Compartmentalization of hepatitis B virus: Looking beyond the liver

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) is classically considered to be hepatotropic, but accumulating evidences strongly support its extra-hepatotropic nature too. HBV nucleicacids and proteins have long been reported in a variety of extra-hepatic tissues. Of these, HBV has been studied in details in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs), due to its accessibility. From these studies, it is now well established that PBMCs are permissive to HBV infection, replication, transcription and production of infective virions. Furthermore, molecular evolutionary studies have provided definite evidences towards evolution of HBV genome in PBMCs, which is independent of evolution occurring in the liver, leading to the emergence and selection of compartment specific escape variants or drug resistant strains. These variants/resistant strains of HBV remain restricted within the PBMCs and are rarely detected in the serum/plasma. In addition, HBV infected PBMCs have been reported to be directly transmitted through intrauterine modes, and this infection does not correlate significantly with serum HBV surface antigen or HBV DNA markers. This editorial briefly reviews the current knowledge on this topic, emphasizes and delineates the gaps that are required to be filled to properly understand the biological and clinical relevance of extrahepatic tropism of HBV.

Phase separation in plants:New insights into cellular compartmentalization

A fundamental challenge for cells is how to coordinate various biochemical reactions in space and time. To achieve spatiotemporal control, cells have developed organelles that are surrounded by lipid bilayer membranes. Further, membraneless compartmentalization, a process induced by dynamic physical association of biomolecules through phase transition offers another efficient mechanism for intracellular organization. While our understanding of phase separation was predominantly dependent on yeast and animal models, recent findings have provided compelling evidence for emerging roles of phase separation in plants. In this review, we first provide an overview of the current knowledge of phase separation, including its definition, biophysical principles, molecular features and regulatory mechanisms. Then we summarize plant-specific phase separation phenomena and describe their functions in plant biological processes in great detail. Moreover, we propose that phase separation is an evolutionarily conserved and efficient mechanism for cellular compartmentalization which allows for distinct metabolic processes and signaling pathways, and is especially beneficial for the sessile lifestyle of plants to quickly and efficiently respond to the changing environment.

Exploring the dynamic three-dimensional chromatin architecture and transcriptional landscape in goose liver tissues underlying metabolic adaptations induced by a high-fat diet

Background Goose, descendants of migratory ancestors, have undergone extensive selective breeding, resulting in their remarkable ability to accumulate fat in the liver and exhibit a high tolerance for significant energy intake. As a result, goose offers an excellent model for studying obesity, metabolic disorders, and liver diseases in mammals. Although the impact of the three-dimensional arrangement of chromatin within the cell nucleus on gene expression and transcriptional regulation is widely acknowledged, the precise functions of chromatin architecture reorganization during fat deposition in goose liver tissues still need to be fully comprehended.Results In this study, geese exhibited more pronounced changes in the liver index and triglyceride(TG) content following the consumption of the high-fat diet(HFD) than mice without significant signs of inflammation. Additionally, we performed comprehensive analyses on 10 goose liver tissues(5 HFD, 5 normal), including generating highresolution maps of chromatin architecture, conducting whole-genome gene expression profiling, and identifying H3K27ac peaks in the livers of geese and mice subjected to the HFD. Our results unveiled a multiscale restructuring of chromatin architecture, encompassing Compartment A/B, topologically associated domains, and interactions between promoters and enhancers. The dynamism of the three-dimensional genome architecture, prompted by the HFD, assumed a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of crucial genes. Furthermore, we identified genes that regulate chromatin conformation changes, contributing to the metabolic adaptation process of lipid deposition and hepatic fat changes in geese in response to excessive energy intake. Moreover, we conducted a cross-species analysis comparing geese and mice exposed to the HFD, revealing unique characteristics specific to the goose liver compared to a mouse. These chromatin conformation changes help elucidate the observed characteristics of fat deposition and hepatic fat regulation in geese under conditions of excessive energy intake.Conclusions We examined the dynamic modifications in three-dimensional chromatin architecture and gene expression induced by an HFD in goose liver tissues. We conducted a cross-species analysis comparing that of mice. Our results contribute significant insights into the chromatin architecture of goose liver tissues, offering a novel perspective for investigating mammal liver diseases.

The relationship between compartment models and their stochastic counterparts:A comparative study with examples of the COVID-19 epidemic modeling

Deterministic compartment models(CMs)and stochastic models,including stochastic CMs and agent-based models,are widely utilized in epidemic modeling.However,the relationship between CMs and their corresponding stochastic models is not well understood.The present study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comparative study using the susceptible,exposed,infectious,and recovered(SEIR)model and its extended CMs from the coronavirus disease 2019 modeling literature.We demonstrated the equivalence of the numerical solution of CMs using the Euler scheme and their stochastic counterparts through theoretical analysis and simulations.Based on this equivalence,we proposed an efficient model calibration method that could replicate the exact solution of CMs in the corresponding stochastic models through parameter adjustment.The advancement in calibration techniques enhanced the accuracy of stochastic modeling in capturing the dynamics of epidemics.However,it should be noted that discrete-time stochastic models cannot perfectly reproduce the exact solution of continuous-time CMs.Additionally,we proposed a new stochastic compartment and agent mixed model as an alternative to agent-based models for large-scale population simulations with a limited number of agents.This model offered a balance between computational efficiency and accuracy.The results of this research contributed to the comparison and unification of deterministic CMs and stochastic models in epidemic modeling.Furthermore,the results had implications for the development of hybrid models that integrated the strengths of both frameworks.Overall,the present study has provided valuable epidemic modeling techniques and their practical applications for understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty vs high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis:A comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)and high tibial osteotomy(HTO)are well-established operative interventions in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.However,which intervention is more beneficial to patients with knee osteoarthritis remains unknown and a topic of much debate.Simultaneously,there is a paucity of research assessing the relationship between radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment and patient-reported clinical outcomes,preoperatively and following HTO or UKA.AIM To compare UKAs and HTOs as interventions for medial-compartment knee osteoarthritis:Examining differences in clinical outcome and investigating the relationship of joint alignment with respect to this.METHODS This longitudinal observational study assessed a total of 42 patients that had undergone UKA(n=23)and HTO(n=19)to treat medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs)were collected to evaluate clinical outcome.These included two disease-specific(Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score,Oxford Knee Score)and two generic(EQ-5D-5L,Short Form-12)PROMs.The radiographic parameters of knee alignment assessed were the:Hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation and angle of Mikulicz line.RESULTS Statistical analyses demonstrated significant(P<0.001),preoperative to postoperative,improvements in the PROM scores of both groups.There were,however,no significant inter-group differences in the postoperative PROM scores of the UKA and HTO group.Several significant correlations associated a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line with worse knee function and overall health preoperatively(P<0.05).Postoperatively,two clusters of significant correlations were observed between the disease-specific PROM scores and knee joint alignment parameters(hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation)within the HTO group;yet no such associations were observed within the UKA group.CONCLUSION UKAs and HTOs are both efficacious operations that provide a comparable degree of clinical benefit to patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Clinical outcome has a limited association with radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment postoperatively;however,a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line appears associated with worse knee function/health-related quality of life preoperatively.

Anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment for surgical De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis release:A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a disorder arising from the compression and irritation of the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist.Patients who fail conservative treatment modalities are candidates for surgical release.However,risks with surgery include damage to the superficial radial nerve and an incomplete release due to inadequate dissection.Currently,there is a paucity of literature demonstrating the exact anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment in reference to surface anatomy.Thus,this cadaveric study was performed to determine the exact location of the first extensor compartment and to devise a reliable surgical incision to prevent complications.AIM To describe the location of the first dorsal compartment in relation to bony surface landmarks to create replicable surgical incisions.METHODS Six cadaveric forearms,including four left and two right forearm specimens were dissected.Dissections were performed by a single fellowship trained upper extremity orthopaedic surgeon.Distance of the first dorsal compartment from landmarks such as Lister’s tubercle,the wrist crease,and the radial styloid were calculated.Other variables studied included the presence of the superficial radial nerve overlying the first dorsal compartment,additional compartment subsheaths,number of abductor pollicis longus(APL)tendon slips,and the presence of a pseudo-retinaculum.RESULTS Distance from the radial most aspect of the wrist crease to the extensor retinaculum was 5.14 mm±0.80 mm.The distance from Lister’s tubercle to the distal aspect of the extensor retinaculum was 13.37 mm±2.94 mm.Lister’s tubercle to the start of the first dorsal compartment was 18.43 mm±2.01 mm.The radial styloid to the initial aspect of the extensor retinaculum measured 2.98 mm±0.99 mm.The retinaculum length longitudinally on average was 26.82 mm±3.34 mm.Four cadaveric forearms had separate extensor pollicis brevis compartments.The average number of APL tendon slips was three.A pseudo-retinaculum was present in four cadavers.Two cadavers had a superficial radial nerve that crossed over the first dorsal compartment and retinaculum proximally(7.03 mm and 13.36 mm).CONCLUSION An incision that measures 3 mm proximal from the radial styloid,2 cm radial from Lister’s tubercle,and 5 mm proximal from the radial wrist crease will safely place surgeons at the first dorsal compartment.

Spatial compartmentalization of metal nanoparticles within metal-organic frameworks for tandem reaction

Fabrication of multifunctional catalysts has always been the pursuit of synthetic chemists due to their efficiency,cost-effectiveness,and environmental friendliness.However,it is difficult to control multi-step reactions in one-pot,especially the spatial compartmentalization of incompatible active sites.Herein,we constructed metal-organic framework(MOF)composites which regulate the location distribution of metal nanoparticles according to the reaction path and coupled with the diffusion of substrates to achieve tandem reaction.The designed UiO-66-Pt-Au catalyst showed good activity and selectivity in hydrosilylation-hydrogenation tandem reaction,because the uniform microporous structures can control the diffusion path of reactants and intermediates,and Pt and Au nanoparticles were arranged in core-shell spatial distribution in UiO-66.By contrast,the low selectivity of catalysts with random deposition and physical mixture demonstrated the significance of artificial control to the spatial compartmentalization of active sites in tandem catalytic reactions,which provides a powerful approach for designing high-performance and multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts.

HIV Compartmentalization in Male Genital Tract:Relevance for Viral Eradication

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)has been shown to evolve independently in different anatomical compartments.Characterizing HIV genetic evolution in different tissues and cells provides insights into the mechanisms that maintain the viral reservoir.HIV compartmentalization has been well documented in the semen but rarely in male genital tract(MGT)organs.The precise mechanisms that result in the development of HIV compartmentalization in multiple genitourinary sites have been poorly explored due to the difficulty in accessing these tissues.Based on evidence from lymph nodes and gut tissues,mechanisms that may influence compartmentalization include immune pressures,local concentrations of antiviral drugs,clonal expansion of different cell types and inflammation that alters the cellular microenvironment.We reviewed phylogenetic evidences supporting viral compartmentalization between the blood and multiple genitourinary sites in HIV-infected people.Characterizing distinct viral subpopulations enhances our overall understanding of the HIV reservoir inMGTand could ultimately lead to the development of novel therapies to eradicate the virus in tissues.

Assessing reservoir connectivity with pressure/rate surveillance data

Estimating reservoir connectivity is critical for assessing infill-drilling prospects and initiating fluid injection in enhanced oil recovery operations. Several methods have appeared in the literature over decades to meet these business needs, given that all tools, including seismic imaging, have limitations. Besides imaging, geochemical fingerprinting constitutes a powerful tool to gauge the compartmentalization question. However, real-time pressure/rate surveillance data allows assessing interwell connectivity vis-à-vis the overall drainage volume.This study presents a simplified approach to using the reciprocal-productivity index (RPI) vs. the total-material-balance time (tTMB) plot. This tool exhibits the same slope for those wells in the same compartment beyond the start of the boundary-dominated flow (BDF) period. The wells showing different slopes imply that they are in separate drainage volumes. The early-time transient period remains muted to minimize confusion on this Cartesian plot. We validated the proposed tool's efficacy with 2D and 3D models with increased degrees of reservoir complexity, followed by the verification phase with four field examples. The use of other analytical tools complemented our findings.

Carbon concentrations and carbon storage capacity of three old-growth forests in the Sila National Park,Southern Italy

Old-growth forests play a key-role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) concentrations by storing large CO_(2)amounts in biomass and soil over time.This quantifies the carbon pool into different forest compartments in three Mediterranean old-growth forests of Southern Italy populated by Pinus laricio,Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba.Ecosystem carbon pools have been assessed per compartment,i.e.,living trees,dead wood,litterfall(foliar and woody),roots and 0-20 cm topsoil,combining the whole old-growth forest mass,(i.e.,using tree allometric relationships,deadwood factor conversions,root-to-shoot ratios,litterfall and soil samplings) by the respective organic carbon concentrations.The results show the considerable capacity of these forest ecosystems in storing CO_(2)in biomass and soil,with carbon pool values ranging from 532.2to 596.5 Mg C ha-1.Living trees and 0-20 cm topsoil had larger carbon pool,contributing 53.0 and 22.1%,respectively.In most cases,organic carbon concentration was higher(more than 60%) than the average carbon conversion rate of 50%,especially in living trees,deadwood,and woody litterfall.This study contributes further scientific evidence of the capacity of old-growth forests in storing CO_(2)in their different compartments,with special evidence on tree biomass,litterfall and mineral soil,thereby highlighting the key role of old-growth forests within the challenge of climate change mitigation.

Gouty tenosynovitis with compartment syndrome in the hand: A case report

BACKGROUND Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues.It typically appears with abrupt and intense pain,redness,and swelling in the affected joint.It frequently targets the lower extremities,such as the big toe.However,rarely,gout can manifest in atypical locations,including the hands,leading to an uncommon presentation known as gouty tenosynovitis.However,it can result in significant morbidity owing to the potential for severe complications,such as myonecrosis and compartment syndrome.CASE SUMMARY An 82-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension,cerebral infarction,Parkinson's disease,and recurrent gout attacks sought medical attention because of progressive pain and swelling in the right hand.Imaging findings revealed forearm swelling,raising concerns of possible tenosynovitis,bursitis,septic arthritis,and compartment syndrome.A fasciotomy was performed to decompress the patient’s hands and forearms.The procedure revealed diffuse tenosynovitis,tophi with a pus-like discharge surrounding the carpal tunnel,and involvement of the flexor and extensor tendon sheaths.However,microbiological investigations,including Gram staining,acid-fast bacilli,tuberculosis,and nontuberculous mycobacteria,yielded negative results.The patient was ultimately diagnosed with a severe gouty attack with compartment syndrome and myonecrosis.Septic arthritis and infectious flexor tenosynovitis were ruled out.Serial debridement and inflammation control were initiated,followed by staged closure with a skin graft.CONCLUSION Septic-like complications can occur in the absence of infection in severe gout attacks with pus-like discharges due to compartment syndrome and myonecrosis.Cultures can be used to differentiate between gouty attacks,septic arthritis,and infectious tenosynovitis.Involvement of the flexor and extensor muscles,as in this case,is rare.This study contributes to the literature by reporting a rare case of successful fasciotomy and serial debridement in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities.

Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and contribute to new-onset and persistent organ failure.The optimal management of ACS involves a multi-disciplinary approach,from its early recognition to measures aiming at an urgent reduction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP).A targeted literature search from January 1,2000,to November 30,2022,revealed 20 studies and data was analyzed on the type and country of the study,patient demographics,IAP,type and timing of surgical procedure performed,post-operative wound management,and outcomes of patients with ACS.There was no randomized controlled trial published on the topic.Decom-pressive laparotomy is effective in rapidly reducing IAP(standardized mean difference=2.68,95%confidence interval:1.19-1.47,P<0.001;4 studies).The morbidity and complications of an open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy should be weighed against the inadequately treated but,potentially lethal ACS.Disease-specific patient selection and the role of less-invasive decompressive measures,like subcutaneous linea alba fasciotomy or component separation techniques,is lacking in the 2013 consensus management guidelines by the Abdominal Compartment Society on IAH and ACS.This narrative review focuses on the current evidence regarding surgical decompression techniques for managing ACS in patients with SAP.However,there is a lack of high-quality evidence on patient selection,timing,and modality of surgical decompression.Large prospective trials are needed to identify triggers and effective and safe surgical decompression methods in SAP patients with ACS.

Green manuring facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments of subsequent tobacco

Green manure–crop rotation is a sustainable approach to protect crops against diseases and improve yield.However,the mechanism by which green manuring manipulates the crop-associated microbial community remains to be elucidated.In this study,we explored the horizontal processes of bacterial communities in different compartments of the soil–root interface(bulk soil,rhizosphere soil,rhizoplane and endosphere)of tobacco by performing a field experiment including four rotation practices,namely,tobacco rotated with smooth vetch,ryegrass,radish,and winter fallow(without green manure).Results showed that the co-occurrence networks constructed by adjacent compartments of the soil–root interface with green manuring had more edges than without green manuring,indicating dramatic microbial interactions.Green manuring increased the dispersal-niche continuum index between bulk soil and other compartments,indicating that it facilitated the horizontal dispersal of microbes.For the different green manuring practices,the neutral community model explained 24.6–27.6%of detection frequency for bacteria,and at least one compartment under each practice had a normalized stochasticity ratio higher than the 50%boundary point,suggesting that the deterministic and stochastic processes jointly shaped the tobacco microbiome.In conclusion,green manuring generally facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments and enhances potential interactions among adjacent compartments.This study provides empirical evidence for understanding the microbiome assembly under green manure–crop rotation.

Finger compartment syndrome due to a high-pressure washer injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Although the finger compartment syndrome is not common,it compresses the neurovascular bundles in a limited space and blocks blood flow to the fingers,causing necrosis of the fingertips.Finger fasciotomy through unilateral or bilateral midline release of the finger can achieve decompression of the finger compartment.Herein,we report a case of the compartment syndrome in a finger injury caused by a high-pressure water flow which is commonly used in car washing stations.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man injured his right middle finger while using a high-pressure washer at a car washing station.The patient complained of severe pain in his middle finger and a 0.2 cm punctured open wound on the volar side of the distal phalangeal joint of the middle finger.The fingertip was pale,numb,and characterized by severe swelling and a limited range of motion.Finger radiography showed that there was no fracture in the finger.Digital decompression was performed through finger fasciotomy by bilateral midline incision.On the second day after surgery,the color of the fingertip returned to pink,swelling was resolved,and the range of motion returned to normal.The sensation of the fingertip was completely restored,and the capillary refill test and pinprick test were positive.CONCLUSION The fingertip compartment syndrome can be caused by a high-pressure water flow damage to the fingers when using high-pressure washers at a car washing station.To avoid finger necrosis,rapid diagnosis of the finger compartment syndrome and appropriate digital decompression are essential to better outcome.

Isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute leg compartment syndrome is a well-known orthopedic emergency associated with potentially devastating consequences if not treated immediately.Multiple compartments are usually involved with a clear history of trauma and classic symptoms and signs.However,isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome is relatively rare and is often misdiagnosed due to the atypical presentation of no trauma and the lack of pathognomonic signs.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old male patient presented to our emergency room with excruciating left calf pain and inability to mobilize one-day after participating in a football match despite no clear history of preceding trauma.The patient went to another hospital before presenting to us where he was diagnosed to have a soft tissue injury and was discharged home on simple analgesics.On clinical examination,the left leg showed a tense lateral compartment with severe tenderness.The pain was aggravated by dorsiflexion and ankle inversion.Neurovascular examination of the limb was normal.We suspected a compartment syndrome but as the presentation was atypical and an magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was readily available in our institution,we immediately performed an MRI and this confirmed a large hematoma in the lateral compartment with a possible partial proximal peroneus longus muscle tear.The patient was taken immediately for an emergency open fasciotomy.The patient is now 18 mo postoperatively having recovered completely and engages fully in sports with no restrictions.CONCLUSION Atypical presentation due to the lack of pathognomonic signs makes the diagnosis of isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome difficult.Pain on passive inversion and dorsiflexion and weak active eversion may be suggested as sensitive signs.

Nursing outcomes of traditional Chinese medicine adjunctive therapy on osteofascial compartment syndrome:a review

The rate of disability due to acute osteofascial compartment syndrome(OCS)is high,and the therapeutic effect of decompressive fasciotomy is not ideal.This paper retrospectively reviews the modern treatment of OCS,including Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),mainly in the context of the advantages of TCM in the treatment process of decompressive fasciotomy or conservative treatment to the patients who are suffering from OCS.It was found that TCM treatment reduced the levels of serum creatine kinase(CK),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST);it is beneficial to the elimination of swelling and pain.TCM adjunctive therapy promotes patients’postoperative functional recovery and decreases the occurrence of fasciotomy in patients;TCM can relieve tissue hypoxia of compartments and prevent necrosis of muscle and nerve tissue.TCM treatment improves the quality of medical service and ensures the safety of OCS patients.This paper aims to summarize the function of TCM in the treatment of OCS,provide reference for the clinical treatment of OCS,and improve the nursing/medical outcomes of OCS.

Collagen fleece(Tachosil®)for treating testis torsion:A case report

BACKGROUND Testicular torsion is an emergent disease in urology,and there has been discussion of the treatment of testicular torsion.Testicular decompression has been established as a critical treatment for testicular compartment syndrome(TCS),which occurs after detorsion in a patient who is diagnosed with testis torsion.Until now,testicular fasciotomy and incision of tunica albuginea with tunica vaginalis flap(TVF)graft have been suggested for decompression,and some studies about the efficacy of TVF were reported.However,this method is time consuming and needs meticulous technique,so other methods such as orchio-septopexy are suggested.The objective of this clinical case report was to propose new surgical method using collagen fleece(Tachosil®)instead of tunica vagina flap.CASE SUMMARY A 5-year-old boy with scrotal pain visited our hospital 24 h after symptom onset.After history taking,physical examination,and scrotum ultrasonography,he was diagnosed with testis torsion.Emergency surgery was performed after diagnosis.Following the incision of scrotum and fasciotomy,we covered his tunica albuginea with collagen fleece called Tachosil®instead of covering with TVF.CONCLUSION Short-term follow-up showed normal blood flow in testis without a TCS.This is the first case report of using Tachosil®in testicular torsion surgery,and its advantages were already reported in other surgeries like Peyronie’s disease.Our case suggests this new technique is an appropriate method because of its advantages including its cost-effective and time-saving characteristics.The main limitation is the short follow-up,so more studies are needed to provide a high level of evidence about its efficacy and safety.

Kaiso mainly locates in the nucleus in vivo and binds to methylated,but not hydroxymethylated DNA

Objective： Kaiso is upregulated in many cancers and proposed to bind with both methylated- and unmethylated-DNA in the nucleus as a transcriptional repressor. The objective is to define its subcellnlar localization in vivo and exact binding DNA sequences in cells. Methods： Compartmentalization of exogenous Kaiso in cells was tracked with enhanced green fluorescence protein （EGFP） tag. The endogenous Kaiso expression in gastric carcinoma tissue was examined with immunohistochemical staining. Kaiso-DNA binding was tested using electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA） and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay （CHIP）. Results： Kaiso mainly localized in the nucleus of cancer and stromal cells in vivo, but remained in the cytoplasm of cultured cells. Most importantly, nuclear Kaiso can bind with the methylated-CGCG- containing sequence in the CDKN2A promoter, but not with the hydroxymethylated-CGCG sequence in HCT116 cells. Conclusions： Kaiso locates mainly in the nucleus in vivo where it binds with the methylated-CGCG sequences, but does not bind with the hydroxymethylated-CGCG sequences.

Assessing Lateral Continuity within the Yammama Reservoir in the Foroozan Oilfield, Offshore Iran: An Integrated Study

Located in Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf, Foroozan Oilfield has been producing hydrocarbons via seven different reservoirs since the 1970 s. However, understanding fluid interactions and horizontal continuity within each reservoir has proved complicated in this field. This study aims to determine the degree of intra-reservoir compartmentalization using gas geochemistry, light hydrocarbon components, and petroleum bulk properties, comparing the results with those obtained from reservoir engineering indicators. For this purpose, a total of 11 samples of oil and associated gas taken from different producing wells in from the Yammama Reservoir were selected. Clear distinctions, in terms of gas isotopic signature and composition, between the wells located in northern and southern parts of the reservoir(i.e. lighter δ13 C1, lower methane concentration, and negative sulfur isotope in the southern part) and light hydrocarbon ratios(e.g. nC 7/toluene, 2,6-dmC7/1,1,3-tmcyC5 and m-xylene/4-mC8) in different oil samples indicated two separate compartments. Gradual variations in a number of petroleum bulk properties(API gravity, V/Ni ratios and asphaltene concentration) provided additional evidence on the reservoir-filling direction, signifying that a horizontal equilibrium between reservoir fluids across the Yammama Reservoir is yet to be achieved. Finally, differences in water-oil contacts and reservoir types further confirmed the compartmentalization of the reservoir into two separate compartments.

Role of RNA secondary structure in emergence of compartment specific hepatitis B virus immune escape variants

AIM To investigate the role of subgenotype specific RNA secondary structure in the compartment specific selection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)immune escape mutations.METHODS This study was based on the analysis of the specific observation of HBV subgenotype A1 in the serum/plasma,while subgenotype A2 with G145R mutation in the peripheral blood leukocytes(PBLs).Genetic variability found among the two subgenotypes was used for prediction and comparison of the full length pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)secondary structure and base pairings.RNA secondary structures were predicted for 37℃using the Vienna RNA fold server,using default parameters.Visualization and detailed analysis was done using RNA shapes program.RESULTS In this analysis,using similar algorithm and conditions,entirely different pgRNA secondary structures for subgenotype A1 and subgenotype A2 were predicted,suggesting different base pairing patterns within the two subgenotypes of genotype A,specifically,in the HBV genetic region encoding the major hydrophilic loop.We observed that for subgenotype A1 specific pgRNA,nucleotide 358U base paired with 1738A and nucleotide 587G base paired with 607C.However in sharp contrast,in subgenotype A2 specific pgRNA,nucleotide 358U was opposite to nucleotide 588G,while 587G was opposite to 359U,hence precluding correct base pairing and thereby lesser stability of the stem structure.When the nucleotides at 358U and 587G were replaced with 358C and 587A respectively(as observed specifically in the PBL associated A2 sequences),these nucleotides base paired correctly with 588G and 359U,respectively.CONCLUSION The results of this study show that compartment specific mutations are associated with HBV subgenotype specific alterations in base pairing of the pgRNA,leading to compartment specific selection and preponderance of specific HBV subgenotype with unique mutational pattern.