Comprehensive Review on Plant Cytochrome P450 Evolution: Copy Number, Diversity, and Motif Analysis From Chlorophyta to Dicotyledoneae.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) are widely distributed among various plant groups and constitute approximately 1% of the total number of protein-coding genes. Extensive studies suggest that CYPs are involved in nearly all molecular processes that occur in plants. Over the past two decades, the identification of CYP genes has expanded rapidly, with more than 40,000 CYP genes and 819 CYP families being discovered.

Superoxide dismutase positively regulates Cu/Zn toxicity tolerance in Sorghum bicolor by interacting with Cu chaperone for superoxide dismutase.

Heavy metal stress threatens plant growth and productivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of CuSO and ZnSO toxicity on sorghum seedlings, focusing on their impact on biomass, germination rates, growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, gene expression profiles, and stress resistance mechanisms. As a result, eight sorghum superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes were identified, and their evolutionary relationships with cis-acting regulatory elements and their expressional patterns were evaluated.

[Quantitative assess the efficacy of congenital idiopathic nystagmus surgery by digital eye tracker].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of independently developed digital eye tracker in determining the efficacy of congenital idiopathic nystagmus (CIN) surgery.

Methods: Aprospective selfpairing study. The surgical efficacy was evaluated by independently developed eye tracker in 16 CIN patients.

Effect of artificial scotomas on open-loop disparity vergence eye movements.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of an artificial scotoma on open-loop disparity vergence responses (DVRs) and vergence control mechanisms, we examined open-loop DVRs to disparity stimuli using monocular artificial scotomas in normal subjects.

Methods: Using a mirror haploscope with two computer monitors, we delivered disparity stimuli on a pair of random dot patterns subtending 40 by 30 degrees at 47 cm from each eye. The scotomas were black circles located in the center of a random dot pattern for the left eye.

Direct observation of dynamic mechanical regulation of DNA condensation by environmental stimuli.

Gene delivery is a promising way to treat hereditary diseases and cancer; however, there is little understanding of DNA:carrier complex mechanical properties, which may be critical for the protection and release of nucleic acids. We applied optical tweezers to directly measure single-molecule mechanical properties of DNA condensed using 19-mer poly-L-lysine (PLL) or branched histidine-lysine (HK) peptides. Force-extension profiles indicate that both carriers condense DNA actively, showing force plateaus during stretching and relaxation cycles.

A new measure of nystagmus acuity.

Aim: To construct a new visual acuity measuring function for congenital nystagmus (CN) patients by studying the relationships between acuity, velocities and positions of the eye.

Methods: After assessing the relationship between acuity, movement velocities and positions of the eye separately, a new function, which we call the automated nystagmus acuity function (ANAF), was constructed to measure the visual acuity of CN patients. Using a high-speed digital video system working at 500 frames per second, each eye was calibrated during monocular fixation.

Identification of small molecule activators of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway using a cell-based screen.

Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) have been widely used in the treatment of many viral and malignant diseases by activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, but the side effects of protein-based IFN therapy severely limit their clinical use. Discovering small molecules to activate the JAK/STAT pathway will greatly facilitate the development of new drugs which have similar pharmacological function to IFNs but with fewer side effects. To screen a natural products-based library, we established a cell-based screening assay using human hepatoma HepG2 cells stably transfected with a plasmid where the luciferase reporter activity is driven by interferon α-stimulated response element (ISRE), the motif specifically recognized by type I IFN-induced activation of JAK/STAT pathway.

A new algorithm for automated nystagmus acuity function analysis.

Aims: We developed a new data analysis algorithm called the automated nystagmus acuity function (ANAF) to automatically assess nystagmus acuity function. We compared results from the ANAF with those of the well-known expanded nystagmus acuity function (NAFX).

Methods: Using the ANAF and NAFX, we analysed 60 segments of nystagmus data collected with a video-based eye tracking system (EyeLink 1000) from 30 patients with infantile or mal-development fusional nystagmus.

A systematic approach to eye muscle surgery for infantile nystagmus syndrome: results in 100 patients.

Purpose: To report a systematic approach to, and the visual and electrophysiological effect of, eye muscle surgery in 100 patients with infantile nyustagmus syndrome (INS).

Methods: Prospective, interventional case cohort analysis of clinical and eye movement data in 100 patients with INS who had virgin extraocular eye muscles operated on for nystagmus with or without combinations of strabismus and an anomalous head posture. All patients were followed at least 9 months after surgery.