Tomato seedling physiological responses under different percentages of blue and red photon flux ratios using LEDs and cool white fluorescent lamps

Lamp spectral customization can be a strategy to achieve desirable plant characteristics when plants are grown under sole-source electric lighting. Vegetable transplants can be efficiently and economically grown under indoor-production systems with electrical lighting; however, species-specific light recipes have to be developed to improve plant growth, development and morphology, as well as to reduce electrical consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and morphology of tomato transplants to a broad range of blue to red (B:R) photon flux (PF) ratios under LEDs and cool white fluorescent lamps (CWF). Tomato 'Komeett' and 'Beaufort' seedlings were grown in a climate control growth chamber. Using LEDs, seven light treatments with different blue (B), green (G) and red (R) PF ratios were used: 100R, 10B:90R, 20B:28G:52R, 30B:70R, 50B:50R, 75B:25R and 100B. In addition, a CWF treatment served as the control. Hypocotyl length of 'Komeett' decreased with the increase of percent B PF up to 75% B. Plant leaf area was 64-72% greater under treatments emitting both B and R PF than in the 100 B and 100 R treatments. Similarly, tomato 'Komeett' fresh mass, dry mass, leaf number and chlorophyll concentration was comparable among the treatments containing B and R PF and greater than in 100 B and 100 R treatments. However, plant compactness in the 30B:70R treatment was 42% greater than in the 10B:90R treatment. Anthocyanin concentration increased with the increase of percent B PF up to 75% B. Also, plants in 30B:70R and 50B:50R had 39% and 36% greater dry mass than in CWF, respectively. In addition, 30B:70R and 50B:50R LEDs had 172% greater growing efficacy (g kWh(-1)) than high output fluorescent lamps. The addition of G light did not have any effects on tomato physiological responses. `Beaufort' plant morphology and growth were severely affected by intumescences development and intumescence severity decreased under higher percentages of B PF. In summary, 30B:70R, 50B:50R were the best spectrums to produce tomato seedlings under LEDs tested here; however, plant quality under CWF, 10B:90R, 20B:28G:52R, and 75B:25R was also acceptable. Published by Elsevier B.V.USDA NIFA SCRI grant [2010-51181-21369]The authors would like to acknowledge Mark Kroggel and Neal Barto at the University of Arizona (CEAC) for their technical advice. This project was funded by USDA NIFA SCRI grant No: 2010-51181-21369

Mouse in Utero Electroporation: Controlled Spatiotemporal Gene Transfection

In order to understand the function of genes expressed in specific region of the developing brain, including signaling molecules and axon guidance molecules, local gene transfer or knock- out is required. Gene targeting knock-in or knock-out into local regions is possible to perform with combination with a specific CRE line, which is laborious, costly, and time consuming. Therefore, a simple transfection method, an in utero electroporation technique, which can be performed with short time, will be handy to test the possible function of candidate genes prior to the generation of transgenic animals 1,2. In addition to this, in utero electroporation targets areas of the brain where no specific CRE line exists, and will limit embryonic lethality 3,4. Here, we present a method of in utero electroporation combining two different types of electrodes for simple and convenient gene transfer into target areas of the developing brain. First, a unique holding method of embryos using an optic fiber optic light cable will make small embryos (from E9.5) visible for targeted DNA solution injection into ventricles and needle type electrodes insertion to the targeted brain area 5,6. The patterning of the brain such as cortical area occur at early embryonic stage, therefore, these early electroporation from E9.5 make a big contribution to understand entire area patterning event. Second, the precise shape of a capillary prevents uterine damage by making holes by insertion of the capillary. Furthermore, the precise shape of the needle electrodes are created with tungsten and platinum wire and sharpened using sand paper and insulated with nail polish 7, a method which is described in great detail in this protocol. This unique technique allows transfection of plasmid DNA into restricted areas of the brain and will enable small embryos to be electroporated. This will help to, open a new window for many scientists who are working on cell differentiation, cell migration, axon guidance in very early embryonic stage. Moreover, this technique will allow scientists to transfect plasmid DNA into deep parts of the developing brain such as thalamus and hypothalamus, where not many region-specific CRE lines exist for gain of function (GOF) or loss of function (LOF) analyses

Expression and function of CCN2-derived circRNAs in chondrocytes

Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) molecules promote endochondral ossification and articular cartilage regeneration, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which arise from various genes and regulate gene expression by adsorbing miRNAs, are known to be synthesized from CCN2 in human vascular endothelial cells and other types of cells. However, in chondrocytes, not only the function but also the presence of CCN2-derived circRNA remains completely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression and function of CCN2-derived circRNAs in chondrocytes. Amplicons smaller than those from known CCN2-derived circRNAs were observed using RT-PCR analysis that could specifically amplify CCN2-derived circRNAs in human chondrocytic HCS-2/8 cells. The nucleotide sequences of the PCR products indicated novel circRNAs in the HCS-2/8 cells that were different from known CCN2-derived circRNAs. Moreover, the expression of several Ccn2-derived circRNAs in murine chondroblastic ATDC5 cells was confirmed and observed to change alongside chondrocytic differentiation. Next, one of these circRNAs was knocked down in HCS-2/8 cells to investigate the function of the human CCN2-derived circRNA. As a result, CCN2-derived circRNA knockdown significantly reduced the expression of aggrecan mRNA and proteoglycan synthesis. Our data suggest that CCN2-derived circRNAs are expressed in chondrocytes and play a role in chondrogenic differentiation

Regulation of cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) in breast cancer cells via the cell-type dependent interplay between CCN2 and glycolysis

Objectives: Anti-osteoclastic treatments for breast cancer occasionally cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Moreover, elevated glycolytic activity, which is known as the Warburg effect, is usually observed in these breast cancer cells. Previously, we found that cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) production and glycolysis enhanced each other in chondrocytes. Here, we evaluated the interplay between CCN2 and glycolysis in breast cancer cells, as we suspected a possible involvement of CCN2 in the Warburg effect in highly invasive breast cancer cells. Methods: Two human breast cancer cell lines with a distinct phenotype were used. Glycolysis was inhibited by using 2 distinct compounds, and gene silencing was performed using siRNA. Glycolysis and the expression of relevant genes were monitored via colorimetric assays and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Although CCN2 expression was almost completely silenced when treating invasive breast cancer cells with a siRNA cocktail against CCN2, glycolytic activity was not affected. Notably, the expression of glycolytic enzyme genes, which was repressed by CCN2 deficiency in chondrocytes, tended to increase upon CCN2 silencing in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of glycolysis, which resulted in the repression of CCN2 expression in chondrocytic cells, did not alter or strongly enhanced CCN2 expression in the invasive and non-invasive breast cancer cells, respectively. Conclusions: High CCN2 expression levels play a critical role in the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. Thus, a collapse in the intrinsic repressive machinery of CCN2 due to glycolysis may induce the acquisition of an invasive phenotype in breast cancer cells

ストーマ外来通院中にスキントラブルを起こした1例

The peristomal skin problems often affect an individual\u27s quality of life (QOL) and can result in financial liability to the individual and to the healthcare system. We have experienced one case that takes almost two months to visit the outpatient clinic for the peristomal skin problem. The patient, a 60-year-old woman living in a neighboring prefecture far from our clinic, had a total cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion following surgery to remove a bladder tumor in 2004. On her visit to the clinic, the skin redness was easily diagnosed as the paste-induced peristomal skin trouble and thereby the use of paste was ceased, resulting in gradual improvement. As part of the case review, a telephone interview was conducted to clarify the reason for the delay in treatment. It was learned that the patient felt the skin problem was due to the innate weakness of her skin and that early visit to the clinic was probably unnecessary. Since she could not remember how to contact the clinic for urgent care, she waited for her next scheduled check-up two months later. This experience clarified the need for patient education through visual media to aid in the recognition of peristomal skin problems and the importance of early treatment when such problems occur. At the same time, there must be confirmation that the patient understands how to contact the clinic for urgent care, and information of alternative clinics near the patient should also be provided.ストーマ周囲皮膚障害は，オストメイトの生活の質に影響を及ぼすとともに，個人及び保健医療システムにとって経済的負担となる．これにより，患者は生活を制限されるだけでなく，皮膚障害に対処するため生活の変化を余儀なくされることもある．今回，我々はストーマ外来通院中の患者がスキントラブルを起こし，受診まで約2ヵ月を要した事例を経験した．患者は，隣県に在住する60歳代の女性．膀胱腫瘍にて膀胱全摘出術及び回腸導管造設術を施行した．皮膚保護材貼付部にペースト使用によると考えられるスキントラブルを生じており，使用を中止した結果改善した．電話調査を行った結果，患者は自分の弱い肌が原因だと思い受診の必要性を感じておらず，予約以外の受診・連絡方法が分からない，近くにストーマ外来があると助かると感じていた．本症例より，スキントラブルを視覚的媒体を用いて紹介したり，異常時の連絡方法を再確認すること，遠方の患者には，近くの相談室や病院を紹介する等の働きかけが必要と考えられた

Study for self-efficacy of intensive care unit nursing

ICU看護婦の看護ケアの自信（以下ICU看護ケアの自己効力とする）の程度を知り，ICU看護ケアの自己効力に影響する要因を明らかにすると同時に，ICU経験3年以上の15名の看護婦についてはICU看護ケアの自己効力とリーダーとしての自信（以後リーダーシップの自己効力とする）との関係を明らかにすることを目的する。ICU看護ケアの自己効力とリーダーシップの自己効力について尺度を作成し，ICU勤務の看護婦48名を対象として調査を行った。有効回答数は45で，平均年齢は27.8±5.0歳であった。その結果，以下の3点が明らかとなった。1．年齢，看護婦経験年数，ICUでの経験年数が増すごとにICU看護ケアの自己効力も上昇していた（年齢：r(s)＝0.35，pく0.05，看護婦経験年数：r(s)＝0.35，pく0.05，ICUでの経験年数：r(s)＝0.56，P＜0.01）。2．配属の希望の有無，職場に満足しているか否か，看護ケアが患者の回復に影響すると考えているか否かについては，ICU看護ケアの自己効力への影響を認めなかった。3．リーダー役割をとっている看護婦のICU看護ケアの自己効力とリーダーシップの自己効力の間には，有意な相関はみられなかった。The purposes of this study were; (1) to examine the self-efficacy of ICU nursing, and (2) to clear the factors related to the self-efficacy of ICU nursing, (3) to investigate between the self-efficacy of ICU nursing and the self-efficacy of leadership for 15 nurses who had experience more than 3 years in the ICU section. Subjects were 45 ICU working nurses whose average age was 27.8±5.0. Using originally designed scales of self-efficacy of ICU nursing and the self-efficacy of leadership, we found following results; (1) the self-efficacy of ICU nursing was significantly related to age (r(s)=0.35, p<0.05), duration of experience as a nurse (r(s)=0.35, p<0.05) and that of ICU (r(s)=0.56, p<0.01). (2) there were no significant relation between the self-efficacy of ICU nursing and desire to be ICU nurse, job satisfaction and belief in positive effect of her nursing care for patient's recovery. (3) the self-efficacy of ICU nursing didn't have significant relationship to the self-efficacy of leadership

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure &lt; 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt; 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Rationalization of Membrane Protein Crystallization with Polyethylene Glycol Using a Simple Depletion Model

Based on the importance of crystallizing membrane proteins in a rational way, cytochrome bc(1) complex (BC1) was crystallized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a sole crystallization agent. Interaction between protein-detergent complexes of BC1 was estimated by dynamic light scattering, and was compared with the numerical calculation using the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek potential plus a depletion potential, without considering specific surface properties of the protein-detergent complexes. The experiments and calculation were found to be consistent and we obtained a relation between PEG molecular weight M and the range of depletion zone δ as δ ∼ M(0.48±0.02). The stability of liquid phase of BC1 solutions was controlled by a ratio of (the range of depletion zone)/(the radius of a BC1 particle), which was consistent with recent theoretical predictions. The crystallization was most successful under a condition where the stability of the liquid phase changed from stable to unstable. The PEG molecular weight that fulfilled this condition coincided with the one used empirically to crystallize BC1 in the past by a number of groups. These results are compared to the fact that membrane proteins were often successfully crystallized close to the detergent cloud point