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Premise: Increases in genome size in plants-often associated with larger, low-density stomata and greater water-use efficiency (WUE)-could affect plant ecophysiological and hydraulic function. Variation in plant genome size is often due to polyploidy, having occurred repeatedly in the austral sedge genus Schoenus in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), while species in the other major schoenoid genus in the region, Tetraria, have smaller genomes. Comparing these genera is useful as they co-occur at the landscape level, under broadly similar bioclimatic conditions. We hypothesized that CFR Schoenus have greater WUE, with lower maximum stomatal conductance (g wmax ) imposed by larger, less-dense stomata., Methods: We investigated relationships between genome size and stomatal parameters in a phylogenetic context, reconstructing a phylogeny of CFR-occurring Schoeneae (Cyperaceae). Species' stomatal and functional traits were measured from field-collected and herbarium specimens. Carbon stable isotopes were used as an index of WUE. Genome size was derived from flow-cytometric measurements of leafy shoots., Results: Evolutionary regressions demonstrated that stomatal size and density covary with genome size, positively and negatively, respectively, with genome size explaining 72-75% of the variation in stomatal size. Larger-genomed species had lower g wmax and C:N ratios, particularly in culms., Conclusions: We interpret differences in vegetative physiology between the genera as evidence of more-conservative strategies in CFR Schoenus compared to the more-acquisitive Tetraria. Because Schoenus have smaller, reduced leaves, they likely rely more on culm photosynthesis than Tetraria. Across the CFR Schoeneae, ecophysiology correlates with genome size, but confounding sources of trait variation limit inferences about causal relationships between traits., (© 2024 The Authors. American Journal of Botany published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Botanical Society of America.)

Excessive fluoride affects ameloblast differentiation and tooth development. The fate of fluorinated ameloblasts is determined by multiple signaling pathways in response to a range of stimuli. Both autophagy and apoptosis are involved in the regulation of dental fluorosis as well as in protein synthesis and enamel mineralization. Emerging evidence suggests that autophagy and apoptosis are interconnected and that their interaction greatly influences cell death. However, the effect of autophagy on apoptosis in fluoride-treated ameloblasts is unclear. Here, we employed an in vitro cellular model of fluorosis in mouse ameloblast-like LS8 cells and induced autophagy using sodium fluoride (NaF). Our findings suggest that NaF treatment induces autophagy in LS8 cells, and ATG5 and ATG7 are important molecules involved in this process. We also showed that NaF treatment reduced cell viability in Atg5/7 siRNA and autophagy inhibitor-treated LS8 cells. More importantly, NaF-induced apoptosis can be reversed by inhibiting early stage of autophagy. In conclusion, our study shows that autophagy is closely related to dental fluorosis, and inhibition of autophagy, especially ATG5/7, reduces fluoride-induced cell death and apoptosis., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Physical inactivity contributes significantly to the development of obesity-related cardiovascular disease. Adiposity may lead to reduced heart rate variability (HRV), whereas increased physical activity (PA) has the potential to improve autonomic activity. These associations remain largely unexplored in healthy individuals. We therefore investigated whether adiposity and physical activity (PA) are associated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults., Materials and Methods: We examined 403 black and 461 white healthy adults (aged 20-30 years) for HRV, including standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). We measured adiposity, PA levels and blood pressure (BP). Body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m 2 indicated obesity., Results: Participants with obesity had lower mean HRV than normal weight (SDNN [95% CI]; 138 [131-145]s vs 161 [158-165]ms), where those with the highest PA had higher SDNN (164 [160-169]ms) and RMSSD (51 [49-53]ms) than the least active individuals (150 [146-155]s) and 46 [44-48]ms)(all P < .01). BMI, waist circumference and body fat associated with lower SDNN (P < .001). With each unit increase of vigorous PA, a favourable higher RMSSD was found (P < .05). One unit increase in diastolic BP was associated with decreased SDNN and RMSSD (P < .001). These findings remained significant in multivariable-adjusted analyses., Conclusions: Adiposity and low PA associated independently with depressed autonomic activity in young healthy adults. Sympathovagal imbalance seems to already contribute to elevated diastolic BP at young ages. Our study supports population-based prevention programmes in young adults, improving PA and healthy diet, to curb the development of cardiovascular disease., (© 2020 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.)

Objectives: To assess the chromosomal and subchromosomal anomalies in small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses with no additional structural anomalies and their clinical outcomes., Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the 128 SGA fetuses with no additional anomalies and underwent genetic testing with karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Stratified analysis was performed according to the existence of maternal risk factors for SGA (yes or no), gestational age at onset (before or after 32 weeks), presence of oligohydraminos (yes or no), and umbilical artery Doppler flow (normal or abnormal)., Results: Chromosomal anomalies were identified in 6 (4.7%) SGA fetuses and pathogenic subchromosomal anomalies in 4 (3.1%) by microarray analysis. Chromosomal and subchromosomal anomalies were more frequently observed in cases with oligohydraminos (P = .017) and with early-onset SGA (P = .042). No differences were observed in relation to the existence of maternal risk factors and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler flow. Overall survival rate was 75.0% with different rates in the early and the late onset group (P < .001)., Conclusions: There is a 3.3% incremental yield of subchromosomal anomalies in CMA above karyotyping in SGA fetuses. Chromosomal microarray analysis is recommended in SGA fetuses with no additional structural anomalies, especially coexisting with oligohydraminos and being early onset., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The main reason for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the decrease in the quantity and activity of IVD cells with subsequent reduction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we investigated a cell-based repair strategy by injecting nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) transduced with human bone morphogenetic protein (hBMP7) by adeno-associated virus-2 into the canine degenerative IVD to determine whether NPCs expressing hBMP7 could delay the degeneration of the IVD. Fourteen canines received annular punctures to induce disc degeneration. Eight weeks later, saline (group A), allogeneic NPCs (group B), or allogeneic NPCs transduced with hBMP7 (group C) were injected into the degenerative discs. Twelve weeks after the injection, MRI scan showed that the degeneration process of groups C was slower and less severe compared with that of groups B and C. The IVD stability in group C was superior to that in groups A and B in left-right bending and rotation. HE, safranin-O staining, and ELISA indicated that the degenerative degree of the IVD in group C was significantly milder than that in groups A and B. The study demonstrated that the implantation of NPCs-hBMP7 could effectively maintained the structural integrity, ECM, and biomechanical properties of the canine degenerated discs. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1311-1322, 2017., (© 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the associated prenatal findings, genetic anomalies with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and postnatal outcome of fetal right aortic arch (RAA)., Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 92 fetuses diagnosed with RAA and the findings of CMA using Affymetrix CytoScan HD array in our institution between 2013 and 2016., Results: Postnatal data were not available for six cases, and genetic data were not available for 26 cases. Tetralogy of the Fallot was the most frequently associated anomaly. Among the 60 fetuses with known karyotype, one was 46, X, Yqh+, der(13)t(8;13)(q22.3;q33.2), one was 47, XYY and the remaining were normal. Our study showed that CMA could detect uncertain significant copy number variants in 5.2% of fetal RAA and pathogenic copy number variants in 5.2%, all of which were microdeletion in chromosome 22q11.21. The genetic anomalies, gestational age at delivery and postnatal death were not significantly different between RAA-no intracardiac anomalies and RAA-intracardiac anomalies group. One infant with aberrant left subclavian artery needed to perform a surgery for respiratory symptom., Conclusions: A right aortic arch is associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in approximately 5% of cases, and, therefore, prenatal testing, preferably using CMA, should be offered. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To evaluate whether discrepant copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to the risk for discordant congenital anomalies in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins., Methods: We conducted a parallel testing using both G-banding for standard karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) with Affymetrix CytoScan HD array in MCDA twins with discordant malformations., Results: During the study period, 193 MCDA twins with discordant malformations were detected and followed up. Multiple anomalies and cardiac defects were detected most frequently among the fetuses with malformations. Among all the 119 MCDA twins that were successfully performed fetal karyotyping, discordance of chromosomal aberrations were identified in nine cases, including one with discordant trisomy 18, seven with discordant monosomy X, one twin with 47, XXY and the co-twin with 45, X [7]/46, XY[43]. CMA revealed pathological CNVs in four out of the 110 fetuses with normal karyotype and the detection rate of uncertain clinical significance was 3.6% (4/110). Discordance of CNVs was detected in 5.5% (3/55) among the 55 MCDA twins with normal karyotype. Monozygosity was confirmed in all the 61 MCDA twins that were performed CMA., Conclusions: Large whole chromosome abnormalities are more common between discordant twins rather than smaller CNVs in this study. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to determine and compare the prevalence of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses and to evaluate the potential of PLSVC as a screening marker for chromosomal abnormalities., Methods: Women undergoing routine fetal sonographic examinations were evaluated once for the presence of PLSVC. PLSVC was diagnosed on the basis of the identification of an additional vessel in the left of the pulmonary artery in a three-vessel trachea view. Associated abnormalities, karyotypes, and outcomes were analyzed., Results: A total of 164 (0.7%, 164/25 171) cases of PLSVC were detected and successfully followed-up. The detection rates were 0.5% (81/17 535) and 1.1% (83/7636) in the low-risk and high-risk cases, respectively. The incidence of PLSVC was lower among the chromosomally or clinically normal (0.4%, 110/24 914) compared with chromosomally abnormal fetuses (7.8%, 20/257, p < 0.001). Additional defects were identified in 90% (18/20) of the PLSVC fetuses with chromosomal anomalies, a rate that was higher than those fetuses with chromosomal normal (61.8%, 68/110)., Conclusions: Persistent left superior vena cava is more common among chromosomally abnormal than normal fetuses, and PLSVC fetuses with other defects are more highly associated with chromosomal disorders than isolated PLSVC fetuses. Isolated PLSVC is a benign vascular anomaly and may not affect outcomes., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

We have previously explored the possibilities of allogenic intervertebral disc (IVD) curing disc degeneration disease in clinical practice. The results showed that the motion and stability of the spinal unit was preserved after transplantation of allogenic IVD in human beings at 5-year follow-up. However, mild degeneration was observed in the allogenic transplanted IVD cases. In this study, we construct the biological tissue engineering IVD by injecting the nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) expressing human bone morphogenetic protein 7 (hBMP7) into cryopreserved IVD, and transplant the biological tissue engineering IVD into a beagle dog to investigate whether NPCs expressing hBMP7 could prevent the degeneration of the transplanted allogenic IVDs. At 24 weeks after transplantation, MRI scan showed that IVD allografts injected NPCs expressing hBMP7 have a slighter signs of degeneration than IVD allografts with NPCs or without NPCs. The range of motion of left-right rotation in the group without NPCs was bigger than that of two cells injection group. PKH-26-labeled cells were identified at IVD allograft. The study demonstrated that NPCs expressing hBMP7 could survive at least 24 weeks and prevent the degeneration of the transplanted IVD. This solution might have a potential role in preventing the IVD allograft degeneration in long time follow-up., (Copyright © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society.)

Shikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the Chinese herbal therapeutic, Zicao, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects. In this study, its ability to induce apoptosis in cultured Tca-8113 oral cancer cells was studied. Treatment of the Tca-8113 cells with a variety of concentrations of Shikonin (10-40 microm) resulted in dose- and time-dependent sequences of events marked by apoptosis, as shown by the loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and sub-G1 phase accumulation. Furthermore, apoptosis in the Tca-8113 cells was accompanied by the activation of protease caspase-8, -9, -3 and low expression of Bcl-2 protein. Interestingly, inactivation of the NF-kappaB pathway was found in shikonin-induced apoptosis in Tca-8113 cells. These results raise the possibility that the anti-tumor effects of Shikonin in Tca-8113 cells are at least partly through the inactivation of the NF-kappaB pathway and subsequent activation of protease caspase family. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-kappaB activity by Shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for OSCC in which activation of NF-kappaB plays a critical role in tumor growth and progression.