阶段相关生物标志物PPIA、YWHAZ和GRP78是结直肠癌的潜在预后指标

目的:结直肠癌(colorectal cancer,CRC)是常见消化系统恶性肿瘤之一,目前,其发病率和死亡率日益上升。迄今为止,结直肠癌的确切发病机制尚不清楚,大量文献表明,结直肠癌的发病机制是一个多基因参与的多阶段的过程,故探索检测结直肠癌某些阶段的生物标志物对于提高患者生存率具有重要意义。方法:本研究使用2D-DIGE、MALDI-TOF/TOF MS、免疫组化等方法,构建结直肠癌组织芯片,通过生存分析,来探究PPIA(肽基脯氨酰顺反异构酶A)、YWHAZ(14-3-3蛋白zeta/delta)和GRP78(78kDa葡萄糖调节蛋白前体)的表达水平是否和CRC的发生和发展有关。结果:在本研究中,通过蛋白质组学分析表明,与正常结直肠粘膜相比,结直肠癌中的PPIA、YWHAZ和GRP78蛋白表达上调。在结直肠癌发生的所有阶段(TNM I-IV期),PPIA均显著上调,PPIA表达越高,预后越差(P=0.002)。YWHAZ在I期明显上调,与临床分期呈负相关(T1-2/T3-4,P=0.003),可能是早期CRC的特异性生物标志物。GRP78在第三和第四阶段上调,提示它参与了CRC淋巴结转移和其他远处转移。此外,在CRC患者中PPIA、YWHAZ和GRP78的高表达与低生存期显著相关(分别为P=0.002、0.024和0.010)。结论:阶段生物标志物PPIA、YWHAZ和GRP78与结直肠癌的发生有显著关系,这些蛋白可能是结直肠癌的潜在预后指标。

Wheat breeding in northern China: Achievements and technical advances

Common wheat is the major cereal crop that underpins the food safety of China. Both winter wheat and spring wheat are grown on ~24 million ha. This review aims to summarize the current status of wheat production and breeding progress in the northern wheat production areas of the country, and to review recently advanced technologies being applied in wheat breeding, including the use of dwarf-male-sterile(DMS) wheat, speed breeding and specialized wheat breeding SNP chips. Crossing is the initial step in most breeding programs. DMS wheat is a convenient tool for large scale production of hybrid seed. Speed breeding or accelerated generation turnover attempts to reduce the time taken in cultivar development. Several different SNP chips are high-throughput, genome-wide genotyping platforms for breeding and research.

Contrasting patterns of accumulation,partitioning,and remobilization of biomass and phosphorus in a maize cultivar

Maize growth,organ development,and yield formation are highly controlled by the manner in which the plant captures,partition,and remobilizes biomass and phosphorus(P).Better understanding of biomass and P accumulation,partition,and remobilization processes will improve modeling of crop resource use.However,there is still a lack of detailed data to parameterize the modeling of these processes,particula rly for modern maize cultivars.A two-year(2016 and 2017)field experiment with three P fertilization treatments(0(P0),75(P75),and 300(P300)kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1))was conducted on a Fluvo-aquic soil(Quzhou,Hebei province,China)to collect data and quantify key processes for a representative modern maize cultivar(Zhengdan 958)widely grown in China.The proportions of biomass and P partitioned into various maize organs were unaffected by P application rate.Zhengdan 958 showed a much lower leaf-senescence rate than older cultivars,resulting in post-silking leaf photosynthesis being sufficient to meet grain biomass demand.In contrast,50%-85%of leaf P and 15%-50%of stem P accumulated pre-silking were remobilized into grain,in spite of the large proportion of post-silking P uptake.Our results are consistent with the theory that plants use resources according to the priority order of re-allocation from senescence followed by assimilation and uptake,with the re-translocation of reserves last.The results also enabled us to estimate the threshold P concentrations of Zhengdan 958 for modeling crop P demand.The critical leaf P concentration for individual leaves was 0.25%-0.30%,with a corresponding specific leaf P(SLP)of 75-100 mg P m^(-2).The structural P concentration for leaf was 0.01%,corresponding to an SLP of 3.8 mg P m^(-2).The maximum P concentrations of leaves and stems were 0.33%and 0.29%.The residual P concentration for stems was 0.006%.

The protective effects of Xuebijing injection on intestinal injuries of mice exposed to irradiation

Background:Gastrointestinal(GI)injury is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy.However,there is no ideal therapy method except for symptomatic treatment in the clinic.Xuebijing(XBJ)is a traditional Chinese medicine,used to treat sepsis by injection.In this study,the protective effects of XBJ on radiation-i nduced intestinal injury(RⅢ)and its mechanism were explored.Methods:The effect of XBJ on survival of irradiated C57BL/6 mice was monitored.Histological changes including the number of crypts and the length of villi were evaluated by H&E.The expression of Lgr5^(+)intestinal stem cells(ISCs),Ki67^(+)cells,villin and lysozymes were examined by immunohistochemistry.The expression of cytokines in the intestinal crypt was detected by RT-PCR.DNA damage and apoptosis rates in the small intestine were also evaluated by immunofluorescence.Results:In the present study,XBJ improved the survival rate of the mice after 8.0and 9.0 Gy total body irradiation(TBI).XBJ attenuated structural damage of the small intestine,maintained regenerative ability and promoted proliferation and differentiation of crypt cells,decreased apoptosis rate and reduced DNA damage in the intestine.Elevation of IL-6 and TNF-α was limited,but IL-1,TNF-β and IL-10 levels were increased in XBJ-treated group after irradiation.The expression of Bax and p53 were decreased after XBJ treatment.Conclusions:Taken together,XBJ provides a protective effect on RⅢby inhibiting inflammation and blocking p53-related apoptosis pathway.

Utility-Based Node Cooperation Mechanism in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, due to the energy and resource constraints, nodes may be unwilling to forward packets for their neighbors. This can render severe deteriorations in the network performance and malfunctions of the system. To tackle such selfish behaviors and enhance the cooperation among sensors, based on reputation and energy consumption of each node, we present a utility function to punish the malicious nodes and encourage cooperation among nodes. Specifically, we firstly give a mixed strategy Nash equilibrium solution for the two nodes. Then we extend the model to multi-nodes scenario. With the unity function, each sensor’s reputation is evaluated according to its degree of cooperation. The extensive simulation results have shown the effectiveness of the mechanism, in that the cooperative behaviors are encouraged, which can ensure the normal functioning of the network system.

Potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for soil health:A review

Soil health is an important component of“One Health”.Soils provide habitat to diverse and abundant organisms.Understanding microbial diversity and functions is essential for building healthy soils towards sustainable agriculture.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)form potentially symbiotic associations with approximately 80%of land plant species that are well recognized for carbon flux and nutrient cycling.In addition to disentangling the signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms between the two partners,recent advances in hyphosphere research highlight some emerging roles of AMF and associated microbes in the delivery of soil functions.This paper reviews the contribution of AMF to soil health in agroecosystems,with a major focus on recent progress in the contribution of hyphosphere microbiome to nutrient cycling,carbon sequestration,and soil aggregation.The hyphosphere microbiome and fungal stimulants open avenues for developing new fertilizer formulas to promote AMF benefits.In practice,developing AMF-friendly management strategies will have long-term positive effects on sustainable agriculture aiming at simultaneously providing food security,increasing resource use efficiency,and maintaining environment integrity.

Mycorrhizae and sustainable soil solutions

Mycorrhizae are the most widespread symbioses in nature,involving plants and specialized soil fungi.In recent years,mycorrhizal research has made remarkable progress.Breakthroughs in genomics and other modern techniques have opened new windows in multiple domains,such as evolution,physiology,and function of mycorrhizal fungi.

Burden of vitiligo on Chinese patients:An online survey

To the Editor:Vitiligo is a chronic disease that impacts many aspects of a patient’s life.The prevalence of vitiligo has been increasing,and currently involves up to 0.5%to 2%of all races worldwide.[1]Although this condition very rarely produces any direct physical discomfort,the cosmetic problems and disfiguring appearance resulting from the depigmented lesions severely affect the quality of life(QoL)in these individuals.

Expression,localization,and a regulated target gene(ccnd1)of miR-202-5p in the Japanese flounder gonads

MiR-202-5p is identified as the maker microRNA(miRNA)of germplasm in fish.However,the role of miR-202-5p in gonadal development is still unclear.Here we investigated the expression patterns of miR-202-5p in Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Real-time PCR displayed that miR-202-5p was specifically expressed in bisexual gonads,and its transcription in the testis was relatively abundant than that in the ovary.Moreover,it was gradually increased in testis from stage II to stage IV.Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH)illustrated that miR-202-5p was co-localized with vasa(a marker gene of germ cells)in testis,and it was predominately expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes,implying that miR-202-5p might participate in spermatogenesis.Considering the important role of retinoic acid(RA)on regulating meiosis during spermatogenesis,we treated Japanese flounders by injecting all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA).MiR-202-5p in testis was shown to be up-regulated,and ccnd1,a key cell cycle regulator,was found to be down-regulated after ATRA treatment.Furthermore,ccnd1 was demonstrated to be a direct regulatory target of miR-202-5p using Dual-luciferase assay.In the primary testis cell from Japanese flounder,we further confirmed that ccnd1 was down-regulated by miR-202-5p.The results suggest that miR-202-5p exerts a crucial role in gonadal development by inhibiting ccnd1 in Japanese flounder.

21世纪矿产勘查的未来发展方向在哪里?

1研究背景矿产勘查研究的未来趋势取决于我们社会和工业界的需求,而这些需求在过去十年中已发生了明显的变化,并将在未来持续演变.总体上,当前所有矿床地质学家必须认真思考如何应对矿产勘查领域中的(1)深部勘查、(2)智能勘查和(3)绿色勘查等(即:Deep-Intelligent-Green(DIG)exploration)三大挑战.对于研究人员来说,最关键的是要确定我们在矿产勘查研究中应该关注什么?以及我们可以做些什么工作来应对这些矿产勘查中的挑战?

胰蛋白酶镜像酶LysargiNase的开发及其在蛋白质组学研究中的应用

蛋白质组学是系统鉴定、定量蛋白质及其翻译后修饰形式,并研究这些蛋白质生物学功能的学科。目前,基于质谱的鸟枪法蛋白质组学技术是蛋白质组学研究的主要手段之一,其技术流程是先将蛋白质组样品经位点特异性蛋白酶消化形成肽组,再进行高效液相色谱分离和质谱检测。而位点特异性蛋白酶对蛋白质样品的消化是质谱检测的前提和基础。随着蛋白质组学研究的深入,多种位点特异性蛋白酶被先后开发利用;而切割发生在相应氨基酸的N端,与传统的C端蛋白酶互为镜像的蛋白酶的鉴定、开发、特性研究和广泛使用更是为蛋白质组学研究提供了新的工具。文中对最近发现的胰蛋白酶的镜像酶——赖氨酸精氨酸N端蛋白酶(LysargiNase)的特点及其应用进行综述,为国内外学者更加广泛的使用创造条件。

Soil biodiversity and crop diversification are vital components of healthy soils and agricultural sustainability

The fast-growing world population exerts great pressure on the land to produce enough nutritious food. It is projectedthat global population will be 50% greater than at present by 2050 and the demand for global grain will havedoubled[1]. The pressure further intensifies with the stresses resulting from climate change, associated extremeweather[2], and expansion of urbanization. Humanity has already transgressed three of the nine interlinked planetaryboundaries, and agriculture is the major driving force behind this development^1. The agricultural system must betransformed to simultaneously provide global food security and environmental integrity[4]. To address thesechallenges, sustainability in agriculture must be enhanced13,51. This is particularly true for rapidly developingcountries such as China. While intensive, industrial agriculture achieved enormous successes, such as feeding 20%of the global population by producing 25% of the world’s grain with less than 10% of world arable land, theseachievements came at the expense of low resource use efficiency and environmental problems such as airpollution161, water pollution171, and soil acidification[8]. Agriculture in China is facing unprecedented challenges.

Innovations of phosphorus sustainability:implications for the whole chain

Phosphorus(P)is a non-renewable resource,therefore ensuring global food and environmental security depends upon sustainable P management.To achieve this goal,sustainable P management in the upstream and downstream sectors of agriculture from mineral extraction to food consumption must be addressed systematically.The innovation and feasibility of P sustainability are highlighted from the perspective of the whole P-based chain,including the mining and processing of P rock,production of P fertilizers,soil and rhizosphere processes involving P,absorption and utilization of P by plants,P in livestock production,as well as flow and management of P at the catchment scale.The paper also emphasizes the importance of recycling P and the current challenges of P recovery.Finally,sustainable solutions of holistic P management are proposed from the perspective of technology improvement with policy support.

A conceptual framework and an empirical test of complementarity and facilitation with respect to phosphorus uptake by plant species mixtures

Plant species have different traits for mobilizing sparingly soluble phosphorus (P) resources,which could potentially lead to overyielding in P uptake by plant species mixtures compared to monocultures due to higher P uptake as a result of resource (P) partitioning and facilitation.However,there is circumstantial evidence at best for overyielding as a result of these mechanisms.Overyielding (the outcome) is easily confused with underlying mechanisms because of unclear definitions.We aimed to define a conceptual framework to separate outcome from underlying mechanisms and test it for facilitation and complementarity with respect to P acquisition by three plant species combinations grown on four soils.Our conceptual framework describes both mechanisms of complementarity and facilitation and outcomes (overyielding of mixtures or no overyielding) depending on the competitive ability of the species to uptake the mobilized P.Millet/chickpea mixtures were grown in pots on two calcareous soils mixed with calcium-bound P (CaP) and phytate P (PhyP).Cabbage/faba bean mixtures were grown on both acid and neutral soils mixed with P-coated iron (hydr)oxide (FeP) and PhyP.Wheat/maize mixtures were grown on all four soils.Rhizosphere carboxylate concentration and acid phosphatase activity (mechanisms) as well as plant P uptake and biomass (outcome) were determined for monocultures rhizosphere and species mixtures.Facilitation of P uptake occurred in millet/chickpea mixtures on one calcareous soil.We found no indications for P acquisition from different P sources,neither in millet/chickpea,nor in cabbage/faba bean mixtures.Cabbage and faba bean on the neutral soil differed in rhizosphere acid phosphatase activity and carboxylate concentration,but showed no overyielding.Wheat and maize,with similar root exudates,showed overyielding (the observed P uptake being 22%higher than the expected P uptake) on one calcareous soil.We concluded that although differences in plant physiological traits (root exudates) provide necessary conditions for complementarity and facilitation with respect to P uptake from different P sources,they do not necessarily result in increased P uptake by species mixtures,because of the relative competitive ability of the mixed species.

What is the Future Road for Mineral Exploration in the 21st Century?

The future trends for mineral exploration study should depend on the demands from our society and industry,which have clearly changed in the past decade and will continuously evolve in the future.In general,three major challenges on mineral exploration have been raised for all economic geologists,including:(1)deep exploration;(2)intelligent exploration and;(3)green exploration(i.e.,“DIG”exploration).

PROGRESS ON IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY: UK−CHINA VIRTUAL JOINT CENTERS ON NITROGEN AGRONOMY

Two virtual joint centers for nitrogen agronomy were established between the UK and China to facilitate collaborative research aimed at improving nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)in agricultural production systems and reducing losses of reactive N to the environment.Major focus areas were improving fertilizer NUE,use of livestock manures,soil health,and policy development and knowledge exchange.Improvements to fertilizer NUE included attention to application rate in the context of yield potential and economic considerations and the potential of improved practices including enhanced efficiency fertilizers,plastic film mulching and cropping design.Improved utilization of livestock manures requires knowledge of the available nutrient content,appropriate manure processing technologies and integrated nutrient management practices.Soil carbon,acidification and biodiversity were considered as important aspects of soil health.Both centers identified a range of potential actions that could be taken to improve N management,and the research conducted has highlighted the importance of developing a systemslevel approach to assessing improvement in the overall efficiency of N management and avoiding unintended secondary effects from individual interventions.Within this context,the management of fertilizer emissions and livestock manure at the farm and regional scales appear to be particularly important targets for mitigation.

IMPROVING FERTILIZATION METHODS AND CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF PEARL MILLET (PENNISETUM GLAUCUM) IN WEST AFRICA: A REVIEW

West African countries are among the larger global millet producers but have low yields mainly due to the low quality of their marginal soils.The objectives of this work were to analyze the benefits and constraints of pearl millet production,to summarize the impact of different cropping systems and fertilization modes while proposing a holistic approach for sustainable production.The major constraints on millet yields are low rates or absence of fertilizers,unsuitable cropping systems,and the proliferation of pests and diseases.Intercropping with cowpea is a widely used cropping system in addition to crop rotation,monocropping and agroforestry systems.Microdosing is the best fertilization mode for West African smallholders.It is concluded that integrated systems(breeding new cultivars,intercropping and microdosing)in tied ridges or infiltration pit practices,sustained by the implementation of innovative approaches such as the‘Science and Technology Backyards’from China are a promising approach for increasing pearl millet production.In addition,policies such as land protection of the farmers and subsidies of inputs from the government and the effective involvement of farmers and extension officers are necessary in sustaining millet production in West Africa.

Highlights of the special issue on“Healthy Soil for Healthy Food”

Soil is essential to human life and society, as soil is crucial to agricultural production, climate mitigation, waterpurification and many other functions. Soil is also connected with human health and nutritional security. It is projectedthat by 2050 global population will be 50% greater than at present and the global demand for food will have doubled.With the current challenges of combating soil degradation and decreasing land area for food production, securingglobal food production and producing healthy food is of paramount importance. Strategic soil management inagricultural systems is necessary to promote soil health to achieve a proper balance between food production andenvironment. Soil health goes far beyond soil science itself, and it requires multidisciplinary and cutting-edgeknowledge in biology, physics, chemistry and many other areas. This special issue focuses on the advances in ourunderstanding of soil health, particularly from the perspective of soil microbiome. A holistic view on soil healthassessment and proper management sustainable soil management is also included. The issue consists of 7 reviewsand 4 research articles covering a wide range of topics on the novel indicators, approaches for soil healthassessment, mitigation of soil pollutants, soil microbiome and plant health, strategies to improve soil health forsustainable soil management.