Flow sorting of fetal erythroblasts using intracytoplasmic anti-fetal haemoglobin: Preliminary observations on maternal samples

Monoclonal antibody to fetal haemoglobin (a₂γy₂) has been proposed as a fetal-specific reagent. We developed an intracellular staining protocol that combines fluorescein isothiocyanate or phycoerythrin conjugated anti-γ with the DNA binding dye Hoechst 33342 to identify and flow sort fetal erythroblasts from maternal blood. Our preliminary observations on anti-γ-positive cells sorted from four different pregnant women are described here, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific probes to identify fetal cells. Our data demonstrate that far fewer candidate fetal cells are sorted with this protocol than by current cell surface staining methods that employ the monoclonal antibody CD71. This results in increased fetal cell sorting purities. With this protocol, standard FISH techniques require modification due to the rigorous fixation with 4 per cent paraformaldehyde. Our initial data indicate the promise of this approach.     

Differentiation: A Central Topic in Developmental and Cell Biology

MyoD/myogenin   genes and neural key genes (e.g., achaete scute-C, neurogenin), are switched on which control entire sets of subordinate effector genes. In multiplying cells "cell heredity" based on an epigenetic cellular memory enables transmission of the cell type determining program from parental to daughter cells. This memory can be based on autocatalytic self-activation of cell type specific selector genes and on the enduring action of gene groups such as the Polycomb and thrithorax complexes that code for proteins which bind to DNA sequences called cellular memory modules. These modules confer permanent accessibility (potentiation) or inaccessibility (silencing) upon many different gene loci on the chromosomes.     

Feasibility of rice straw as a raw material for the production of soda cellulose pulp

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the suitability of rice straw and soda–anthraquinone (soda–AQ) pulping process to produce pulp and paper. To reach this aim, it was used a central composite factorial design to study the influence of operational variables (temperature (155–185 °C), cooking time (30–90 min), soda concentration (10–20%), anthraquinone concentration (0–1%) and liquid/solid ratio (6–8)), in soda–anthraquinone cooking of rice straw on pulps and paper sheets properties obtained.Based on the yield values obtained, nearly one half of the raw material can be efficiently converted into cellulose pulp and paper sheets. Also, the Kappa number/viscosity ratio of the pulp facilitates its efficient bleaching. Finally, based on the values for above-described physical properties, the pulp can be used to obtain paper or board and recycled paper (as % virgin fibre).In Spain are produced annually 757,000 t of rice straw. If we considered an average yield process of 45%, it would be possible to obtain 340,000 tons of pulp. These tons would be absorbed by the market taking into account the necessities in cellulosic pulp consumption.     

In-digester reduction of organic sulfur compounds in kraft pulping

This experimental research examines the relationship between the formation of organic sulfur compounds and delignification during kraft wood pulping. A phase transition point (PTP) was discovered below and above which the formation of total organic sulfur compounds, with respect to delignification, changes significantly. The PTP occurs at approximately pulp kappa number 35 for softwoods and 20 for hardwoods. The PTP is directly related to the phase transition in kraft delignification from bulk to residual delignification. Significant in-digester odor reduction can be achieved using phase transition cooking (PTC), i.e. limiting delignification to the bulk delignification phase or the PTP. It was also discovered that anthraquinone (AQ) as a catalytic additive can reduce organic sulfur compound formation during kraft pulping. The reduction of sulfur compound formation is linearly proportional to the square root of the level of AQ addition (in percent). A 40% in-digester reduction in total reduced sulfur (TRS) formation can be achieved by using PTC and AQ in kraft pulping.     

醌基功能型高分子生物载体(PET-AQS)制备及催化生物反硝化特性研究

通过化学合成,将蒽醌磺酸钠(AQS)固定在聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯(PET)上形成醌基功能型高分子生物载体并研究其在生物反硝化上的应用.通过红外光谱衰减全反射法(ATR-IR)和能谱(EDS)分析,醌基基团成功固定在高分子表面,且醌基质量摩尔浓度为0.140 6 mmol·g-1.醌基功能型高分子生物载体(PET-AQS)能加速生物反硝化,且速率常数Kx与载体投加浓度呈零级反应动力学.在投加PET-AQS 0.056 2 mmol的反硝化体系中,循环使用10次,反硝化速率均是空白体系的1.2倍以上,表明PET-AQS具有良好的重复利用稳定性,有利于实际应用.     

Humic acid-enhanced electron transfer of in vivo cytochrome c as revealed by electrochemical and spectroscopic approaches

Out-membrane cytochrome c （Cyt c） plays an important role carrying electrons from the inside of microbes to outside electron acceptors. However, the active sites of Cyt c are wrapped by non- conductive peptide chains, hindering direct extracellular electron transfer （EET）. Humic acids （HA） have been previously proven to efficiently facilitate EET. However, the inherent mechanism of HA- stimulated EET has not been well interpreted. Here, to probe the mechanism behind HA-stimulated EET, we studied the interaction between Cyt c and HA. The attachment of active in vivo Cyt c on a graphite electrode was achieved when MR-1 cells were self-assembled on the electrode surface. Pure horse-heart Cyt c was covalently immobilized on an electrode via 4-aminobenzoic acid to create an active in vitro Cyt c-enriched surface. Cyclic voltammetric measurements and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the immobilization of bacterial cells and pure Cyt c protein. Electrochemical methods revealed that HA could enhance the electrocatalytic current of both in vitro and in vivo Cyt c towards oxygen and thiosulfate, suggesting enhanced EET. The blue-shifted soret band in the UV-Vis spectra and changes in the excitation/emission matrix fluorescence spectra demonstrated that Cyt c interacted with HA to form organic complexes via electrostatic or hydrogen-bonding interactions. The results will help understand electron shuttle-stimulated EET and develop bacteria- based bioremediation and bioenergy technologies.     

Dechloranes exhibit binding potency and activity to thyroid hormone receptors

Dechloranes are a group of halogenated flame retardants with a basic bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene, including Dechlorane Plus(DP), Dechlorane 602(Dec 602), Dechlorane 603(Dec 603) and Dechlorane 604(Dec 604). A few epidemiological investigations and animal experiments have shown that DP exhibited thyroid-interfering effects. In the present study, we investigated whether DP and three other dechloranes could interfere the thyroid function through thyroid hormone receptors(TRs, TR α and TR β) signaling pat...     

内质网应激在氟暴露致小鼠睾丸损伤中的作用

探讨了内质网应激在亚慢性氟暴露致小鼠睾丸损伤中的作用及分子机制.选用健康初断乳ICR雄性小鼠30只,随机分为对照组（C）、低氟组（LF）和高氟组（HF）,分别饮用自来水、5、30 mg·L^-1氟化钠水溶液90 d.亚慢性氟暴露结束后,以睾丸脏器系数、睾丸组织氧化/抗氧化酶和形态结构、精子质量、睾丸细胞凋亡、葡萄糖调节蛋白78（GRP78）、CCAAT/增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白（CHOP）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶12（CASPASE-12）、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3（CASPASE-3）为观测点.结果表明,与对照组比,LF组和HF组LDH、SOD、T-AOC活性下降,MDA含量上升,HF组GSH-PX活性下降,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）;LF组可见细胞层次减少、间隙变大,成熟精子数量减少,HF组细胞溶解、层次紊乱,空泡化严重,少见成熟精子;LF组和HF组小鼠的精子活力降低,HF组小鼠精子数量下降,畸形率上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）;LF组和HF组睾丸细胞凋亡指数上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.01）;LF组和HF组Grp78、Caspase-12、Caspase-3基因表达水平上升,差异有统计学意义（p<0.05或p<0.01）.结果提示,除氧化应激以外,Caspase-12和Caspase-3基因表达异常可能是氟暴露致小鼠睾丸细胞凋亡异常的分子机制之一.     

氮添加和地下水位交互作用对通江湖泊湿生植物陌上菅生长的影响

研究地下水位变化和氮沉降对植物功能性状的影响,有助于揭示植物对环境变化的响应和适应规律.采用原位试验的方法,选择不同地下水位梯度〔低水位（-75 cm）、中水位（-69 cm）、高水位（-39 cm）〕和氮添加〔缺氮处理（430 g/m2）、空白对照（0 g/m2）、低氮（4.32 g/m2）、中氮（8.64 g/m2）、高氮（17.28 g/m2）〕（其中缺氮处理添加量以碳元素含量计,其余处理以氮元素含量计）,研究升金湖消落带湿地物种丰富度、陌上菅（Carex thunbergii）地上生物量和根系形态学指标对地下水位和氮添加的响应.结果表明:①双因素方差分析显示,地下水位主要影响物种丰富度、陌上菅地上生物量和根系形态学指标;氮添加主要影响土壤养分含量和陌上菅比根长、根比表面积及根组织密度;地下水位和氮添加的交互作用对陌上菅比根长和根平均直径影响显著（P < 0.05）;相对而言,水位对陌上菅的影响大于氮添加.②地下水位对陌上菅地上生物量和根系形态学指标有显著影响.地下水位升高会降低陌上菅地上生物量、根系比根长和根组织密度,同时增加其根平均直径和根比表面积,且不同处理间差异显著（P < 0.05）.在空白对照处理下,相比于低水位,高水位下陌上菅地上生物量、比根长和根组织密度分别降低了97.6%、46.1%、86.1%,根平均直径和根比表面积分别增加了326.1%、198.5%.③氮添加主要影响陌上菅根系形态学指标.随着施氮水平的增加,陌上菅比根长和根比表面积呈现先减后增的趋势,根组织密度呈现先增后减的趋势.在高水位条件下,相比于空白对照,低氮处理下陌上菅比根长和根比表面积分别减少了36.1%、41.8%,陌上菅根组织密度增加了182.4%,且差异显著（P < 0.05）.研究显示,地下水位升高与氮添加对陌上菅地上生物量和陌上菅比根长的影响呈相互抵消的态势,这体现了土壤水分增加对陌上菅生长的胁迫作用;水位升高和氮添加对根比表面积和根组织密度的影响表现为协同效应,揭示了在水位胁迫条件下陌上菅对养分获取策略的变化.      

真/细菌对疏水性有机物的吸附及其表面特性

比较了干燥后真菌Ophiostoma stenoceras LLC和细菌Pseudomonas veronii ZW菌体细胞的比表面积及其对不同疏水性有机化合物吸附性能,并利用BET、红外光谱（FTIR）和X射线电子能谱（XPS）对细胞表面进行了分析.结果表明,真菌LLC和细菌ZW菌体细胞的比表面积分别为15.8m²/g,11.57m²/g,真菌菌体细胞表面介孔较多,可以更有效地吸附有机化合物.在相同的生长阶段,真菌LLC的细胞表面疏水性（cell surfacehydrophobic,CSH）始终要大于细菌ZW;采用α-蒎烯作为唯一碳源培养时,处于对数生长期的真菌和细菌的CSH均有不同提升.干燥后真菌LLC菌体对各疏水性有机化合物吸附能力为乙酸乙酯> α-蒎烯>正己烷,即疏水性相对较低的化合物更容易被吸附.通过XPS和FTIR表征发现菌体LLC吸附有机化合物后,菌体表面的官能团位置未发生明显变化,推测该吸附过程是物理吸附.     

Allelopathic effects of gallic acid from Aegiceras corniculatum on Cyclotella caspia

High abundance of algae and eutrophication were observed in mangrove wetlands and these were estimated to be associated with root exudates of some specific mangrove plants to a certain extent.Root exudates form allelopathic effects from mangroves.The main secondary metabolites of Aegiceras corniculatum had been detected to be organic phenolic acids.Gallic acid had been isolated and identified from A.corniculatum.The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of gallic acid on alge Cyclotella caspia was tested as 15.46mg/L.The effects on algal cell morphology were mainly shown as elongated cells,with no apparent cell inclusions,such as oil droplets,chloroplast.At a dose of 2mg/L,gallic acid had a stimulative effect on the specific growth rate of algae on day 3.The contents of malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase,soluble carbohydrates and chlorophyll a in algal cells showed an overall "low promotion and high suppression".Our results could provide preliminary and valuable reference on the complex influences of mangroves on microecology and microbial communities in the rhizosphere system.     

Characterization of marker chromosomes by microdissection and fluorescence in situ hybridization

We characterized by microdissection and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) two marker chromosomes: (1) a de novo, acrocentric marker chromosome detected in 88 per cent of the amniotic fluid cells of one of two physically and developmentally normal twins; and (2) a metacentric marker chromosome present in a phenotypically normal female. Analysis of FISH probes developed from the marker chromosomes indicated that the marker chromosomes in cases 1 and 2 were del(14)(q11) and a derivative chromosome from a Robertsonian translocation, respectively. Microdissection in combination with FISH may prove to be a valuable technique in determining the chromosomal origin of de novo marker chromosomes and unbalanced structural rearrangements detected during prenatal diagnosis.     

Degradation and fate of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and its intermediates treated with Mg/Cu bimetal: Surface examination with XAS, DFT, and LDI-MS

A novel Mg-based bimetal reagent (Mg/Cu) was used as an enhanced reductive system to degrade insensitive munition 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), a contaminant found in energetic-laden waste. Degradation of DNAN was significantly impacted by dissolved oxygen and studied in anoxic and oxic bimetal systems (i.e., purging with N₂, air, or O₂ gas). Degradation occurred through sequential nitroreduction: first one nitro group was reduced (ortho or para) to form short-lived intermediates 2-amino-4-nitroanisole or 4-amino-2-nitroanisole (2-ANAN or 4-ANAN), and then subsequent reduction of the other nitro group formed 2,4-diaminoanisole (DAAN). The nitro-amino intermediates demonstrated regioselective reduction in the ortho position to 2-ANAN; Regioselectivity was also impacted by the anoxic/oxic environment. Under O₂-purging DNAN degradation rate was slightly enhanced, but most notably O₂ significantly accelerated DAAN generation. DAAN also further degraded only in the oxygenated Mg/Cu system. Adsorption of DNAN byproducts to the reagent occurred regardless of anoxic/oxic condition, resulting in a partition of carbon mass between the adsorbed phase (27%-35%) and dissolved phase (59%-72%). Additional surface techniques were applied to investigate contaminant interaction with Cu. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations identified preferential adsorption structures for DNAN on Cu with binding through two O atoms of one or both nitro groups. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements determined the oxidation state of catalytic metal Cu and formation of a Cu-O-N bond during treatment. Laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) measurements also identified intermediate 2-ANAN adsorbed to the bimetal surface.     

Forming a tough shell via an intracellular matrix and cellular junctions in the tail epidermis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oikopleura dioica</Emphasis> (Chordata: Tunicata: Appendicularia)

A postanal tail is a major synapomorphy of the phylum Chordata, which is composed of three subphyla: Vertebrata, Cephalochordata, and Tunicata (Urochordata). Among tunicates, appendicularians are the only group that retains the tail in the adult, and the adult tail functions in locomotion and feeding in combination with a cellulose-based house structure. Given the phylogenetic position of tunicates, the appendicularian adult tail may possess ancestral features of the chordate tail. We assess the ultrastructural development of the tail epidermis of the appendicularian Oikopleura dioica. The epidermis of the larval tail is enclosed by the larval envelope, which is a thin sheet similar to the outer tunic layer of ascidian larvae. The epidermis of the adult tail seems to bear no tunic-like cellulosic integuments, and the tail fin is a simple folding of the epidermis. Every epidermal cell, except for the triangular cells at the edge of the tail fin, has a conspicuous matrix layer of fibrous content in the apical cytoplasm without enclosing membranes. The epidermis of the larval tail does not have a fibrous matrix layer, suggesting the production of the layer during larval development and metamorphosis. Zonulae adhaerentes firmly bind the epidermal cells of the adult tail to one another, and the dense microfilaments lining the cell borders constitute a mechanical support for the cell membranes. The intracellular matrix, cell junctions, and cytoskeletons probably make the tail epidermis a tough, flexible shell supporting the active beating of the oikopleuran adult tail.     

有无隔膜槽中成对电解脱色活性艳蓝性能比较

分别采用有/无隔膜电解槽,以活性炭纤维(ACF)为阳极和阴极,研究了不同电流密度下蒽醌染料活性艳蓝KN-R的电化学脱色。在染料脱除量、电耗、脱除当量等方面比较了两种电解槽的脱色性能。结果表明,1.0～1.5 mA/cm2时,两种电解槽中均发生阳极电氧化和阴极电还原同时进行的成对电解脱色,无隔膜槽脱色性能优于隔膜槽。     

Prenatal application of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for identification of a mosaic Y-chromosome marker,IDIC(Yp)

An amniocentesis was performed at 13.3 weeks' gestation for advanced maternal age. A mosaic sex chromosome pattern was found: of 50 cells examined, 34 had a 45,X karyotype. In 14 cells with a modal number of 46, a recognizable Y was substituted by a small non-fluorescent marker. C-banding identified the marker as an isodicentric in 12 cells. In two cells, the non-fluorescent marker appeared to be monocentric and looked like a non-fluorescent del (Yq), but could have been an isodicentric Y with inactivation of one of the centromeres. Two cells with a modal number of 47 showed two copies of the monocentric marker. Fluorescent in situ hybridization with an alpha satellite Y-specific centromeric probe confirmed the Y-chromosome origin of the markers and allowed for more accurate prenatal diagnostic information.     

高分子改性黄原胶/羟基磷灰石复合水凝胶的制备及其吸附金属离子性能

以黄原胶为接枝骨架,丙烯酸为单体,羟基磷灰石为无机组分,通过氧化还原聚合反应,制备了高分子改性黄原胶/羟基磷灰石复合水凝胶(XG-g-PAA/HAP).红外光谱和扫描电镜表征发现,在低温条件下(50℃)成功制备了XG-g-PAA/HAP.将XG-g-PAA/HAP用作水体重金属离子吸附剂,结果表明:当pH1时,XG-g-PAA/HAP吸附容量较小,随着pH增大,吸附容量快速增大,当pH4时,吸附容量达到平衡;90%以上的金属离子在30 min内可被清除.当[Cu~(2+)]=300 mg·L~(-1)和[Pb~(2+)]=600 mg·L~(-1)时,XG-g-PAA/HAP吸附容量达到最大值.重复吸附-脱吸附5次后,吸附容量仍可保持初始的80%,所制备的XG-g-PAA/HAP有望成为一种有效的水体重金属离子吸附剂.     

Human Neuroblastoma: From Basic Science to Clinical Debut of Cellular Oncogenes

MYCN  , which identifies a group of patients who have a particularly dire prognosis. Amplified MYCN is used today as a prognostic marker on which therapy design is based to a large extent. An unusual aspect of neuroblastoma is the high rate at which tumors regress spontaneously, even in infants with extensive liver involvement and numerous subcutaneous nodules. Identifying the molecular and cellular basis of spontaneous regression could result in improved therapeutic approaches. Neuroblastoma is a model tumor with many fascinating aspects but has remained a challenge to the pediatric oncologist     

Prenatal diagnosis of Pallister–Killian syndrome: Resolution of cytogenetic ambiguity by use of fluorescent in situ hybridization

We report a case of Pallister-Killian syndrome initially diagnosed prenatally as tetrasomy 21. A 33-year-old primiparous woman was noted at 24 weeks' gestation to have moderate polyhydramnios. Ultrasonography showed diminished fetal stomach filling, hydronephrosis, and prominence of the cisterna magna. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured amniocytes was initially interpreted as mosaic tetrasomy 21: 46,XX/47,XX,+i(21q). The patient was then referred to our centre for genetic counselling. At 34 weeks' gestation, a dysmorphic infant was delivered and died within 30 min. Physical features were consistent with the Pallister-Killian syndrome. Renal, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system anomalies were found at post-mortem examination. Analysis of peripheral lymphocytes revealed 5 per cent of cells with a marker chromosome, while 92 per cent of cultured fibroblasts had this same marker. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using an alpha-satellite probe for chromosomes 13 and 21 failed to hybridize to the marker, while a chromosome 12 centromeric probe unequivocally identified it as an i(12p). Use of FISH can provide rapid, specific prenatal diagnosis of ambiguous marker chromosomes and improve prenatal counselling.