SC Components Research Articles

Combining systems pharmacology, metabolomics, and transcriptomics to reveal the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza-Cortex moutan herb pair for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke (IS), predominantly triggered by blockages in cerebral blood flow, is increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue. The combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Cortex moutan (CM), traditional herbs in Eastern medicine, are frequently used for managing heart and brain vascular conditions. However, the exact mechanisms by which this herb pair (SC) combats IS remain largely unexplored. This investigation focuses on pinpointing the active constituents in SC that contribute to its protective role and deciphering the mechanisms countering cerebral ischemia, particularly in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. We employed UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS alongside network pharmacology for predicting SC's target actions against IS. Key ingredients were examined for their interaction with principal targets using molecular docking. The therapeutic impact was gauged through H&E, TUNEL, and Nissl staining, complemented by transcriptomic and metabolomic integration for mechanistic insights, with vital genes confirmed via western blot. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed that the main components of SC included benzoylpaeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, oxypaeoniflora, salvianolic acid A, and others. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that SC's mechanism in treating IS primarily involves inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell apoptosis-related pathways, potentially through targets such as AKT1, TNF, PTGS2, MMP9, PIK3CA, and VEGFA. Molecular docking underscored strong affinities between these constituents and their targets. Our empirical studies indicated SC's significant role in enhancing neuroprotection in IS, with transcriptomics suggesting the involvement of the VEGFA/PI3K/AKT pathway and metabolomics revealing improvements in various metabolic processes, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingomyelin, and fatty acids metabolisms.

Flower/testa colour associations with grain yield, quality and tolerance to seed weevil in grass pea phenotypes

AbstractGrass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is considered an orphan/underutilised grain legume with high yield and nutritive potential. It is variable in flower and seed coat (testa) colour and this variation could possibly be used as a biomarker in phenotypic selection for yield and quality traits. Three phenotypes differing in flower/testa colour (white flower‐white to creamy testa and white hilum [TWHW], slightly blue banner and wing colouration‐white to creamy testa and coloured halo around hilum [TWHC] and blue banner and wing colouration‐spotted testa and coloured halo around hilum [TSHC]) were tested over two growing seasons, under rainfed, Mediterranean conditions. They differed only in the number of seeds per pod; the phenotype TWHW had the lowest number (2.2 seeds pod−1). The seed yield per plant (SY) was highly correlated with the number of pods per plant and was higher under wetter and warmer conditions during the reproductive period (April–May). The three phenotypes showed no difference in tolerance against bruchid (Bruchus tristiculus) infection (F2,8 = 0.14, p > .05), which was higher in the most productive growing season (6.44%, F1,4 = 14.8, p < .05). In the phenotype TWHW, three seed classes (intact, bruchid‐damaged, parasitoid‐damaged seeds) were tested for SY, quality traits and tolerance to bruchids. Though insect damaged seeds showed significant reduction in emergence rates (from −57% up to −91%), there were no differences in SY (19.11–24.53 g plant−1, F2,8 = 0.86, p > .05) and yield components (seeds per pod, 1000‐seed weight, number of pods per plant). However, seeds of plants derived from parasitoid‐damaged seeds had higher concentration of the neurotoxin ODAP (4.92 mg g−1, F2,8 = 8.76, p < .01). On the other hand, seeds of plants derived from bruchid‐damaged seeds showed higher percentage of damaged seeds by the endoparasitoid Triaspis thoracica (2.25% vs. 0.67%–1.00%, F2,8 = 5.47, p < .05). Concluding, flower and testa colour cannot be used as biomarkers of seed yield and quality in grass pea, but it seemed that a tripartite interaction (grass pea–bruchid–endoparasitoid) may occur that affects ODAP concentration and the susceptibility of seeds to insect damages.

Effect of corrosion on self-centering energy dissipative devices

This study reveals the effect of corrosion on the performance of typical self-centering energy dissipation devices for seismic resilience enhancement. Two types of SC devices, namely, high-strength steel ring spring-based SC damper (HSSR damper) and SMA ring spring-based SC damper (SMAR damper), are examined. These specimens were subjected to 720 h’ accelerated corrosion, corresponding to roughly 20 years’ exposure to city out-door environment. Numerical studies are carried out in ABAQUS to further interpret the test results. Among other important findings, the tests showed that the HSSR damper is likely to lose its self-centering capability after corrosion. The high-strength steel (HSS) rings were severely corroded, and the restoring force provided by the rings was insufficient to overcome the friction action. The SMAR damper showed much reduced sensitivity to corrosion. For both dampers, there was no damage to either the SMA/HSS rings or the other components under repeated loading, implying a low risk of corrosion-related low-cycle fatigue failure. The numerical study implies that the friction condition over the entire contact surface is not identical once the damper experiences corrosion. A “two-region modelling strategy” with a smaller friction coefficient and a larger friction coefficient leads to satisfactory agreements with the test results for the corroded HSSR damper. For the SMAR damper, a constant friction coefficient for the surfaces between inner and outer rings has been found to be appropriate for both non-corroded and corroded cases. Based on the limited experimental and numerical data, it is recommended that anti-corrosion measurement should be mandatory for HSSR dampers. Overstrength due to the long-term effect should also be considered in the design of HSSR dampers from a life-cycle design point of view. If no special anti-corrosion measurement is applied, an overstrength factor of 1.3 may be considered. Overstrength may be ignored for SMAR dampers. By representing the key components of SC devices as a group of springs, the analytical description of considered SC devices can be obtained.

Abstract 63: Mobile Health Technology for Tailored Tobacco Cessation Support in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Pilot Trial

Abstract Purpose: Tobacco smoking (cigarettes: >90%) is the leading cause of preventable cancer morbidity and mortality in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Nonetheless, there are very few tobacco treatment programs in Lao PDR and none are accessible nationwide. Our parent project aims to use mobile health (mHealth) technology, which is highly scalable and affordable, to help Lao people quit smoking cigarettes. The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of our novel mHealth intervention. Methods: Fifty participants were recruited from Setthathirath Hospital in Vientiane and Champasak Hospital in Champasak Province (n=25/site). Participants were randomized to Standard Care (SC, n=25) or Automated Messaging (AM, n=25). SC comprised of brief advice to quit, a 2-week supply of nicotine patches, and self-help materials (prepared and printed by our team based on the World Health Organization’s guide to quit). AM consisted of the SC components plus a fully automated smartphone-based treatment program that involved interactive and tailored proactive messaging for 3 months (~2-3 messages per day), delivered by our InsightTM system. Results: All participants were Lao ethnicity and 14.3% were female. Results indicated high feasibility of the intervention (i.e., 90.7% of study messages/weekly assessments were delivered and 88.7% of these were read/completed). There was no loss to follow-up at 3 months. AM was highly acceptable: 91.6% agreed or strongly agreed that the InsightTM app was easy to use, 100% of AM participants agreed or strongly agreed that the message content was easy to understand, and 95.8% felt comfortable with opening messages in public places. Regarding preliminary efficacy, changes in self-efficacy to avoid smoking in various social situations (measured on a 5-point Likert scale) from baseline to the 3-month follow-up was 0.41 for AM participants and -0.12 for SC participants (P=0.68). Biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 3 months follow-up were comparably high for both groups (29.2% for AM and 28.0% for SC, relative risk: 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.39, 2.32). Conclusion: Our mHealth-based AM program for smoking cessation is highly feasible, disseminable, acceptable, and potentially efficacious in Lao PDR. Citation Format: Shweta Kulkarni, Phonepadith Xangsayarath, Dalouny Xayavong, Chanthavy Soulaphy, Khatthanaphone Phandouangsy, Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Khamsing Keothongkou, Tina Le, Damon Vidrine, Jennifer Vidrine, Summer Frank-Pearce, Michael Businelle, Thanh Bui. Mobile Health Technology for Tailored Tobacco Cessation Support in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Pilot Trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 63.

The role of rare earth elements and dietary intake in tongue cancer: a mediation analysis in southeast China.

The current research aimed to examine how dietary intake and rare earth elements may affect the development of tongue cancer. The serum levels of 10 rare earth elements (REEs) in 171 cases and 171 healthy matched controls were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The conditional logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between dietary intake, serum levels of 10 REEs, and tongue cancer. Mediation effect and multiplicative interaction analysis were then performed to estimate the potential contribution of REEs in dietary intake associated with tongue cancer. Compared with the control group, patients with tongue cancer consumed significantly less fish, seafood, fruit, green leafy vegetables, and non-green leafy vegetables, with higher serum praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and lanthanum (La) levels, and lower serum cerium (Ce) and scandium (Sc) levels. The interaction effect was observed between some REEs and food categories. Green vegetables' impact on the risk of tongue cancer is partially attributed to the La and Thorium (Th) elements (P < 0.05, the mediated proportion were 14.933% and 25.280%, respectively). The effect of non-green leafy vegetables for tongue cancer mediated via Pr, Dy, and Th (P < 0.05, the mediated proportion were 0.408%, 12.010%, and 8.969%, respectively), and the Sc components in seafood (P < 0.05, the mediated proportion was 26.120%) is partly responsible for their influence on the risk of tongue cancer. The correlation between REEs and dietary intakes for tongue cancer is compact but intricate. Some REEs interact with food intake to influence tongue cancer, while others act as a mediator.

An observation-based method to assess tropical stratocumulus and shallow cumulus clouds and feedbacks in CMIP6 and CMIP5 models

In the Earth system models (ESMs) participating in the Coupled Models Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6), the tropical low-cloud feedback is 50% more positive than its predecessors (CMIP5) and continues to dominate the spread in simulated climate sensitivity. In the context of recent studies reporting larger feedbacks for stratocumulus (Sc) than shallow cumulus (Cu) clouds, it appears crucial to faithfully represent the geographical extent of each cloud type to simulate realistic low-cloud feedbacks. Here we use a novel observation-based method to distinguish Sc and Cu clouds together with satellite data from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) and Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) to evaluate Sc and Cu cloud fractions, cloud radiative effects and cloud feedbacks in the two latest generations of CMIP ESMs. Overall, the CMIP6 models perform better than the CMIP5 models in most aspects considered here, indicating progress. Yet the ensemble mean continues to underestimate the marine tropical low-cloud fraction, mostly attributable to Sc. Decomposition of the bias reveals that the Sc-regime cloud fraction is better represented in CMIP6, although Sc regimes occur too infrequently—even less frequently than in CMIP5. Building on our Sc and Cu discrimination method, we demonstrate that CMIP6 models also simulate more realistic low-cloud feedbacks than CMIP5 models, especially the Sc component. Finally, our results suggest that part of the CMIP6 low-cloud feedback increase can be traced back to greater cloud fraction in Sc-dominated regions.

The Molecular Associations of Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma in Colorectum: Meta-Analysis and System Review.

Background: Signet ring cell carcinoma (SC) accounts for 1% of total colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and is associated with aggressive behaviors, such as lymphatic invasion and distant metastases, resulting in poor prognosis. To date, there is still a lack of consensus on the genetic etiology underpinning this cancer subtype. This study aimed to clarify the molecular associations of SC by using meta-analysis and a systematic review. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the KRAS, BRAF, P53 statuses, and microsatellite instability (MSI) in CRC patients with different histological subtypes, including SC. The diagnosis of SC is defined as the signet ring cells comprising ≥50 percent of the tumor mass. By dividing the studies into subgroups based on the composition of control groups, such as classic adenocarcinoma (AC; no SC components) and non-SC (including those with SC components < 50%), the relative risk (RR) of molecular alterations for SC in each study were pooled using a random-effects model. Two reviewers identified trials for inclusion, assessed quality, and extracted data independently. Results: Data from 29 studies consisting of 9366 patients were included in this analysis. SC was associated positively with MSI (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.37; 95% CI 0.77 to 4.15; p = 0.0005), BRAF mutation (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.26; 95%CI 0.68 to 5.82; p = 0.0146), and negatively with KRAS mutation (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.78; 95% CI 0.09 to 2.49; p = 0.0062). No association was found between SC and P53 expression (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.13; 95%CI 0.61 to 1.39; p = 0.3790). Moreover, it was associated negatively with P53 gene mutations (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.09; 95% CI 0.46 to 1.82; p = 0.1568), and P53 protein (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.49; 95% CI 0.40 to 2.17; p = 0.6885). Conclusions: The molecular etiology of SC may be associated with the BRAF and MSI pathways. Its features, such as the high frequency of BRAF mutation, could partly explain its less favorable outcomes and limited effects of traditional chemotherapy.

Unequal Ties: Immigrants’ Initial Social Capital and Labor Market Stratification

Abstract Social capital (SC) plays a fundamental role in immigration by easing entry into a new environment. We advance a novel approach to assessing the role of SC for immigrants’ labor market incorporation. First, we isolate the impact of SC activation from the mere presence of potential help. Second, we disentangle the diverse components of migration-related SC by distinguishing between individual migration- (IM) and community migration-level (CM) connections in the country of destination. Third, we trace the roles of IM SC and CM SC across multiple labor market outcomes, ranging from the search to secure the first job to the quality of the first job to longer-term occupational mobility. Absent activation, IM SC has virtually no impact on any of the outcomes. Rather, migrants’ IM SC yield their fundamental impact when activated, contributing to a successful job search while steering them into first jobs that are of lower-quality relative to their pre-migration occupation. By contrast, CM SC facilitates the initial job search and filters immigrants into higher-quality first jobs. Moreover, immigrants who arrive when CM SC is at its most mature stage reap the clearest benefits in improving their occupational status. These findings underscore the importance of both early settlement IM SC and CM SC in the processes of immigrants’ labor market stratification.

A Systematic Study of Mechanism of Sargentodoxa cuneata and Patrinia scabiosifolia Against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease With Dampness-Heat Stasis Syndrome via Network Pharmacology Approach.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson (SC) and Patrinia scabiosifolia (PS) against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with Dampness-Heat Stasis Syndrome via network pharmacological approach and experimental validation. Methods: The active compounds with OB ≥ 30% and DL ≥ 0.18 were obtained from TCMSP database and further confirmed by literature research. The targets of the compounds and disease were acquired from multiple databases, such as GeneCards, CTD and TCMSP database. The intersection targets were identified by Venny software. Cytoscape 3.7.0 was employed to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and compound-target network. Moreover, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were analyzed by DAVID database. Finally, CCK-8, Griess assay and a cytometric bead array (CBA) immunoassay were used for experimental validation by detecting the influence of the active compounds on proliferation of macrophage, release of NO and TNF-α after LPS treatment. Results: 9 bioactive compounds were identified from SC and PS. Those compounds corresponded to 134 targets of pelvic inflammatory disease with dampness-heat stasis syndrome. The targets include vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), von willebrand factor (VWF), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nuclear transcription factor 1 (NFκB1). They act on the signaling pathways like advanced glycation end products-receptor of advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE), focal adhesion (FA), Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB). In addition, by in vitro validation, the selected active components of SC and PS such as acacetin, kaempferol, linarin, isovitexin, sinoacutine could significantly inhibit the release of NO induced by LPS, respectively. Moreover, different dose of acacetin, kaempferol, isovitexin and sinoacutine significantly inhibits the TNF-α production. Conclusion: This study provides solid evidence for the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SC and PS against pelvic inflammatory disease with dampness-heat stasis syndrome, which will provide a preliminary evidence and novelty ideas for future research on the two herbs.

Social Cognition and Cognitive Decline in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

The aim of this study is to assess the SC construct and to explore its relationship with cognitive state in PD patients. We compare 19 PD patients with cognitive decline, 27 cognitively preserved PD patients, and 29 healthy control (HC) individuals in social perception (static and dynamic emotional facial recognition), theory of mind, empathy, and social behavior tasks. We also assess processing speed, executive functions, memory, language, and visuospatial ability. PD patients with cognitive decline perform worse than the other groups in both facial expression recognition tasks and theory of mind. Cognitively preserved PD patients only score worse than HCs in the static facial expression recognition task. We find several significant correlations between each of the SC deficits and diverse cognitive processes. The results indicate that some components of SC are impaired in PD patients. These problems seem to be related to a global cognitive decline rather than to specific deficits. Considering the importance of these abilities for social interaction, we suggest that SC be included in the assessment protocols in PD.

Stress Assessment by Combining Neurophysiological Signals and Radio Communications of Air Traffic Controllers.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) has been classified as the fourth most stressful job. In this regard, sixteen controllers were asked to perform ecological ATC simulation during which behavioral (Radio Communications with pilots - RCs), subjective (stress perception) and neurophysiological signals (brain activity and skin conductance - SC) were collected. All the considered parameters reported significant changes under high stress conditions. In particular, the theta, alpha, and beta brain rhythms increased significantly (all p<0.05) all over the brain areas, and both the SC components exhibited higher values (p<0.01). Additionally, the number of speech under high stress decreased significantly (p<10-4) while both the mean and median value of the F0 component of the RC increased (p<0.01). The results can be employed to objectively measure and track the controller's stress level while dealing with ATC activities to better tailoring the workshift and maintaining high safety levels.

Molecular Profiles of Mixed Endometrial Carcinoma.

Mixed endometrial carcinomas are defined as a combination of 2 or more distinct histologic subtypes, one of which must be a type II tumor comprising at least 5% of the tumor volume. The oncogenesis of these tumors remains unclear, particularly in light of the increasingly appreciated morphologic overlap among subtypes, as well as evolving molecular data. We evaluated 8 cases of mixed endometrial carcinoma, including 4 endometrioid (EC)/serous (SC), 1 SC/clear cell (CC), and 3 EC/CC cases, to study the underlying molecular features and oncogenic mechanisms at play. Each component was analyzed by a targeted next-generation sequencing assay. All tumors shared mutations in both components. In 6 cases, one component showed additional mutations. Two EC/SC cases showed shared mutations and mutations unique to each component. When present, unique mutations were typically seen in the SC component, including variants in POLE and TP53, as well as potentially targetable genes DDR2, MAP2K1, and CCNE1. In EC/SC tumors, ERBB2 abnormalities were seen in 2 cases. EC/CC cases showed FGFR2 activating mutations in the EC component only. No fusion drivers were identified. Our data suggest that the majority of these tumors begin as a single clone and diverge along 2 pathways: (1) tumor progression, with one component showing additional mutations, and (2) tumor divergence, in which tumor components have both shared mutations and mutations unique to each component. In addition, the findings suggest a component of morphologic mimicry in these tumors. Our findings are clinically relevant since targetable mutations may be present in only one component of mixed tumors.

Signet ring cell colorectal cancer: genomic insights into a rare subpopulation of colorectal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundSignet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to characterise the genomic alterations and outcomes of SRCC.MethodsMedical records of metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients whose tumours were evaluated by NGS analysis were reviewed. SC-mCRC were classified into two groups: SRCC (>50% signet ring cells) and adenocarcinoma (AC) with SC component (≤50% signet ring cells).ResultsSix hundred and sixty-five mCRC patients were included. Of the 93 mCRC cases with SC features, 63 had slides for review. Of those 63 cases, 35 were confirmed SRCC, and 28 were AC with SC component. Compared with AC group, KRAS and PIK3CA mutations (mts) were found in only 11% (OR: 0.13) and 3% (OR: 0.15) of SRCC cases, respectively. In contrast to the 44% rate of APC mts in AC group, only 3% of SRCC patients had APC mts (OR = 0.04).ConclusionsSRCC has distinct molecular features, including low rates of KRAS, PIK3CA and APC mts. Further study to identify activation pathways and potential therapeutic targets are needed.

Standardizing the use of fast-field cycling NMR relaxometry for measuring hydrological connectivity inside the soil.

Hydrological connectivity inside the soil (HCS) is applied to study the effects of heterogeneities in complex environmental systems. It refers to both the spatial patterns inside the soil (i.e., structural connectivity [SC]) and the physical-chemical processes at a molecular level (i.e., functional connectivity [FC]). NMR relaxometry has been already applied to assess both SC and FC components of the HCS by defining SC and FC indexes. Here, fast-field cycling NMR relaxometry has been applied on a water suspended soil and a sediment to optimize the conditions to standardize the technique. Proton Larmor frequencies (ωL ) from 0.01 to 25MHz were used on samples suspended in three different rates of Milli-Q grade water. The application of different magnetic fields revealed that the T1 values of the sediment sample are always shorter than those measured for the soil sample. This difference was attributed to the soil erosion processes limiting FC by reducing the size of macropores. For the soil sample, analyses showed that both structural and functional connectivity indexes can be assumed ωL independent. For the sediment sample, the connectivity indexes resulted ωL independent only for ωL ≥0.1MHz. This could be due either to instrumental problems for ωL <0.1MHz or to a real magnetic field effect when a finer textured sample is examined. Further research is required in this area. Finally, the experiments revealed that the optimal water amount to obtain reliable results was corresponding to the water holding capacity.

Effect of MCl3 (M=La, U or Sc) component on the local structures and transport properties of LiCl–KCl–MCl3 eutectic: A molecular dynamics study

LiCl–KCl eutectic material is a crucial waste reprocessing candidate for use in molten salt reactors and the major component of spent nuclear fuel. Investigating the structure and thermodynamic transport properties of this eutectic mixed with fission waste cations will provide a better understanding of the reprocessing progress. In this study, molecular dynamic simulations were performed on the molten salts of a LiCl–KCl eutectic mixed with La3+, U3+, or Sc3+ cations, and the mole fractions of the trivalent cations ranged from 0% to 50% at 773 K, 873 K, and 973 K. The local structures (in nearest neighbor distance and coordination numbers) and macroscopic transport properties (self-diffusion, electrical conductivity, and viscosity coefficients) of the three systems have been studied. When the trivalent cation concentration varied from 0 mol% to 50 mol%, the mean nearest neighbor distance of La3+–Cl- and U3+–Cl- increased and the mean nearest neighbor distance of Sc3+–Cl- decreased, and the coordination numbers of La3+ and U3+ increased while the coordination numbers of Sc3+ decreased as the trivalent cation concentrations increased. The trivalent cations were primarily present in the form of [MClx]3−x in diluted mixtures, and they linked to form a network in the viscous regions. The viscosity was primarily affected by the network and followed by a nearly linear increase with the degree of the network in the arbitrary trivalent mixtures. Additional investigation predicted the electrical conductivity and self-diffusion over a broader range; the results indicated that the electrical conductivities were hardly affected by the radius of the given trivalent cation.

Disassembly of the synaptonemal complex in chicken oocytes analyzed by super-resolution microscopy.

The synaptonemal complex is an evolutionarily conserved, supramolecular structure that holds the homologous chromosomes together during the pachytene stage of the first meiotic prophase. Among vertebrates, synaptonemal complex dynamics has been analyzed in mouse spermatocytes following the assembly of its components from leptotene to pachytene stages. With few exceptions, a detailed study of the disassembly of SCs and the behavior of SC components at recombination sites at the onset of diplotene has not been accomplished. Here, we describe for the first time the progressive disassembly of the SC in chicken oocytes during the initial steps of desynapsis using immunolocalization of specific SC proteins and super-resolution microscopy. We found that transverse filament protein SYCP1 and central element component SYCE3 remain associated with the lateral elements at the beginning of chromosomal axis separation. As the separation between lateral elements widens, these proteins eventually disappear, without any evidence of subsequent association. Our observations support the idea that post-translational modifications of the central region components have a role at the initial phases of the SC disassembly. At the crossover sites, signaled by persistent MLH1 foci, the central region proteins are no longer detected when the SYCP3-positive lateral elements are widely separated. These findings are indicative that SC disassembly follows a general pattern along the desynaptic bivalents. The present work shows that the use of avian oocytes at prophase I provides a valuable model to explore the time course and chromosomal localization of SC proteins and its relationship with local changes along meiotic bivalents.

Self-Reported Lifetime Violence Exposure and Self-Compassion Associated With Satisfaction of Life in Historically Black College and University Students.

In the United States, approximately 25% of minors have witnessed a violent act, specifically physical assault. African Americans from under-served backgrounds are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to be exposed to traumatic events. However, there is scant literature examining violence exposure, SC, and life satisfaction collectively, specifically in an African American college sample. The current study sought to determine the associations among violence exposure, SC components, and life satisfaction in an African American college sample. The current sample was comprised of 356 participants (80% female) with a mean age of 20.23 (SD = 1.70). Eighty-eight participants (25%) reported being exposed to violence in their lifetime. Employing logistic regression, we determined violence exposed individuals were less likely to report high satisfaction of life than their non-exposed counterparts (OR = 0.58, 95% CIs = 0.33, 1.00). Individuals with high level of self-kindness were approximately two times more likely to have higher satisfaction of life (OR = 2.48; CI = 1.52, 4.05) compared to their low level self-kindness counterparts and in the presence of demographic covariates. These findings may educate and increase awareness of the impacts of traumatic events. This education could lead to the implementation of interventions to build upon overall well-being in order increase life satisfaction in college students.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AND HUMIC ACID LEVELS ON YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS, L.) CV. S.C 131

Field experiments were carried - out at Gemmeiza Agriculture Research Station, during summer seasons of 2014 and 2015. A split - plot design with four replications was used, where nitrogen fertilizer levels (N) (0,45,90 and 135 kg.fad-1) were plotted in main plots and humic acid (HA) (0, 1, 2, and 3kg.fad-1 ) were assigned to sub plots. Increasing nitrogen levels up to 135 kg N.fad-1 .increased all yield and yield components in both seasons. Increasing humic acid levels, recorded highly significant increased for 100 - grain weight (g), grain yield fad-1, biological yield and straw yield in both seasons. While, harvest index had significantly decreased in both seasons, with increases in either nitrogen or humic acid levels. The interaction between nitrogen and humic acid was significant for ear height, 100 -grain weight (gm) and grain yield ard.fad.-1, while, was insignificant for No. of rows ear-1 and No. of grains row-1 in both season. Hence it might be concluded that, 135 kg N + 2 or 3 kg HA.fad.-1, in separate application or in combination led to significant increase in maize grain yield and its components of SC. 131.

Pharmacological effect of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and relative active components on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCDs) are the primary causes of death in Chinese adults. With the increase in morbidity and mortality rates and the decrease in the age of onset, CCD becomes a very natural target for traditional Chinese medicine. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (SCF) is the dry ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., which features a sweet and sour taste and the effects of calming the heart and tranquilizing the mind. It is mainly used for treatment of dysphoria and palpitation, insomnia and dreamful sleep due to the lack of spirit preservation. The main components of SC include lignans, volatile oils and polysaccharides. This review summarized the pharmacological effects of SC and its active components in the treatment of CCDs. The results showed that SCF and its active components protect against cardiovascular diseases mainly through the antioxidant, apoptosis inhibition and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In addition, they protect against cerebrovascular diseases mainly by increasing energy metabolism, regulating autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis, antioxidant, and regulating nerve neurotransmitters and circadian genes. In conclusion, lignans are the most active components in SCF. This study provides a reference for the clinical research and utilization of SCF, as well as the application basis for co-treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Magnetic Hysteresis Loss Calculations of HTS Coil under Rotating Magnetic Fields

We calculate magnetic hysteresis loss of HTS coil under rotating magnetic field. No transport current through the coil is assumed other than induced current. In order to find the frequency and applied field direction dependence of the loss, we present the loss versus applied field amplitude curves, for the frequencies f=1, 10, 100 and 1000 Hz, for seven different orientations of magnetic field. The hysteretic loss through the SC component increases with increasing frequency. This behavior is a consequence of higher field penetration to the tape at higher frequencies.