PCSK5 downregulation promotes the inhibitory effect of andrographolide on glioblastoma through regulating STAT3.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) is a member of the proprotein convertase (PC) family, which processes immature proteins into functional proteins and plays an important role in the process of cell migration and transformation. Andrographolide is a non-peptide compound with PC inhibition and antitumor activity. Our research aimed to investigate the functional role of PCSK5 downregulation combined with Andro on GBM progression. Results from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and clinical samples revealed a significant upregulation of PCSK5 in GBM tissues than in non-tumor brain tissues. Higher expression of PCSK5 was correlated with advanced GBM stages and worse patient prognosis. PCSK5 knockdown attenuated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like properties of GBM cells induced by IL-6. PCSK5 knockdown in combination with Andro treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PCSK5 downregulation reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which could be rescued by the p-STAT3 agonist. STAT3 silencing downregulated the expression of MMPs without affecting PCSK5. Furthermore, Andro in combination with PCSK5 silencing significantly inhibited STAT3/MMPs axis. These observations provided evidence that PCSK5 functioned as a potential tumor promoter by regulating p-STAT3/MMPs and the combination of Andro with PCSK5 silencing might be a good strategy to prevent GBM progression.

Downregulation of MAL2 inhibits breast cancer progression through regulating ß-catenin/c-Myc axis.

PURPOSE: Myelin and lymphocyte protein 2 (MAL2) is mainly involved in endocytosis under physiological conditions and mediates the transport of materials across the membranes of cell and organelle. It has been reported that MAL2 is significantly upregulated in diverse cancers. This study aimed to investigate the role of MAL2 in breast cancer (BC). METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis and Immunohistochemical assay were applied to detect the correlation between MAL2 expression in breast cancer tissues and the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Functional experiments were carried out to investigate the role of MAL2 in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms involved in MAL2-induced ß-catenin and c-Myc expression and ß-catenin/c-Myc-mediated enhancement of BC progression were confirmed by western blot, ß-catenin inhibitor and agonist, Co-IP and immunofluorescence colocalization assays. RESULTS: Results from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and clinical samples confirmed a significant upregulation of MAL2 in BC tissues than in adjacent non-tumor tissues. High expression of MAL2 was associated with worse prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that MAL2 knockdown reduced the migration and invasion associating with EMT, increased the apoptosis of BC cells in vitro and reduced the metastatic capacity in vivo. Mechanistically, MAL2 interacts with ß-catenin in BC cells. MAL2 silencing reduced the expression of ß-catenin and c-Myc, while the ß-catenin agonist SKL2001 partially rescued the downregulation of c-Myc and inhibition of migration and invasion caused by MAL2 knockdown in BC cells. CONCLUSION: These observations provided evidence that MAL2 acted as a potential tumor promoter by regulating EMT and ß-catenin/c-Myc axis, suggesting potential implications for anti-metastatic therapy for BC.

Macrophage-Derived IL-1ß Regulates Emergency Myelopoiesis via the NF-κB and C/ebpß in Zebrafish.

Myeloid phagocytes, neutrophils in particular, are easily consumed when they fight against a large number of invading microbes. Hence, they require efficient and constant replenishment from their progenitors via the well-orchestrated emergency myelopoiesis in the hematopoietic organs. The cellular and molecular details of the danger-sensing and warning processes to activate the emergency myelopoiesis are still under debate. In this study, we set up a systemic infection model in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae via circulative administration of LPS. We focused on the cross-talk of macrophages with myeloid progenitors in the caudal hematopoietic tissue. We revealed that macrophages first detected LPS and sent out the emergency message via il1ß The myeloid progenitors, rather than hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, responded and fulfilled the demand to adapt myeloid expansion through the synergistic cooperation of NF-κB and C/ebpß. Our study unveiled a critical role of macrophages as the early "whistle blowers" to initiate emergency myelopoiesis.

An engineered abcb4 expression model reveals the central role of NF-κB in the regulation of drug resistance in zebrafish.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon that tumor cells are exposed to a chemotherapeutic drug for a long time and then develop resistance to a variety of other anticancer drugs with different structures and different mechanisms. The in vitro studies of tumor cell lines cannot systematically reflect the role of MDR gene in vivo, and the cost of in vivo studies of transgenic mice as animal models is high. Given the myriad merits of zebrafish relative to other animal models, we aimed to establish a screening system using zebrafish stably expressing ATP-binding cassette (ATP-cassette) superfamily transporters and unveil the potential regulatory mechanism. We first used the Tol2-mediated approach to construct a Tg (abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish line with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily B member 4 (abcb4) gene promoter to drive EGFP expression. The expression levels of abcb4 and EGFP were significantly increased when Tg(abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish embryos were exposed to doxorubicin (DOX) or vincristine (VCR), and the increases were accompanied by a marked decreased accumulation of rhodamine B (RhB) in embryos, indicating a remarkable increase in DOX or VCR efflux. Mechanistically, Akt and Erk signalings were activated upon the treatment with DOX or VCR. With the application of Akt and Erk inhibitors, drug resistance was reversed with differing responsive effects. Notably, downstream NF-κB played a central role in the regulation of abcb4-mediated drug resistance. Taken together, the data indicate that the engineered Tg(abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish model is a new platform for screening drug resistance in vivo, which may facilitate and accelerate the process of drug development.

A novel urine cell-free DNA preservation solution and its application in kidney transplantation.

AIM: Urine cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a new type of liquid biopsy biomarker used in tumours and allograft injury detection but is highly susceptible to degradation by the high nuclease activity of urine. This study presents a newly developed urine cfDNA preservation solution (AlloU), efficient for examining allograft injury in kidney transplant recipients (KTx). METHODS: We established urine-preserve solution called AlloU based on the response-surface methodology, with two commercial collection reagents (Streck and K2 EDTA preservation solution) included for analysis. A total of 120 urine samples from KTx patients, including morning, nocturnal and random urine from specific storage time were subjected to investigation. The urine total cfDNA concentration was quantified by fluorometry, fragment distribution was analysed by qPCR, and donor-derived cfDNA (ddcfDNA) was detected by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: Urine total cfDNA concentration and fragment size of samples preserved with AlloU and Streck did not change significantly within 5 days whereas the ddcfDNA also did not change significantly within 7 days. However, compared with EDTA, the total cfDNA concentration increased significantly on the third day. When compare with different urine types, it was found that samples preserved with AlloU showed no significant differences in total cfDNA concentration, fragment size, and ddcfDNA concentration, however, the SD for morning urine was significantly smaller in total cfDNA and ddcfDNA concentration. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to verify the dynamics of urine cfDNA in KTx, especially in the analysis impact of different urine types on cfDNA detection.

Intra-Articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined With Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis Is Superior to Platelet-Rich Plasma or Hyaluronic Acid Alone in Inhibiting Inflammation and Improving Pain and Function.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and explore the therapeutic mechanisms of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: In total, 122 knees were randomly divided into HA (34 knees), PRP (40 knees), and PRP+HA (48 knees) groups. Platelet densities in whole blood and PRP were examined using Wright-Giemsa staining. Visual analogue scale, Lequesne, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lysholm scores, and postoperative complications were evaluated. High-frequency color Doppler imaging was used to observe the synovium and cartilage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels in synovial fluid. RESULTS: The platelet density in PRP was 5.13-times that in whole blood (P = .002). At 24 months, pain and function scores in the PRP+HA group were better than those in the HA-alone and PRP-alone groups (Ppain = .000; Pfunction = .000). At 6 and 12 months, synovial hyperplasia in the PRP and PRP+HA groups was improved (P < .05). After 6 and 12 months, the synovial peak systolic velocity, synovial end-diastolic velocity, systolic/diastolic ratio, and resistance index were improved in the PRP+HA group (P < .05). Complications were greatest in the PRP group (P = .008). After 6 and 12 months, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the PRP and PRP+HA groups decreased (P < .05), with more apparent inhibition in the PRP+HA group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: PRP combined with HA is more effective than PRP or HA alone at inhibiting synovial inflammation and can effectively improve pain and function and reduce adverse reactions. Its mechanism involves changes in the synovium and cytokine content. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prospective cohort study.

SNHG17 promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by modulating CXCL12-mediated angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated to be effective regulators in the disease course of human cancers, including CRA. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) belongs to lncRNAs, and it has been reported in breast cancer and gastric cancer. However, the function of SNHG17 and its mechanism in CRA progression remain largely unknown. In this study, we attended to shedding some light on the role of SNHG17 in CRA. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to assess SNHG17 expression in CRA cells. CCK-8 assay, colony formation and transwell assay were carried out to detect the regulatory effect of SNHG17 silencing on CRA cell proliferation and migration. The angiogenesis of SNHG7-downregulated CRA cells was analyzed by tube formation assay. Mechanism experiments were conducted to identify the interaction between miR-23a-3p and SNHG17 or C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12). RESULTS: SNHG17 possessed with high expression in CRA cells. Knockdown of SNHG17 caused the inhibition on CRA cell proliferation and migration. SNHG17 promoted CRA cell proliferation and migration by sponging miR-23a-3p to upregulate CXCL12. CONCLUSION: SNHG17 promotes the proliferation and migration of CRA cells by inhibiting miR-23a-3p to modulate CXCL12-mediated angiogenesis.

Prognostic value of the donor-derived cell-free DNA assay in acute renal rejection therapy: A prospective cohort study.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a promising biomarker for monitoring allograft status. However, whether dd-cfDNA can reflect real-time anti-rejection treatment effects remains unclear. We prospectively recruited 28 patients with acute renal rejection, including 5 with ABMR, 12 with type IA or type IB rejection, and 11 with type IIA or IIB rejection. dd-cfDNA levels in peripheral blood were measured using human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus capture hybridization. The percentage of dd-cfDNA (dd-cfDNA%) declined significantly from 2.566 ± 0.549% to 0.773 ± 0.116% (P < .001) after anti-rejection therapy. The dd-cfDNA% decreased steadily over the course of 3 days with daily methylprednisolone injections, but no significant difference in the dd-cfDNA% was observed between the end of anti-rejection therapy and 2 weeks later. Changes in the dd-cfDNA% (∆dd-cfDNA%) demonstrated a positive correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rates at 1 month (ρ = 2.570, P = .022), 3 months (ρ = 3.210, P = .027), and 6 months (ρ = 2.860, P = .019) after therapy. Thus, the dd-cfDNA assay shows prognostic capabilities in therapy outcome and allograft recovery; however, its ability is inhibited by methylprednisolone regardless of the types of rejection. Additionally, a reassessment of frequency intervals for testing is required.

Osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells induced by graphene oxide-hydroxyapatite-alginate hydrogel composites and construction of tissue-engineered bone.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of graphene oxide (GO)-hydroxyapatite (HA)-sodium alginate (SA) composite application in the field of bone tissue engineering. Four scaffold groups were established (SA-HA, SA-HA-0.8%GO, SA-HA-1.0%GO and SA-HA-1.2%GO) and mixed with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Hydrogel viscosity was measured at room temperature, and after freeze-drying and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect substance crystallinity, the printability of each hydrogel type was measured with a printing grid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the internal microstructure of the scaffolds and to evaluate the growth and proliferation of cells on the scaffold. A hollow cylinder was printed to compare the forming effect of the hydrogel bioinks, and cell-hydrogel composites were implanted under the skin of nude mice to observe the effect of the hydrogels on osteogenesis in vivo. Increased GO concentrations led to reduced scaffold degradation rates, increased viscosity, increased printability, increased mechanical properties, increased scaffold porosity and increased cell proliferation rates. In vivo experiments showed that hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and collagen type I immunohistochemical staining increased as the implantation time increased. These results demonstrate that GO composites have high printability as bioinks and can be used for bioprinting of bone by altering the ratio of the different components.

Improving Nelumbo nucifera genome assemblies using high-resolution genetic maps and BioNano genome mapping reveals ancient chromosome rearrangements.

Genetic and physical maps are powerful tools to anchor fragmented draft genome assemblies generated from next-generation sequencing. Currently, two draft assemblies of Nelumbo nucifera, the genomes of 'China Antique' and 'Chinese Tai-zi', have been released. However, there is presently no information on how the sequences are assembled into chromosomes in N. nucifera. The lack of physical maps and inadequate resolution of available genetic maps hindered the assembly of N. nucifera chromosomes. Here, a linkage map of N. nucifera containing 2371 bin markers [217 577 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] was constructed using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing data of 181 F2 individuals and validated by adding 197 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Additionally, a BioNano optical map covering 86.20% of the 'Chinese Tai-zi' genome was constructed. The draft assembly of 'Chinese Tai-zi' was improved based on the BioNano optical map, showing an increase of the scaffold N50 from 0.989 to 1.48 Mb. Using a combination of multiple maps, 97.9% of the scaffolds in the 'Chinese Tai-zi' draft assembly and 97.6% of the scaffolds in the 'China Antique' draft assembly were anchored into pseudo-chromosomes, and the centromere regions along the pseudo-chromosomes were identified. An evolutionary scenario was proposed to reach the modern N. nucifera karyotype from the seven ancestral eudicot chromosomes. The present study provides the highest-resolution linkage map, the optical map and chromosome level genome assemblies for N. nucifera, which are valuable for the breeding and cultivation of N. nucifera and future studies of comparative and evolutionary genomics in angiosperms.

[Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis of Leukemia Cell Induced by Reovirus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of apoptosis of HL60 cells induced by oncolytic virus Reovirus type 3 (Reo3). METHODS: HL60 cells were infected with Reo3 at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) with the uninfected HL60 cells as control group. After 48 h of infection, the activity of HL60 cells infected with virus at different MOI was detected by CCK8 method to investigate the influence of MOI to cell activity. Simultaneously, the apoptotic rate of HL60 cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the activation level of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and the expression of apoptotic-related protein in HL60 cells were detected by Western blot. Before infection with Reo3 for 48 h, HL60 cells were treated with 2-aminopurine (2-AP), a specific inhibitor of PKR, for 24 h. Afterward, the apoptotic level and expression of apoptotic related proteins were detected. RESULTS: Activity of HL60 cells was obviously inhibited after infected with Reo3 with a MOI of 1 for 48 h. The cell survival rate was (24.333±3.396)% and the apoptotic rate was (29.96±2.06)%. Both rates were all higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression levels of PKR, p-PKR, Bax, Caspase3 and cleaved Caspase3 in HL60 cells infected with Reo3 were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the group without inhibitor, the apoptotic rate of HL60 cells pretreated with 2-AP decreased (P < 0.05), the phosphorylation level of PKR and the expression level of apoptotic-related protein also decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oncolytic virus Reo3 could activate PKR in HL60 cells and thus induce apoptosis of HL60 cells.

[Expression of g6pd gene in wild type zebrafish embryos of early development].

OBJECTIVE: : To observe the expression of g6pd gene in the early development stage of wild zebrafish embryos. METHODS: : The collinearity of g6pd gene and the sequence similarity of G6pd protein were analyzed with gene database and BLAST software, respectively. Expression of g6pd gene in different development stages of zebrafish embryos was detected by in situ hybridization. The g6pd-EGFP-pCS2+ recombinant plasmids were microinjected into zebrafish embryos, and fluorescence was observed under a fluorescence microscope. The expression of G6pd protein at 24, 48 and 72 hour post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos was detected by Western blotting; the enzyme activity of G6pd at 24, 48 and 72 hpf zebrafish embryos was detected by modified G6pd quantitative ratio method. RESULTS: : The G6pd protein similarity of zebrafish and human was 88%, and that of zebrafish and mouse was 87%. The results of in situ hybridization showed that the g6pd gene was mainly expressed in the hematopoietic tissues of zebrafish; the results observed after microinjection of g6pd-EGFP-pCS2+ recombinant plasmid were consistent with the results of in situ hybridization. At 24, 48 and 72 hpf, the relative expression levels of G6pd protein in zebrafish embryos were 1.44±0.03, 1.47±0.05, and 1.54±0.02, respectively(P>0.05); the G6pd enzyme activity levels were 1.74±0.17, 1.75±0.12, 1.71±0.22, respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: : The study has observed the expression of g6pd gene and G6pd protein, and G6pd enzyme activity in zebrafish embryos at different development phases, which provides a reference for the establishment of a zebrafish G6PD deficiency model.

[Myeloid and erythroid hematopoietic transcription factor expression decline after knockdown of lmna genes in zebrafish embryos].

Objective: To investigate the effect of lmna gene down-regulation on early hematopoietic development of zebrafish. Methods: Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) technology was used to downregulate lmna gene expression in Zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos injected phosphorodiamidate morpholino antisense oligonucleotide of lmna gene mRNA by microinjection at unicellular stage were taken as the experimental group, and those injected meaningless phosphorodiamidate morpholino antisense oligonucleotide were taken as the control. The embryos were collected at 18, 24, 30 and 36 hpf after the fertilization. The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and whole embryo in situ hybridization methods were used to detect the expression of myeloid hematopoietic transcription factor pu. 1 and erythroid hematopoietic transcription factor gata1 in zebrafish. Results: RT-PCR showed that the expressions of pu. 1 and gata1 decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Whole embryo in situ hybridization showed that the blue-black positive hybridization signals of pu. 1 and gata1 in experimental group were shallow than those in the control group. Conclusion: Myeloid hematopoietic and erythroid hematopoietic of zebrafish are blocked with the downregulation of lmna gene.

[Effect of Doxorubicin on abcb4 Gene Expression in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on abcb4 gene expression and the role of abcb4 gene in multidrug-resistance. METHODS: Zebrafish embryos were treated with 2 mL/L DMSO, 10 µmol/L DOX and 2 mL/L DMSO+10 µmol/L DOX, respectively. The zebrafish embryos treated with Eggwater served as controls. Exposures started at 4 to 16 cell stage of the embryos and terminated 120 hours post fertilization (hpf). The expression of abcb4 gene in zebrafish embryos was examined on 48, 72, 96, and 120 hpf with whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: Compared with the controls, DOX-exposed embryos had higher level of abcb4 gene expression (P < 0.05), but not for abcb5 gene. WISH showed that abcb4 gene was expressed in the guts of zebrafish embryos. However, those exposed to DOX also showed strong WISH signals in the brain and heart. CONCLUSION: Doxorubicin increases the expression of abcb4 gene in zebrafish embryos. abcb4 gene may play an imoortant role in multidrug-resistance.

Ectopic expression of Hoxb4a in hemangioblasts promotes hematopoietic development in early embryogenesis of zebrafish.

Hemangioblast, including primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells, play an important role in hematopoietic development, however, the underlying mechanism for the propagation of hematopoietic progenitor cells remains elusive. A variety of regulatory molecules activated in early embryonic development play a critical role in the maintenance of function of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Homeobox transcription factors are an important class of early embryonic developmental regulators determining hematopoietic development. However, the effect of homeobox protein Hox-B4 (HOXB4) ectopic expression on the development of hemangioblasts has not been fully addressed. This study aimed to investigate the role of Hoxb4a, an ortholog gene of HOXB4 in zebrafish, in the hematopoietic development in zebrafish. A transgenic zebrafish line was established with Cre-loxP system that stably overexpressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged Hoxb4a protein under the control of hemangioblast-specific lmo2 promoter. Overexpression of Hoxb4a in the development of hemangioblasts resulted in a considerable increase in the number of stem cell leukemia (scl) and lmo2-positive primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells occurring in the posterior intermediate cell mass (ICM). Interestingly, Hoxb4a overexpression also disrupted the development of myelomonocytes in the anterior yolk sac and the posterior ICM, without affecting erythropoiesis in the posterior ICM. Taken together, these results indicate that Hoxb4a favours the development of hematopoietic progenitor cells originated from hemangioblasts in vivo.

[Impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on work ability among workers].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) on work ability among workers. METHODS: A total of 1686 workers in various occupations, such as administration and education, were enrolled as subjects using the random cluster sampling method. The WRMDs and work ability of all subjects were evaluated using standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms and the Work Ability Index (WAI) scale, respectively. Comparison of work ability and its classification between the disease group and the non-disease group was performed by paired t test, RxC table χ2 test, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The relationship between work duration and work ability was analyzed by the Spearman correlation test and a multi-level model. RESULTS: (1). The work ability of workers in the disease group was significantly lower than that in the non-disease group (P<0.0 1). (2) There were significant differences in work ability between workers with different work durations (<10 years, 10-20 years, and ≥20 years) (F=22.124, P< 0.01). With the increase in work duration, the work ability of workers declined in both groups, and the work ability of workers in the disease group (Spearman coefficient rs=-0. 172, P<0.01) had a more significant decline than that in the non-disease group (Spearman coefficient rs=-0.104, P<0.01). WRMDs were important risk factors for the decrease in work ability among workers. (3) There were significant differences in constituent ratios and levels of work ability classification between the disease group and the non-disease group (χ2=121.097, P<0.01; Z=-10.699, P<0.01). The proportions of workers with poor and medium work ability in the disease group were significantly higher than those in the non-disease group, while the proportion of works with excellent work ability in the disease group was significantly lower than that in the non-disease group. The similar characteristics in constituent ratios and levels of work ability classification could be found between the disease group and the non- disease group in various occupations (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: WRMDs have a harmful effect on the work ability of workers, and the work ability of workers substantially declines with the increase in exposure time (work duration).

Exploration of presence/absence variation and corresponding polymorphic markers in soybean genome.

This study was designed to reveal the genome-wide distribution of presence/absence variation (PAV) and to establish a database of polymorphic PAV markers in soybean. The 33 soybean whole-genome sequences were compared to each other with that of Williams 82 as a reference genome. A total of 33,127 PAVs were detected and 28,912 PAV markers with their primer sequences were designed as the database NJAUSoyPAV_1.0. The PAVs scattered on whole genome while only 518 (1.8%) overlapped with simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in BARCSOYSSR_1.0 database. In a random sample of 800 PAVs, 713 (89.13%) showed polymorphism among the 12 differential genotypes. Using 126 PAVs and 108 SSRs to test a Chinese soybean germplasm collection composed of 828 Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. and Glycine max (L.) Merr. accessions, the per locus allele number and its variation appeared less in PAVs than in SSRs. The distinctness among alleles/bands of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) products showed better in PAVs than in SSRs, potential in accurate marker-assisted allele selection. The association mapping results showed SSR + PAV was more powerful than any single marker systems. The NJAUSoyPAV_1.0 database has enriched the source of PCR markers, and may fit the materials with a range of per locus allele numbers, if jointly used with SSR markers.

[Study on current status of work-related musculoskeletal disorders evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the distribution of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) among the occupational population. METHODS: A total of 1686 people of various occupations were recruited with random cluster sampling. Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal systems were used to evaluate WRMD at the neck, shoulder, or lower back in the past one year. The annual prevalence of WRMD was determined. Difference analysis was performed with t-test, ANOVA, or chi-square test. The relationship between personal characteristics and WRMD was analyzed by unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: (1) WRMD were most frequently observed at the neck, followed by the lower back, and was least observed at the shoulder (P < 0.05). The prevalence of WRMD among mental workers was significantly higher than those among physical workers and mental-physical workers (P < 0.01). The prevalence of WRMD among female workers was significantly higher than that among male workers (P < 0.05). (2) In general, the prevalence of WRMD significantly rose with the increases in age (<30, 30∼, 40∼, and ≥ 50 years) or working years (<10, 10∼, and ≥ 20 years) (P < 0.05). (3) In the face of sickness or injury, physical workers and mental workers showed a relatively high absence rate but a relatively low medical visiting rate (13.05%). (4) Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that mental work, gender, and working year were the main influential factors for WRMD among workers. CONCLUSION: Workers of different types of occupation, genders, ages, and working years have different risks of WRMD at the neck, shoulder, and lower back.

Assembling all-wood-derived carbon/carbon dots-assisted phase change materials for high-efficiency thermal-energy harvesters.

The collection and storage of renewable, sustainable and clean energy including wind, solar, and tidal energy has attracted considerable attention because of its promising potential to replace fossil energy sources. Advanced energy-storage materials are the core component for energy harvesters, affording the high-efficiency conversion of these new-style energy sources. Herein, originated from nature, a series of all-wood-derived carbon-assisted phase change materials (PCMs) were purposed by incorporating carbon dots-modified polyethylene glycol matrix into carbon skeletons via a vacuum-impregnation strategy. The resultant PCMs possessed desired anti-leakage capability and superior thermophysical behaviors. In particular, the optimum sample posed high latent heat (131.5 J/g) and well thermal stability, where the corresponding enthalpy still reserved 90 % over 100 heating/cooling cycles. More importantly, the as-fabricated thermal-energy harvester presented prominent capability to strorage and release multiple forms of thermal energy, as well as high-efficiency solar-energy utilization, corresponding to a photothermal conversion efficiency of 88 % in simulated sunlight irradiation, far exceeding some reported PCMs. Overall, with the introduction of wood-derived carbon dots and carbon skeletons, the assembled all-wood-derived carbon-assisted PCMs afforded trinity advantages on thermal performance, cycling stability, and energy conversion efficiency, which provide a promising potential for the practical application in thermal-energy harvesters.