Nutrient Value of Protein from Spores of Agaricus blazei Mutant Strain J_3

2Results and Analysis2.1Essential amino acid composition of proteinfromspores ofA.blazeiJ1and J3Essential amino acid compositions ofprotein fromspores ofA.blazei,strains J1andJ3,are shown in Table1(see the Chineseversion).Ile,Leu and Phe+Tyr levels inprotein from J3spores were113.6%,16.7%and5.0%higher,respectively compared withthe corresponding protein fromJ1(P<0.05),whereas the content of other amino acids were6%-35%higher in protein fromJ1.The totalessential amino acid content of prot…     

Effects of TNF-α-induced changes of expression and activity of 11-β HSD-1 on the insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

AIM: To observe the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）-induced changes of expression and activity of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1(11-β HSD-1) on the insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS: 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with TNF-α and TNF-α combined with aspirin, 2’-hydroxyflavanone or RU486, then mRNA expression and activity of 11-β HSD-1 and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake were examined.RESULTS: TNF-α increased expression and activity of 11-β HSD-1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Aspirin decreased expression and activity of 11-β HSD-1 induced by TNF-α, and alleviated the inhibiting effect of TNF-α on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. 11-β HSD-1 specific inhibitor 2’-hydroxyflavanone and cortisol-receptor antagonist RU486 also alleviated the inhibiting effect of TNF-α on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. CONCLUSION: TNF-α may decrease the insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through increasing expression and activity of 11-β HSD-1.     

Influence of siRNA-mediated PPARγ gene knockdown on invasion ability of chorioepithelioma JEG-3 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) on the invasion ability of trophoblasts. METHODS: A segment of PPARγ siRNA was synthesized. Three groups were designed: experiment group, negative control group and blank control group. The PPARγ siRNA was transfected into JEG-3 cells. Real-time quantitive PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of PPARγ and mucin-1(MUC1). The Transwell culture inserts were used to detect the invasion ability of JEG-3 cells 24 h after treated with PPARγ siRNA. RESULTS: After transfected with PPARγ siRNA, the mRNA expression levels of PPARγ and MUC1 were significantly depressed by (75.0±0.8)% and (65.0±1.3)% (P<0.05),respectively, and the invasion ability of JEG-3 cells was significantly strengthened (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The depression of PPARγ gene down-regulates the expression of MUC1, and affects the invasion ability of trophoblasts, indicating that PPARγ may regulate the invasion of trophoblasts by MUC1 and involve in the development of placental defects such as preeclampsia.     

Assessment of tree structure using a 3D image analysis technique—A proof of concept

Efforts to improve the efficiency and efficacy of tree structure and crown architecture measurement are necessary to reduce error associated with indirect estimation of volume, which affects biophysical and ecosystem modelling, as well as resource assessment. In this short communication, we test the potential for a commercial SfM-MVS (Structure from Motion coupled with Multiple-View Stereophotogrammetry) software package, Photoscan-Professional, to accurately determine tree height, stem diameter, and eventually volume. SfM is a technique in computer vision, which calculates the 3D position of objects in a scene from a series of photographs. It uses a technique assuming that an object in a 3D scene is located on a vector between the image of the object in the camera and the object itself. The technique allows the construction of a 3D pointcloud, such as the one produced by laser technologies – terrestrial or airborne LiDAR. SfM requires no camera calibration or control points to construct an initial model. Moreover, it is a low-cost alternative to laser technologies. The second part of our method – MVS – is a visualization technique that reconstructs a 3D textured mesh of the scene from the SfM-derived pointcloud and RGB photographs. As a proof of concept, our methods were limited to two scenarios: (1) a single potted tree in a lab environment, where exact measurements could be made, and (2) two trees of different species and size in natural environments to test feasibility outside the laboratory. Precise measurements of tree height and stem diameter were compared with estimates obtained from the 3D model created using SfM-MVS. The results indicate that the SfM method is a promising – and inexpensive – alternative to terrestrial LiDAR and 3D scanners. Tree height estimates had error of 2.59%, while stem diameter estimates had error of 3.7%. The MVS algorithm used in this study was developed for plan surfaces such as topography or ‘compact’ objects and does not provide a representative 3D mesh for slender trees, although it works well for large stems. The authors link this disparity to the complex branching structure of trees.Future work requires (1) the development of effective automated volume reconstruction software specific to trees, and (2) the validation of the wide-scale applicability of the technology, which must include trees of various size, species, and growth forms. Moreover, future testing must include more complex environments, such as heterogeneous urban sites or closed-canopy forest sites where the proximity of other features may limit the utility of the new technology.     

Protective role of 14-3-3γ in burn and LPS-induced rat myocardial injury

AIM: To study the protective role of 14-3-3γ in burn or LPS-induced myocardial injury. METHODS: The rat model of burn or LPS-induced injury was established. The heart functions and 14-3-3γ protein expression were detected 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after treatment. Primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used in vitro. pFLAG-14-3-3γ plasmid was constructed and transfected into the cardiomyocytes 24 h before LPS-induced injury. The injury in the cardiomyocytes was evaluated by measuring the cell viability and the level of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was detected by flow cytometry. Opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) was also determined by Ca²⁺-induced swelling of isolated myocardial mitochondria. RESULTS: The expression of 14-3-3γ was elevated following the burn or LPS-induced myocardial injury in vivo. In vitro, transfection with pFLAG-14-3-3γ plasmid in to the cardiomyocytes significantly protected against LPS-induced injury. Compared with the cardiomyocytes without transfection with pFLAG-14-3-3γ plasmid, higher cell viability rate and lower LDH release, cell apoptosis and mPTP opening were observed in the cardiomyocytes transfected with pFLAG-14-3-3γ plasmid. CONCLUSION: The 14-3-3γ protein protects the heart against burn or LPS-induced injury by inhibiting the mPTP opening.     

Effect of Ad-14-3-3σ on microRNA expression in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

AIM: To discuss the effect of Ad-14-3-3σ to microRNA (miRNA) in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells, CNE-1 and CNE-2, and study the relationship between the discrepancy of miRNA and radiosensitivity of NPC.METHODS: Ad-14-3-3σ was transfected to CNE-1 and CNE-2 cells, and then miRNAs were detected by Paraflo microfluidic microRNA chip. Hybridization images were collected using a laser scanner and the signals were normalized using a LOWESS filter. The effect of Ad-14-3-3σ to miRNAs and the relationship between the discrepancy of miRNA and radiosensitivity of NPC were studied according to Targetscan3.1 database (http://www.targetsan.org) after analyzing data.RESULTS: After treated by Ad-14-3-3σ, comparing to CNE-2 cells, there are 37 miRNAs changed remarkably, including 17 over-expression microRNAs and 20 under-expression microRNAs in CNE-1 cells. 6 miRNAs that one detective value was more than 1 000 and 3 folds than the other were hsa-miR-152,hsa-miR-205,hsa-miR-203,hsa-miR-7,hsa-miR-636 and hsa-miR-100.CONCLUSION: Ad-14-3-3σ can change the expression of miRNAs in different radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and some miRNAs have relevance to carcinoma and radiosensitivity.     

Effect of TNF-α on production and activation of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells

AIM: To investigate the production and activation of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells in response to tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and the implication of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the process. METHODS: Isolated rat renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs) from male adult Sprague Dawley rats were treated with TNF-α according to the indicated time courses. A specific NF-κB inhibitor, Bay11-7082, was used alone or as a pretreatment for 1 h followed by exposure to TNF-α for 24 h. The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, I-κBα, phosphorylated I-κBα, and GAPDH were detected by Western blotting using specific antibodies. RESULTS: The protein level of cleaved caspase-3 relative to caspase-3 was significantly increased in the presence of TNF-α for 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Protein levels of caspase-3 were significantly decreased by 12 h and returned to baseline by 24 h in the presence of TNF-α. Treatment with Bay11-7082 for 25 h alone or pretreatment with Bay11-7082 for 1 h followed by addition of TNF-α for 24 h caused a remarkable reduction in both cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3 as compared to control and TNF-α treated groups. An increase in phosphorylated I-κBα was observed from 15 min to 60 min after treatment with TNF-α at a dose of 10 μg/L in PTCs. CONCLUSION: NF-κB is not only associated with the activation of caspase-3 but also the production of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells in response to TNF-α.     

Construction of a Plasmid and a Standard Curve for Real-time Quantitative PCR of the Cold-induced Cor3 Gene from Volvariella volvacea

A plasmid containing target DNA and a standard curve for real-time quantitative PCR of the coldinduced Cor3 gene of Volvariella volvacea were constructed. These will provide the basis for further research on Cor3 gene expression at low temperature, and ultimately for assigning a role for the gene in the low temperature autolysis of V. volvacea.     

The 4^th Meeting of East Asian and 10＋3 for Collaboration on Edible Fungi

November 3 ~6 ,2006Shanghai and Nantong,P.R.ChinaOrganized by MushroomBranch of the China Agricultural SocietyJapanese Society for MushroomScience and BiotechnologyThe Korean Society of MushroomScienceInstitute of Edible Fungi ,Shanghai Academy of Agricultural SciencesCo-organized by Jiangsu Alphay Bio-tech Co.,LtdShanghai Society for MicrobiologyShanghai Society for Horticultural ScienceTIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIESFRIDAY,3rdNovember ,20061400-1900 Registration (Foyer , …     

Preliminary studies on the use of (2RS, 3RS)-paclobutrazol for fruitlet thinning and growth control of ‘Conference’ pear

Summary

Single foliar sprays of paclobutrazol (PP333) at 300, 1000 or 3000 mg H applied at three different stages from full bloom to petal-fall in a year of average initial sets . and fruit size were equally effective in thinning ‘Conference’ pear, increasing the proportion of large fruits at harvest, but decreasing their absolute numbers. Sprays applied nine days after petal-fall reduced initial sets less effectively and, applied 21 days after petal-fall, were ineffective. Thinning was completed within 25 days after petal-fall. Shoot extension was initially retarded at all three concentrations, but later increased, so that the total growth made during the season was not reduced. Single foliar sprays at 300 or 1000 mg l^?1 applied at 70% full bloom in a year of heavy set and small fruit size increased the numbers of large fruits in the >55 mm size category by 66% and decreased those of fruits <55 mm by a similar amount. The increase in the yield of fruits >55 mm and decrease of unsaleable <45 mm fruits was equivalent to about 3 and 2 t ha^?1 respectively from a total average yield of about 17.5 t ha^?1. In the same experiment, similar sprays counteracted the stimulation in the production of small fruits by sprays of gibberellic acid (GA) applied on the same day, but did not increase the harvest of large fruits. Sprays of paclobutrazol at 30 or 100 mg l^?1 applied two weeks after petal-fall and then on three successive occasions at two-week intervals inhibited total extension growth per shoot during the season without affecting initial or final sets, fruit size or flower bud production. Single sprays applied at 100 mg l?1 in July reduced total extension per shoot almost as effectively as the repeated sprays. For more effective control of ‘Conference’ shoot growth, paclobutrazol may have to be sprayed later in the season than commercially recommended. Applied as a blossom thinner, paclobutrazol may increase the yield of large fruits only in years of heavy set and small fruit size, requiring that applications be delayed until set can be judged.     

京旋3号

中早熟辣椒一代杂种,始花节位以第9节居多,植株生长健壮,株型紧凑,茎粗,抗倒伏,持续坐果能力强;膨果速度快;上下层果实差异小。果实长羊角形,基部褶皱稍重,其他部分顺直(微拧)。青熟果绿色,果实纵径25～30cm,横径3.5～4.0cm,肉厚0.35cm,单果质量70～100g;辣味强,口感佳,耐贮运,每667m2产量3400kg左右;抗病毒病,耐疫病。适宜南北方地区保护地及露地种植。北京地区保护地栽培于12月下旬至翌年1月上旬播种,3月下旬定植,小高畦栽培,株距35～40cm,行距     

The Effect of Conditions of Storage on the Respiration of Apples: III. The Effect of Modulation of Temperature on the Respiration of Cox’s Orange Pippin Apples,and on the Extent of Low Temperature Injury

When apples which develop low temperature breakdown (LTB) at 32° F. are moved from 32° F. to 65° F. for 3 to 5 days at about the 7th to 8th week of storage, they subsequently develop within a given period of storage less LTB than apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

The respiration of apples susceptible to LTB increases steadily during storage at 32° F. If these apples are warmed to 65° F. during the period of exposure to 32° F., the subsequent rate of respiration at 32° F. is lower than before warming, and continues at a lower rate than for apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

If the apples are moved to 38° F., without an intermediate treatment at 65° F., the rate of respiration is higher than for apples at 38° F. continuously, and this higher rate persists.

If there is an intermediate wanning period at 65° F., the respiration of apples moved from 32° to 38° F. is of the same order as that for apples kept at 38° F. continuously.

The respiratory quotient of apples at 32° F. or at 38° F., which is indicative of the type of respiratory activity, is typical for the temperature at which it is measured, and is not affected by the warming treatment. The effects of wanning on both the incidence of LTB and respiration are similar for apples stored in air and in 2% oxygen: 98% nitrogen.     

The 4~(th)Meeting of East Asian and 10+3 for Collaboration on Edible Fungi

November 3 ~6 ,2006Shanghai and Nantong,P.R.ChinaOrganized by MushroomBranch of the China Agricultural SocietyJapanese Society for MushroomScience and BiotechnologyThe Korean Society of MushroomScienceInstitute of Edible Fungi ,Shanghai Academy of Agricultural SciencesCo-organized by Jiangsu Alphay Bio-tech Co.,LtdShanghai Society for MicrobiologyShanghai Society for Horticultural ScienceTIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIESFRIDAY,3rdNovember ,20061400-1900 Registration (Foyer , …