 to 10 Mb. Various lengths of ROHs existed in the genome. There were more short ROHs than long ROHs. ROHs aren't evenly distributed in chromosomes. The area with most ROHs is in the middle part of chromosome 10. Strong correlation (r > 0.90) existed between 2 kinds of genomic inbreeding coefficients, but the correlation between pedigree and genomic inbreeding coefficients were much lower (r < 0.50). Our finding suggests that pedigree completeness influences the correlation between genomic and pedigree inbreeding. Genomic inbreeding measures may reflect individuals' real inbreeding, which could be a useful tool to evaluate population inbreeding.

Structural and electronic properties of ZnO/GaN heterostructured nanowires from first-principles study.

ZnO/GaN alloys have exceptional photocatalytic applications owing to their suitable band gaps corresponding to the range of visible light wavelength and thus have attracted extensive attention over the past few years. In this study, the structural stabilities and electronic properties of core/shell, biaxial, and super-lattice ZnO/GaN heterostructured nanowires have been investigated by means of first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The effects of the nanowire size, the GaN ratio, and strain have been explored. It is found that all studied heterostructured nanowires are less stable than pure ZnO nanowires, exhibiting larger sized wires with better structural stabilities and inversely proportional relationship between structural stability and the GaN ratio. Electronic band structures imply that all heterostructured nanowires are semiconductors with the band gaps strongly depending on the GaN ratios as well as mechanical strain. Particularly, for the biaxial and the super-lattice nanowires, their band gaps decrease firstly and then increase with the increasing GaN ratios. Electronic contributions to the valence band maximum (VBM) and the conduction band minimum (CBM) are discussed for exploiting the potential photocatalytic applications.

Effects of ganoderic acids on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons: insights from alterations of BDNF,TRPC3 and apoptosis.

Recently, Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS) have shown anti-epileptic effects. However, there are no reports on the anti-epileptic effects of its chemical constituents ganoderic acids (GAs), and more research is needed to better understand the mechanism of GLS activity. In this work, rat primary hippocampal neurons in an in vitro model were used to assess the intervention effects of GAs on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons and expression of both BDNF and TRPC3, with the aid of immunofluorescence, MTT method and flow cytometry. It was found that BDNF and TRPC3 are expressed in all cells and were mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The fluorescence intensities of BDNF and TRPC3 in GAs groups were higher than those of normal control and model groups, especially at 80 µg/ml (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of neurons was inversely proportional to BDNF and TRPC3 changes (P < 0.01). Therefore, BDNF and TRPC3 should be involved in the occurrence and development of epilepsy. GAs might indirectly inhibit mossy fiber sprouting and adjust the synaptic reconstructions by promoting the expression of BDNF and TRPC3. Besides, GAs could exert a protective effect on hippocampal neurons by promoting neuronal survival and the recovery of injured neurons.

Research progress of regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation in complex traits using monozygotic twins.

Coming from a single zygote, monozygotic (MZ) twins share nearly all of their genetic materials and are almost strikingly similar in appearance. Yet they are often discordant for important phenotypes including complex diseases. The study of discordant MZ twins allows us to understand the role of epigenetics in complex traits by controlling many potential confounders, such as genetic factors, maternal effects, age and sex. As we know, DNA methylation is the most stable epigenetic modification. In human, many causal genes, regulating disease status by DNA methylation modification in imprinting disorders, psychological disorders, autoimmune diseases and cancers, have been discovered, which provides a foundation for studying epigenetic regulation of diseases and application of epigenetic drugs. This article reviews the latest findings on DNA methylation status, estimates of DNA methylation heritability as well as studies of DNA methylation regulation in complex traits using MZ twins, in order to provide reference for research on epigenetic modification in complex traits.

Validation of PDE9A Gene Identified in GWAS Showing Strong Association with Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein.

Phosphodiesterase9A (PDE9A) is a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific enzyme widely expressed among the tissues, which is important in activating cGMP-dependent signaling pathways. In our previous genome-wide association study, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (BTA-55340-no-rs(b)) located in the intron 14 of PDE9A, was found to be significantly associated with protein yield. In addition, we found that PDE9A was highly expressed in mammary gland by analyzing its mRNA expression in different tissues. The objectives of this study were to identify genetic polymorphisms of PDE9A and to determine the effects of these variants on milk production traits in dairy cattle. DNA sequencing identified 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and six SNPs in 5' regulatory region were genotyped to test for the subsequent association analyses. After Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, all these identified SNPs were statistically significant for one or more milk production traits (p < 0.0001~0.0077). Interestingly, haplotype-based association analysis revealed similar effects on milk production traits (p < 0.01). In follow-up RNA expression analyses, two SNPs (c.-1376 G>A, c.-724 A>G) were involved in the regulation of gene expression. Consequently, our findings provide confirmatory evidences for associations of PDE9A variants with milk production traits and these identified SNPs may serve as genetic markers to accelerate Chinese Holstein breeding program.

Polarization-dependent photon switch in a one-dimensional coupled-resonator waveguide.

Polarization-dependent photon switch is one of the most important ingredients in building future large-scale all-optical quantum network. We present a scheme for a single-photon switch in a one-dimensional coupled-resonator waveguide, where N(a) Λ-type three-level atoms are individually embedded in each of the resonator. By tuning the interaction between atom and field, we show that an initial incident photon with a certain polarization can be transformed into its orthogonal polarization state. Finally, we use the fidelity as a figure of merit and numerically evaluate the performance of our photon switch scheme in varieties of system parameters, such as number of atoms, energy detuning and dipole couplings.

[Impact of duloxetine on depression and anxiety in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of duloxetine on depression, anxiety, pain, disease activity and function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: A total of 55 AS patients with concurrent depression disorders were randomized into treatment and control groups. Both were given conventional therapy of AS while duloxetine was administered in treatment group. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), functional Index (BASFI) and metrology Index (BASMI), spinal pain, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) were recorded before and Weeks 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: (1) Spinal pain, BASDAI, BASFI and SDS scores significantly declined by repeated measurement data analysis of variance in treatment group (P < 0.05). And no statistical difference existed between BASMI and SAS (P > 0.05). (2) The reduced rates of spinal pain and BASDAI were positively correlated with those of SDS and SAS. And the reduced rate of BASFI was positively correlated with SDS and HAMD reduced rate. However, no relationship existed between BASMI, SDS, SAS or HAMD. (3) The remission rate of AS symptoms and depression disorders were both significantly higher in treatment group than that in control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined regimen of duloxetine and conventional therapy is significantly effective in the treatment of AS patients with depression and anxiety.

[Relationship between sleep quality and nocturnal pain in ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between sleep quality and nocturnal pain in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: A total of 157 AS patients were recruited. Pittsburgh sleeping quality index (PSQI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess sleep quality and nocturnal pain respectively. Disease activity was assessed by Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). RESULTS: The mean PSQI and nocturnal pain score was 6.6 ± 3.6 and 3.7 ± 3.0 respectively. Fifty-five of them had poor sleep. Quality of sleep was positively correlated with nocturnal pain (P < 0.01). Elevated ESR/CRP was found in 47.1% (74/157) of them. Patients with elevated ESR/CRP had significantly a higher level of BASDAI than those with normal ESR/CRP (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that nocturnal pain was most powerful risk factor of sleep disturbances (P < 0.05). In hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the quality of sleep variable contributed significantly to the variance in nocturnal pain scores, adding an additional 18.2% to the overall R-square beyond that accounted by demographic and disease-related variables (inclusion of ESR and CRP) (R(2) = 0.175). CONCLUSION: Sleep quality has close relationship with nocturnal pain. And sleep disturbances should be considered in the management of AS.

Polymorphisms in luteinizing hormone receptor and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone genes and their effects on sperm quality traits in Chinese Holstein bulls.

Genes of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis play a key role in male reproductive performance. This study evaluated the polymorphisms of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) genes and their effects on sperm quality traits including semen volume per ejaculate (VOL), sperm density (SD), fresh sperm motility (FSM), thawed sperm motility (TSM), acrosome integrity rate (AIR), and abnormal sperm rate (ASR) collected from 205 Chinese Hostein bulls. The study bulls consisted of 205 mature Chinese Holstein, 27 Simmental, 28 Charolais, and 14 German yellow cattle. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A883G) in exon 2 of GnRH and two SNPs (A51703G and G51656T) in intron 9 of LHR were identified in 274 bulls. Analysis of variance in 205 Chinese Holstein bulls showed that age had significant effect on both SD and FSM (P < 0.01), and ASR (P < 0.05). With regards to genotype and its interaction with age, only the SNP of G51656T in LHR gene had significant effect on SD (P < 0.05, P < 0.01; respectively). The association result showed that bulls with AG genotype had higher FSM than bulls with AA and GG genotype in LHR at 51,703 locus (P < 0.10), and bulls with GG genotype had higher SD than bulls with TT genotype in LHR at G51656T locus (P < 0.10). Phenotypic correlation among the traits revealed that significant negative correlations were observed between ASR and AIR (r = -0.736, P < 0.01), ASR and AIR (r = -0.500, P < 0.01). There were moderate positive correlations between VOL and SD (r = 0.422, P < 0.01), as well as FSM (r = 0.411, P < 0.01). In conclusion, LHR may be a potential marker for sperm quality of SD and FSM.

Calpain inhibitor MDL 28170 protects against the Ca2+ paradox in rat hearts.

The calcium paradox represents an important model in which to study myocardial injuries due to intracellular Ca(2+) overload. In a previous study, calpain was transiently activated in Ca(2+) -paradoxic hearts. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of calpain in myocardial dysfunction in hearts subjected to the Ca(2+) paradox and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Rat hearts were isolated, Langendorff perfused and subjected to the Ca(2+) paradox, which was induced by 3 min Ca(2+) depletion followed by 30 min Ca(2+) repletion, in the presence or absence of the calpain inhibitor 10 umol/L MDL 28170. Cardiac function was evaluated. Furthermore, cell death and the degradation of troponin I (TnI) were assessed and calpain activity was determined by measurement of the α-fodrin fragment and confocal image analysis. Upon Ca(2+) repletion, the hearts immediately deteriorated, exhibiting a marked depression in cardiac function and an enlarged myocardial injury area. This was accompanied by significant increases in lactate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, the apoptotic index and degraded TnI. These changes were significantly inhibited by MDL 28170, with the exception of TnI degradation. Compared with the control group, Ca(2+) -paradoxic hearts showed a marked increase in cleaved 150 kDa fragments resulting from specific calpain-mediated proteolysis of α-fodrin. This effect was attenuated by MDL 28170. Confocal image analysis revealed the translocation of both µ- and m-calpain to the sarcolemmal membrane in Ca(2+) -paradoxic hearts, indicating increased activity of both isoforms. The results suggest that the Ca(2+) paradox promotes calpain activity, leading to necrosis, apoptosis and myocardial dysfunction.

[The value of ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score in evaluating disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) disease activity score (ASDAS) and the Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) in evaluating disease activity in AS. METHODS: ASDAS and BASDAI were used to evaluate disease activity in patients with AS, taking the patients' global scores, physician global scores and treatment decision as the "gold standard" for disease activity. According to the "gold standard", the patients were divided into low and high disease activity groups. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, linear correlation and regression and ROC curve. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients with AS were included. ASDAS and BASDAI showed good correlation with disease activity as reflected by the patients' global score [r for BASDAI, ASDAS based on ESR(ASDAS-ESR) and ASDAS based on C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) were 0.713, 0.698 and 0.725, respectively, P = 0.000] and the physician global score (r for BASDAI, ASDAS-ESR and ASDAS-CRP were 0.771, 0.782, 0.847, respectively, P = 0.000). Both scores showed good discriminative ability for high and low disease activity states. ASDAS-CRP had the highest sensitivity. CONCLUSION: ASDAS is a promising tool for evaluating disease activity in AS patients.

[Advances on genome-wide association study for economically important traits in dairy cattle].

Milk performance traits have been considered as the most important production traits. With the development of balance breeding sense, much attention has been paid to the functional traits such as reproduction, type, health, and longevity traits, which is put into breeding programs. Identification of major genes or genetic markers for milk production and functional traits and their applications in breeding programs of dairy cattle are expected to improve the genetic progress of these traits. Occurrence of millions of SNPs in whole genome and high throughout genotyping techniques has made genome-wide association study to be an important strategy to identify genes responsible for economic traits in domestic animals. This paper reviewed the advances on genome-wide association study for milk production traits and functional traits in dairy cattle.

[Cardio-myogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid colony derived stem cells in the form of embryonic body-like structure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cardio-myogenic differentiation potential of human amniotic fluid colony derived stem cells (HAFCDSC) in the form of embryonic body (EB)-like structure in vitro. METHODS: HAFCDSC were isolated from second trimester amniotic fluid which was backup of amniocentesis specimens. The forth passage of HAFCDSC were cultured by hanging-drop preparation in complete medium for 5 days to form EB-like structures followed by inducing medium in regular tissue culture dishes for 2 weeks (experiment group). The EB-like structures cultured in complete medium were served as control group. Cardiomyocyte phenotypes were detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: HAFCDSC could form EB-like structures 24 h after hanging drop culture, and the diameter of EB-like structures gradually increased with culture duration and the mean diameter of EB-like structures reached 237.3 ± 26.7 µm on 5(th) day. The formation rate of EB-like structures was 93.5%. RT-PCR analysis showed EB-like structures expressed stem cell related mRNA. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that some cardiomyocyte phenotypes such as Desmin, α-Actinin and Tn I were expressed by HAFCDSCs in EB-like structures after cardio-myogenic induction. Cardiomyocytes specific mRNA including Desmin, α-Actin, Tn I, Tn T, T-box and NK2.5 were also transcripted as detected by RT-PCR. No positive results was found in control group. CONCLUSION: HAFCDSC can form uniform EB-like structures after hanging drop culture for 5 days. HAFCDSC differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells through the form of EB-like structures after induction by 5-Aza.