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We sought to investigate the long-term outcome of pulmonary function for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and to further determine influential factors. Eighteen AMC patients with a minimum of 3-year follow-up after PSF were prospectively collected. All the patients underwent a pulmonary function test before surgery and at the final follow-up. The percentage predicted values of vital capacity (VC%) and forced vital capacity (FVC%) were recorded. The following radiographic parameters were collected including Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis. The total lung volumes (TLV) were measured on the image of 3-dimensional computed tomography scan by the reconstruction software. There were 10 males and 8 females with a mean age of 13.8 ± 6.1 years. The mean preoperative VC% and FVC% were 40.5% ± 7.6% and 39.5% ± 4.7%, which were significantly increased to 52.0% ± 7.5% and 51.2% ± 6.8% at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). Besides, there was remarkable improvement in terms of TLV (1.57 ± 0.2 L vs. 2.39 ± 0.6 L, P < 0.001). Remarkable correlations were observed between TLV and pulmonary function tests (r = 0.79, P < 0.001 for VC%; r = 0.78, P < 0.001 for FVC%). Multiple regression analysis showed that 2 variables including Δ thoracic kyphosis and Δ Cobb angle were independently associated with the improvement of pulmonary function. The pulmonary function of AMC patients can be well improved through PSF surgery. It was remarkably associated with the correction of curve magnitude and restoration of thoracic kyphosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been validated to be involved in the complicated biological processes during tumor progression. LINC01207 has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types. However, the function of LINC01207 and its underlying molecular mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) are poorly understood. The expression level of LINC01207, miR-1301-3p and PODXL mRNA was detected in GC tissues and cells by RT-qPCR. The level of PODXL protein was examined by western blot. Colony formation assay, EdU assay, TUNEL assay, caspase-3 activity test and transwell assays were carried out to analyze the effect of LINC01207 on GC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. The interaction between RNAs was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RIP assay. LINC01207 was expressed at high level in GC tissues and cells. Silencing of LINC01207 impaired GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC01207 acted as a ceRNA by sponging miR-1301-3p to upregulate PODXL. Besides, miR-1301-3p silencing or PODXL overexpression could abolish the inhibitory effect of LINC01207 knockdown on GC cell growth and migration. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) could transcriptionally activate LINC01207 in GC cells. CTCF-induced activation of LINC01207 contributes to GC progression through regulating miR-1301-3p/PODXL axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence showed that Heart and Neural Crest Derivatives Expressed 2 antisense RNA 1 (HAND2-AS1) was involved in the progression of several cancers, but its expression and function in gastric cancer (GC) was rarely reported. HAND2-AS1 expression in GC tissues and cells was detected at first. Cell function assays were performed to investigate the biological roles of HAND2-AS1 in GC cells. Moreover, the genes regulated by HAND2-AS1 in GC were investigated. Downregulation of HAND2-AS1 was found in GC tissues and cell lines. HAND2-AS1 overexpression inhibited GC cell proliferation, invasion, and arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, whereas HADN2-AS1 knockdown significantly promoted cell proliferation and invasion. Bioinformatic analysis showed there is a potential HADN2-AS1/microRNA-769–5p (miR-769–5p)/transcription elongation factor A like 7 (TCEAL7) axis in GC. Luciferase activity reporter system was used to confirm this link. Taken together, our study showed that HAND2-AS1 exerts its tumor suppressive role in GC via regulating miR-769–5p/TCEAL7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sebacic acid, an important chemical intermediate, is usually prepared by fermentation. However, the composition of the fermentation broth is complex, which causes significant difficulties in the purification of the product and is still a key problem in the industry. In this study, the application of ceramic membranes for the separation and purification of simulated fermentation broth was studied. Ceramic microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with average pore sizes of 100 and 6 nm, respectively, were systematically compared by analyzing their separation effects on different components in the fermentation broth and their permeation flux during filtration. Both ceramic MF and UF membranes can be used to clarify the fermentation broth with turbidity less than 0.01 NTU by the effective removal of emulsified oil and bacteria while allowing sodium sebacate to pass through freely. However, the ceramic UF membrane showed a higher protein rejection of more than 95%, whereas the removal rate of the MF membrane was only approximately 20%. In addition, the fouling process of ceramic UF membrane was analyzed. In the suitable operating conditions when the pH was 9.2, the temperature was 60 ℃, the pressure was 0.1 MPa and the cross-flow velocity was 1.8 m·s−1, the membrane fouling process was dominated by the reversible cake formation. A ceramic UF membrane with a smaller pore size can effectively avoid pollution in pore channels, and thus exhibits a higher permeation flux in the filtration of the fermentation broth. • Ceramic MF and UF membranes were compared for the clarification of fermentation broth. • The turbidity can be reduced below 0.01 NTU by both ceramic MF and UF membranes. • Sebacic acid permeated through the ceramic UF membrane freely in its salt form. • Ceramic UF membrane effectively avoided fouling in pores and exhibited a higher flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic membranes have been widely used in oil-water separation owing to their characteristics of high flux, excellent chemical stability, strong hydrophilicity, and good fouling resistance. To further enhance their anti-fouling performance, a co-deposition reaction was employed for the surface modification of the ceramic membranes in this study. Polyethyleneimine and dopamine were used to introduce tertiary amine groups on the surface of the ceramic membranes, and sodium 2-bromoethanesulfonate was used for the quaternization reaction with tertiary amine groups. According to the water contact angle measurements, the ceramic membrane functionalized via zwitterionic modification exhibited better hydrophilicity and thus could absorb water droplets faster than pristine ceramic membranes. Consequently, the zwitterion-functionalized ceramic membrane achieved double the permeance (40 L m−2 h−1 bar-‍1) compared to the original ceramic membrane (20 L m−2 h−1 bar-‍1) during the separation of the oil-in-water emulsion, suggesting good anti-fouling performance. [Display omitted] • The zwitterionic ceramic membrane was fabricated by a two-step grafting method. • Polydopamine enhances the modification of zwitterions on ceramic membrane. • The surface hydrophilicity was enhanced after the zwitterionic modification. • The prepared membrane shows an antifouling property in O/W emulsion separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeobox transcription factors participate in the growth and development of plants by regulating cell differentiation, morphogenesis and environmental signal response. To reveal the functions of these transcription factors in rice, we constructed the RNAi vectors of OsHox9 , a member of homeobox family, and analyzed the function of OsHox9 using reverse genetics. The plant height and tillering number of RNAi transgenic plants decreased compared with those of wild-type plants. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that OsHox9 expression reduced in the transgenic plants with phenotypic variance, whereas that in the transgenic plants without phenotypic variance was similar to that in the wild-type plants. This result suggests that the phenotypes of the transgenic plants were caused by RNAi effects. The tissue-specificity of OsHox9 expression indicated that it was expressed in different organs, with high expression in stem apical meristem and young panicles. Subcellular location of OsHox9 demonstrated that it was localized on the cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plants have an ability to flower under optimal seasonal conditions to ensure reproductive success. Photoperiod and temperature are two important season-dependent factors of plant flowering. The floral transition of plants depends on accurate measurement of changes in photoperiod and temperature. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics on Arabidopsis and rice reveals that the regulation of plant flowering by photoperiod and temperature are involved in a complicated gene network with different regulatory pathways, and new evidence and understanding were provided in the regulation of rice flowering. Here, we summarize and analyze different flowering regulatory pathways in detail in rice based on previous studies and our results, including short-day promotion, long-day suppression, long-day induction of flowering, night break, different light-quality and temperature regulation pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: A novel invertebrate TNF ligand was identified and characterized in Ciona savignyi. The CsTL cDNA consisted of 995 nucleotides and encoded 281 amino acids. A conserved TNF family signature and several motifs of TNF ligand superfamily were identified in deduced amino acid sequence of CsTL. Phylogenetic analysis grouped CsTL, CiTNF (predicted TNF ligand superfamily homolog in Ciona intestinalis) and urchin TL1A with their own cluster apart from mammalian TNFα, LTA, TNFSF15 and fish TNFα proteins. Expression studies demonstrated that CsTL mRNA is present in all tested tissues from unchallenged ascidians and its expression was significantly upregulated in hemocytes following LPS injection. The recombinant CsTL protein expressed using a baculovirus expression system showed potential cytotoxic activity in L929 cells. Present results indicated that TNF ligand superfamily molecules are present in marine invertebrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A thermo-insensitive pale green leaf mutant (pgl2) was isolated from T-DNA inserted transgenic lines of rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica cv. Nipponbare). Genetic analysis indicated that the phenotype was caused by a recessive mutation in a single nuclear-encoded gene. To map the PGL2 gene, an F2 population was constructed by crossing the mutant with Longtefu (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica). The PGL2 locus was roughly linked to SSR marker RM331 on chromosome 8. To finely map the gene, 14 new InDel markers were developed around the marker, and PGL2 was further mapped to a 2.37 Mb centromeric region. Analysis on chlorophyll contents of leaves showed that there was no obvious difference between the mutant and the wild type in total chlorophyll (Chl) content, while the ratio of Chl a/Chl b in the mutant was only about 1, which was distinctly lower than that in the wild type, suggesting that the PGL2 gene was related to the conversion between Chl a and Chl b. Moreover, the method of primer design around the centromeric region was discussed, which would provide insight into fine mapping of the functional genes in plant centromeres. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Animal husbandry is a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions. To address this problem, the low-carbon characteristics of the circular economy provide a theoretical basis for reducing carbon emissions in this sector. Using a life cycle assessment approach, in the present study, we compared the differences in traditional and biogas-based circular economic models of pig farming by analyzing the carbon footprint inventories. Based on the carbon emission reduction in the circular economic model, we estimated the environmental and economic benefits under carbon trading. Using pig farming in Liaoning Province, China, as an example, the circular economic model could effectively reduce the global warming potential of large-scale pig farming by 3,091,891.8 t carbon dioxide equivalents by diverting otherwise-heaped pig excrement for biogas generation. Under carbon trading, the reduction in carbon emissions under the circular model could generate an economic benefit of USD 30.92 million. Therefore, the carbon emission reductions of this model could have major environmental and economic benefits. Based on micro-parameters examined at the provincial scale in China, the findings of this analysis can serve as a reference for the formulation of government policies to realize global environmental benefits and develop a circular economy in livestock and poultry farming. Image 107 • Pig farm carbon emission cuts were investigated by comparing two life cycle models. • From carbon footprints, the biogas-based circular model can reduce greenhouse gases. • This model can also confer economic benefits via carbon trading. • Livestock manure management is key to carbon emission reductions. • Carbon calculation and pricing are key to realizing economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 20 specimens of single-span purlin roof assemblies considering uplift wind load were tested to investigate the structural behavior of cold-formed steel Z-purlins having the tension flange fastened to standing seam roof systems. The variables of the tests include the type of standing seam roof systems, purlin thickness, purlin height and location of sag rods. Failure modes and flexural strengths of Z-purlins with and without sag rods were obtained from the tests. The test results were also compared with the flexural strengths calculated according to the Chinese code and North American specification, respectively. Furthermore, full finite element models representing the test specimens were then developed and nonlinear analysis was performed. The test results were in good agreement with the finite element analyses in terms of failure loads, failure modes and load-displacement curves. • Z-purlins supporting standing seam roof systems were tested under simulated wind uplift load. • Failure modes of single span Z-purlins with and without sag rods were investigated. • Test results were compared with the flexural strengths calculated according to AISI S100 and GB50018. • FE models were developed to validate the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithospheric deformation signal can be detected by combining data from continuous global positioning system (CGPS) and satellite observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). In this paper, we use 2.5- to 19-year-long time series from 35 CGPS stations to estimate vertical deformation rates in Nepal, which is located in the southern side of the Himalaya. GPS results were compared with GRACE observations. Principal component analysis was conducted to decompose the time series into three-dimensional principal components (PCs) and spatial eigenvectors. The top three high-order PCs were calculated to correct common mode errors. Both GPS and GRACE observations showed significant seasonal variations. The observed seasonal GPS vertical variations are in good agreement with those from the GRACE-derived results, particularly for changes in surface pressure, non-tidal oceanic mass loading, and hydrologic loading. The GPS-observed rates of vertical deformation obtained for the region suggest both tectonic impact and mass decrease. The rates of vertical crustal deformation were estimated by removing the GRACE-derived hydrological vertical rates from the GPS measurements. Most of the sites located in the southern part of the Main Himalayan Thrust subsided, whereas the northern part mostly showed an uplift. These results may contribute to the understanding of secular vertical crustal deformation in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was aimed to explore the diagnostic value and mechanism of exosome derived circular RNA (circ)_0048856 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. Exosomes protein markers, CD63 and CD9, were examined by Western blot. Real time quantitative reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of circ_0048856 and miR-1287–5p. Proliferation of NSCLC cell was detected by MTT assay. Transwell assay was utilized to evaluated the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Apoptosis rate was examined by Flow cytometry. Double luciferase report assay was used to assess the targeting association between circ_0048856 and miR-1287–5p. Diagnostic value of circ_0048856 for NSCLC was estimated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Animal models were constructed to explore the function of exosomal circ_0048856 in NSCLC. Diameter of exosomes in NSCLC serum was ranged between 75 and 150 nm. Exosomes circ_0048856 was enhanced in NSCLC serum and cell lines (P < 0.001). Exosome derived circ_0048856 had high diagnostic value for NSCLC. Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.943 (95%CI=0.904–0.982, P < 0.001). at the optimal cutoff value of 1.800, the sensitivity was 0.880, and specificity was 0.800. Exosome circ_0048856 facilitated proliferation, migration and invasion, inhibited apoptosis of NSCLC cells. MiR-1287–5p could be effaced by circ_0048856. MiR-1287–5p reversed the biological behavior changes of NSCLC cells which induced by circ_0048856. In vivo , exosomal circ_0048856 could significantly promote tumor growth (P < 0.001). Exosomes derived circ_0048856 was elevated in NSCLC serum and cell lines. Exosome circ_0048856 promoted the NSCLC development by targeting miR-1287–5p. Exosome circ_0048856 had high diagnostic value for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: FAM3B, also named PANDER, is a cytokine-like protein identified in 2002. Previous studies showed that FAM3B regulates glucose and lipid metabolism through interaction with liver and endocrine pancreas. FAM3B is also expressed by other tissues but its basic function is unclear. In this study, we found that FAM3B was expressed in mouse colon, intestine, liver and lung tissues and multiple types of cell lines, including murine pancreatic β-cell (Min6), microglia (N9) and muscle cell (C2C12); human colon cancer cells (HCT8, HCT116, HT29), hepatocyte (HL-7702), hepatocellular carcinoma cell (SMMC-7721) and lung carcinoma cell (A549). Inhibition of FAM3B expression by RNA interference induced apoptotic cell death of HCT8, HCT116, A549, N9, C2C12 and Min6 cells and decreased cell viability of HL-7702 and murine primary hepatocytes. Further studies with HCT8 cells showed that knockdown of FAM3B increased the protein levels of membrane-bound Fas and Bax, reduced the expression of Bcl-2, promoted the cleavage of caspases-8, -3, -9 and PARP, and the nuclear translocation of cleaved PARP. These results suggest that FAM3B silencing activates both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Mechanistic studies showed that neutralizing antibody against Fas or silencing Fas-associated death domain had no effect on, while caspase inhibitors could significantly reverse FAM3B knockdown induced apoptosis, suggesting Fas and death receptor mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway is not involved in FAM3B silencing induced apoptosis. Further studies showed that p53 was significantly upregulated after FAM3B knockdown. Silencing p53 could almost completely reverse FAM3B knockdown induced upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, cleavage of caspases-8, -9, -3, and apoptotic cell death, suggesting p53-dependent pathway plays critical roles in FAM3B silencing induced apoptosis. Studies with HCT116 cells confirmed that inhibition of FAM3B expression induced apoptosis through p53-dependent pathway. Furthermore, knockdown of FAM3B reduced the protein level of Mdm2 and promoted p53 phosphorylation. Taken together, our studies demonstrated that silencing FAM3B promoted p53 phosphorylation and induced p53 accumulation by decreasing Mdm2 expression, which resulted in apoptotic cell death. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lectin is regarded as a potential molecule involved in immune recognition and phagocytosis through opsonization in crustacean. Knowledge on lectin at molecular level would help us to understand its regulation mechanism in crustacean immune system. A novel C-type lectin gene (Fclectin) was cloned from hemocytes of Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis by 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The full-length cDNA consists of 1482bp with an 861bp open reading frame, encoding 287 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal peptide of 19 amino acids. It also contains two carbohydrate recognition domains/C-type lectin-like domains (CRD1 and CRD2), which share 78% identity with each other. CRD1 and CRD2 showed 34% and 30% identity with that of mannose-binding lectin from Japanese lamprey (Lethenteron japonicum), respectively. Both CRD1 and CRD2 of Fclectin have 11 amino acids residues, which are relatively invariant in animals’ C-type lectin CRDs. Five residues at Ca2+ binding site 1 are conserved in Fclectin. The potential Ca2+/carbohydrate-binding (site 2) motif QPD, E, NP (Gln-Pro-Asp, Glu, Asn-Pro) presented in the two CRDs of Fclectin may support its ability to bind galactose-type sugars. It could be deduced that Fclectin is a member of C-type lectin superfamily. Transcripts of Fclectin were found only in hemocytes by Northern blotting and RNA in situ hybridization. The variation of mRNA transcription level in hemocytes during artificial infection with bacteria and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was quantitated by capillary electrophoresis after RT-PCR. An exploration of mRNA expression variation after LPS stimulation was carried out in primarily cultured hemocytes in vitro. Expression profiles of Fclectin gene were greatly modified after bacteria, LPS or WSSV challenge. The above-stated data can provide us clues to understand the probable role of C-type lectin in innate immunity of shrimp and would be helpful to shrimp disease control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]