Split Nano luciferase complementation for probing protein‐protein interactions in plant cells

Deciphering protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) is fundamental for understanding signal transduction pathways in plants. The split firefly luciferase (Fluc) complementation (SLC) assay has been widely used for analyzing PPIs. However, concern has risen about the bulky halves of Fluc interfering with the functions of their fusion partners. Nano luciferase (Nluc) is the smallest substitute for Fluc with improved stability and luminescence. Here, we developed a dual‐use system enabling the detection of PPIs through the Nluc‐based SLC and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. This was realized by coexpression of two proteins under investigation in fusion with the HA‐ or FLAG‐tagged Nluc halves, respectively. We validated the robustness of this system by reproducing multiple previously documented PPIs in protoplasts or Agrobacterium‐transformed plants. We next applied this system to evaluate the homodimerization of Arabidopsis CERK1, a coreceptor of fungal elicitor chitin, and its heterodimerization with other homologs in the absence or presence of chitin. Moreover, split fragments of Nluc were fused to two cytosolic ends of Arabidopsis calcium channels CNGC2 and CNGC4 to help sense the allosteric change induced by the bacterial elicitor flg22. Collectively, these results demonstrate the usefulness of the Nluc‐based SLC assay for probing constitutive or inducible PPIs and protein allostery in plant cells.     

Deceptive pollination of Calanthe by skippers that commonly act as nectar thieves

Flowers have developed different strategies to attract pollinators through visual or olfactory signals. Most flowers offer pollinators a reward (e.g. nectar and pollen) for the pollination service. However, one‐third of Orchidaceae have been shown not to provide a reward. Calanthe are terrestrial orchids distributed throughout China, Nepal, Japan and tropical Asia. Despite its high diversity, the pollination biology of Calanthe remains largely unknown, even though it is an important aspect of plant conservation. In the study, through field surveying, there were three Hesperiidae butterflies pollinating two species of Calanthe and the pollination behavior differed between the two species of Calanthe, which might lead to different fruit setting rates. There was no nectar in the flowers of the two species, indicating deceptive pollination. Using a glass cylinder experiment, it was deduced that the two species of Calanthe were most likely to attract pollinators by generalized food deception. Interestingly, Hesperiidae butterflies were traditionally thought to be nectar thieves and generally do not transmit pollinia. However, our findings showed that, in this case, the thieves were deceived by the plants and pollinated them for free.     

The association between genetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and polymorphisms of three glutathione S-transferases in Chinese workers exposed to 1,3-butadiene

1,3-Butadiene (BD) has been classified as a human carcinogen, group I; however, the relationship between polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases that metabolize BD and chromosomal damage is not clear. The present study used sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assays to detect chromosomal damage in peripheral lymphocytes of 44 BD-exposed workers and 39 non-exposed healthy controls. PCR and PCR-RFLP were employed to detect three known glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 (Ile105Val). The data demonstrated that the micronucleus (CBMN) frequency in BD-exposed workers was significantly higher than that in controls (frequency ratio (FR) = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.14–1.91, P < 0.01), and the CBMN frequency was higher in workers exposed to higher cumulative BD levels (FR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.28–2.27, P < 0.01). However, differences in SCE frequency were not observed (FR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.81–1.61, P > 0.05). Among exposed workers, chromosomal damage was related to BD exposure levels (FR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02–1.80, P < 0.05); age, older workers exhibited higher MN frequencies than younger workers (FR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.84, P < 0.05); and years of work, those with more years of work exhibited higher MN frequencies than those with fewer years (FR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10–1.77, P < 0.05). Multivariate Poisson regression analysis showed that those who carried GSTM1 (?) (FR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.14–1.92) or GSTT1 (?) (FR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10–1.83) genotypes, and especially those who carried both (FR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.43–3.09) exhibited significantly higher MN frequencies than those carrying GSTM1 (+), GSTT1 (+) genotypes or their combination. The GSTP1 Val genotype did not affect MN frequency (P > 0.05). Our results suggested that higher levels of BD exposure in the workplace resulted in increased chromosomal damage, and that polymorphisms in GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes might modulate the genotoxic effects of BD exposure. Furthermore, the GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms exhibited an additive effect. Finally, urinary DHBMA was found to provide a biomarker that correlated with airborne BD levels.     

Molecular simulation of swelling and structure for Na-Wyoming montmorillonite in supercritical CO2

Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (GEMC) simulations were used to study the swelling stability and interlayer structures of Na-montmorillonite clay in supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂). From the GEMC simulation, it was found that there exist several stable mechanical spacings for Na-Wyoming montmorillonite immersed in scCO₂, which are larger than the stable spacing in vacuum condition. The swelling behaviour of Na-montmorillonite clay in scCO₂ fluid is thermodynamically favourable. However, it was also observed that the clay swelling is inhibited when in contact with CO₂ gas at atmospheric pressure. The interlayer structures were applied to investigate the mechanism of swelling. In the case of stable spacings, the interlayer sodium cations are not only well solvated with the surrounding CO₂ molecules but also show stronger tendency to adhere to the clay surface.     

Gender Differences in Homicide of Neonates,Infants, and Children under 5 y in South Africa: Results from the Cross-Sectional 2009 National Child Homicide Study

BackgroundHomicide of children is a global problem. The under-5-y age group is the second largest homicide age group after 15–19 y olds, but has received little research attention. Understanding age and gender patterns is important for assisting with developing prevention interventions. Here we present an age and gender analysis of homicides among children under 5 y in South Africa from a national study that included a focus on neonaticide and infanticide.ConclusionsHomicide of children is an extreme form or consequence of violence against children. This national study provides one of the first analyses of neonaticide and infanticide by age and gender and shows the failure of reproductive and mental health and social services to identify and help vulnerable mothers. Multi-sectoral prevention strategies are needed.     

非人灵长类个性化麻醉方案的探讨

目的 比较氯胺酮、舒泰、速眠新Ⅱ、戊巴比妥钠等4种全身麻醉药或其组合对非人灵长类的麻醉效果,探寻能替代或者减少氯胺酮使用的个性化麻醉方案。方法 以单独使用氯胺酮麻醉的方案作为对照,另设单独使用舒泰、氯胺酮复合速眠新Ⅱ、舒泰复合速眠新Ⅱ和戊巴比妥钠复合速眠新Ⅱ等麻醉4个实验组,每组选取5只食蟹猴进行实验,记录麻醉后的心率、体温、血氧饱和度、以及麻醉诱导时间和维持时间,以比较各方案的麻醉效果。结果 与单独使用氯胺酮麻醉比较,其他四种麻醉方案在心率、体温、血氧饱和度和麻醉诱导时间上均无显著性差异,不同方案麻醉维持时间分布在30~200min之间。在非人灵长类的全身麻醉中,舒泰可以很好地替代氯胺酮;氯胺酮复合速眠新Ⅱ麻醉可取得较长的麻醉维持时间,并减少氯胺酮的使用量;舒泰与速眠新Ⅱ联用、戊巴比妥钠与速眠新Ⅱ联用的方案也可替代氯胺酮,且麻醉维持时间较长。结论 在一定的麻醉时间内,联合用药可以降低氯胺酮的使用量,不同麻醉方案灵活运用可满足不同实验对麻醉维持时间的需求。     

梨果柄特征及其与果实主要经济性状的相关性分析

为了解梨果柄生长发育对果实品质的影响,该试验以11个梨品种为材料,对果实主要经济性状、可溶性糖、矿质养分等进行了测定分析,并对果柄显微组织结构进行了解剖观察。结果显示：(1)梨不同品种间果柄形态及显微结构存在明显差异,大果型品种果柄内有10个维管束,中果型品种有9个维管束,小果型品种有5个维管束。(2)大果型砂梨品种中,果柄横截面维管束占比越高,单果重越大。(3)梨果柄粗度与果实大小之间存在显著相关关系,且相关性大小表现为白梨大于砂梨。(4)同一梨品种的中果柄和粗果柄果实的可溶性总糖含量显著高于细果柄果实。(5)果柄粗度影响果实果肉矿质养分含量,‘秋月’的中果柄和粗果柄果实的Ca和B含量显著优于细果柄果实,且中果柄果实的含量最高。研究表明,梨不同品种的果柄形态结构不同,且果柄发育状况影响果实生长发育,尤其果柄粗度是限制果实大小和影响果实品质的重要因素之一;同一梨品种的中果柄果实品质优于粗果柄和细果柄果实。