Serological identification and molecular characterization of B (A) 02 subtype in patients and blood donors from Eastern China

This study was designed to identify the rare?type?ABO?blood?groups, B(A) 02, from Eastern China. Three samples with discordant serological results during routine blood type identification and four samples from one sample’ family were selected. All of them were detected by serological method. The exon 6 and 7 of the ABO genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced. They were typed as AsubB by serology and as BO by genotype. In AsubB samples, nt 700C>G mutation was detected in B gene, which was previously defined as B(A)02 alleles. In these seven samples, six showed B(A)02/O01 and one showed B(A)02/O02.B(A)02 allele was found to be more common in this study than B(A)04 which is considered to be more frequent than B(A)02. The careful identification of rare blood types is important for the safety of clinical blood transfusion.     

Environmental Fluctuations and Level of Density-Compensation Strongly Affects the Probability of Fixation and Fixation Times

The probability of, and time to, fixation of a mutation in a population has traditionally been studied by the classic Wright–Fisher model where population size is constant. Recent theoretical expansions have covered fluctuating populations in various ways but have not incorporated models of how the environment fluctuates in combination with different levels of density-compensation affecting fecundity. We tested the hypothesis that the probability of, and time to, fixation of neutral, advantageous and deleterious mutations is dependent on how the environment fluctuates over time, and on the level of density-compensation. We found that fixation probabilities and times were dependent on the pattern of autocorrelation of carrying capacity over time and interacted with density-compensation. The pattern found was most pronounced at small population sizes. The patterns differed greatly depending on whether the mutation was neutral, advantageous, or disadvantageous. The results indicate that the degree of mismatch between carrying capacity and population size is a key factor, rather than population size per se, and that effective population sizes can be very low also when the census population size is far above the carrying capacity. This study highlights the need for explicit population dynamic models and models for environmental fluctuations for the understanding of the dynamics of genes in populations.     

Modeling and Estimation of Kinetic Parameters and Replicative Fitness of HIV-1 from Flow-Cytometry-Based Growth Competition Experiments

Growth competition assays have been developed to quantify the relative fitness of HIV-1 mutants. In this article, we develop mathematical models to describe viral/cellular dynamic interactions in the assay system from which the competitive fitness indices or parameters are defined. In our previous HIV-viral fitness experiments, the concentration of uninfected target cells was assumed to be constant (Wu et al. 2006). But this may not be true in some experiments. In addition, dual infection may frequently occur in viral fitness experiments and may not be ignorable. Here, we relax these two assumptions and extend our earlier viral fitness model (Wu et al. 2006). The resulting models then become nonlinear ODE systems for which closed-form solutions are not achievable. In the new model, the viral relative fitness is a function of time since it depends on the target cell concentration. First, we studied the structure identifiability of the nonlinear ODE models. The identifiability analysis showed that all parameters in the proposed models are identifiable from the flow-cytometry-based experimental data that we collected. We then employed a global optimization approach (the differential evolution algorithm) to directly estimate the kinetic parameters as well as the relative fitness index in the nonlinear ODE models using nonlinear least square regression based on the experimental data. Practical identifiability was investigated via Monte Carlo simulations.     

Thidiazuron-induced morphogenetic response in petiole cultures of Pelargonium × hortorum and Pelargonium × domesticum and its histological analysis

The possibility of inducing somatic embryogenesis in petiole cultures of two cultivars of Pelargonium × hortorum and of one cultivar of Pelargonium × domesticum using thidiazuron (TDZ) was investigated. Petioles were cultivated on a modified Murashige and Skoog medium with different concentrations and application periods of TDZ. Regeneration was achieved with all TDZ treatments for all cultivars and was highly variable. Shoots of different shapes and somatic embryo-like structures were observed. Histological examination revealed that no somatic embryos were formed, and regenerants had to be classified as shoots and shoot-like or leaf-like structures. The importance of these results on the classification of regeneration induced by TDZ in these species and on the propagation of these pelargoniums is discussed.     

Cytochrome c and superoxide

Wegerich et al. (J. Biol. Inorg. Chem. 18:429–440, 2013), working with singly modified human cytochromes c, claim to have found a new mechanism for the reduction of iron(III) cytochrome c by superoxide. I show that electron transfer by way of the solvent-accessible haem edge—a mechanism not considered by Wegerich et al.—is still the correct mechanism. Furthermore, several deficiencies in this work preclude any comparisons with other publications on this topic.     

The Final Size of an Epidemic and Its Relation to the Basic Reproduction Number

We study the final size equation for an epidemic in a subdivided population with general mixing patterns among subgroups. The equation is determined by a matrix with the same spectrum as the next generation matrix and it exhibits a threshold controlled by the common dominant eigenvalue, the basic reproduction number R₀{\mathcal{R}_{0}}: There is a unique positive solution giving the size of the epidemic if and only if R₀{\mathcal{R}_{0}} exceeds unity. When mixing heterogeneities arise only from variation in contact rates and proportionate mixing, the final size of the epidemic in a heterogeneously mixing population is always smaller than that in a homogeneously mixing population with the same basic reproduction number R₀{\mathcal{R}_{0}}. For other mixing patterns, the relation may be reversed.     

Microenvironmental influences of apoptosis in vivo and in vitro

The apoptosis program of physiological cell death elicits a range of non-phlogistic homeostatic mechanisms—“recognition, response and removal”—that regulate the microenvironments of normal and diseased tissues via multiple modalities operating over short and long distances. The molecular mechanisms mediate intercellular signaling through direct contact with neighboring cells, release of soluble factors and production of membrane-delimited fragments (apoptotic bodies, blebs and microparticles) that allow for interaction with host cells over long distances. These processes effect the selective recruitment of mononuclear phagocytes and the specific activation of both phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. While much evidence is available concerning the mechanisms underlying the recognition and responses of phagocytes that culminate in the engulfment and removal of apoptotic cell bodies, relatively little is yet known about the non-phagocytic cellular responses to the apoptosis program. These responses regulate inflammatory and immune cell activation as well as cell fate decisions of proliferation, differentiation and death. Here, we review current knowledge of these processes, considering especially how apoptotic cells condition the microenvironments of normal and malignant tissues. We also discuss how apoptotic cells that persist in the absence of phagocytic clearance exert inhibitory effects over their viable neighbors, paying particular attention to the specific case of cell cultures and highlighting how new cell-corpse-clearance devices—Dead-Cert^® Nanoparticles—can significantly improve the efficacy of cell cultures through effective removal of non-viable cells in the absence of phagocytes in vitro.     

Workload characterization in a high-energy data grid and impact on resource management

The analysis of data usage in a large set of real traces from a high-energy physics collaboration revealed the existence of an emergent grouping of files that we coined “filecules”. This paper presents the benefits of using this file grouping for prestaging data and compares it with previously proposed file grouping techniques along a range of performance metrics. Our experiments with real workloads demonstrate that filecule grouping is a reliable and useful abstraction for data management in science Grids; that preserving time locality for data prestaging is highly recommended; that job reordering with respect to data availability has significant impact on throughput; and finally, that a relatively short history of traces is a good predictor for filecule grouping. Our experimental results provide lessons for workload modeling and suggest design guidelines for data management in data-intensive resource-sharing environments.

Effect of γ-irradiation on F-2 and T-2 toxin production in corn and rice

Fusarium graminearum andF. tricinctum were grown on moistened corn and rice. After inoculation the substrates were exposed to γ-irradiation and growth rate together with mycotoxin production were measured. A delay in mycelium growth and an increase in F-2 and T-2 toxin production occurred after irradiation with 1 and 3 kGy. The maximum F-2 production was 10.7 mg/kg on rice at 3 kGy, whereas T-2 was 735 μg/kg on rice at 3 kGy. At 9 kGy neither growth nor toxin production could be detected in any inoculated corn and rice substrate.     

Expression and Secretion of Bifidobacterium adolescentis Amylase by Bifidobacterium Longum

Bifidobacterium adolescentis Int-57 (INT57), isolated from human feces, secretes an amylase. We have shot-gun cloned, sequence analyzed and expressed the gene encoding this amylase in B. longum. The sequenced 2477 bp fragment was homologous to other extracellular amylases. The encoded protein was predicted to be composed of 595 amino acids with a molecular weight of 64 kDa, and was designated AmyB. Highly conserved amylase domains were found in AmyB. The signal sequence and cleavage site was predicted by sequence analysis. AmyB was subcloned into pBES2, a novel E. coli–Bifidobacterium shuttle vector, to construct pYBamy59. Subsequently, B. longum, with no apparent amylase activity, was transformed with pYBamy59. More than 90% of the amylase activity was detected in the culture broth. This approach may open the way for the development of more efficient expression and secretion systems for Bifidobacterium. Both authors contributed equally Received 17 June 2005; Revisions requested 13 July 2005 and 26 September 2005; Revisions received 12 September 2005 and 8 November 2005; Accepted 11 November 2005     

Chemical modification,antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of corn silk polysaccharides

Water-soluble corn silk polysaccharides (CSPS) were chemically modified to obtain their sulfated, acetylated and carboxymethylated derivatives. Chemical characterization and bioactivities of CSPS and its derivatives were comparatively investigated by chemical methods, gas chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy, scavenging DPPH free radical assay, scavenging hydroxyl radical assay, ferric reducing power assay, lipid peroxidation inhibition assay and α-amylase activity inhibitory assay, respectively. Among the three derivatives, carboxylmethylated polysaccharide (C-CSPS) demonstrated higher solubility, narrower molecular weight distribution, lower intrinsic viscosity, a hyperbranched conformation, significantly higher antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory abilities compared with the native polysaccharide and other derivatives. C-CSPS might be used as a novel nutraceutical agent for human consumption.     

Mucolipidosis type IV and the mucolipins

MLIV (mucolipidosis type?IV) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in MCOLN1, a gene that encodes TRPML1 (mucolipin-1), a member of the TRPML (transient receptor potential mucolipin) cation channels. Two additional homologues are TRPML2 and TRPML3 comprising the TRPML subgroup in the TRP superfamily. The three proteins play apparently key roles along the endocytosis process, and thus their cellular localization varies among the different group members. Thus TRPML1 is localized exclusively to late endosomes and lysosomes, TRPML2 is primarily located in the recycling clathrin-independent GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-anchored proteins and early endosomes, and TRPML3 is primarily located in early endosomes. Apparently, all three proteins' main physiological function underlies Ca(2+) channelling, regulating the endocytosis process. Recent findings also indicate that the three TRPML proteins form heteromeric complexes at least in some of their cellular content. The physiological role of these complexes in lysosomal function remains to be elucidated, as well as their effect on the pathophysiology of MLIV. Another open question is whether any one of the TRPMLs bears additional function in channel activity.     

Integrating specimen databases and revisionary systematics

Arguments are presented for the merit of integrating specimen databases into the practice of revisionary systematics. Work flows, data connections, data outputs, and data standardization are enumerated as critical aspects of such integration. Background information is provided on the use of "barcodes" as unique specimen identifiers and on methods for efficient data capture. Examples are provided on how to achieve efficient workflows and data standardization, as well as data outputs and data integration.     

GmTMT2a from soybean elevates the α-tocopherol content in corn and Arabidopsis

Tocochromanol, or vitamin E, plays a crucial role in human and animal nutrition and is synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. γ-Tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT), one of the key enzymes in the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway in plants, converts γ, δ-tocopherols into α-, β-tocopherols. Tocopherol content was investigated in 15 soybean cultivars and GmTMT2 was isolated from five varieties based on tocopherol content. GmTMT2a was expressed in E. coli and the purified protein effectively converted γ-tocopherol into α-tocopherol in vitro. Overexpression of GmTMT2a enhanced α-tocopherol content 4–6-fold in transgenic Arabidopsis, and α-tocopherol content increased 3–4.5-fold in transgenic maize seed, which correlated with the accumulation of GmTMT2a. Transgenic corn that is α-tocopherol-rich may be beneficial for animal health and growth.     

Developmental consequences of water and temperature in the European corn borer — maize interaction

Maize plants were grown under four moisture regimes (wet to extreme deficit) and three constant temperatures (20°, 25° & 30°C) in a phytotron. Each plant was infested with one E-race European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubn.)] (ECB) egg mass at pollen shed. ECB development, location, and establishment were recorded over the course of 12 destructive sample dates (4/temperature). ECB developmental rates were not significantly affected by soil moisture treatments, but were significantly affected by temperature. In spite of successful establishment of four distinctly different soil moisture regimes, the maize stalk tissue water levels were not significantly different among soil water treatments. Instead, the maize plants exhibited accelerated leaf senescence in response to the water deficit conditions. Among the soil water treatments, differences were found in larval establishment, vertical distribution and dispersion, and feeding site selection; however, those effects were slight and could not explain the similarity in ECB developmental rates observed in these treatments.In maize, the larval environment within the stalk was effectively insulated from changes in the external environment by the plant's ability to maintain a relatively high and stable stalk tissue water content. Thus, large changes to the soil environment had essentially no effect on ECB development, though drastic consequences for the plant. This study indicates that ECB rates of development are relatively insensitive to changes in the soil water environment as well as the associated changes in the maize plant that accompany severe drought stress. The significance of these findings to insect modelling, crop physiology, and insect-crop interactions is discussed.

---

Résumé Des plants de maïs se développent dans un phytotron dans 4 conditions d'humidité du sol (de la saturation à la dessication) et à 3 températures constantes (20°, 25° & 30°C). Chaque pied est contaminé au moment de l'émission du pollen, par une ooplaque d'O. nubilalis Hübn. (ECB) de race européenne E. L'installation, la colonisation et le développement des chenilles sont notés lors de 12 périodes de prélèvements destructifs (4 par température). La vitesse de développement d'O. nubilalis est affectée par la température, main non par l'humidité du sol. Les 4 niveaux d'humidité du sol n'ont aucun effet sur la teneur en eau des tiges de maïs. En fait, les feuilles de maïs présentent une senescence précoce lorsqu'il y a déficit en eau dans le sol. La teneur en eau du sol agit sur l'installation, sur la distribution verticale, la dispersion et le lieu d'alimentation des chenilles; mais ces effets sont légers et ne modifient pas la vitesse de développement.L'environnement larvaire dans la tige de maïs est efficacement isolé des variations externes par l'aptitude de la plante à maintenir la teneur en eau des tiges relativement élevée et stable. Ainsi, des changements importants au niveau du sol n'ont pratiquement pas d'effets sur le développement d'O. nubilalis, malgré les conséquences brutales pour la plante. Cette étude montre que la vitesse de développement d'O. nubilalis est relativement insensible aux modifications de la teneur en eau du sol ainsi qu'aux effets de ce stress de sécheresse sévère sur le pied de maïs. La discussion porte sur l'importance de ces résultats pour la modélisation de la dynamique de l'insecte, la physiologie de la culture et les interactions entre insecte et plante.

     

Impaired drug-binding capacities of in vitro and in vivo glycated albumin

Albumin, the major circulating protein in blood, can undergo increased glycation in diabetes. One of the main properties of this plasma protein is its strong affinity to bind many therapeutic drugs, including warfarin and ketoprofen. In this study, we investigated whether or not there were any significant changes related to in vitro or in vivo glycation in the structural properties and the binding of human albumin to both therapeutic drugs. Structural parameters, including redox state and ketoamine contents of in vitro and in vivo glycated purified albumins, were investigated in parallel with their affinity for warfarin and ketoprofen. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the free drug concentrations and dissociation constants according to the Scatchard method. An alternative method based on fluorescence spectroscopy was also used to assess drug-binding properties. Oxidation and glycation levels were found to be enhanced in albumin purified from diabetic patients or glycated with glucose or methylglyoxal, after determination of their ketoamine, free thiol, amino group and carbonyl contents. In parallel, significant impairments in the binding affinity of in vitro and in vivo glycated albumin, as indicated by the higher dissociation constant values and confirmed by higher free drug fractions, were observed. To a lesser extent, this alteration also significantly affected diabetic albumin affinity, indicated by a lower static quenching in fluorescence spectroscopy. This work provides useful information supporting in vivo diabetic albumin could be the best model of glycation for monitoring diabetic physiopathology and should be valuable to know if glycation of albumin could contribute to variability in drugs response during diabetes.