Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the bHLH Gene Family and Its Response to Abiotic Stresses in Carthamus tinctorius.

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors possess DNA-binding and dimerization domains and are involved in various biological and physiological processes, such as growth and development, the regulation of secondary metabolites, and stress response. However, the bHLH gene family in C. tinctorius has not been investigated. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and analysis of bHLH transcription factors in C. tinctorius. A total of 120 CtbHLH genes were identified, distributed across all 12 chromosomes, and classified into 24 subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, the 120 CtbHLH genes were subjected to comprehensive analyses, including protein sequence alignment, evolutionary assessment, motif prediction, and the analysis of promoter cis-acting elements. The promoter region analysis revealed that CtbHLH genes encompass cis-acting elements and were associated with various aspects of plant growth and development, responses to phytohormones, as well as responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Expression profiles, sourced from transcriptome databases, indicated distinct expression patterns among these CtbHLH genes, which appeared to be either tissue-specific or specific to certain cultivars. To further explore their functionality, we determined the expression levels of fifteen CtbHLH genes known to harbor motifs related to abiotic and hormone responses. This investigation encompassed treatments with ABA, salt, drought, and MeJA. The results demonstrated substantial variations in the expression patterns of CtbHLH genes in response to these abiotic and hormonal treatments. In summary, our study establishes a solid foundation for future inquiries into the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the CtbHLH gene family.

MLL1:EZH2 Ratio in Uterine Secretions and Endometrial Receptivity in Patients with Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a novel approach for diagnosing endometriosis (EM) in patients with impaired endometrial receptivity. METHOD: Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) levels were analyzed. The MLL1:EZH2 ratio in identifying impaired endometrial receptivity has been established and validated. RESULTS: In normal endometrial tissue, the MLL1:EZH2 ratio increased significantly in the midsecretory phase, compared with that in the proliferative phase. In the midsecretory phase, the MLL1:EZH2 ratio in endometrial tissues and uterine secretions accurately identifies patients with EM who have impaired endometrial receptivity. In the validation group, the sensitivity and specificity of the MLL1:EZH2 ratio in the uterine secretions of the midsecretory phase, in diagnosing patients EM who have impaired endometrial receptivity, were 100% and 96.55%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MLL1:EZH2 ratio in uterine secretions of the midsecretory phase may serve as a marker to diagnose EM in patients with impaired endometrial receptivity.

Environmental factors influencing potential distribution of Schisandra sphenanthera and its accumulation of medicinal components.

Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (SSF), the dry ripe fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils., is a traditional Chinese medicine with wide application potential. The quality of SSF indicated by the composition and contents of secondary metabolites is closely related to environmental factors, such as regional climate and soil conditions. The aims of this study were to predict the distribution patterns of potentially suitable areas for S. sphenanthera in China and pinpoint the major environmental factors influencing its accumulation of medicinal components. An optimized maximum entropy model was developed and applied under current and future climate scenarios (SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP3-RCP7, and SSP5-RCP8.5). Results show that the total suitable areas for S. sphenanthera (179.58×104 km2) cover 18.71% of China's territory under the current climatic conditions (1981-2010). Poorly, moderately, and highly suitable areas are 119.00×104 km2, 49.61×104 km2, and 10.98×104 km2, respectively. The potentially suitable areas for S. sphenanthera are predicted to shrink and shift westward under the future climatic conditions (2041-2070 and 2071-2100). The areas of low climate impact are located in southern Shaanxi, northwestern Guizhou, southeastern Chongqing, and western Hubei Provinces (or Municipality), which exhibit stable and high suitability under different climate scenarios. The contents of volatile oils, lignans, and polysaccharides in SSF are correlated with various environmental factors. The accumulation of major secondary metabolites is primarily influenced by temperature variation, seasonal precipitation, and annual precipitation. This study depicts the potential distribution of S. sphenanthera in China and its spatial change in the future. Our findings decipher the influence of habitat environment on the geographical distribution and medicinal quality of S. sphenanthera, which could have great implications for natural resource conservation and artificial cultivation.

Application of the decision tree method to lithology identification of volcanic rocks-taking the Mesozoic in the Laizhouwan Sag as an example.

The decision tree method can be used to identify complex volcanic rock lithology by dividing lithology sample data layer by layer and establishing a tree structure classification model. Mesozoic volcanic strata are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin, the rock types are complex and diverse, and the logging response is irregular. Taking the D oilfield of the Laizhouwan Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin as an example, this study selects volcanic rocks with good development scales and single-layer thicknesses of more than 0.2 m as samples. Based on a comparison of various lithology identification methods and both coring and logging data, using the decision tree analysis method and the probability density characteristics of logging parameters, six logging parameters with good sensitivity to the response of the volcanic rocks of the above formation are selected (resistivity (RD), spontaneous potential (SP), density (ZDEN), natural gamma ray (GR), acoustic (DT), and compensated neutron correction (CNCF) curves), which are combined to form a lithology classifier with a tree structure similar to a flow chart. This method can clearly express the process and result of identifying volcanic rock lithology with each logging curve. Additionally, crossplots and imaging logging are used to identify the volcanic rock structure, and the core data are used to correct the identified lithology. A combination of conventional logging, imaging logging and the decision tree method is proposed to identify volcanic rock lithology, which substantially improves the accuracy of rock identification.

Cold damage from wax deposition in a shallow, low-temperature, and high-wax reservoir in Changchunling Oilfield.

Wax deposition is an important factor that influences oil production for high-wax crude oilfield. There are few studies on the formation damage by wax deposition, especially cold damage to the shallow low-temperature reservoir. With laboratory tests conducted on reservoir oil and cores of Changchunling Oilfield, this study aims to experimentally investigate the influence of temperature variations on characteristics of oil-water percolation and cold damage mechanisms, as well as the relative permeability of high-wax reservoirs. Experimental results show that seepage flow of high-wax crude is significantly sensitive to temperature-wax deposition evidently increases, whereas the cold damage such as the pore-throat radius and relative permeability sharply decrease with the decline in formation temperature. The research results can be applied to enhance oil recovery of high-viscosity or high-wax oilfields.

[Occurrence regularity and integrated control of leaf miner in safflower].

Leaf miner is one of the major pests on safflower, which causes yield loss and poor quality seriously. "Weihonghua", "nine safflower varieties" and "three chemical insecticides" as materials that used to evaluate variety and regularity of leaf miner, safflower resistant level, and different proportions insecticides in field efficiency test. The results showed that Liriomyza sativae and L. huidobrensis accounted for 80%, the peak period of two pests was all in July; but Phytomyza horticola is relative less, its peak period occured in June. Three were great difference of resistance to leaf miner among safflower varieties, FQ12 and YJ65 expressed higher resistibility to leaf miner by ratio method. With abamectin 2% emulsifiable concentrate diluted for 2 000 times, or the mixture three insecticides(bifenthrin 20% water emulsions, thiamethoxam 25% water dispersible granule, abamectin 2% emulsifiable concentrate=1∶1∶1) diluted for 3 000 times, which were sprayed on leaves at squaring stage and lethal rate was 96% after 48 h in the study. Through comparative study on the variety and regularity of leaf miner, screen for resistant varieties to leaf miner and for high efficiency pesticide. The study provides theoretical basis and reference for integrated pest management of leaf miner.

[Research on regional distribution and industrial status analysis of genuine medicinal resources of flowers in Henan province].

Flower medicinal materials usually refer to Chinese medicinal materials with a complete flower,inflorescence,or part of a flower as the different medicinal parts,they have an important share in the Chinese herbal medicine market and appeared frequently in Chinese medicine prescriptions. Firstly,the species and regional distribution of the flower medicinal materials resources in China were briefly summarized. Secondly,the characteristics,yield,producing area and origin distribution of the main flower medicinal materials in Henan province were discussed. Finally,the present situation and the main problems of the flower medicinal materials industry in Henan province were comprehensively analyzed,and the corresponding industrial development countermeasures were put forward.This research was intended to provide decision-making demonstration and scientific basis for the rational exploitation and utilization of resources,breeding of new varieties,planting division,production layout and the healthy and sustainable development of the flower medicinal materials industry in Henan province.

A DGGE Marker-Mediated Fast Monitoring of Bacterial Diversity and Comprehensive Identification of High-Temperature Daqu Starter.

UNLABELLED: Bacteria play an essential role in Daqu starter (Daqu) fermentation. The identification of Daqu bacteria was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the highly variable V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Here, we define a novel DGGE marker for the quick identification of Daqu bacteria. A dynamic alteration of the bacterial populations at different stages of fermentation was determined through a 2-y continuous monitoring. The physicochemical parameters of Daqu at different fermentation stages were investigated by weighing, NaOH titration, and HCl hydrolysis together with Fehling reagent methods. Furthermore, infrared spectral analysis using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy was performed to determine physicochemical changes of Daqu. Therefore, our studies provide key insight for a comprehensive quality control of Daqu at different fermentation stages using the PCR-DGGE analysis combined with the physicochemical measurement. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Chinese liquor is one of the 6 well-known distilled spirits in the world. High-temperature Daqu acts as an important source of nutrients and of microorganisms in the solid-state fermentation of Chinese Moutai-flavor liquor, which has a critical impact on the final flavor of the liquor. The study identifies a novel DGGE marker and provides an efficient way to identify bacterial diversity in Daqu from different fermentation stages. Importantly, the study defines dynamic changes of the physicochemical parameters and the infrared spectra analysis of Daqu during the fermentation process. These studies will help to (1) establish a standard operation procedure for Daqu production; (2) stabilize manufacturing process for Daqu fermentation and even for liquor brewing.

Inheritance and QTL mapping of related root traits in soybean at the seedling stage.

KEY MESSAGE: This study provides a foundation for further research on root genetic regulation and molecular breeding with emphasis on correlations among root traits to ensure robust root growth and well-developed root systems. A set of 447 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Jingdou23 (cultivar, female parent) and ZDD2315 (semi-wild, male parent) were used to analyze inheritance and detect QTLs related to root traits at the seedling stage using major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance analysis and composite interval mapping. The results showed that maximum root length (MRL) was controlled by three equivalent major genes, lateral root number (LRN) was controlled by two overlapping major genes, root weight (RW) and volume (RV) were controlled by four equivalent major genes. Hypocotyl length (HL) was controlled by four additive main genes, and hypocotyl weight (HW) was controlled by four additive and additive × additive epistatic, major genes; however, polygene effects were not detected in these traits. Shoot weight (SW) was controlled by multi-gene effects, but major gene effects were not detected. Twenty-four QTLs for MRL, LRN, RW, RV, SW, HL, HW were mapped on LG A1 (chromosome 5), LG A2 (chromosome 8), LG B1 (chromosome 11), LG B2 (chromosome 14), LG C2 (chromosome 6), LG D1b (chromosome 2), LG F_1 (chromosome 13), LG G (chromosome 18), LG H_1 (chromosome 12), LG H_2 (chromosome 12), LG I (chromosome 20), LG K_2 (chromosome 9), LG L (chromosome 19), LG M (chromosome 7), LG N (chromosome 3), LG O (chromosome 10), separately. Root traits were shown to have complex genetic mechanisms at the seedling stage, SW was controlled by multi-gene effects, and the other six traits were controlled by major gene effects. It is concluded that correlations among root traits must be considered to improve the development of beneficial root traits.

Description of Chishuiella changwenlii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from freshwater, and transfer of Wautersiella falsenii to the genus Empedobacter as Empedobacter falsenii comb. nov.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-pigmented, non-gliding, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain BY4(T), was isolated from freshwater. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive and indole was produced. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BY4(T) belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed 91.6-95.9% sequence similarities to the most closely related strains. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The major polyamine was homospermidine and the major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or C(16 : 1)ω6c). The DNA G+C content was 30.0 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic features, strain BY4(T) is suggested to represent a novel species in a new genus within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Chishuiella changwenlii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this type species is BY4(T) ( = CGMCC 1.12707(T) = JCM 19633(T)). On the basis of data collected from previous and present studies, it is proposed to reclassify Wautersiella falsenii to the genus Empedobacter as the new combination Empedobacter falsenii comb. nov. (type strain NF 993(T) = CCUG 51536(T) = CIP 108861(T)).

Taibaiella chishuiensis sp. nov., isolated from freshwater.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, AY17T, was isolated from the Chishui River in Guizhou Province, South-west China. Strain AY17T grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 20 °C. Flexirubin-type pigments were produced. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain AY17T belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae within the phylum Bacteroidetes; the closest phylogenetic relative was Taibaiella smilacinae PTJT-5T (95.3% gene sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content was 49.5 mol%. Strain AY17T contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1G and iso-C17:0 3-OH. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and genetic data, strain AY17T was classified as representing a novel species of the genus Taibaiella, for which the name Taibaiella chishuiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AY17T (=CGMCC 1.12700T=JCM 19637T).

Mechanisms and influence of octreotide-induced regulation of somatostatin receptor 2 on hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors. Exposure of G protein-coupled receptors to their agonists induces a rapid decrease in their initial response. The goal of this study is to investigate alteration in SSTR2 by the treatment of SSTR agonist octreotide (OCT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the resulting consequence. METHODS: Morphology, proliferation and cell cycle of the human HCC cell line (Bel7402) were evaluated. Effect of OCT on HCC growth and development was assessed in vivo. SSTR2 expression was measured by RT-PCR and detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Short-term OCT treatment on Bel7402 cells barely changed cell proliferation and morphology, and no apoptosis was induced. The SSTR2 protein level was markedly decreased on Bel7402 cells after exposure to OCT. However, the weight of the HCC xenograft was significantly lower in the OCT treatment group as compared with the control group. In the rat hepatocarcinogenesis model, the mortality and incidence of HCC in the OCT treatment group were remarkably less than those in the control group. Long-term OCT treatment led to increased levels of both SSTR2 mRNA and protein in hepatocytes and HCC cells. CONCLUSION: Short-term OCT treatment could lead to SSTR2 desensitization, resulting in a reduced inhibitory effect on HCC by OCT. However, long-term OCT treatment effectively inhibited the development and growth of HCC probably via resensitization and upregulation of SSTR2.

Expression of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis.

We aimed at determining whether the expression of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) is involved in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and correlated with latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP9), and angiogenesis of tumor. PAR-2, LMP-1, and MMP9 expressions were detected in 57 biopsies of primary NPC by immunohistochemistry. The presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was determined using EBER in situ hybridization, and intratumoral microvessels were highlighted by staining endothelial cells for anti-CD34. The correlations with immunostainings and clinicopathological factors, as well as the follow-up data of patients, were analyzed statistically. Strong expression of PAR-2 in 61.4% (35/57) of the biopsies was correlated with extensive lymph node metastasis and advanced stage of NPC. The patients with PAR-2/LMP-1 or PAR-2/MMP9 dual high-expression tumors had a significant worse prognosis than those with single protein high expression and dual low or negative expression tumors (P=0.013 and 0.004, respectively). Angiogenesis in the tumor is related to overall survival of NPC patients (P=0.001), and exhibits strong PAR-2 expression or LMP-1 expression in tumors associated with increased intratumoral microvessel density (P=0.026 and 0.006, respectively). PAR-2 is a possible mediator cooperating with LMP-1 and MMP9 to influence the progression of NPC by inducing angiogenesis and promoting lymph node metastasis.

[Changes in TGF-beta1/Smads signaling pathway in rats with chemical hepatocarcinogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1)/Smads signaling pathway in rats with chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: Fresh diethylnitrosamine (DENA) solution was administered in SD rats to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The protein expressions of TGF-beta1, phosphorylated Smad2, Smad4 and Smad7 were detected in these rats with immunohistochemistry, and the mRNA expression of Smad4 was evaluated with RT-PCR. RESULTS: Cirrhotic nodules occurred in the rats 8 weeks after DENA treatment, and HCC nodules were found 16 weeks after the treatment. In the normal liver tissue, very low levels of TGF-beta1 and Smad4 expressions, low Smad7 expression and high phosphorylated Smad2 expression were detected. The development of liver cirrhosis was accompanied by increased expressions of TGF-beta1, Smad4 and Smad7 but at 8 weeks after DENA treatment, the expression of phosphorylated Smad2 was significantly decreased, followed then by gradual increment till nearly the normal level. Twenty-two weeks after DENA treatment, Smad4 expression in liver tissue decreased markedly as compared with the levels at 8 and 16 weeks. The expressions of Smad4 and phosphorylated Smad2 in the HCC tissue was significantly lower than those in normal liver tissue. CONCLUSION: Hepatocarcinogenesis involves very complex mechanisms, can can be related partially to the decreased Smad4 and phosphorylated Smad2 expression and TGFbeta1 and Smad7 overexpression in advanced stage of liver cirrhosis.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factors on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model.

BACKGROUND: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was clinically proven to accelerate acute and chronic wound healing. Accelerated wound healing may lead to improved scarring. These studies suggested a possible antiscarring effect of bFGF during wound healing. Little was known about the precise pathologic mechanisms of bFGF on scarring formation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bFGF on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model and clarify the mechanism of bFGF on scar treatment. METHODS: The rabbit model of hypertrophic scarring was created and received of a low- or high-dose topical treatment three times daily for 1, 2, or 3 months. Then we examined the changes in the macroscopic and histopathologic characteristics of the scars. The expression of collagen, alpha(1)beta(2) integrin, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) was studied by applying reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. RESULT: High-dose bFGF remarkably alleviated the scar in the rabbit ear model and decreased collagen type I expression. Further study revealed that bFGF remarkably enhanced MMP-1 and decreased alpha(1)beta(2) integrin expression. CONCLUSION: This study supports the hypothesis that bFGF exerted a net negative effect on collagen remodeling, therefore suggesting a potential antiscarring role.

[Expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 in breast cancer and the significance thereof: analysis of 910 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer, and to explore their correlation with the age of patient, and size, clinic stage, and lymph node metastasis of the tumor. METHODS: The data of 910 breast cancer, 89.4% of invasive ductal carcinoma, 1.7% of invasive lobular carcinoma, 44 cases 5% of ductal carcinoma in situ, and 4.9% of other pathologic types, 29.9% being less than 2 cm, 45.6% being 2-5 cm, and 24.5% bigger than 5 cm in size, 54.2% without metastasis in lymph node, 25.5% with metastasis in 1-3 lymph nodes, and 20.3% with metastasis in more than 3 lymph nodes respectively, were analyzed retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ER, PR, and HER2. RESULTS: The ER negative expression rate was 33.0%, and PR negative expression rate was 27.4%, and HER2 overexpression rate was 20.3%. The possibility of lymph node metastasis decreased along with the increase of age (P < 0.001). Tumor size was negatively correlated with the expression of ER and PR (both P < 0.001), and positively correlated with the expression of HER2 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the situation of lymph node metastasis and the expression of ER, PR and HER2 in primary tumors. CONCLUSION: As good prognostic markers of breast invasive ductal cancer, ER and PR are negatively correlated with the HER2 expression, as a worse prognostic marker. ER/PR positive or HER2 negative tumors are morel likely to be diagnosed at earlier stages.

[Suppression of osteosarcoma in vitro by coexpression of antisense VEGF165 cDNA and thymidine kinase gene].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of VEGF expression in osteosarcoma cell line and the target killing effect of HSV1-TK/GCV system on transfected osteosarcoma cells under hypoxia conditions. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression plasmid with HRE promoter was constructed to express the antisense VEGF165 cDNA and Hygromycin phospho-transferase-thymidine kinase (HyTK) fusion gene. The recombinant vectors were then transfected into osteosarcoma cell line MG63 with lipofectin mediated gene transfer methods. PCR and RT-PCR were used to confirm the presence and expression of TK gene. The sensitivity of transfected cells to GCV and "bystander effect (BSE)" of HSV1-TK/GCV system under normoxia or hypoxia conditions were measured by MTT assay and mixed co-culture experiment. The expression of VEGF protein was detected by ELISA under hypoxia condition. Cell cycle phase distribution was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, electromicroscopy was used to document ultrastructural alterations. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector pBI-HRE-AsVEGF165 -HyTK was constructed successfully. The transfected cell line MG63TV was established and confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR of the presence of transgene and its mRNA expression. GCV was toxic to transfected cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The sensitivity to GCV toxicity was 100 times higher under hypoxia condition than that under normoxic condition. The mixed culture experiments showed that the "bystander effect" was enhanced significantly under hypoxia condition. VEGF expression of transgene cells under hypoxia condition decreased 50% compared to that of normal condition. Under hypoxia and GCV, DNA synthesis of MG63TV cells was inhibited along with an increase of cells at G0 approximately G1 phase, apoptosis and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Antisense VEGF expression driven by HRE promoter in combination with hypoxia can provide a target inhibition of VEGF expression in human osteosarcoma cells, with an enhanced selective killing effect and BSE of the HSV-TK/GCV system. The double-gene co-expression system in study provides experimental basis for therapy against osteosarcoma by a synchronous antiangiogenic and suicide gene approach.

[Study on the regular pattern of the distribution of skin epidermal stem cells in the different parts of a healthy human body].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regular pattern of the distribution of skin epidermal stem cells (ESCs) in the different parts of a healthy human body, and to evaluate the feasibility of the identification of ESCs by P63 and CD29 with single and double labeling. METHODS: Full-thickness skin samples from 21 parts (including scalp, dorsum of foot, sole of foot, pubic region, and scrotum) of 5 healthy persons were harvested for the study. Immunohistochemistry method with biotin-streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (SP) was employed with P63 and CD29 as the first antibody to carry out single and double labeling. The staining results were subjected to image analysis. The distribution of the ESCs in the skin from the above parts was observed and expressed as positive unit (PU) value. RESULTS: It was found by P63 single labeling and P63 and CD29 double labeling that the PU value in the dorsum of foot was the lowest while that in the scalp was the highest among all the parts of a healthy body. It was also found by CD29 single labeling that the PU value in the dorsum of foot was the lowest [(11.9 +/- 1.5)%] while highest in the scalp [(29.1 +/- 5.0)%]. The PU value in the hairy region of a human body was evidently higher than that in the non-hairy region (P < 0.01), when examined by P63 and CD29 single and double labeling. But there was no difference in the PU values between the trunk and limbs by means of P63 and CD29 single and double labeling (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There are more ESCs in the skin from the scalp, mons pubis and scrotum than other parts of the body. Single P63 or CD29 labeling exhibits higher sensitivity but lower specificity in the identification of ESCs. While the double labeling method exhibits higher specificity but lower sensitivity. Above all, it seems that the double labeling may be a simple and effective method for the identification of ESCs.

[Genetic effects on seed traits in soybean].

The genetic effects of seed traits in soybean, including 100-seed weight, seed length, seed width, seed thickness, length/width, length/thickness and width/thickness, were analyzed using an incomplete diallel cross of eight varieties with its F1 and F2 populations. The results showed that the above seven traits were controlled by direct genetic effects of seed and affected to different extent of maternal and cytoplasmic effects simultaneously. Among the traits, the inheritance of 100-seed weight, seed length, length/width, length/thickness, and width/thickness were mainly controlled by cytoplasmic effects, while those of seed width and thickness were mainly by maternal effects. Both the seed direct heritabilities and the cytoplsmic heritabilities of 100-seed weight, seed length, length/width and width/thickness were medium-sized. The individual selection and seed selection of above four traits at late generation may create good results. The maternal heritabilities of seed width and thickness were pretty high. To increase these two traits, an individual maternal selection should be done at early generation. Our results showed that varieties P2 and P7 could be used as ideal parents for improvements of 100-seed weight, seed length/width, length/thickness and width/thickness, while varieties P1, P4 and P6 are the ideal parents for increasing seed length, width and thickness respectively.