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The chloroplast genome encodes many key proteins involved in photosynthesis and other metabolic processes, and metabolites synthesized in chloroplasts are essential for normal plant growth and development. Root-UVB (ultraviolet radiation B)-sensitive (RUS) family proteins composed of highly conserved DUF647 domain belong to chloroplast proteins. They play an important role in the regulation of various life activities such as plant morphogenesis, material transport and energy metabolism. This article summarizes the recent advances of the RUS family proteins in the growth and development of plants such as embryonic development, photomorphological construction, VB6 homeostasis, auxin transport and anther development, with the aim to facilitate further study of its molecular regulation mechanism in plant growth and development.
Subject(s)
Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Ultraviolet Rays , Biological Transport , Chloroplasts/genetics , Embryonic Development , Plant Development/geneticsABSTRACT
Anthocyanins are widely distributed water-soluble pigments that not only give the fruit colorful appearances, but also are important sources of natural edible pigments. In recent years, the interest on anthocyanins of solanaceous vegetables is increasing. This paper summarized the structure of anthocyanins and its biosynthetic pathway, the structural genes and regulatory genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in solanaceous vegetables, as well as the environmental factors affecting the biosynthesis. This review may help clarify the synthesis and regulation mechanism of anthocyanins in solanaceous vegetables and make better use of anthocyanins for quality breeding of fruit colors.
Subject(s)
Anthocyanins/metabolism , Fruit/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Plant Breeding , Vegetables/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in Wuhan, and is now causing a worldwide pandemic. However, the experience in very elderly patients is very limited, which has important implications for the investigation of hospital infection in medical and health institutions. METHODS: Seven patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in the Department of Geriatrics at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were included. Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Laboratory tests and chest computed tomography (CT) images from the patients before and after the COVID-19 infection were compared. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 91 years old (87-96). Six patients had pneumonia in the last 6 months. Dyspnea occurred in one patient 64 h after the onset of the disease. In the other six patients, minor fatigue with low fever were the only other manifestations of the disease. Lymphopenia and a significant reduction in plasma globulin level was observed compared with levels before the onset of the disease. None had typical chest CT phenotypes during the early stage, except the critically ill patient mentioned who had developed "white lung" and then died. One patient even showed absorption of inflammation compared with previous hypostatic pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of fatal cases in very elderly patients with COVID-19 is no higher than that reported in non-elderly patients was, and probably due to a low immune response. However, the elderly patients manifested minor clinical symptoms and atypical changes in chest CT images, which usually lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 709-714.
Subject(s)
Lung/diagnostic imaging , Aged, 80 and over , Betacoronavirus/isolation & purification , COVID-19 , China/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/mortality , Coronavirus Infections/physiopathology , Critical Illness/epidemiology , Diagnostic Errors/prevention & control , Female , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Humans , Male , Mortality , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/mortality , Pneumonia, Viral/physiopathology , SARS-CoV-2 , Symptom Assessment/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methodsABSTRACT
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are a novel family of small amphipathic, alpha-heli-cal peptides with strong surfactant-like properties. PSMs have multiple roles in staphylococcal pathogenesis and are considered as important virulence-associated factors. They may cause lysis of many eukaryotic cells, such as human neutrophils,erythrocytes and dendritic cells;induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines;facilitate the structuring and detachment of biofilms;influence the expression of other genes. This re-view summarizes the classification,structure,regulatory effect on gene expression and biological function of PSMs. The potential avenues to target PSMs for drug development against staphylococcal infections are also evaluated in this paper.
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Objective To explore the clinical value of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatic carcinoma in radial artery access. Methods From Octomber 2012 to June 2013, 15 patients with liver cancer were treated with transarterial chemoembolization via radial artery access. Results 13 cases were treated successfully via the radial artery access. One case were failed for vasospasm when puncturing left radial artery and successed via homolateral ulnar artery access. 1 case with supraclavicular lymph node metastasis received interventional therapy via right radial artery access. Conclusion The technic of transarterial chemoembolization via radial artery is safe, efficient and has fewer complications and suffering to patients.
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Objective To evaluate the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons in the development of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats.Methods Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats with DNP were randomly divided into 3 groups (n-=8 each) using a random number table:DNP group,TRPA1-specific siRNA group (siRNA group) and TRPA1-negative siRNA group (NC group).Another 8 Sprague-Dawley rats with normal blood glucose served as control group (C group).In siRNA group,TRPA1-specific siRNA 45 μl was injected intrathecally.In NC group,TRPA1-negative siRNA 45 μl was injected intrathecally.In DNP and C groups,normal saline 45 μl was injected intrathecally.On 2nd day after intrathecal administration,the lumbar segment (L4-6) of the dorsal root ganglions was removed for determination of the expression of TRPA1 mRNA.On 7,14,21 and 28 days after intrathecal administration (T1-4),MWT was measured.Results Compared with DNP group,TRPA1 mRNA expression was down-regulated in siRNA and C groups.Compared with DNP group,and MWT was significantly decreased at T1.2 in siRNA group,MWT was decreased at T1-3 in NC group,MWT was increased at T1-4 in group C.Compared with siRNA group,MWT was significantly increased at T1-4 in group C.MWT was significantly higher at T1~ in group C than in NC group.Conclusion TRPA1 in the dorsal root ganglion neurons is involved in the development of DNP in rats.
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It has been well established that immune surveillance plays critical roles in preventing the occurrence and progression of tumor. More and more evidence in recent years showed the host anti-tumor immune responses also play important roles in the chemotherapy and radiotherapy of cancers. Our previous study found that tumor- targeting therapy of anti-HER2/neu mAb is mediated by CD8(+) T cell responses. However, we found here that enhancement of CD8(+) T cell responses by combination therapy with IL-15R/IL-15 fusion protein or anti-CD40, which are strong stimultors for T cell responses, failed to promote the tumor therapeutic effects of anti-HER2/neu mAb. Analysis of tumor microenviornment showed that tumor tissues were heavily infiltrated with the immunosuppressive macrophages and most tumor infiltrating T cells, especially CD8(+) T cells, expressed high level of inhibitory co-signaling receptor PD-1. These data suggest that tumor microenvironment is dominated by the immunosuppressive strategies, which thwart anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, the successful tumor therapy should be the removal of inhibitory signals in the tumor microenvironment in combination with other therapeutic strategies.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Allergy and Immunology , Therapeutic Uses , Breast Neoplasms , Drug Therapy , Allergy and Immunology , Pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Immune Tolerance , Allergy and Immunology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neoplasm Transplantation , Receptor, ErbB-2 , Allergy and Immunology , Tumor Microenvironment , Allergy and ImmunologyABSTRACT
Objective The paper gives an account of the composition, functions and major techniques used in designing the total management system of radiation and management. Materials mid Methods With the use of the Windows as the development platform, VFOXPR06. 0 was employed to design the application software for tha management of radiation and intervention record data and intervention materials. Results The software can be used for registration, the disposition of diagnostic reports, the retrieval of patient information, the browsing of DICOM format images, statistical analysis and the management of intervention materials. Conclusion Easy to operate and fast in data handling, the system is of great practical value and is worthy of being widely spread.
