Therapeutic Effects of Marine Collagen Peptides on Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Primary Hypertension

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20739874

Marine collagen peptides (MCPs) from deep sea fish are shown to ameliorate hyperlipidemia in animal models. The study aimed at examining the effects of MCPs on glucose and lipid metabolism in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and primary hypertension.

Facile Controlled Preparation of Phosphonic Acid-functionalized Gold Nanoparticles

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20797722

In the preparation and storage of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) in colloidal form, the stability of the colloid is of utmost importance. We report a novel strategy for the synthesis of the phosphonic acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) with the high colloid stability by using ethylenediamine-tetramethylene phosphonic acid (EDTMP) as the reducing agent and its oxidation product as the stabilizing agent. The resultant phosphonic acid-functionalized Au-NPs show a remarkable colloidal stability, which likely arises from strong electrostatic effect of negatively charged phosphonate groups and the extremely hydrophilic property of phosphonate groups. Through the present method, the scope of reducing and stabilizing agents for preparation of phosphonic acid-functionalized Au-NPs extend from the -PO(3)H(2)-terminated thiols to the aminopolyphosphonates.

Response of Microbial Community Structure to Microbial Plugging in a Mesothermic Petroleum Reservoir in China

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20803140

Microbial plugging, a microbial enhancement of oil recovery (MEOR) technique, has been applied in a candidate oil reservoir of Daqing Oil Field (China). The goal of this study is to monitor the survival of injected bacteria and reveal the response of microbial communities in field trial of microbial plugging through injection of selected microbial culture broth and nutrients. Culture-dependent enrichment and culture-independent 16S rDNA clone library methods were used. The results show that it was easy to activate targeted biopolymer-producing bacteria in a laboratory environment, and it was difficult for injected exogenous bacteria to survive. In addition, microbial communities in the oil reservoir also changed before and after the field trial. However, microbial communities, activated by fermentative medium for biopolymer-producing bacteria, appeared to show greater differences in the laboratory than in the natural reservoir. It was concluded that microbial populations monitoring was important to MEOR; results of response of microbial communities could provide a guide for the future field trials.

The Beta/Gcd7 Subunit of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2B (eIF2B), a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, is Crucial for Binding EIF2 in Vivo

Molecular and Cellular Biology. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20805354

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B) is the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2, which stimulates formation of the eIF2-GTP-Met-tRNA(i)(Met) ternary complex (TC) in a manner inhibited by phosphorylated eIF2 [eIF2(αP)]. While eIF2B contains five subunits, the ε/Gcd6 subunit is sufficient for GEF activity in vitro. The δ/Gcd2 and β/Gcd7 subunits function with α/Gcn3 in the eIF2B regulatory subcomplex that mediates tight, inhibitory binding of eIF2(αP)-GDP, but the essential functions of δ/Gcd2 and β/Gcd7 are not well understood. We show that the depletion of wild-type β/Gcd7, three lethal β/Gcd7 amino acid substitutions, and a synthetically lethal combination of substitutions in β/Gcd7 and eIF2α all impair eIF2 binding to eIF2B without reducing ε/Gcd6 abundance in the native eIF2B-eIF2 holocomplex. Additionally, β/Gcd7 mutations that impair eIF2B function display extensive allele-specific interactions with mutations in the S1 domain of eIF2α (harboring the phosphorylation site), which binds to eIF2B directly. Consistent with this, β/Gcd7 can overcome the toxicity of eIF2(αP) and rescue native eIF2B function when overexpressed with δ/Gcd2 or γ/Gcd1. In aggregate, these findings provide compelling evidence that β/Gcd7 is crucial for binding of substrate by eIF2B in vivo, beyond its dispensable regulatory role in the inhibition of eIF2B by eIF (αP).

DUSP5 and DUSP6 Modulate Corneal Epithelial Cell Proliferation

Molecular Vision. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20806045

Dual specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) modulate the duration and magnitude of phospho-activation of Erk1/2, p38 and JNK1/2, the terminal kinases (TKs) of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. Three DUSPs, DUSP1, DUSP5, and DUSP6, are overexpressed in ocular surface side population stem cells (SPSCs). Our objective was to identify the impact of these enzymes on TK phosphorylation and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells.

Two Storage Hexamerins from the Beet Armyworm Spodoptera Exigua: Cloning, Characterization and the Effect of Gene Silencing on Survival

BMC Molecular Biology. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20807423

In insects, hemocyanin superfamily proteins accumulate apparently to serve as sources of amino acids during metamorphosis, reproduction and development. Storage hexamerins are important members of the hemocyanin superfamily. Although insects possess storage hexamerins, very little is known about the character and specific functions of hexamerin 1 and storage protein 1 in insect development.

Design of a Robust EMG Sensing Interface for Pattern Classification

Journal of Neural Engineering. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20811091

Electromyographic (EMG) pattern classification has been widely investigated for neural control of external devices in order to assist with movements of patients with motor deficits. Classification performance deteriorates due to inevitable disturbances to the sensor interface, which significantly challenges the clinical value of this technique. This study aimed to design a sensor fault detection (SFD) module in the sensor interface to provide reliable EMG pattern classification. This module monitored the recorded signals from individual EMG electrodes and performed a self-recovery strategy to recover the classification performance when one or more sensors were disturbed. To evaluate this design, we applied synthetic disturbances to EMG signals collected from leg muscles of able-bodied subjects and a subject with a transfemoral amputation and compared the accuracies for classifying transitions between different locomotion modes with and without the SFD module. The results showed that the SFD module maintained classification performance when one signal was distorted and recovered about 20% of classification accuracy when four signals were distorted simultaneously. The method was simple to implement. Additionally, these outcomes were observed for all subjects, including the leg amputee, which implies the promise of the designed sensor interface for providing a reliable neural-machine interface for artificial legs.

Photoinduced Drug Release from Thermosensitive AuNPs-liposome Using a AuNPs-switch

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20820547

A thermosensitive liposome with embedded AuNPs in a bilayer was prepared using supercritical CO(2). The AuNPs-liposome can absorb a certain wavelength light, convert optical energy into heat, induce phase transition, and release drug. The results show that drug release from the liposome is due to the photothermic effects inducing phase transition of the liposome rather than destruction of the liposome structure.

Effects of Formoterol and Ipratropium Bromide on Repeated Cadmium Inhalation-induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Emphysema in Rats

European Journal of Pharmacology. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20826145

The anti-inflammatory properties of inhaled formoterol and ipratropium bromide, alone or in combination, were investigated in a rat model of chronic pulmonary inflammation with airspace enlargement induced by cadmium inhalation. At the end of the protocol, cadmium-induced increase of airway resistance was prevented by formoterol (4 mg/30 ml) or ipratropium (0.20 mg/20 ml). Formoterol elicited a significant decrease in total cell and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as on the activity of gelatinase B (MMP-9), an enzyme strongly expressed in alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. Additionally, a significant attenuation of the lung lesions characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration within the alveoli and the interstitium and a decrease in mean linear intercept were observed. Although ipratropium alone had no effects on the cadmium-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema, its combination with an inefficient concentration of formoterol (1 mg/30 ml) showed a synergistic inhibitory effect on neutrophil and total cell counts as well as on the mean linear intercept associated with a synergistic inhibition on the MMP-9 activity. Gelatinase A (MMP-2) activity was not influenced by drug pretreatments. Neither macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) activity nor levels of cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and GM-CSF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were modified in rats chronically exposed to cadmium. No desensitization of β(2)-adrenoceptors or cholinergic receptors on airway smooth muscles and inflammatory cells during the protocol was observed. In conclusion, formoterol alone or combined with ipratropium bromide partially protects the lungs against the chronic inflammation and airspace enlargement by reducing neutrophilic infiltration possibly via the inhibition of MMP-9 activity.

Tunable Photonic Polyelectrolyte Colorimetric Sensing for Anions, Cations and Zwitterions

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20827688

VEGF-independent Angiogenic Pathways Induced by PDGF-C

Oncotarget. Aug, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20871734

VEGF is believed to be a master regulator in both developmental and pathological angiogenesis. The role of PDGF-C in angiogenesis, however, is only at the beginning of being revealed. We and others have shown that PDGF-C is a critical player in pathological angiogenesis because of its pleiotropic effects on multiple cellular targets. The angiogenic pathways induced by PDGF-C are, to a large extent, VEGF-independent. These pathways may include, but not limited to, the direct effect of PDGF-C on vascular cells, the effect of PDGF-C on tissue stroma fibroblasts, and its effect on macrophages. Taken together, the pleiotropic, versatile and VEGF-independent angiogenic nature of PDGF-C has placed it among the most important target genes for antiangiogenic therapy.

[Characteristics of Fish Community Structure in the Central Jiaozhou Bay in Spring and Summer]

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = The Journal of Applied Ecology / Zhongguo Sheng Tai Xue Xue Hui, Zhongguo Ke Xue Yuan Shenyang Ying Yong Sheng Tai Yan Jiu Suo Zhu Ban. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20873635

Based on the bottom trawl surveys in central Jiaozhou Bay from March to August 2009, and by using ecological diversity indices and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), this paper studied the species composition of fish community, and analyzed the species diversity and its relationships with the environmental factors in the Bay in spring and summer. A total of 43 fish species were captured, belonging to 8 orders, 24 families and 38 genera. The number of fish species increased with increasing bottom water temperature. Margalef species richness index was from 2.440 to 2.770, Shannon diversity index was from 1.322 to 2.346, and Pielou evenness index was from 0.416 to 0.771. No significant differences were observed in the diversity indices between spring and summer. The ranks of the species composition and biomass in contiguous months had less change. Bottom water temperature was the most important environmental factor affecting the monthly change of fish species composition.

The Epigenetic Mechanism of Mechanically Induced Osteogenic Differentiation

Journal of Biomechanics. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20728889

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression occurs due to alterations in chromatin proteins that do not change DNA sequence, but alter the chromatin architecture and the accessibility of genes, resulting in changes to gene expression that are preserved during cell division. Through this process genes are switched on or off in a more durable fashion than other transient mechanisms of gene regulation, such as transcription factors. Thus, epigenetics is central to cellular differentiation and stem cell linage commitment. One such mechanism is DNA methylation, which is associated with gene silencing and is involved in a cell's progression towards a specific fate. Mechanical signals are a crucial regulator of stem cell behavior and important in tissue differentiation; however, there has been no demonstration of a mechanism whereby mechanics can affect gene regulation at the epigenetic level. In this study, we identified candidate DNA methylation sites in the promoter regions of three osteogenic genes from bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We demonstrate that mechanical stimulation alters their epigenetic state by reducing DNA methylation and show an associated increase in expression. We contrast these results with biochemically induced differentiation and distinguish expression changes associated with durable epigenetic regulation from those likely to be due to transient changes in regulation. This is an important advance in stem cell mechanobiology as it is the first demonstration of a mechanism by which the mechanical micro-environment is able to induce epigenetic changes that control osteogenic cell fate, and that can be passed to daughter cells. This is a first step to understanding that will be vital to successful bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where continued expression of a desired long-term phenotype is crucial.

SNARE Tagging Allows Stepwise Assembly of a Multimodular Medicinal Toxin

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20921391

Generation of supramolecular architectures through controlled linking of suitable building blocks can offer new perspectives to medicine and applied technologies. Current linking strategies often rely on chemical methods that have limitations and cannot take full advantage of the recombinant technologies. Here we used SNARE proteins, namely, syntaxin, SNAP25, and synaptobrevin, which form stable tetrahelical complexes that drive fusion of intracellular membranes, as versatile tags for irreversible linking of recombinant and synthetic functional units. We show that SNARE tagging allows stepwise production of a functional modular medicinal toxin, namely, botulinum neurotoxin type A, commonly known as BOTOX. This toxin consists of three structurally independent units: Receptor-binding domain (Rbd), Translocation domain (Td), and the Light chain (Lc), the last being a proteolytic enzyme. Fusing the receptor-binding domain with synaptobrevin SNARE motif allowed delivery of the active part of botulinum neurotoxin (Lc-Td), tagged with SNAP25, into neurons. Our data show that SNARE-tagged toxin was able to cleave its intraneuronal molecular target and to inhibit release of neurotransmitters. The reassembled toxin provides a safer alternative to existing botulinum neurotoxin and may offer wider use of this popular research and medical tool. Finally, SNARE tagging allowed the Rbd portion of the toxin to be used to deliver quantum dots and other fluorescent markers into neurons, showing versatility of this unique tagging and self-assembly technique. Together, these results demonstrate that the SNARE tetrahelical coiled-coil allows controlled linking of various building blocks into multifunctional assemblies.

7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate Induced Nuclear Factor-kappa B Activation in J774A.1 Macrophages

Life Sciences. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20932850

7-Ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate (oxLig-1), a lipid moiety of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), has been reported to be a crucial ligand of beta2-glycoprotein I (β(2)-GPI), and plays a potential role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS), however, the role of the sole oxLig-1 in the development of AS remains unclear.

Isolation, Characterization, and Nuclear Reprogramming of Cell Lines Derived from Porcine Adult Liver and Fat

Cellular Reprogramming. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20936908

Genetic manipulation of porcine genome to produce genetically modified pigs with high efficiency has been hampered by the unavailability of an ideal cell type. The cell type currently used for various genetic manipulations is fetal fibroblasts. These cells have very limited life span in culture, and efficiency of gene targeting is very low. In this study, we developed a simple but novel strategy to derive cell lines from adult porcine liver and adipose tissues with long life span. Small colonies with few cells became visible as early as 2 to 3 days on collagen-coated plates, and a full-grown colony took 10 to 14 days to form. These cells maintained a steady growth up to 80 population doublings with normal karyotype. Transfection of these cells with a plasmid containing a neomycin resistance gene and selected under G418 yielded clones with stable genetic modifications and extended expression of the transgene. Further, these cells were used as nuclear donors to produce somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. The average fusion rates were 86.8, 80.5, and 90.4% for liver-derived cell lines (LDCs), fat-derived cell lines (FDCs), and fetal fibroblasts (FFs), respectively. We achieved a pregnancy rate of 50% with both LDCs and FDCs at day 30 and the efficiencies of generating fetuses from cloned embryos were 3.5, 2.1, and 4.0% for LDCs, FDCs and FFs, respectively.

PEPPI: a Peptidomic Database of Human Protein Isoforms for Proteomics Experiments

BMC Bioinformatics. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20946618

Protein isoform generation, which may derive from alternative splicing, genetic polymorphism, and posttranslational modification, is an essential source of achieving molecular diversity by eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have shown that protein isoforms play critical roles in disease diagnosis, risk assessment, sub-typing, prognosis, and treatment outcome predictions. Understanding the types, presence, and abundance of different protein isoforms in different cellular and physiological conditions is a major task in functional proteomics, and may pave ways to molecular biomarker discovery of human diseases. In tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based proteomics analysis, peptide peaks with exact matches to protein sequence records in the proteomics database may be identified with mass spectrometry (MS) search software. However, due to limited annotation and poor coverage of protein isoforms in proteomics databases, high throughput protein isoform identifications, particularly those arising from alternative splicing and genetic polymorphism, have not been possible.

Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein with Hot-spot Mutations Inhibit MxA Gene Transcription but Has No Effect on Inhibition of Virus Replication by Interferon α

Virology Journal. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20959021

It has been reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) can inhibit the transcription of human interferon-induced MxA gene. In this study, we investigated whether HBc protein mutations at hot spots (L60V, S87G and I97L) could still inhibit MxA transcription and the potential significance of this inhibition in virus replication in vitro. Our data indicated that the IFN-induced MxA mRNA expression level and MxA promoter activity was significantly down-regulated by mutant protein of HBc(I97L), compared to WT and the other two mutated HBc proteins(L60V or S87G). However, in Huh7 cells stably expressing WT or the mutated HBc proteins (L60V, S87G or I97L), IFN-α could inhibit the extra- and intracellular HBV DNA level and HBsAg secretion to a similar level compared to that in cells transfected with control plasmids. In conclusion, HBc protein with I97L mutation may play an special role in suppressing the transcription of MxA gene. Moreover, the inhibitory effect on MxA gene transcription by the WT or mutated HBc proteins (L60V, S87G and I97L) has no impact on inhibition of HBV replication by IFN-α in Huh7 cells. The clinical significance of the inhibitory effect of MxA gene transcription by HBc protein requires further study.

[A Novel Method for Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping Using RT-PCR Reverse Dot Blot Hybridization Technique]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20965822

To develop a rapid and specific method for hepatitis C virus ( HCV) genotyping using reverse dot blot hybridization technique and investigate the distribution of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Guangdong.

[Clinical Report of the Modified Piver Class III Hysterectomy on Invasive Cervical Cancer]

Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21029603

To explore the surgical extent and to improve the surgical techniques of the Piver class III hysterectomy on invasive cervical cancer, so as to reduce the urinary tract complications, shorten the surgical duration, decrease the hemorrhage and blood transfusion.

[The Study of Gene Variation and Phylogenetic Analysis of HPV16 E6 and E7 Gene in Hubei, China]

Bing Du Xue Bao = Chinese Journal of Virology / [bian Ji, Bing Du Xue Bao Bian Ji Wei Yuan Hui]. Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21043136

To study the gene variation and the distribution of HPV16 variant in Hubei, China, DNA was extracted from cervical cancer tissue samples. The E6 and E7 genes of HPV16 were amplified and the PCR products were sequenced using E6- and E7-specific primers. Fortyseven cases were found mutations at nucleotide position 178 of HPV16 E6 gene in 80 cervical cancer samples. This mutation resulted in amino acid change from Asp to Glu. The rate of mutation at nucleotide position 178 of E6 gene was 58. 75%. Twenty two cases were found mutations at nucleotide position 647 of HPV16 E7 gene in 31 cervical cancer samples. This mutation resulted in amino acid change from Asn to Ser. The rate of mutation was 70.97%. These results showed that mutations at nucleotide position 178 of E6 gene, nucleotide position 647 of E7 gene of HPV16 in cerveical cancer samples were prevalent in Hubei, China. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Asian (As) variants of HPV16 are predominated in Hubei, China. European (Ep) varinats were also found in Samples in Hubei areas. None of Asian American (AA), African-1 (Af-1), African-2 (Af-2) variants of HPV16 was found in this region. Whether Asian (As) variants of HPV16 are more oncogenic and play a much more important role in the progress of cervical cancer than European (Ep) variants is not clear. More sequences of E6 and E7 gene in CIN and normal cervical tissue samples and study of the function of E6 and E7 protein of these HPV16 variants are needed to adress above question.

Pituicytoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Neurology India. Sep-Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21045523

Discovery of Pathway Biomarkers from Coupled Proteomics and Systems Biology Methods

BMC Genomics. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21047379

Breast cancer is worldwide the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer. Plasma proteome profiling may have a higher chance to identify protein changes between plasma samples such as normal and breast cancer tissues. Breast cancer cell lines have long been used by researches as model system for identifying protein biomarkers. A comparison of the set of proteins which change in plasma with previously published findings from proteomic analysis of human breast cancer cell lines may identify with a higher confidence a subset of candidate protein biomarker.

T3SEdb: Data Warehousing of Virulence Effectors Secreted by the Bacterial Type III Secretion System

BMC Bioinformatics. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21106126

Effectors of Type III Secretion System (T3SS) play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining pathogenicity in the host and therefore the identification of these effectors is important in understanding virulence. However, the effectors display high level of sequence diversity, therefore making the identification a difficult process. There is a need to collate and annotate existing effector sequences in public databases to enable systematic analyses of these sequences for development of models for screening and selection of putative novel effectors from bacterial genomes that can be validated by a smaller number of key experiments.

[Calcium-binding Protein Secretagogin is a Novel Neuroendocrine Marker]

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi Chinese Journal of Pathology. Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21092592

Detection of β-catenin, Gastrokine-2 and Embryonic Stem Cell Expressed Ras in Gastric Cancers

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21151392

ERas activation and GKN2 reduction in gastric cancer has raised some notices in recent years, while nuclear beta-catenin positivity is considered as a tumoral marker. In this study, we compared immunohistochemistry of beta-catenin, GKN2 and ERas on tumoral and non-tumoral mucosae of 50 gastric carcinomas and 13 gastric samples of cancer-free patients. Nuclear positivity of beta-catenin was strong in 31 non-tumoral mucosae (62%) and 29 tumoral mucosae (58%). It was absent in samples of cancer-free patients. There was a correlation between non-tumoral and tumoral zones for nuclear beta-catenin positivity (P=0.013). ERas was positive in 35 non-tumoral tissues (70%) and 31 tumoral tissues (62%) but negatvie in samples of cancer-free patients. It was weak and spotty in non-tumoral mucosae but strong and diffuse in tumors. Positivity of ERas was age-related (P=0.028). However it had background staining effect. GKN2 was expressed in 33 non-tumoral mucosae (66%) and 35 tumoral mucosae (70%). Though GKN2 staining was moderate to strong in non-tumoral tissues and was comparatively weaker in tumors, their difference was minimal and difficult to discern. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-catenin nuclear location could be considered as a paraneoplastic pattern which is considerably tumor-related. ERas may be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer, but advanced studies are wanted. GKN2 reduction is indiscernible by immunostaining.

Treatment with Marine Collagen Peptides Modulates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism = Physiologie Appliquée, Nutrition Et Métabolisme. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21164551

This study was aimed at examining the therapeutic effects of marine collagen peptides (MCPs) from fish hydrolysate in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 100 diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited. Diabetic patients were randomized into treatment and control groups. The patients in the treatment group received an additional 13 g of MCPs daily for 3 months. Their blood samples were collected before, and 1.5 and 3 months after, treatment to evaluate glucose and lipid metabolism. The levels of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nitric oxide (NO), bradykinin, prostacyclin (PGI2), and adipokines were determined. Significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, human glycated hemoglobin A1c (GHbA1c), fasting blood insulin, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and free-fatty acids, but increased levels of insulin sensitivity index and HDL were observed in T2DM patients following treatment with MCPs for 1.5 and 3 months. The values of these measures were significantly lower or higher than those of patient controls (p < 0.01), respectively. Interestingly, significantly decreased levels of hs-CRP and NO, but increased levels of bradykinin, PGI2, and adiponectin were detected in MCP-treated T2DM patients (p < 0.01), as compared with their basal values or the levels in patient controls. MCP treatment improved glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients.

Experimental Demonstration of a Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Address Based PON (SCFDMA-PON) Architecture

Optics Express. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21164802

We introduce a novel architecture for next generation passive optical network (PON) base on the Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Address (SC-FDMA) technique. Both downstream and upstream SCFDMA-PON transmissions (5 Gb/s total, 2.5 Gb/s for each user) are experimentally demonstrated over 22.2 km standard single mode fiber and an additional simulated 1:32 optical splitter. We also test the tolerance range of the synchronization error and prove it matches the cyclic prefix period in our scheme, which means the packet transmission accuracy from different optical network units can be relaxed in the upstream.

[Effects of Simvastatin on Plasma SOD, MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α in Patients with Stable Angina]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21177169

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of simvastatin on plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) as well as uric acid (UA) and serum lipids in patients with stable angina. METHODS Eighty-five patients with stable angina were divided into 4 groups, including hyperlipemia treatment group (HLT), hyperlipemia control group (HLC), normolipemia treatment group (NLT), and normolipemia control group (NLC). All the patients received routine treatment according to the guideline of CHD treatment, and those in the treatment groups were given Simvastatin (40 mg) every night, whereas those in the control group received placebo for 3 months. Before and after the treatments, the levels of plasma 8-iso-PGF2α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the plasma levels of SOD and MDA were detected by colorimetric method. LDL, HDL, TC, TG, and UA were also measured biochemically. RESULTS Compared with the control group, both of the treatment groups showed significantly increased levels of SOD and decreased MDA, 8-iso-PGF2α, UA and plasma lipids after the treatments (P<0.05). CONCLUSION In patients with coronary heart disease, simvastatins can decrease plasma lipids, inhibit lipid peroxidations, and promote the clearance of free radicals, thereby alleviating the oxidative stress.

A Web-based Platform for Rice Microarray Annotation and Data Analysis

Science China. Life Sciences. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21181349

Rice (Oryza sativa) feeds over half of the global population. A web-based integrated platform for rice microarray annotation and data analysis in various biological contexts is presented, which provides a convenient query for comprehensive annotation compared with similar databases. Coupled with existing rice microarray data, it provides online analysis methods from the perspective of bioinformatics. This comprehensive bioinformatics analysis platform is composed of five modules, including data retrieval, microarray annotation, sequence analysis, results visualization and data analysis. The BioChip module facilitates the retrieval of microarray data information via identifiers of "Probe Set ID", "Locus ID" and "Analysis Name". The BioAnno module is used to annotate the gene or probe set based on the gene function, the domain information, the KEGG biochemical and regulatory pathways and the potential microRNA which regulates the genes. The BioSeq module lists all of the related sequence information by a microarray probe set. The BioView module provides various visual results for the microarray data. The BioAnaly module is used to analyze the rice microarray's data set.

Estimates of the Number of Prevalent and Incident Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections in Canada, 2008

Canadian Journal of Public Health. Revue Canadienne De Santé Publique. Nov-Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21370786

To estimate the number of prevalent and incident HIV infections in Canada in 2008.

A Nitrogen-rich C3N12 Solid Transformed from Cyanuric Triazide Under High Pressure and Temperature

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21406797

On the basis of first-principles theory calculations, a nitrogen-rich C(3)N(12) solid was presented through a transformation from a molecular precursor, cyanuric triazide (C(3)N(3))(N(3))(3), under high pressure and temperature. The transformation mechanism is mainly governed by azide-tetrazole chain-ring tautomerism leading to the sp(2) to sp(3) orbital activation of all carbon atoms. The phase diagram and the equation of state were calculated together with the ambient metastability of the new C(3)N(12) solid that has a material density of 2.926 g cm(-3) and an energy density of 15.56 kJ g(-1).

A Technical Assessment of the Utility of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays for the Study of the Functional Proteome in Non-microdissected Human Breast Cancers

Clinical Proteomics. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21691416

The lack of large panels of validated antibodies, tissue handling variability, and intratumoral heterogeneity potentially hamper comprehensive study of the functional proteome in non-microdissected solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to address these concerns and to demonstrate clinical utility for the functional analysis of proteins in non-microdissected breast tumors using reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA).

[The Association Between HBV Genotyping and Clinical Characteristics and Expression of TH1/TH2 Cytokines]

Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Shiyan He Linchuang Bingduxue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21604570

To explore the association between HBV genotyping and clinical characteristics and expression of TH1/TH2 cytokines.

Reconstitution of Lysosomal NAADP-TRP-ML1 Signaling Pathway and Its Function in TRP-ML1(-/-) Cells

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21613607

It is well known that the mutation of TRP-ML1 (transient receptor potential-mucolipin-1) causes mucolipidosis IV, a lysosomal storage disease. Given that lysosomal nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-Ca(2+) release channel activity is associated with TRP-ML1, the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that NAADP regulates lysosome function via activation of TRP-ML1 channel activity. Using lysosomal preparations from wild-type (TRP-ML1(+/+)) human fibroblasts, channel reconstitution experiments demonstrated that NAADP (0.01-1.0 μM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in TRP-ML1 channel activity. This NAADP-induced activation of TRP-ML1 channels could not be observed in lysosomes from TRP-ML1(-/-) cells, but was restored by introducing a TRP-ML1 transgene into these cells. Microscopic Ca(2+) fluorescence imaging showed that NAADP significantly increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration to 302.4 ± 74.28 nM (vs. 180 ± 44.13 nM of the basal) in TRP-ML1(+/+) cells, but it had no effect in TRP-ML1(-/-) cells. If a TRP-ML1 gene was transfected into TRP-ML1(-/-) cells, the Ca(2+) response to NAADP was restored to the level comparable to TRP-ML1(+/+) cells. Functionally, confocal microscopy revealed that NAADP significantly enhanced the dynamic interaction of endosomes and lysosomes and the lipid delivery to lysosomes in TRP-ML1(+/+) cells. This functional action of NAADP was abolished in TRP-ML1(-/-) cells, but restored after TRP-ML1 gene was rescued in these cells. Our results suggest that NAADP increases lysosomal TRP-ML1 channel activity to release Ca(2+), which promotes the interaction of endosomes and lysosomes and thereby regulates lipid transport to lysosomes. Failure of NAADP-TRP-ML1 signaling may be one of the important mechanisms resulting in intracellular lipid trafficking disorder and consequent mucolipidosis.

[Clinical Significance of 5-HT and DA Levels in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid of the Patients with Delayed Encephalopathy After Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning]

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Laodong Weisheng Zhiyebing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21619841

To explore the changes and the clinical significance of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with delayed encephalopathy (DEACMP) after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Neurochemical Plasticity of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity After Spinal Cord Injury

Neurochemical Research. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21626169

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in the neural pathways controlling the lower urinary tract (LUT). Expression of NO synthase (NOS) can be upregulated after spinal cord injury (SCI), and altered NOS activity may participate in resulting LUT dysfunction. To investigate distribution of NOS-immunoreactivity (NOS-IR) in neurons of rats following SCI and the possible effects of NOS inhibitors. Expression of neuronal and inducible NOS-IR in lumbosacral spinal cord was assessed in rats. Cystometry was performed to examine effects of intrathecal injection of NOS inhibitor. There was increased expression of neuronal NOS-IR after trauma. Maximum bladder capacity was increased by neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitors. Upregulation of nNOS may facilitate emergence of the spinal micturition reflex following SCI; nNOS inhibitor suppressed SCI-induced urinary incontinence by increasing bladder capacity. Our results indicate manipulation of NO production could help treat LUT dysfunction after SCI.

Elevated IL-6 Receptor Expression on CD4+ T Cells Contributes to the Increased Th17 Responses in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Virology Journal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21639870

Increased numbers of Interleukin-17-producing CD4+ T cells (Th17) have been found in association with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver injury. However, the mechanism underlying the increase of Th17 responses in patients with HBV infection remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the possible regulatory mechanisms of increased Th17 responses in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).

Integrated and Diffusion-based Micro-injectors for Open Access Cell Assays

Lab on a Chip. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21655556

Currently, most microfluidic devices are fabricated with embedded micro-channels and other elements in a close form with outward connections. Although much functionality has been demonstrated and a large number of applications have been developed, they are not easy for routine operation in biology laboratories where most in vitro cell processing still relies on the use of culture dishes, glass slides, multi-well plates, tubes, pipettes, etc. We report here an open access device which consists of an array of isolated micro-channels plated on a large culture surface, each of them having tiny nozzles for localized drug delivery. In a diffusion dominant regime, steady gradients of molecule concentration could be obtained and varied by changing the flow rate inside the micro-channels. As assay examples, cell staining and drug-induced cell apoptosis were demonstrated, showing fast cell responses in close proximity of the nozzles.

Polyaspartic Acid Coated Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Liver MRI

Nanoscale. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22064945

We report in this communication a simple, facile surface modification strategy to transfer hydrophobic manganese oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) into water by using polyaspartic acid (PASP). We systematically investigated the effect of the size of PASP-MONPs on MRI of normal liver and found that the particles with a core size of 10 nm exhibited greater enhancement than those with larger core sizes.

A Photolyase-like Protein from Agrobacterium Tumefaciens with an Iron-sulfur Cluster

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22066008

Photolyases and cryptochromes are evolutionarily related flavoproteins with distinct functions. While photolyases can repair UV-induced DNA lesions in a light-dependent manner, cryptochromes regulate growth, development and the circadian clock in plants and animals. Here we report about two photolyase-related proteins, named PhrA and PhrB, found in the phytopathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. PhrA belongs to the class III cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyases, the sister class of plant cryptochromes, while PhrB belongs to a new class represented in at least 350 bacterial organisms. Both proteins contain flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a primary catalytic cofactor, which is photoreduceable by blue light. Spectral analysis of PhrA confirmed the presence of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) as antenna cofactor. PhrB comprises also an additional chromophore, absorbing in the short wavelength region but its spectrum is distinct from known antenna cofactors in other photolyases. Homology modeling suggests that PhrB contains an Fe-S cluster as cofactor which was confirmed by elemental analysis and EPR spectroscopy. According to protein sequence alignments the classical tryptophan photoreduction pathway is present in PhrA but absent in PhrB. Although PhrB is clearly distinguished from other photolyases including PhrA it is, like PhrA, required for in vivo photoreactivation. Moreover, PhrA can repair UV-induced DNA lesions in vitro. Thus, A. tumefaciens contains two photolyase homologs of which PhrB represents the first member of the cryptochrome/photolyase family (CPF) that contains an iron-sulfur cluster.

[Update of Secretagogin]

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi Chinese Journal of Pathology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22088386

Hierarchical Titanium Surface Textures Affect Osteoblastic Functions

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21972107

This study investigated the surface characteristics and in vitro cytocompatibility of hierarchical textured titanium surfaces with nanograins and microroughness, produced by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, contact angle, and surface energy measurements. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the SMAT processed surfaces (hereafter Ti-SMAT surfaces) were assessed in terms of cellular attachment, morphology, viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mRNA gene expression. Two other titanium surfaces were compared: well-polished Ti6Al4V surfaces (hereafter Ti-polish surfaces) and thermally sprayed rough surfaces (hereafter Ti-spray surfaces). The Ti-SMAT surfaces showed a higher hydrophilicity and increased surface energy compared with the Ti-polish and Ti-spray surfaces. Consequently, these Ti-SMAT surfaces demonstrated enhancement of cell attachment, spreading, viability, and ALP activity. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed significantly higher ALP activity and stronger expression of mRNA levels of key osteoblast genes in cells grown on the Ti-SMAT surfaces than the other two surfaces. These results reveal a synergic role played by nanostructure and microtopography in osteoblastic functions and demonstrate the more promising cytocompatibility of the hierarchical textured surfaces. It is suggested that the SMAT process may provide a novel method of surface modification to the currently available metallic biomaterials.

High Frequency of PIK3R1 and PIK3R2 Mutations in Endometrial Cancer Elucidates a Novel Mechanism for Regulation of PTEN Protein Stability

Cancer Discovery. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21984976

We demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway aberrations occur in >80% of endometrioid endometrial cancers, with coordinate mutations of multiple PI3K pathway members being more common than predicted by chance. PIK3R1 (p85α) mutations occur at a higher rate in endometrial cancer than in any other tumor lineage, and PIK3R2 (p85β), not previously demonstrated to be a cancer gene, is also frequently mutated. The dominant activation event in the PI3K pathway appears to be PTEN protein loss. However, in tumors with retained PTEN protein, PI3K pathway mutations phenocopy PTEN loss, resulting in pathway activation. KRAS mutations are common in endometrioid tumors activating independent events from PI3K pathway aberrations. Multiple PIK3R1 and PIK3R2 mutations demonstrate gain of function including disruption of a novel mechanism of pathway regulation wherein p85α dimers bind and stabilize PTEN. Taken together, the PI3K pathway represents a critical driver of endometrial cancer pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target.

Inducing Growth of FeNi-Pt Match-like Magnetic Nanoheterostructures on Pt Nanotips and Dechlorination of Hydrochloric Ether

Chemphyschem : a European Journal of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21990147

Newly designed magnetic FeNi-Pt match-like heterostructured nanorods were synthesized by means of induced growth of FeNi nanorods on Pt nanotips. The proposed synthesis mechanism is corroborated by SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS. The magnetic behavior shows that the magnetic saturation and coercivity are strongly dependent on both the shape and the alloy composition. The saturation magnetizations (Ms) and the coercivity (Hc) of nanorods synthesized are larger than those of nanoparticles because of the relatively large anisotropy of nanorods. Maximum saturation magnetization is obtained for Fe(82) Ni(15) -Pt(3) at 226.6 emu g(-1), whereas maximum coercivity is obtained for Fe(20)Ni(77)-Pt(3) at 136.8 Oe. Shape-dependent reactivity toward the reduction of chlorinated solvents was observed for the FeNi-Pt heterostructured nanomaterials. In particular, the Fe(82)Ni(15)-Pt(3) nanorods are highly reactive in the dechlorination process of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane.

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Cryptosporidium Infection in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-associated Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21992928

Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are often highly susceptible to microbial infection due to a depressed immune system. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of Cryptosporidium infection in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated ACLF in Hunan Province, China.

Complete Genome Sequence of Haloarcula Hispanica, a Model Haloarchaeon for Studying Genetics, Metabolism, and Virus-host Interaction

Journal of Bacteriology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21994921

Haloarcula hispanica is an extremely halophilic archaeon that has an unusually low restriction barrier and is therefore significant for studying archaeal genetics, metabolism, and virus-host interactions. Here we report the complete genome sequence (3,890,005 bp) of H. hispanica strain CGMCC 1.2049, consisting of two chromosomes and one megaplasmid.

Cyclophosphamide Perturbs Cytosine Methylation in Jurkat-T Cells Through LSD1-mediated Stabilization of DNMT1 Protein

Chemical Research in Toxicology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22007908

Aberrant cytosine methylation is known to be associated with cancer development. Here, we assessed how common cancer chemotherapeutic agents perturb cytosine methylation in Jurkat-T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. We tested six antitumor agents and found that cyclophosphamide induced the most pronounced increase in global DNA cytosine methylation after a 24-h treatment. Long-term treatment with cyclophosphamide led to a time-dependent increase in cytosine methylation level with up to 4 days of treatment, and the extent of cytosine methylation returned to normal level after 8 days. The trend of change in DNA methylation level paralleled that of the expression level of DNMT1 protein, whereas no significant increase in DNMT1 mRNA level was observed. Previous studies showed that the stability of endogenous DNMT1 protein is regulated by lysine methylation through histone lysine methyltransferase Set7 and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), with the methylated DNMT1 being the target for proteasomal degradation. We observed that the elevated expression of DNMT1 protein at 4 days of treatment was correlated with the increased expression of LSD1 protein and with the decreased frequency of K142 methylation in DNMT1. Taken together, our results showed that cyclophosphamide perturbed temporarily global cytosine methylation in Jurkat-T cells via regulation of the lysine methylation level in DNMT1.

In Vivo Optical Imaging of Membrane-type Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) Activity

Molecular Pharmaceutics. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22014151

Herein we demonstrate for the first time that a fluorogenic probe can be used as an in vivo imaging agent for visualizing activities of membrane-tethered, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs). An MT-MMP fluorogenic probe that consisted of an MT1-MMP (MMP-14) substrate and near-infrared (NIR) dye-quencher pair exhibited rapid, efficient boosts in fluorescence upon cleavage by MT1-MMP in tumor-bearing mice. In particular, unlike similar fluorogenic probes designed to target extracellular, soluble-type MMPs (EC-MMPs)--which can be cleared from the bloodstream after activation--the fluorescence signals activated by MT1-MMP enable clear visualization of MT1-MMP-positive tumors in animal models for up to 24 h. The results indicate that a simple form of a fluorogenic probe that is less effective in EC-MMP imaging is an effective probe for imaging MT-MMP activities in vivo. These findings can be widely applied to designing probes and to applications targeting various membrane-anchored proteases in vivo.

A Meta-analysis Showing That High Signal Intensity on T2-weighted MRI is Associated with Poor Prognosis for Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22018808

We used PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE to conduct a meta-analysis to determine the significance of high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI for predicting postoperative prognosis in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Although patients with CSM with high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI usually had a poor prognosis even after undergoing surgery, some researchers have argued recently that high-intensity signals are not associated with postoperative prognosis. Data consistent with the inclusion criteria of this study were cited for meta-analysis using Review Manager 5 Software. The postoperative recovery ratio specified by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) was assessed using the weighted mean difference (WMD) method. Five articles (one prospective; four retrospective) involving 309 patients with CSM were included. The aggregate WMD with regard to the postoperative JOA recovery ratio between the T2-weighted high signal intensity positive (+) group and the T2-weighted high signal intensity negative (-) group was -6.56, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was -12.15 to -0.97 (p=0.02). Thus, we concluded that in patients with CSM, the postoperative JOA recovery ratio in the T2-weighted (+) group was lower than that in the T2-weighted (-) group.

Host Responses of a Marine Bacterium, Roseobacter Denitrificans OCh114, to Phage Infection

Archives of Microbiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22033766

RDJLΦ1 is a marine siphophage infecting Roseobacter denitrificans OCh114. In this study, host responses of R. denitrificans OCh114 to phage infection were investigated through in situ real-time atomic force microscopy (AFM) and proteomics approaches. As seen from the AFM observations, during phage infection processes, depression areas appeared on the host cell surface in a few minutes after infection and expanded in both diameter and depth over time and finally led to the collapse of host cells within 30 min. The two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed significant changes in the proteomic composition of the host cells during infection. The expression of 91 proteins, including some involved in DNA transcription regulation and substrate transportation, was changed with at least twofold up- or downregulation as compared to the control without phage infection. This observed rapid lysis of host cells and the great changes in protein expression caused by phage infection added more perspectives to the documented important roles of viruses in mediating carbon cycling in the ocean.

Microfluidic Devices with Disposable Enzyme Electrode for Electrochemical Monitoring of Glucose Concentrations

Electrophoresis. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22038673

This article describes the fabrication of tube-like microchannels made of UV curable polymer on a glass substrate and the device assembling with a disposable enzyme-working electrode for high-sensitivity electrochemical detection. While both reference and counter electrodes are patterned on the surface of the glass substrate, the working electrode is flipped on the top of the channel with an open access, providing a face-to-face probing configuration. When the enzyme electrode is contaminated or degraded, it can be easily replaced by a new one, keeping the main body of the device and the detection schema unchanged. Using glucose oxidase-coated gold electrodes, we were able to determine a linear amperometry response to the glucose concentrations in the range of 2-16  mM. By replacing the as-prepared working electrode by the one after thermal treatments, we showed a much more degraded enzyme electrode activity, enabling efficient determination of the electrode quality as well as the whole process optimization.

A Novel Evolution-based Method for Detecting Gene-gene Interactions

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22046286

The rapid advance in large-scale SNP-chip technologies offers us great opportunities in elucidating the genetic basis of complex diseases. Methods for large-scale interactions analysis have been under development from several sources. Due to several difficult issues (e.g., sparseness of data in high dimensions and low replication or validation rate), development of fast, powerful and robust methods for detecting various forms of gene-gene interactions continues to be a challenging task.

Effects of Epidural Capsaicin on Nociceptive Threshold and Neurological Functions in Rabbits

Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22054108

Capsaicin, as a principle active component of Chili peppers, is popularly consumed by many people around the world. Whether capsaicin-induced neuropathy alters the function of sensory neurons is still unknown.

Triaqua-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxyl-ato-κO,O,O)cobalt(II) Monohydrate

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22090887

The title complex, [Co(C(8)H(8)O(5))(H(2)O)(3)]·H(2)O, was synthesized by reaction of cobalt acetate with 7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarb-oxy-lic anhydride (norcantharidin) in aqueous solution. In the mol-ecule, the Co(II) atom is six-coordinated in a distorted octa-hedral environment, binding to the bridging O atom of the bicyclo-heptane unit, to two O atoms from monodentate carboxyl-ate groups and to three water O atoms. The crystal structure is stabilized by several O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions involving both the coordinated and uncoordinated water mol-ecules as donors and the carboxyl-ate O atoms of neighbouring mol-ecules as acceptors.

Exo-4-[(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)meth-yl]-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo-[5.2.1.0]decane-3,5-dione

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22091012

In the title compound, C(16)H(15)N(3)O(3), the dihedral angle between the approximately planar benzimidazolyl group (r.m.s. deviation = 0.010 Å) and the pyrrolidine ring is 78.20 (6)°. The C-C-N bond angle of the bridging CH(2) group is 112.14 (16)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains parallel to [101] and [10[Formula: see text]].

Oral Administration of Interferon-α2b-transformed Bifidobacterium Longum Protects BALB/c Mice Against Coxsackievirus B3-induced Myocarditis

Virology Journal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22151967

Multiple reports have claimed that low-dose orally administered interferon (IFN)-α is beneficial in the treatment of many infectious diseases and provides a viable alternative to high-dose intramuscular treatment. However, research is needed on how to express IFN stably in the gut. Bifidobacterium may be a suitable carrier for human gene expression and secretion in the intestinal tract for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. We reported previously that Bifidobacterium longum can be used as a novel oral delivery of IFN-α. IFN-transformed B. longum can exert an immunostimulatory role in mice; however the answer to whether this recombinant B. longum can be used to treat virus infection still remains elusive. Here, we investigated the efficacy of IFN-transformed B. longum administered orally on coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in BALB/c mice. Our data indicated that oral administration of IFN-transformed B. longum for 2 weeks after virus infection reduced significantly the severity of virus-induced myocarditis, markedly down regulated virus titers in the heart, and induced a T helper 1 cell pattern in the spleen and heart compared with controls. Oral administration of the IFN-transformed B. longum, therefore, may play a potential role in the treatment of CVB3-induced myocarditis.

Impact of an Indigenous Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Field Trial on Microbial Community Structure in a High Pour-point Oil Reservoir

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22159733

Based on preliminary investigation of microbial populations in a high pour-point oil reservoir, an indigenous microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) field trial was carried out. The purpose of the study is to reveal the impact of the indigenous MEOR process on microbial community structure in the oil reservoir using 16Sr DNA clone library technique. The detailed monitoring results showed significant response of microbial communities during the field trial and large discrepancies of stimulated microorganisms in the laboratory and in the natural oil reservoir. More specifically, after nutrients injection, the original dominant populations of Petrobacter and Alishewanella in the production wells almost disappeared. The expected desirable population of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, determined by enrichment experiments in laboratory, was stimulated successfully in two wells of the five monitored wells. Unexpectedly, another potential population of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes which were not detected in the enrichment culture in laboratory was stimulated in the other three monitored production wells. In this study, monitoring of microbial community displayed a comprehensive alteration of microbial populations during the field trial to remedy the deficiency of culture-dependent monitoring methods. The results would help to develop and apply more MEOR processes.

Classification and Quality Evaluation of Tobacco Leaves Based on Image Processing and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22163744

Most of classification, quality evaluation or grading of the flue-cured tobacco leaves are manually operated, which relies on the judgmental experience of experts, and inevitably limited by personal, physical and environmental factors. The classification and the quality evaluation are therefore subjective and experientially based. In this paper, an automatic classification method of tobacco leaves based on the digital image processing and the fuzzy sets theory is presented. A grading system based on image processing techniques was developed for automatically inspecting and grading flue-cured tobacco leaves. This system uses machine vision for the extraction and analysis of color, size, shape and surface texture. Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation provides a high level of confidence in decision making based on the fuzzy logic. The neural network is used to estimate and forecast the membership function of the features of tobacco leaves in the fuzzy sets. The experimental results of the two-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) show that the accuracy rate of classification is about 94% for the trained tobacco leaves, and the accuracy rate of the non-trained tobacco leaves is about 72%. We believe that the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is a viable way for the automatic classification and quality evaluation of the tobacco leaves.

HOMER: a Human Organ-specific Molecular Electronic Repository

BMC Bioinformatics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22165817

Each organ has a specific function in the body. "Organ-specificity" refers to differential expressions of the same gene across different organs. An organ-specific gene/protein is defined as a gene/protein whose expression is significantly elevated in a specific human organ. An "organ-specific marker" is defined as an organ-specific gene/protein that is also implicated in human diseases related to the organ. Previous studies have shown that identifying specificity for the organ in which a gene or protein is significantly differentially expressed, can lead to discovery of its function. Most currently available resources for organ-specific genes/proteins either allow users to access tissue-specific expression over a limited range of organs, or do not contain disease information such as disease-organ relationship and disease-gene relationship.

Increase in Docetaxel-Resistance of Ovarian Carcinoma-Derived RMG-1 Cells with Enhanced Expression of Lewis Y Antigen

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22174601

Epithelial carcinomas of the ovary exhibit the highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies. Studies found that the metabolism of glycolipids or carbohydrates is associated with acquirement of anticancer drug-resistance by cancer cells. This study was to characterize possible involvement of Lewis Y (Le(Y)) antigen in the drug-resistance of cancer cells. We transfected the α1,2-fucosyltransferase gene into human ovarian carcinoma-derived RMG-1 cells and established RMG-1-hFUT cells with enhanced expression of Le(Y). We determined the effects of docetaxel on the survival of cells by MTT assaying and observed the apoptosis of cells in the presence of docetaxel by flow cytometric analysis and by transmission electron microscopy. Plasma membranes and intracellular granules in RMG-1-hFUT cells were stained with anti-Le(Y) antibody, the intensity of the staining was higher than that in control cells. The RMG-1-hFUT cells exhibited higher resistance to docetaxel than the control cells with regard to the docetaxel concentration and time course. After treatment with 10 μg/mL docetaxel for 72 h, the control cells, but not RMG-1-hFUT, contained abundant positively stained cell debris due to disintegration of the cytoskeleton. On transmission electron microscopy, although the control cells treated with docetaxel as above showed the following morphology, i.e., absence of villi, cells shrunken in size, pyknosis, agglutinated chromatin and cell buds containing nuclei in the process of apoptosis, the RMG-1-hFUT cells showed only agglutinated chromatin and vacuoles in the cytoplasm. In summary, cells with enhanced expression of Le(Y) were shown to acquire docetaxel-resistance, indicating the possible involvement of glycoconjugates in the drug-resistance.

The Bioactivated Interfacial Behavior of the Fluoridated Hydroxyapatite-coated Mg-zn Alloy in Cell Culture Environments

Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22174700

A partially fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite- (FHA-) coated Mg-Zn alloy was prepared to investigate the interfacial behavior of degradable Mg-based biomaterials with degradable bioactive coatings in a cell culture environment. Peaks from the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) were characterized and compared before and after cell culture. It was found that Ca-P, including poorly crystalline ion-substituted Ca-deficient HA (CDHA), was formed in greater amounts on the interface of coated samples compared with the uncoated ones. A thermodynamic mechanism for Ca-P formation on biodegradable Mg alloys in a cell culture environment is proposed. Combined with improved cell calcification, the-FHA coated Mg alloys have the ability to promote CDHA formation, as expected thermodynamically. It is suggested that the specific cell culture environment and the bone-like FHA coatings together facilitate the observed behavior. Moreover, cell culture environment probably increased the biomineralization to a detectable level by affecting the kinetics of apatite formation.

Bis[5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carbo-nitrile-κN,N]silver(I) Perchlorate

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22199547

In the mononuclear title complex, [Ag(C(10)H(6)N(4))(2)]ClO(4), the Ag(I) ion is surrounded by two 5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carbonitrile ligands, forming a considerably distorted square-planar N(4)-coordination geometry, with two short and two long Ag-N distances. Each perchlorate anion links two mononuclear coordination units through C-H⋯O(perchlorate) hydrogen bonding, forming an infinite tape structure along [110]. Inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions between adjacent pyridine and pyrazine rings [centroid-centroid distances of 3.777 (3) and 3.879 (2) Å] further assemble the tape motifs into a three-dimensional supra-molecular structure.

Catena-Poly[(dichloridozinc)-μ-bis-(pyridin-3-yl)methanone-κN:N']

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22199560

In the title polymer, [ZnCl(2)(C(11)H(8)N(2)O)](n), the Zn(II) atom lies on a twofold rotation axis and has a distorted tetra-hedral ZnCl(2)N(2) geometry involving two chloride donors and two N-atom donors from μ(2)-bridging bis-(pyridin-3-yl)methanone ligands, which also have twofold symmetry. A zigzag chain structure is formed, extending along (001). Each chain is surrounded by three others which are inter-connected through weak C=O⋯π(pyrid-yl) [O⋯centroid = 2.999 (3) Å] and π(pyrid-yl)-π(pyrid-yl) inter-actions [minimum ring centroid separation = 4.014 (2) Å], giving a three-dimensional framework.

(Nitrato-κO)bis-[5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carbonitrile-κN,N]silver(I)

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22199631

In the mononuclear title complex, [Ag(NO(3))(C(10)H(6)N(4))(2)], two κ(2)N:N'-chelating 5-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carbonitrile ligands surround the Ag(I) atom, forming an N(4)O square-pyramidal coordination geometry with one nitrate anion bonding at the apical site. The two heterocyclic rings of the 5-(2-pyridin-2--yl)pyrazine-2-carbonitrile ligand are almost coplanar [dihedral angle = 5.63 (8)°], and the two chelating ligands are in an anti relationship. The mononuclear units are inter-connected along [010] through C-H⋯O(nitrate) and C-H⋯N(cyano) inter-actions, forming an infinite chain. The mononuclear units are stacked along the a axis and inter-connected via inter-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions between adjacent pyridine and pyrazine rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.984 (2) and 3.595 (3) Å], thus forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular structure.

Development of a Compact Capillary Electrophoresis-chemiluminescence System with Ultra-fast Peroxyoxalate Reaction to Monitor the Hydrolysis of Rhodamine 6G

Luminescence : the Journal of Biological and Chemical Luminescence. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22213432

A simple and effective capillary electrophoresis-chemiluminescence (CE-CL) detection system was developed based on an ultra-fast bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate (TCPO) chemiluminescence (CL) reaction (0.6 s duration) that avoided overlapping peaks and peak tailing. Through a series of static injection experiments, this unusually rapid CL reaction was ascribed to the catalytic effect of imidazole in the tetrahydrofuran solvent, which has been rarely utilized in such investigations. A possible mechanism is given to explain the results. Under the optimized conditions, rhodamine 6 G (R6G) and its hydrolysis product (R6G-COOH) could be efficiently separated through electrophoresis in 7 min, with sensitive CL detection in the proposed CE-CL system. In this way, the alkaline hydrolysis of R6G was monitored, followed by estimation of relative rate constants and activation energy. This finding and application should be helpful in further study for the TCPO CL reaction, and revealed an attractive opportunity for simplifying the CE-CL system, such as in a microchip device. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ferroportin1 Deficiency in Mouse Macrophages Impairs Iron Homeostasis and Inflammatory Responses

Blood. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21705499

Systemic iron requirements are met predominantly through the recycling of iron from senescent erythrocytes by macrophages, a process in which the iron exporter ferroportin (Fpn1) is considered to be essential. Yet the role of Fpn1 in macrophage iron recycling and whether it influences innate immune responses are poorly understood in vivo. We inactivated Fpn1 in macrophages by crossing Fpn1-floxed animals with macrophage-targeted LysM-Cre or F4/80-Cre transgenic mice. Macrophage Fpn1 deletion mice were overtly normal; however, they displayed a mild anemia and iron accumulation in splenic, hepatic, and bone marrow macrophages when fed a standard diet. Iron loading was exacerbated after the administration of iron dextran or phenylhydrazine. When Fpn1(LysM/LysM) mice were challenged with an iron-deficient diet, they developed a more severe anemia and strikingly higher splenic iron levels than control mice, indicating significantly impaired iron mobilization from macrophages. Because immune responses can be altered by modulating iron status, we also examined the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly enhanced in Fpn1(LysM/LysM) macrophages lacking Fpn1. These studies demonstrate that Fpn1 plays important roles in macrophage iron release in vivo and in modulating innate immune responses.

DOSim: an R Package for Similarity Between Diseases Based on Disease Ontology

BMC Bioinformatics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21714896

The construction of the Disease Ontology (DO) has helped promote the investigation of diseases and disease risk factors. DO enables researchers to analyse disease similarity by adopting semantic similarity measures, and has expanded our understanding of the relationships between different diseases and to classify them. Simultaneously, similarities between genes can also be analysed by their associations with similar diseases. As a result, disease heterogeneity is better understood and insights into the molecular pathogenesis of similar diseases have been gained. However, bioinformatics tools that provide easy and straight forward ways to use DO to study disease and gene similarity simultaneously are required.

Investigation of Range Profiles from Buried 3-D Object Based on the EM Simulation

Optics Express. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21716466

The 1-D range profiles are suitable features for target identification and target discrimination because they provide discriminative information on the geometry of the target. To resolve features of the buried target, the contribution from individual scattering centers of the buried target in the range profiles need to be identified. Thus, the study of complex scattering mechanisms from which the range profiles are produced is of great importance. In order to clearly establish the relationship between the range profile characteristics and the complicated electromagnetic (EM) scattering mechanisms, such as reflections and diffractions, a buried cuboid possessing straight edges is chosen as the buried target in this paper. By performing an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) on the wideband backscattered field data computed with an accurate and fast EM method, the 1-D range profiles of the buried cuboid is successfully simulated. The simulated range profiles provide information about the position and scattering strength of the cuboid's scattering centers along the range direction. Meanwhile, a predicted distribution of the scattering centers is quantitatively calculated for the buried cuboid based on the ray path computation. Good agreement has been found between simulated and predicted locations of the range profiles. Validation for amplitudes of the range profiles is further provided in the research. Both the peak amplitudes and locations of the range profiles could be understood and analyzed based on the knowledge of the scattering mechanisms. The formation of the 1-D range profiles has been revealed clearly from the full analysis of the scattering mechanisms and contributions. The problem has been solved for both near and far field regions. Finally, the buried depth and the characteristic size of the object are reasonably deduced from the simulated range profiles.

Ursolic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21716649

The aims of the study are to explore the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on the growth of gastric cancer cell line BGC-803 and hepatocellular cancer cell H22 xenograft and to understand the mechanism. UA inhibits growth of BGC-803 cells in vitro in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Treated with UA in vivo, tumor cells can be arrested to G0/G1 stage. The apoptotic rate was significantly increased in tumor cells treated with UA both in vitro and in vivo. DNA fragmentation was found in BGC-803 cells exposed to UA. UA activated caspase-3, -8, and -9 and down regulated expression of Bcl-2 in BGC-803 cells. The expression of caspase-3 and -8 was elevated in tumor cells from xenograft treated with UA. ¹⁸F-FLT PET-CT imaging confirmed tumor model and UA effectiveness. Our results indicated that UA inhibits growth of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo by decreasing proliferation of cells and inducing apoptosis.

RANKL-induced Migration of MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells Via Src and MAPK Activation

Oncology Reports. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21725611

Accumulating studies have shown that the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK pathway plays an important role in tumor metastasis. However, the involvement of the RANKL/RANK signal transduction pathway in breast cancer metastasis remains unclear. The present study, therefore, investigated the role of downstream molecules of RANKL/RANK signaling in breast cancer cells using Transwell chemotaxis assays. RANKL was shown to direct the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Osteoprotegerin (OPG; soluble decoy receptor of RANKL) inhibited RANKL-induced migration. RANKL activated Src kinase in MDA-MB-231 cells, as shown by Western blotting, and pretreatment with a Src inhibitor abrogated RANKL-induced cell migration, in a similar manner to OPG. Short-hairpin RNA against RANK, delivered via a lentiviral vector, significantly abolished the expression of phosphorylated Src. Stimulation by RANKL induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK, p38, JNK), and specific inhibitors of MAPKs blocked RANKL-induced cell migration. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated MAPKs could be blocked by a Src inhibitor and by small interfering RNA against Src. These findings suggest that Src and MAPK pathways may be involved in RANKL-induced MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration.

Rare-earth Upconverting Nanobarcodes for Multiplexed Biological Detection

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21726042

Rapid Detection of Lily Symptomless Virus with CdTe Quantum Dots by Flow Cytometry

Journal of Immunoassay & Immunochemistry. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21728819

Lily symptomless virus (LSV) is the most common lily virus, being detected in many species and hybrids. We established a microsphere-based fluorescent immunoassay for the determination of LSV, using a polyclonal antibody against LSV covalently bound to carboxy-modified microspheres able to capture LSV antigen. A monoclonal antibody against LSV conjugated to quantum dots (QDs) was used as a fluorescent probe, enabling LSV to be fluorescently detected by a combination of encoded beads and QDs. This method was 16 times more sensitive than ELISA in the detection of LSV, and could potentially be applied to the simultaneous detection of inhomogeneous matter.

Stereotactic Aspiration and Thrombolysis of Spontaneous Intracerebellar Hemorrhage

Chinese Medical Journal. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21740764

Spontaneous intracerebellar hemorrhage (SCH) accounts for 10% of intracerebral hemorrhages. Up to now stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis of SCH was less reported. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and feasibility of the method, and to refine the clinical protocol.

Production of Glucose by Hydrolysis of Cellulose at 423 K in the Presence of Activated Hydrotalcite Nanoparticles

Bioresource Technology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21745738

Hydrotalcite nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of aqueous Mg(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O and Al(NO(3))(3)·9H(2)O in the presence of urea and subsequent microwave-hydrothermal treatment. The nanoparticles were activated with saturated aqueous Ca(OH)(2), and used to hydrolyze cellulose. A maximum hydrolysis yield of 47.4% with high glucose selectivity (85.8%) was achieved at 423 K. The nanocatalyst was stable and leached little as confirmed by ICP, XRD, and neutral effluent aqueous solution after reactions. It can be concluded that hydrotalcite nanoparticles activated with Ca(OH)(2) were a highly active, selective and stable catalyst for hydrolysis.

A Pathway for the Control of Anoikis Sensitivity by E-cadherin and Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition

Molecular and Cellular Biology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21746881

Detachment of epithelial cells from matrix or attachment to an inappropriate matrix engages an apoptotic response known as anoikis, which prevents metastasis. Cellular sensitivity to anoikis is compromised during the oncogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), through unknown mechanisms. We report here a pathway through which EMT confers anoikis resistance. NRAGE (neurotrophin receptor-interacting melanoma antigen) interacted with a component of the E-cadherin complex, ankyrin-G, maintaining NRAGE in the cytoplasm. Oncogenic EMT downregulated ankyrin-G, enhancing the nuclear localization of NRAGE. The oncogenic transcriptional repressor protein TBX2 interacted with NRAGE, repressing the tumor suppressor gene p14ARF. P14ARF sensitized cells to anoikis; conversely, the TBX2/NRAGE complex protected cells against anoikis by downregulating this gene. This represents a novel pathway for the regulation of anoikis by EMT and E-cadherin.

The Levels of Bone Turnover Markers in Chinese Postmenopausal Women: Peking Vertebral Fracture Study

Menopause (New York, N.Y.). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21747303

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum N-aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), and vitamin D status in healthy Chinese postmenopausal women. The study was also designed to investigate their possible relationships with osteoporosis phenotypes.

Trans-Dichloridobis[(6-nicotinoyl-2-pyridyl-κN)(3-pyridyl-κN)methanone]copper(II)

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21754646

In the title complex, [CuCl(2)(C(17)H(11)N(3)O(2))(2)], the Cu(II) ion is located on an inversion center. It exhibits a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry defined by two chloride anions at trans sites and four 3-pyridyl N atoms at equatorial sites from two (6-nicotinoyl-2-pyrid-yl)(3-pyrid-yl)methanone ligands. The (6-nicotinoyl-2-pyrid-yl)(3-pyrid-yl)methanone ligand can be viewed as having two pendant 3-pyridyl rings attached to a central pyridyl skeleton via separate carbonyl bridges, acting in a κ(2)N,N'-chelating mode with its 3-pyridyl N atoms bound to the Cu(II) ion. The pendant 3-pyridyl rings make a dihedral angle of 80.76 (5)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through inter-molecular C-H⋯π and C-H⋯O inter-actions, forming a three-dimentional framework.

Combined Chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Docetaxel and Capecitabine for Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Retrospective Analysis

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21764676

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combined chemotherapy with docetaxel, capecitabine and cisplatin (TXP) in the treatment of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Fluorescence Upconversion Microbarcodes for Multiplexed Biological Detection: Nucleic Acid Encoding

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21766355

Continuous Locomotion-mode Identification for Prosthetic Legs Based on Neuromuscular-mechanical Fusion

IEEE Transactions on Bio-medical Engineering. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21768042

In this study, we developed an algorithm based on neuromuscular-mechanical fusion to continuously recognize a variety of locomotion modes performed by patients with transfemoral (TF) amputations. Electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from gluteal and residual thigh muscles and ground reaction forces/moments measured from the prosthetic pylon were used as inputs to a phase-dependent pattern classifier for continuous locomotion-mode identification. The algorithm was evaluated using data collected from five patients with TF amputations. The results showed that neuromuscular-mechanical fusion outperformed methods that used only EMG signals or mechanical information. For continuous performance of one walking mode (i.e., static state), the interface based on neuromuscular-mechanical fusion and a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm produced 99% or higher accuracy in the stance phase and 95% accuracy in the swing phase for locomotion-mode recognition. During mode transitions, the fusion-based SVM method correctly recognized all transitions with a sufficient predication time. These promising results demonstrate the potential of the continuous locomotion-mode classifier based on neuromuscular-mechanical fusion for neural control of prosthetic legs.

Imaging Tumor-induced Sentinel Lymph Node Lymphangiogenesis with LyP-1 Peptide

Amino Acids. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21769497

Lymphangiogenesis in tumor-draining lymph nodes (LNs) starts before the onset of metastasis and is associated with metastasis to distant LNs and organs. In this study, we aimed to visualize tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis with a tumor lymphatics-specific peptide LyP-1. The LyP-1 peptide was labeled with a near-infrared fluorophore (Cy5.5) for optical imaging. At days 3, 7, 14 and 21 after subcutaneous 4T1 tumor inoculation, Cy5.5-LyP-1 was administered through the middle phalanges of the upper extremities of the tumor-bearing mice. At 45 min and 24 h postinjection, brachial LN fluorescence imaging was performed. Ex vivo fluorescence images were acquired for quantitative analysis of the fluorescence intensity. Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis was confirmed by LYVE-1 immunostaining and increased size of tumor side brachial LNs. Cy5.5-LyP-1 staining in LNs co-localized with LYVE-1, suggesting lymphatics-specific binding of LyP-1 peptide. The brachial LNs were clearly visualized by optical imaging at both time points. The tumor side LNs showed significantly higher fluorescence intensities than the contralateral brachial LNs at days 7, 14, and 21, but not day 3 after tumor inoculation. At day 21 after tumor inoculation, the average signal of tumor-draining LNs was 78.0 ± 2.44, 24.3 ± 5.43, 25.6 ± 0.25 (×10(3) photon/cm(2)/s) using Cy5.5-LyP-1, Cy5.5-LyP-1 with blocking, and Cy5.5 only, respectively. Tumor-draining brachial LNs showed extensive growth of lymphatic sinuses throughout the cortex and medulla. Use of LyP-1 based imaging probes with optical imaging offers a useful tool for the study of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis. LyP-1 may serve as a marker of lymphangiogenesis useful in detecting "high risk" LNs before tumor metastasis and after micro-metastasis, as well as for screening potential anti-lymphatic therapies.

Multimodality Imaging of Tumor Response to Doxil

Theranostics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21772927

Purpose: Early assessment of tumor responses to chemotherapy could enhance treatment outcomes by ensuring that, from the beginning, treatments meet the individualized needs of patients. In this study, we applied multiple modality molecular imaging techniques to pre-clinical monitoring of early tumor responses to Doxil, focusing on imaging of apoptosis.Methods: Mice bearing UM-SCC-22B human head and neck squamous cancer tumors received either PBS or 1 to 2 doses of Doxil® (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection) (10 mg/kg/dose). Bioluminescence signals from an apoptosis-responsive reporter gene were captured for apoptosis evaluation. Tumor metabolism and proliferation were assessed by( 18)F-FDG and 3'-(18)F-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine ((18)F-FLT) positron emission tomography. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was performed to calculate averaged apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) for the whole tumor volume. After imaging, tumor samples were collected for histological evaluation, including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), anti-CD31, and Ki-67 immunostaining.Results: Two doses of Doxil significantly inhibited tumor growth. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) indicated apoptosis of tumor cells after just 1 dose of Doxil treatment, before apparent tumor shrinkage. (18)F-FDG and (18)F-FLT PET imaging identified decreased tumor metabolism and proliferation at later time points than those at which BLI indicated apoptosis. MRI measurements of ADC altered in response to Doxil, but only after tumors were treated with 2 doses. Decreased tumor proliferation and increased apoptotic cells were confirmed by changes of Ki-67 index and apoptotic ratio.Conclusion: Our study of tumor responses to different doses of Doxil demonstrated that it is essential to combine apoptosis imaging strategies with imaging of other critical biological or pathological pathways, such as metabolism and proliferation, to improve clinical decision making in apoptosis-related diseases and interventions.

Cloning and Transcription Analysis of the Candida Rugosa Propionyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Gene and Its Expression in Pichia Pastoris

Journal of Basic Microbiology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21780146

The propionyl-CoA dehydrogenase (PACD) gene was cloned from Candida rugosa by the cDNA RACE technique. The full cDNA of the PACD gene has a length of 1408 bp, which contains a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 1329 bp, coding for 442 amino acids. The cDNA of PACD was cloned into the expression plasmid pPIC9K and transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, and its size was observed to be approximately 49 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE. Anti-His antibodies were used to characterise the recombinant PACD by western-blot analysis. The recombinant protein retained the activity of catalysing propionyl-CoA to acryloyl-CoA. The results of dot-blotting hybridisation using a PACD cDNA probe indicated that the PACD mRNA level was modified at different stages: mRNA levels were low for the first 36 h, then increased through 48 h and eventually reached a stable level. These results indicate that propionate induction could significantly activate PACD mRNA expression. Information from this study will be helpful in elucidating the metabolic pathway for 3-hydroxypropionic acid production in C. rugosa. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim).

Structural Variation in Two Human Genomes Mapped at Single-nucleotide Resolution by Whole Genome De Novo Assembly

Nature Biotechnology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21785424

Here we use whole-genome de novo assembly of second-generation sequencing reads to map structural variation (SV) in an Asian genome and an African genome. Our approach identifies small- and intermediate-size homozygous variants (1-50 kb) including insertions, deletions, inversions and their precise breakpoints, and in contrast to other methods, can resolve complex rearrangements. In total, we identified 277,243 SVs ranging in length from 1-23 kb. Validation using computational and experimental methods suggests that we achieve overall <6% false-positive rate and <10% false-negative rate in genomic regions that can be assembled, which outperforms other methods. Analysis of the SVs in the genomes of 106 individuals sequenced as part of the 1000 Genomes Project suggests that SVs account for a greater fraction of the diversity between individuals than do single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These findings demonstrate that whole-genome de novo assembly is a feasible approach to deriving more comprehensive maps of genetic variation.

Prediction of Drought-resistant Genes in Arabidopsis Thaliana Using SVM-RFE

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21789178

Identifying genes with essential roles in resisting environmental stress rates high in agronomic importance. Although massive DNA microarray gene expression data have been generated for plants, current computational approaches underutilize these data for studying genotype-trait relationships. Some advanced gene identification methods have been explored for human diseases, but typically these methods have not been converted into publicly available software tools and cannot be applied to plants for identifying genes with agronomic traits.

[The Clinical Significance of Serum Leptin Level in IgA Nephropathy Patients]

Xi Bao Yu Fen Zi Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21806890

To explore the change of serum leptin level and its clinical significance in the patients with IgA nephropathy.

Innovative Mathematical Modeling in Environmental Remediation

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21813217

There are two different ways to model reactive transport: ad hoc and innovative reaction-based approaches. The former, such as the Kd simplification of adsorption, has been widely employed by practitioners, while the latter has been mainly used in scientific communities for elucidating mechanisms of biogeochemical transport processes. It is believed that innovative mechanistic-based models could serve as protocols for environmental remediation as well. This paper reviews the development of a mechanistically coupled fluid flow, thermal transport, hydrologic transport, and reactive biogeochemical model and example-applications to environmental remediation problems. Theoretical bases are sufficiently described. Four example problems previously carried out are used to demonstrate how numerical experimentation can be used to evaluate the feasibility of different remediation approaches. The first one involved the application of a 56-species uranium tailing problem to the Melton Branch Subwatershed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) using the parallel version of the model. Simulations were made to demonstrate the potential mobilization of uranium and other chelating agents in the proposed waste disposal site. The second problem simulated laboratory-scale system to investigate the role of natural attenuation in potential off-site migration of uranium from uranium mill tailings after restoration. It showed inadequacy of using a single Kd even for a homogeneous medium. The third example simulated laboratory experiments involving extremely high concentrations of uranium, technetium, aluminum, nitrate, and toxic metals (e.g., Ni, Cr, Co). The fourth example modeled microbially-mediated immobilization of uranium in an unconfined aquifer using acetate amendment in a field-scale experiment. The purposes of these modeling studies were to simulate various mechanisms of mobilization and immobilization of radioactive wastes and to illustrate how to apply reactive transport models for environmental remediation.

Oncogenic PIK3CA-driven Mammary Tumors Frequently Recur Via PI3K Pathway-dependent and PI3K Pathway-independent Mechanisms

Nature Medicine. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21822287

PIK3CA gain-of-function mutations are a common oncogenic event in human malignancy, making phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) a target for cancer therapy. Despite the promise of targeted therapy, resistance often develops, leading to treatment failure. To elucidate mechanisms of resistance to PI3K-targeted therapy, we constructed a mouse model of breast cancer conditionally expressing human PIK3CA(H1047R). Notably, most PIK3CA(H1047R)-driven mammary tumors recurred after PIK3CA(H1047R) inactivation. Genomic analyses of recurrent tumors revealed multiple lesions, including focal amplification of Met or Myc (also known as c-Met and c-Myc, respectively). Whereas Met amplification led to tumor survival dependent on activation of endogenous PI3K, tumors with Myc amplification became independent of the PI3K pathway. Functional analyses showed that Myc contributed to oncogene independence and resistance to PI3K inhibition. Notably, PIK3CA mutations and c-MYC elevation co-occur in a substantial fraction of human breast tumors. Together, these data suggest that c-MYC elevation represents a potential mechanism by which tumors develop resistance to current PI3K-targeted therapies.

Bone-conducted Hearing Assessment with 80-Hz Multiple Auditory Steady-state Responses to Brief Tones in Adults with Normal Hearing

ORL; Journal for Oto-rhino-laryngology and Its Related Specialties. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21832862

To investigate interactions (if any) in the bone-conduction auditory steady-state response (BC ASSR) between multiple brief tones presented simultaneously.

HSA Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles As Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cancer Therapy

Molecular Pharmaceutics. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21838321

An ongoing effort in the field of nanomedicine is to develop nanoplatforms with both imaging and therapeutic functions, the "nanotheranostics". We have previously developed a human serum albumin (HSA) coated iron oxide nanoparticle (HINP) formula and used multiple imaging modalities to validate its tumor targeting attributes. In the current study, we sought to impart doxorubicin (Dox) onto the HINPs and to assess the potential of the conjugates as theranostic agents. In a typical preparation, we found that about 0.5 mg of Dox and 1 mg of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs, Fe content) could be loaded into 10 mg of HSA matrices. The resulting D-HINPs (Dox loaded HINPs) have a hydrodynamic size of 50 nm and are able to release Dox in a sustained fashion. More impressively, the HINPs can assist the translocation of Dox across the cell membrane and even its accumulation in the nucleus. In vivo, D-HINPs retained a tumor targeting capability of HINPs, as manifested by both in vivo MRI and ex vivo immunostaining results. In a follow-up therapeutic study on a 4T1 murine breast cancer xenograft model, D-HINPs showed a striking tumor suppression effect that was comparable to that of Doxil and greatly outperformed free Dox. Such a strategy can be readily extended to load other types of small molecules, making HINP a promising theranostic nanoplatform.

[Prevention and Management of Erectile Dysfunction After Laproscopic Radical Prostatectomy]

Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Peking University. Health Sciences. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21844984

Radical prostatectomy remains the standard treatment for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication for patients who underwent radial prostaectomy (RP). The incidence of ED after RP varies dramatically between 20%-90%. With the introduction of nerve-sparing technique in RP and penile rehabilitation in early period after RP, erectile function can be preserved in many patients. This article reviews the prevention and management of erectile dysfunction after laproscopic radical prostatectomy.

Two-dimensional Nanocomposites Based on Chemically Modified Graphene

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21853487

The multiple functional groups and unique two-dimensional (2D) morphology make chemically modified graphene (CMG) an ideal template for the construction of 2D nanocomposites with various organic/inorganic components. Additionally, the recovered electrical conductivity of CMG may provide a fast-electron-transport channel and can thus promote the application of the resultant nanocomposites in optoelectronic and electrochemical devices. This Concept article summarizes the different strategies for the bottom-up fabrication of CMG-based 2D nanocomposites with small organic molecules, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles, which represent the new directions in the development of graphene-based materials.

Towards Design of a Stumble Detection System for Artificial Legs

IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering : a Publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21859635

Recent advances in design of powered artificial legs have led to increased potential to allow lower limb amputees to actively recover from stumbles. To achieve this goal, promptly and accurately identifying stumbles is essential. This study aimed to 1) select potential stumble detection data sources that react reliably and quickly to stumbles and can be measured from a prosthesis, and 2) investigate two different approaches based on selected data sources to detect stumbles and classify stumble types in patients with transfemoral (TF) amputations during ambulation. In the experiments, the normal gait of TF amputees was perturbed by a controllable treadmill or when they walked on an obstacle course. The results showed that the acceleration of prosthetic foot can accurately detect the tested stumbling events 140-240 ms before the critical timing of falling and precisely classify the stumble type. However, the detector based on foot acceleration produced high false alarm rates, which challenged its real application. Combining electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from the residual limb with the foot acceleration significantly reduced the false alarm rate but sacrificed the detection response time. The results of this study may lead to design of a stumble detection system for instrumented, powered artificial legs; however, continued engineering efforts are required to improve the detection performance and resolve the challenges that remain for implementing the stumble detector on prosthetic legs.

N-Alkyl-PEI-functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoclusters for Efficient SiRNA Delivery

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21861295

Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) is an emerging class of therapeutics, which works by regulating the expression of a specific gene involved in disease progression. Despite the promises, effective transport of siRNA with minimal side effects remains a challenge. In this study, a nonviral nanoparticle gene carrier is developed and its efficiency for siRNA delivery and transfection is validated at both in vitro and in vivo levels. Such a nanocarrier, abbreviated as Alkyl-PEI2k-IO, was constructed with a core of iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs) and a shell of alkylated polyethyleneimine of 2000 Da [corrected] molecualr weight (Alkyl-PEI2k). It is found to be able to bind with siRNA, resulting in well-dispersed nanoparticles with a controlled clustering structure and narrow size distribution. Electrophoresis studies show that the Alkyl-PEI2k-IOs could retard siRNA completely at N:P ratios (i.e., PEI nitrogen to nucleic acid phosphate) above 10, protect siRNA from enzymatic degradation in serum, and release complexed siRNA efficiently in the presence of polyanionic heparin. The knockdown efficiency of the siRNA-loaded nanocarriers is assessed with 4T1 cells stably expressing luciferase (fluc-4T1) and further, with a fluc-4T1 xenograft model. Significant down-regulation of luciferase is observed, and unlike high-molecular-weight analogues, the Alkyl-PEI2k-coated IOs show good biocompatibility. In conclusion, Alkyl-PEI2k-IOs demonstrate highly efficient delivery of siRNA and an innocuous toxic profile, making it a potential carrier for gene therapy.

Container Effect in Nanocasting Synthesis of Mesoporous Metal Oxides

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21861449

We report a general reaction container effect in the nanocasting synthesis of mesoporous metal oxides. The size and shape of the container body in conjunction with simply modifying the container opening accessibility can be used to control the escape rate of water and other gas-phase byproducts in the calcination process, and subsequently affect the nanocrystal growth of the materials inside the mesopore space of the template. In this way, the particle size, mesostructure ordering, and crystallinity of the final product can be systemically controlled. The container effect also explain some of the problems with reproducibility in previously reported results.

Genome-wide Association Study in Individuals of South Asian Ancestry Identifies Six New Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Loci

Nature Genetics. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21874001

We carried out a genome-wide association study of type-2 diabetes (T2D) in individuals of South Asian ancestry. Our discovery set included 5,561 individuals with T2D (cases) and 14,458 controls drawn from studies in London, Pakistan and Singapore. We identified 20 independent SNPs associated with T2D at P < 10(-4) for testing in a replication sample of 13,170 cases and 25,398 controls, also all of South Asian ancestry. In the combined analysis, we identified common genetic variants at six loci (GRB14, ST6GAL1, VPS26A, HMG20A, AP3S2 and HNF4A) newly associated with T2D (P = 4.1 × 10(-8) to P = 1.9 × 10(-11)). SNPs at GRB14 were also associated with insulin sensitivity (P = 5.0 × 10(-4)), and SNPs at ST6GAL1 and HNF4A were also associated with pancreatic beta-cell function (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively). Our findings provide additional insight into mechanisms underlying T2D and show the potential for new discovery from genetic association studies in South Asians, a population with increased susceptibility to T2D.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Amplification and Protein Overexpression in Basal-like Carcinoma of the Breast

Histopathology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21884205

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently expressed in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate their correlation as detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH).

Synergistic Antitumor Effect of β-elemene and Etoposide is Mediated Via Induction of Cell Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells

Molecular Medicine Reports. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21904777

β-Elemene, an anticancer agent, was isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine plant, curcuma aromatica. In this study, we investigated the synergistic antitumor effect of β-elemene and etoposide phosphate (VP-16) in A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. The cells were treated with β-elemene (20 or 50 µg/ml), VP-16 (15 µg/ml) or the combination of both for 24 h. Compared to the treatment with β-elemene or VP-16 alone, an increased antitumor activity was observed with the combination of both, which was mediated by the cleavage of PARP, the up-regulation of Bax, p53 and p21, and the suppression of cyclin D1. These results suggest that the combination of β-elemene and VP-16 may be a promising therapeutic option for lung cancer.

Hydrothermal Etching Assisted Crystallization: a Facile Route to Functional Yolk-shell Titanate Microspheres with Ultrathin Nanosheets-assembled Double Shells

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21905658

We report a facile "hydrothermal etching assisted crystallization" route to synthesize Fe(3)O(4)@titanate yolk-shell microspheres with ultrathin nanosheets-assembled double-shell structure. The as-prepared microspheres possess a uniform size, tailored shell structure, good structural stability, versatile ion-exchange capability, high surface area, large magnetization, and exhibit a remarkable catalytic performance.

SNARE-mediated Rapid Lysosome Fusion in Membrane Raft Clustering and Dysfunction of Bovine Coronary Arterial Endothelium

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21926345

The present study attempted to evaluate whether soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) mediate lysosome fusion in response to death receptor activation and contribute to membrane raft (MR) clustering and consequent endothelial dysfunction in coronary arterial endothelial cells. By immunohistochemical analysis, vesicle-associated membrane proteins 2 (VAMP-2, vesicle-SNAREs) were found to be abundantly expressed in the endothelium of bovine coronary arteries. Direct lysosome fusion monitoring by N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-[4-(dibutylamino)styryl]pyridinium dibromide (FM1-43) quenching demonstrated that the inhibition of VAMP-2 with tetanus toxin or specific small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) almost completely blocked lysosome fusion to plasma membrane induced by Fas ligand (FasL), a well-known MR clustering stimulator. The involvement of SNAREs was further confirmed by an increased interaction of VAMP-2 with a target-SNARE protein syntaxin-4 after FasL stimulation in coimmunoprecipitation analysis. Also, the inhibition of VAMP-2 with tetanus toxin or VAMP-2 siRNA abolished FasL-induced MR clustering, its colocalization with a NADPH oxidase unit gp91(phox), and increased superoxide production. Finally, FasL-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation was reversed by the treatment of bovine coronary arteries with tetanus toxin or VAMP-2 siRNA. VAMP-2 is critical to lysosome fusion in MR clustering, and this VAMP-2-mediated lysosome-MR signalosomes contribute to redox regulation of coronary endothelial function.

Cytometric Microsphere Array for Subtyping Avian Influenza Virus

Viral Immunology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21958372

Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease, and different subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) have different levels of pathogenicity. A microsphere-based fluorescent assay was initially established for subtyping AIV. DNA fragments were amplified with biotinylated primers. AIV subtype-specific DNA probes with an amino-linker at the 5' end were covalently bound with carboxy-modified encoded beads. The modified beads and the denatured DNA fragments were mixed together for hybridization. Then, quantum dots-streptavidin (QDs-streptavidin) was added to conjugated biotinylated PCR products. The reaction products were screened by flow cytometry. AIV strains (such as H5N1 and H9N2) could be determined and subtyped according to their combination of encoded beads and fluorescent QDs. The method's combined sensitivity of the nucleic acids of H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza virus at a threshold of 74 pg and 1 pg could be detected. This is a powerful method for detecting many pathogens or many types of a pathogen simultaneously.

Efficient Diode-end-pumped Dual-wavelength Nd, Gd:YSGG Laser

Optics Letters. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21964106

We demonstrate a dual-wavelength laser based on a new laser material-Nd, Gd:YSGG, or Nd:GYSGG for short-for the first time to our knowledge. Besides its attractive properties such as antiradiation, high segregation coefficient, etc., this kind of laser crystal also shows excellent laser performance. For continuous-wave operation, the maximum output power is 10.1 W with the absorbed power of 18.45 W at 808 nm, corresponding to the slope efficiency of nearly 60%. The maximum single pulse energy and peak power reach 277 μJ and 4.6 kW (60 ns) when the absorbed pump power is 11.4 W for acousto-optic Q-switched operation.

The Impact of Missed Opportunities on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage for Healthy Young Children

Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21964369

To estimate the impact of missed opportunities on influenza vaccination coverage among 6- through 23-month-old children who sought medical care during the 2004-2005 influenza season.

Core-shell Ag@SiO2@mSiO2 Mesoporous Nanocarriers for Metal-enhanced Fluorescence

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21968454

A novel mesoporous nanocarrier consisting of a silver core, a silica spacer with controlled thickness and a fluorophores-loaded mesoporous silica shell was fabricated for the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) effects.

A Hydronitrogen Solid: High Pressure Ab Initio Evolutionary Structure Searches

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21406836

High pressure ab initio evolutionary structure searches resulted in a hydronitrogen solid with a composition of (NH)(4). The structure searches also provided two molecular isomers, ammonium azide (AA) and trans-tetrazene (TTZ) which were previously discovered experimentally and can be taken as molecular precursors for high pressure synthesis of the hydronitrogen solid. The computed pressure versus enthalpy diagram showed that the transformation pressure to the hydronitrogen solid is 36 GPa from AA and 75 GPa from TTZ. Its metastability was analyzed by the phonon dispersion spectrum and room-temperature vibrational density of state together with the transformation energy barrier back to molecular phases at 298 K. The predicted energy barrier of 0.21 eV/atom means that the proposed hydronitrogen solid should be very stable at ambient conditions.

Breast Cancer and Poland's Syndrome: a Case Report and Literature Review

The Breast Journal. Mar-Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21410586

Poland's syndrome is a rare congenital development malformation characterized by unilateral chest wall hypoplasia and ipsilateral hand abnormalities. It is also known to be associated with some malignant diseases. We herein report a case of Poland's syndrome associated with invasive ductal carcinoma of breast, and review the literatures to investigate the clinical characteristics of breast cancer with Poland's syndrome.

Surfactant-free Synthesis of Bi2Te3-Te Micro-nano Heterostructure with Enhanced Thermoelectric Figure of Merit

ACS Nano. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21417452

An ideal thermoelectric material would be a semiconductor with high electrical conductivity and relatively low thermal conductivity: an "electron crystal, phonon glass". Introducing nanoscale heterostructures into the bulk TE matrix is one way of achieving this intuitively anomalous electron/phonon transport behavior. The heterostructured interfaces are expected to play a significant role in phonon scattering to reduce thermal conductivity and in the energy-dependent scattering of electrical carriers to improve the Seebeck coefficient. A nanoparticle building block assembly approach is plausible to fabricate three-dimensional heterostructured materials on a bulk commercial scale. However, a key problem in applying this strategy is the possible negative impact on TE performance of organic residue from the nanoparticle capping ligands. Herein, we report a wet chemical, surfactant-free, low-temperature, and easily up-scalable strategy for the synthesis of nanoscale heterophase Bi(2)Te(3)-Te via a galvanic replacement reaction. The micro-nano heterostructured material is fabricated bottom-up, by mixing the heterophase with commercial Bi(2)Te(3). This unique structure shows an enhanced zT value of ∼0.4 at room temperature. This heterostructure has one of the highest figures of merit among bismuth telluride systems yet achieved by a wet chemical bottom-up assembly. In addition, it shows a 40% enhancement of the figure of merit over our lab-made material without nanoscale heterostructures. This enhancement is mainly due to the decrease in the thermal conductivity while maintaining the power factor. Overall, this cost-efficient and room-temperature synthesis methodology provides the potential for further improvement and large-scale thermoelectric applications.

[Volumetric Measurement of Pericardial and Intrathoracic Adipose Tissues Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21421481

To investigate the feasibility of volumetric measurement of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) and intrathoracic adipose tissue (IAT) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), and explore the characteristics of PAT and IAT distribution.

MDM2 Antagonist Nutlin-3a Reverses Mitoxantrone Resistance by Inhibiting Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Mediated Drug Transport

Biochemical Pharmacology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21459080

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP; ABCG2), a clinical marker for identifying the side population (SP) cancer stem cell subgroup, affects intestinal absorption, brain penetration, hepatobiliary excretion, and multidrug resistance of many anti-cancer drugs. Nutlin-3a is currently under pre-clinical investigation in a variety of solid tumor and leukemia models as a p53 reactivation agent, and has been recently demonstrated to also have p53 independent actions in cancer cells. In the present study, we first report that nutlin-3a can inhibit the efflux function of BCRP. We observed that although the nutlin-3a IC(50) did not differ between BCRP over-expressing and vector control cells, nutlin-3a treatment significantly potentiated the cells to treatment with the BCRP substrate mitoxantrone. Combination index calculations suggested synergism between nutlin-3a and mitoxantrone in cell lines over-expressing BCRP. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that nutlin-3a increased the intracellular accumulation of BCRP substrates such as mitoxantrone and Hoechst 33342 in cells expressing functional BCRP without altering the expression level or localization of BCRP. Interestingly, nutlin-3b, considered virtually "inactive" in disrupting the MDM2/p53 interaction, reversed Hoechst 33342 efflux with the same potency as nutlin-3a. Intracellular accumulation and bi-directional transport studies using MDCKII cells suggested that nutlin-3a is not a substrate of BCRP. Additionally, an ATPase assay using Sf9 insect cell membranes over-expressing wild-type BCRP indicated that nutlin-3a inhibits BCRP ATPase activity in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that nutlin-3a inhibits BCRP efflux function, which consequently reverses BCRP-related drug resistance.

Real-time Video Imaging of Protease Expression in Vivo

Theranostics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21461134

We demonstrate the first true real-time in vivo video imaging of extracellular protease expression using an ultrafast-acting and extended-use activatable probe. This simple, one-step technique is capable of boosting fluorescent signals upon target protease cleavage as early as 30 minutes from injection in a small animal model and is able to sustain the strong fluorescent signal up to 24 hours. Using this method, we video imaged the expression and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in a tumor-bearing mouse model. The current platform can be universally applied to any target protease of interest with a known peptide substrate and is adaptable to a wide range of real-time imaging applications with high throughputs such as for in vivo drug screening, examinations of the therapeutic efficacy of drugs, and monitoring of disease onset and development in animal models.

Fabrication of Fibrinogen/P(LLA-CL) Hybrid Nanofibrous Scaffold for Potential Soft Tissue Engineering Applications

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21465642

Coelectrospinning of native proteins and elastic synthetic polymers is an attractive technique to fabricate hybrid fibrous scaffolds that combine the bioactivity and mechanical features of each material component. In this study, hybrid fibrous scaffolds composed of synthetic P(LLA-CL) elastomeric and naturally derived fibrinogen protein were fabricated and characterized for their bioactive and physiochemical properties. Fiber diameters of hybrid scaffolds increased with increasing P(LLA-CL) content, and the shape of fibers changed from cylindrical shape on pure polymer scaffolds to flat structure on hybrid scaffolds. Characterizations of ATR-FTIR, XRD, and thermal properties indicated that the hybrid scaffolds contain two different phases, one composed of pure fibrinogen and the other corresponding to a mixture of fibrinogen and P(LLA-CL), and no obvious chemical reaction takes place between two components. The hybrid fibrous scaffolds showed tailorable degradation rates than pure P(LLA-CL) and higher mechanical properties than pure fibrinogen, and both tensile strength and breaking strain increased with increasing P(LLA-CL) content. In Vitro studies revealed that L929 cells on hybrid scaffolds achieved relatively higher level of cell attachment after 12 h of culture and significant increased cell proliferation rate after 7 days of culture, when compared with pure fibrinogen and P(LLA-CL) scaffolds, and the cells exhibited a spreading polygonal shape on the hybrid fibrous surfaces compared to a round shape on surfaces of pure polymer scaffolds. Therefore, the fibrinogen/P(LLA-CL) hybrid fibrous scaffolds possess the combined benefits of each individual component, which make it capable as scaffolds for soft tissue reconstruction.

Nickel-induced Down-regulation of ΔNp63 and Its Role in the Proliferation of Keratinocytes

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21466819

Epidemiological, animal, and cell studies have demonstrated that nickel compounds are human carcinogens. The mechanisms of their carcinogenic actions remain to be investigated. p63, a close homologue of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, has been linked to cell fate determination and/or maintenance of self-renewing populations in several epithelial tissues, including skin, mammary gland, and prostate. ΔNp63, a dominant negative isoform of p63, is amplified in a variety of epithelial tumors including squamous cell carcinomas and carcinomas of the prostate and mammary glands. The present study shows that nickel suppressed ΔNp63 expression in a short-time treatment (up to 48 h). Nickel treatment caused activation of NF-κB. Blockage of NF-κB partially reversed nickel-induced ΔNp63 suppression. Nickel decreased interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3 and IRF7, IKKε, and Sp100. Over-expression of IRF3 increased ΔNp63 expression suppressed by nickel. Nickel was able to activate p21, and its activation was offset by the over-expression of ΔNp63. In turn, elevated p63 expression counteracted the ability of nickel to restrict cell growth. The present study demonstrated that nickel decreased interferon regulatory proteins IRF3 and IRF7, and activated NF-κB, resulting in ΔNp63 suppression and then p21 up-regulation. ΔNp63 plays an important role in nickel-induced cell proliferation.

MEKK3 Regulates IFN-gamma Production in T Cells Through the Rac1/2-dependent MAPK Cascades

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21471448

MEKK3 is a conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase belonging to the MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) family. MEKK3 is constitutively expressed in T cells, but its function in T cell immunity has not been fully elucidated. Using Mekk3 T cell conditional knockout (T-cKO) mice, we show that MEKK3 is required for T cell immunity in vivo. Mekk3 T-cKO mice had reduced T cell response to bacterial infection and were defective in clearing bacterial infections. The Ag-induced cytokine production, especially IFN-γ production, was impaired in Mekk3-deficient CD4 T cells. The TCR-induced ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPKs activation was also defective in Mekk3-deficient CD4 T cells. In vitro, MEKK3 is not required for Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. Notably, under a nonpolarizing condition (Th0), Mekk3 deficiency led to a significant reduction of IFN-γ production in CD4 T cells. Furthermore, the IL-12/IL-18-driven IFN-γ production and MAPK activation in Mekk3-deficient T cells was not affected suggesting that MEKK3 may selectively mediate the TCR-induced MAPK signals for IFN-γ production. Finally, we found that MEKK3 activation by TCR stimulation requires Rac1/2. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of MEKK3 in mediating the TCR signals for IFN-γ production.

Orthogonal Test Design for Optimization of the Extraction of Polysaccharide from Paeonia Sinjiangensis K.Y. Pan

Pharmacognosy Magazine. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21472071

Paeonia sinjiangensis K.Y. Pan is a perennial herb belonging to the ranunculaceae family and it is one of the most important crude drugs in traditional Chinese medicine. In this article, Paeonia sinjiangensis K.Y. Pan rich in polysaccharide is used as an experimental material.

Asymmetric Aza-Henry Reaction of Chiral Fluoroalkyl α,β-unsaturated N-tert-butanesulfinyl Ketoimines: an Efficient Approach to Enantiopure Fluoroalkylated α,β-diamines and α,β-diamino Acids

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21472164

The aza-Henry reaction of chiral fluoroalkyl α,β-unsaturated N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketoimines and nitromethane was achieved in the presence of 0.2 equivalent of anhydrous potassium carbonate to give the corresponding adducts diastereoselectively in high yields. Transformations which highlighted the synthetic potential of these aza-Henry adducts were also performed.

Optimal Compression Plane for Efficient Video Coding

IEEE Transactions on Image Processing : a Publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21478077

All existing video coding standards developed so far deem video as a sequence of natural frames (formed in the XY plane), and treat spatial redundancy (redundancy along X and Y directions) and temporal redundancy (redundancy along T direction) differently and separately. In this paper, we investigate into a new compression (redundancy reduction) method for video in which the frames are allowed to be formed in a non-XY plane. We are to exploit fuller extent of video redundancy, and propose an adaptive optimal compression plane determination process to be used as a preprocessing step prior to any standard video coding scheme. The essence of the scheme is to form the frames in the plane formed by two axes (among X, Y, and T) corresponding to signal correlation evaluation, which enables better prediction (therefore better compression). In spite of the simplicity of the proposed method, it can be used for both lossless and lossy compression, and with and without interframe prediction. Extensive experimental results show that the new coding method improves the performance of the video coding for a number of coding methods (inclusive of lossless and near-lossless Motion JPEG-LS, Motion JPEG, Motion JPG2K, H.264 intraonly profile, and H.264) and videos with different visual content.

Improved Seedless Hydrothermal Synthesis of Dense and Ultralong ZnO Nanowires

Nanotechnology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21508463

Seedless hydrothermal synthesis has been improved by introducing an adequate content of ammonia into the nutrient solution, allowing the fabrication of dense and ultralong ZnO nanowire arrays over large areas on a substrate. The presence of ammonia in the nutrient solution facilitates the high density nucleation of ZnO on the substrate which is critical for the nanowire growth. In order to achieve an optimal growth, the growth conditions have been studied systematically as a function of ammonia content, growth temperature and incubation time. The effect of polyethyleneimine (PEI) has also been studied but shown to be of no benefit to the nucleation of ZnO. Ultradense and ultralong ZnO nanowires could be obtained under optimal growth conditions, showing no fused structure at the foot of the nanowire arrays. Due to different reaction kinetics, four growth regimes could be attributed, including the first fast growth, equilibrium phase, second fast growth and final erosion. Combining this simple method with optical lithography, ZnO nanowires could be grown selectively on patterned areas. In addition, the as-grown ZnO nanowires could be used for the fabrication of a piezoelectric nanogenerator. Compared to the device of ZnO nanowires made by other methods, a more than twice voltage output has been obtained, thereby proving an improved performance of our growth method.

Synthesis and Anti-tumor Activity of 2-amino-3-cyano-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-phenylpyridine Derivatives in Vitro

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21514012

A series of novel 2-amino-3-cyano-6-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-phenylpyridine derivatives were synthesized and their cytotoxic activity against A549, H460, HT-29 and SMMC-7721 cell lines was evaluated in vitro. Among them, ten compounds (10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31) displayed excellent anti-tumor activity against different cell lines. The most promising compound 27 showed strong anti-tumor activity against A549, H460, HT-29 and SMMC-7721 cell lines with IC(50) values of 22, 0.23, 0.65 and 0.77 nM, which were 2.6-, 83-, 1.1×10(3)- and 2.0×10(3)- fold more active than MX-58151 (IC(50) values of 0.058, 0.019, 0.70 and 1.53 μM), respectively.

Hypoxia Induces RANK and RANKL Expression by Activating HIF-1α in Breast Cancer Cells

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21514280

Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL) are known to play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. However, the mechanisms by which stimuli regulate the expression of RANK and RANKL in breast cancer cells are largely unknown. In this study, we show that hypoxia, a common feature of malignant tumors, can enhance the expression of RANK and RANKL mRNA and protein in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In addition, we found that hypoxia induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and phosphorylation of Akt, resulting in upregulation of RANK and RANKL expression; HIF-1α-targeted siRNA and PI3K-Akt inhibitor abrogated this upregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, we also observed that hypoxia accelerated RANKL-mediated cell migration, which was inhibited following HIF-1α knockdown and PI3K-Akt inhibition. Thus, we provide evidence that hypoxia upregulates RANK and RANKL expression and increases RANKL-induced cell migration via the PI3K/Akt-HIF-1α pathway.

[Therapeutic Effect of Combined Cisplatin and Docetaxel Vs Fluorouracil Regimen with Concurrent Radiotherapy on Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21515482

To compare the therapeutic effect and adverse effects of two regimens, namely cisplatin and docetaxel (DC) regimen and fluorouracil (PF) regimen, both with concurrent radiotherapy, in the treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cancer.

SiRNA-mediated Silencing of Beta-catenin Suppresses Invasion and Chemosensitivity to Doxorubicin in MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21517265

beta-catenin, the chief oncogenic component of the canonical Wnt pathway, is known to be involved in development of a variety of cancers, but its role in human osteosarcomas is not fully understood. Here we investigate the effect of small interfering RNA-mediated beta-catenin knockdown on the survival, invasion and chemosensitivity of a human osteosarcoma cell line.

Spread Spectrum Image Watermarking Based on Perceptual Quality Metric

IEEE Transactions on Image Processing : a Publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21518660

Efficient image watermarking calls for full exploitation of the perceptual distortion constraint. Second-order statistics of visual stimuli are regarded as critical features for perception. This paper proposes a second-order statistics (SOS)-based image quality metric, which considers the texture masking effect and the contrast sensitivity in Karhunen-Loève transform domain. Compared with the state-of-the-art metrics, the quality prediction by SOS better correlates with several subjectively rated image databases, in which the images are impaired by the typical coding and watermarking artifacts. With the explicit metric definition, spread spectrum watermarking is posed as an optimization problem: we search for a watermark to minimize the distortion of the watermarked image and to maximize the correlation between the watermark pattern and the spread spectrum carrier. The simple metric guarantees the optimal watermark a closed-form solution and a fast implementation. The experiments show that the proposed watermarking scheme can take full advantage of the distortion constraint and improve the robustness in return.

Patterning of Conjugated Polymers for Organic Optoelectronic Devices

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21520501

Conjugated polymers have been attracting more and more attention because they possess various novel electrical, magnetical, and optical properties, which render them useful in modern organic optoelectronic devices. Due to their organic nature, conjugated polymers are light-weight and can be fabricated into flexible appliances. Significant research efforts have been devoted to developing new organic materials to make them competitive with their conventional inorganic counterparts. It is foreseeable that when large-scale industrial manufacture of the devices made from organic conjugated polymers is feasible, they would be much cheaper and have more functions. On one hand, in order to improve the performance of organic optoelectronic devices, it is essential to tune their surface morphologies by techniques such as patterning. On the other hand, patterning is the routine requirement for device processing. In this review, the recent progress in the patterning of conjugated polymers for high-performance optoelectronic devices is summarized. Patterning based on the bottom-up and top-down methods are introduced. Emerging new patterning strategies and future trends for conventional patterning techniques are discussed.

Production of Biodiesel and Lactic Acid from Rapeseed Oil Using Sodium Silicate As Catalyst

Bioresource Technology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21530245

Biodiesel and lactic acid from rapeseed oil was produced using sodium silicate as catalyst. The transesterification in the presence of the catalyst proceeded with a maximum yield of 99.6% under optimized conditions [3% (w/w) sodium silicate, methanol/oil molar ratio 9/1, reaction time 60 min, reaction temperature 60°C, and stirring rate 250 rpm]. After six consecutive transesterification reactions, the catalyst was collected and used for catalysis of the conversion of glycerol to lactic acid. A maximum yield of 80.5% was achieved when the reaction was carried out at a temperature of 300°C for 90 min. Thus, sodium silicate is an effective catalyst for transesterification and lactic acid production from the biodiesel by-product, glycerol.

Modeling Uranium Transport in Acidic Contaminated Groundwater with Base Addition

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21531075

This study investigates reactive transport modeling in a column of uranium(VI)-contaminated sediments with base additions in the circulating influent. The groundwater and sediment exhibit oxic conditions with low pH, high concentrations of NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), U and various metal cations. Preliminary batch experiments indicate that additions of strong base induce rapid immobilization of U for this material. In the column experiment that is the focus of the present study, effluent groundwater was titrated with NaOH solution in an inflow reservoir before reinjection to gradually increase the solution pH in the column. An equilibrium hydrolysis, precipitation and ion exchange reaction model developed through simulation of the preliminary batch titration experiments predicted faster reduction of aqueous Al than observed in the column experiment. The model was therefore modified to consider reaction kinetics for the precipitation and dissolution processes which are the major mechanism for Al immobilization. The combined kinetic and equilibrium reaction model adequately described variations in pH, aqueous concentrations of metal cations (Al, Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Ni, Co), sulfate and U(VI). The experimental and modeling results indicate that U(VI) can be effectively sequestered with controlled base addition due to sorption by slowly precipitated Al with pH-dependent surface charge. The model may prove useful to predict field-scale U(VI) sequestration and remediation effectiveness.

Systems-scale Analysis Reveals Pathways Involved in Cellular Response to Methamphetamine

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21533132

Methamphetamine (METH), an abused illicit drug, disrupts many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, spermatogenesis, and maintenance of oxidative status. However, many components of the molecular underpinnings of METH toxicity have yet to be established. Network analyses of integrated proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data are particularly well suited for identifying cellular responses to toxins, such as METH, which might otherwise be obscured by the numerous and dynamic changes that are induced.

Frame-dragging Vortexes and Tidal Tendexes Attached to Colliding Black Holes: Visualizing the Curvature of Spacetime

Physical Review Letters. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21568540

When one splits spacetime into space plus time, the spacetime curvature (Weyl tensor) gets split into an "electric" part E(jk) that describes tidal gravity and a "magnetic" part B(jk) that describes differential dragging of inertial frames. We introduce tools for visualizing B(jk) (frame-drag vortex lines, their vorticity, and vortexes) and E(jk) (tidal tendex lines, their tendicity, and tendexes) and also visualizations of a black-hole horizon's (scalar) vorticity and tendicity. We use these tools to elucidate the nonlinear dynamics of curved spacetime in merging black-hole binaries.

Spontaneous Quantum Hall States in Chirally Stacked Few-layer Graphene Systems

Physical Review Letters. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21568592

Chirally stacked N-layer graphene systems with N≥2 exhibit a variety of distinct broken symmetry states in which charge density contributions from different spins and valleys are spontaneously transferred between layers. We explain how these states are distinguished by their charge, spin, and valley Hall conductivities, by their orbital magnetizations, and by their edge state properties. We argue that valley Hall states have [N/2] edge channels per spin valley.

Thermosyntropha Tengcongensis Sp. Nov., a Thermophilic Bacterium That Syntrophically Degrades Long-chain Fatty Acids

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21571939

A new anaerobic, thermophilic, syntrophic, fatty-acid-oxidizing bacterium strain L-60(T) was isolated from a Chinese hot spring. The strain was nonmotile, non-spore forming, slightly curved rods. The optimal temperature for growth was around 60°C and growth occurred between 55 and 70°C. The pH range is 7.0-9.3 with the optimum growth around pH 8.2. Crotonate was the only carbon source that supported the growth of the strain in pure culture. In co-culture with the thermophilic, hydrogenotrophic Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus DSM 1053(T), the isolate could syntrophically oxidize saturated straight-chain fatty acids with 4-18 carbon atoms, and also unsaturated fatty acids such as oleate. The strain was unable to utilize sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, nitrate, fumarate or Fe(III) as electron acceptors. The major cellular fatty acids were C(14:0) (35.0%), C(16:0) (20.3%) and C(17:1) iso I/anteiso B (30.9%). The DNA base composition was 40.3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strain was affiliated to the family Syntrophomonadaceae, most closely related to Thermosyntropha lipolytica DSM 11003(T) (96.7% similarity). Both phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics determined that strain L-60(T) represented a novel species, for which Thermosyntropha tengcongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is L-60(T) (=CGMCC 1.5161(T) =JCM 17260(T)).

Dual-functional, Receptor-targeted Fluorogenic Probe for in Vivo Imaging of Extracellular Protease Expressions

Bioconjugate Chemistry. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21574650

Herein, we report a new type of in vivo fluorogenic probe that enables simultaneous and active targeting of overexpressed receptors, α(V)β(3) integrins, and extracellular proteases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the tumor regions. This c(RGDyK)-conjugated MMP fluorogenic probe efficiently targets the tumor regions with high retention time while maintaining receptor binding affinity and substrate activity. The probe minimizes nonspecific accumulation, thus demonstrating improved tumor-to-background signal ratio (T/N) in both α(V)β(3) integrin- and MMP-overexpressing U87MG tumor-bearing mouse model. This strategy can be easily tuned for a wide array of applications targeting various receptors and extracellular proteases in vivo.

[Oral Health Services Utilization and Influencing Factors in Downtown Community Residents Older Than 15 Years in Beijing]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21575443

To investigate the utilization of oral health services and to analyze the factors associated with oral health services for the community residents.

Activation of KCNQ2/3 Potassium Channels by Novel Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one Derivatives

Pharmacology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21577044

The voltage-gated M-type potassium channel, encoded mainly by the KCNQ2/3 genes, plays an important role in the control of neuronal excitability. Mutations in the KCNQ2 gene lead to a form of neonatal epilepsy in humans termed 'benign familial neonatal convulsions', which is characterized by hyperexcitability of neurons. KCNQ openers or activators are expected to decrease the firing of overactive neurons and are thus conducive to the treatment of epilepsy and pain. Here, we report that four novel synthesized derivatives of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one (PPO) named QO-26, QO-28, QO-40 and QO-41 potently augmented KCNQ2/3 channels expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and shifted the half-maximal activation voltage (V(1/2)) in the hyperpolarizing direction. The V(1/2) was negatively shifted in a concentration-dependent manner. The compounds markedly slowed both KCNQ2/3 channel activation and deactivation kinetics. Structure-activity relationship studies suggest that trifluoromethyl at the C-2 position, phenyl or naphthyl at the C-3 position, and trifluoromethyl or chloromethyl at the C-5 position are essential for the activity. These results suggest the four PPO derivatives act as KCNQ2/3 channel openers, providing a new dimension for the design and development of more potent channel openers.

Chimeric Ferritin Nanocages for Multiple Function Loading and Multimodal Imaging

Nano Letters. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21210706

Nanomaterials provide large surface areas, relativeto their volumes, on which to load functions. One challenge, however, has been to achieve precise control in loading multiple functionalities. Traditional bioconjugation techniques, which randomly target the surface functional groups of nanomaterials, have been found increasingly inadequate for such control, which is a drawback that may substantially slow down or prohibit the translational efforts. In the current study, we evaluated ferritin nanocages as candidate nanoplatforms for multifunctional loading. Ferritin nanocages can be either genetically or chemically modified to impart functionalities to their surfaces, and metal cations can be encapsulated in their interiors by association with metal binding sites. Moreover, different types of ferritin nanocages can be disassembled under acidic condition and reassembled at pH of 7.4, providing a facile way to achieve function hybridization. We were able to use combinations of these unique properties to produce a number of multifunctional ferritin nanostructures with precise control of their composition. We then studied these nanoparticles, both in vitro and in vivo, to evaluate their potential suitability as multimodality imaging probes. A good tumor targeting profile was observed, which was attributable to both the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and biovector mediated targeting. This, in combination with the generalizability of the function loading techniques, promises ferritin particles as a powerful nanoplatfom in the era of nanomedicine.

An Upstream ORF with Non-AUG Start Codon is Translated in Vivo but Dispensable for Translational Control of GCN4 MRNA

Nucleic Acids Research. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21227927

Genome-wide analysis of ribosome locations in mRNAs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has revealed the translation of upstream open reading frames that initiate with near-cognate start codons in many transcripts. Two such non-translation initiation codon (AUG)-initiated upstream open reading frames (uORFs) (nAuORFs 1 and 2) occur in GCN4 mRNA upstream of the four AUG-initiated uORFs (uORFs 1-4) that regulate GCN4 translation. We verified that nAuORF2 is translated in vivo by demonstrating β-galactosidase production from lacZ coding sequences fused to nAuORF2, in a manner abolished by replacing its non-AUG initiation codon (AUA) start codon with the non-cognate triplet AAA, whereas translation of nAuORF1 was not detected. Importantly, replacing the near-cognate start codons of both nAuORFs with non-cognate triplets had little or no effect on the repression of GCN4 translation in non-starved cells, nor on its derepression in response to histidine limitation, nutritional shift-down or treatment with rapamycin, hydrogen peroxide or methyl methanesulfonate. Additionally, we found no evidence that initiation from the AUA codon of nAuORF2 is substantially elevated, or dependent on Gcn2, the sole eIF2α kinase of yeast, in histidine-deprived cells. Thus, although nAuORF2 is translated in vivo, it appears that this event is not stimulated by eIF2α phosphorylation nor significantly influences GCN4 translational induction under various starvation or stress conditions.

Fabrication of Gelatin-hyaluronic Acid Hybrid Scaffolds with Tunable Porous Structures for Soft Tissue Engineering

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21255605

The development of three-dimensional (3-D) scaffolds with highly open porous structure is one of the most important issues in tissue engineering. In this study, 3-D macroporous gelatin/hyaluronic acid (GE/HA) hybrid scaffolds with varying porous morphology were prepared by freeze-drying their blending solutions and subsequent chemical crosslinking by using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). The resulting scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their swelling, in vitro degradation properties and compressive strength were also investigated. To evaluate in vitro cytocompatibility of scaffolds, mouse L929 fibroblasts were seeded onto the scaffolds for cell morphology and cell viability studies. It was found that the porous structure of scaffolds can be tailored by varying the ratios of gelatin to HA, both the swelling ratios and degradation rate increased with the increase of HA content in hybrid scaffolds, and crosslinking the scaffolds with EDC improved the degradation resistance of the scaffold in culture media and increased the mechanical strength of scaffolds. The in vitro results revealed that the prepared scaffolds do not induce cytotoxic effects and suitable for cell growth, especially in the case of scaffolds with higher gelatin content. The combined results of the physicochemical and biological studies suggested that the developed GE/HA hybrid scaffolds exhibit good potential and biocompatibility for soft tissue engineering applications.

Mammalian Cell Entry Gene Family of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21258845

Knowledge of virulence factors is important to understand the microbial pathogenesis and find better antibiotics. Mammalian cell entry (mce) is a crucial protein family for the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). This review summarized the advances on mce genes. The genomic organization, characteristics of mce genes, phylogeny of this family, and their roles in M. tuberculosis virulence are emphasized in this review.

Identification of Rhizome-specific Genes by Genome-wide Differential Expression Analysis in Oryza Longistaminata

BMC Plant Biology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21261937

Rhizomatousness is a key component of perenniality of many grasses that contribute to competitiveness and invasiveness of many noxious grass weeds, but can potentially be used to develop perennial cereal crops for sustainable farmers in hilly areas of tropical Asia. Oryza longistaminata, a perennial wild rice with strong rhizomes, has been used as the model species for genetic and molecular dissection of rhizome development and in breeding efforts to transfer rhizome-related traits into annual rice species. In this study, an effort was taken to get insights into the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the rhizomatous trait in O. longistaminata by comparative analysis of the genome-wide tissue-specific gene expression patterns of five different tissues of O. longistaminata using the Affymetrix GeneChip Rice Genome Array.

Depletion of EIF4G from Yeast Cells Narrows the Range of Translational Efficiencies Genome-wide

BMC Genomics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21269496

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) is thought to influence the translational efficiencies of cellular mRNAs by its roles in forming an eIF4F-mRNA-PABP mRNP that is competent for attachment of the 43S preinitiation complex, and in scanning through structured 5' UTR sequences. We have tested this hypothesis by determining the effects of genetically depleting eIF4G from yeast cells on global translational efficiencies (TEs), using gene expression microarrays to measure the abundance of mRNA in polysomes relative to total mRNA for ~5900 genes.

[Effect of Physiological Doses of Testosterone on Mitochondrial DNA Deletion in Castrated Mice]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21269963

To evaluate the effect of physiological doses of testosterone on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in the aortic vascular wall of castrated C57BL/6J mice.

Dissecting Genetic Networks Underlying Complex Phenotypes: the Theoretical Framework

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21283795

Great progress has been made in genetic dissection of quantitative trait variation during the past two decades, but many studies still reveal only a small fraction of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and epistasis remains elusive. We integrate contemporary knowledge of signal transduction pathways with principles of quantitative and population genetics to characterize genetic networks underlying complex traits, using a model founded upon one-way functional dependency of downstream genes on upstream regulators (the principle of hierarchy) and mutual functional dependency among related genes (functional genetic units, FGU). Both simulated and real data suggest that complementary epistasis contributes greatly to quantitative trait variation, and obscures the phenotypic effects of many 'downstream' loci in pathways. The mathematical relationships between the main effects and epistatic effects of genes acting at different levels of signaling pathways were established using the quantitative and population genetic parameters. Both loss of function and "co-adapted" gene complexes formed by multiple alleles with differentiated functions (effects) are predicted to be frequent types of allelic diversity at loci that contribute to the genetic variation of complex traits in populations. Downstream FGUs appear to be more vulnerable to loss of function than their upstream regulators, but this vulnerability is apparently compensated by different FGUs of similar functions. Other predictions from the model may account for puzzling results regarding responses to selection, genotype by environment interaction, and the genetic basis of heterosis.

Roles of Circulating Soluble Interleukin (IL)-6 Receptor and IL-6 Receptor Expression on CD4+ T Cells in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21295508

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential clinical roles of circulating soluble interleukin (IL)-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and IL-6R expression on CD4+ T cells (CD4+ IL-6R+ T cells) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-ones As Novel Kv7/KCNQ Potassium Channel Activators

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21296466

Voltage-gated Kv7/KCNQ/M-potassium channels play a pivotal role in controlling neuronal excitability. Genetic reduction of KCNQ channel activity as a result of mutations causes various human diseases such as epilepsy and arrhythmia. Therefore, discovery of small molecules that activate KCNQ channels is an important strategy for clinical intervention of membrane excitability related disorders. In this study, a series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-ones (PPOs) have been found to be novel activators (openers) of KCNQ2/3 potassium channels through high-throughput screening by using atomic absorption rubidium efflux assay. Based on structure-activity relationship (SAR), the substituted PPOs have been optimized. The 5-(2,6-dichloro-5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-3-phenyl-2-(trifluoromethyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one (17) was identified as a novel, potent, and selective KCNQ2/3 potassium channel opener by patch-clamp recording assay.

Pestaloquinols A and B, Isoprenylated Epoxyquinols from Pestalotiopsis Sp

Journal of Natural Products. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21302965

Two new isoprenylated epoxyquinol derivatives, pestaloquinols A (2) and B (3), and their putative biosynthetic precursor, cytosporin D (1), were isolated from the crude extract of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. Pestaloquinols A (2) and B (3) possess a previously undescribed nonacyclic ring system and showed cytotoxicity against HeLa cells.

Intrarenal Transfer of an Intracellular Fluorescent Fusion of Angiotensin II Selectively in Proximal Tubules Increases Blood Pressure in Rats and Mice

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21307128

The present study tested the hypothesis that intrarenal adenoviral transfer of an intracellular cyan fluorescent fusion of angiotensin II (ECFP/ANG II) selectively in proximal tubules of the kidney increases blood pressure by activating AT(1) (AT(1a)) receptors. Intrarenal transfer of ECFP/ANG II was induced in the superficial cortex of rat and mouse kidneys, and the sodium and glucose cotransporter 2 (sglt2) promoter was used to drive ECFP/ANG II expression selectively in proximal tubules. Intrarenal transfer of ECFP/ANG II induced a time-dependent, proximal tubule-selective expression of ECFP/ANG II in the cortex, which peaked at 2 wk and was sustained for 4 wk. ECFP/ANG II expression was low in the glomeruli and the entire medulla and was absent in the contralateral kidney or extrarenal tissues. At its peak of expression in proximal tubules at day 14, ANG II was increased by twofold in the kidney (P < 0.01) and more than threefold in proximal tubules (P < 0.01), but remained unchanged in plasma or urine. Systolic blood pressure was increased in ECFP/ANG II-transferred rats by 28 ± 6 mmHg (P < 0.01), whereas fractional sodium excretion was decreased by 20% (P < 0.01) and fractional lithium excretion was reduced by 24% (P < 0.01). These effects were blocked by losartan and prevented in AT(1a) knockout mice. Transfer of a scrambled ECFP/ANG IIc had no effects on blood pressure, kidney, and proximal tubule ANG II, or sodium excretion. These results provide evidence that proximal tubule-selective transfer of an intracellular ANG II fusion protein increases blood pressure by activating AT(1a) receptors and increasing sodium reabsorption in proximal tubules.

A Novel Frame-shift Mutation of GLI3 Causes Non-syndromic and Complex Digital Anomalies in a Chinese Family

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21320477

A three-generation Han Chinese family was found with complex digital anomalies including various types of polydactyly and syndactyly of fingers and toes. Some extra digits are composed only of soft tissues while others are complete fingers or toes, making this complex case different from previously reported pedigrees. The digital disease shows an autosomal dominant inheritance model. To locate the causative gene, whole-genome SNP analysis was performed using Illumina 370 K CNV-Quad chips followed by linkage analysis with a self-developed algorithm Haplo2Ped (http://bighapmap.big.ac.cn/software.html). Three candidate regions with the highest signals (LOD scores 2.1070) were identified. In one region from 33,904,914 bp to 45,529,271 bp in chromosome 7, GLI3 was selected for further analysis. PCR sequencing and subsequent clone sequencing revealed a single nucleotide deletion (c.2884delG) in exon 14. This frame shift mutation generated a truncated protein with 40 non-endogenous amino acids in its C-terminal (p.Asp962MetfsX41). GLI3 was previously reported to associate with Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome, Pallister-Hall Syndrome, and a few cases of preaxial and postaxial polydactylies. We report for the first time a novel mutation of GLI3 causing various digital abnormalities, including multi symptoms as both polydactyly and syndactyly among affected members but no other body maldevelopments (non-syndromic).

Three Heat Shock Proteins from Spodoptera Exigua: Gene Cloning, Characterization and Comparative Stress Response During Heat and Cold Shocks

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21362495

To gain insight into the comparative function in stress response of HSPs in insects, three HSP cDNAs were cloned from the fat body of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). SexHSP70, SexHSP74 and SexHSP83 cDNAs encoding the protein of 667, 685 and 717 amino acids, with the pI of 5.52, 5.75 and 5.02, respectively. Northern blotting revealed that all three SexHSP mRNAs are expressed in the fat body, mid-gut, spermary and tracheae. SexHSP70, SexHSP74and SexHSP83 mRNAs were expressed in the fat body and whole body at different levels during different developmental stages. The three SexHSP transcripts were highly expressed in the fat body on the first day of fifth instar larvae, on the fourth and seventh days of the pupa stage, and in the whole body on the initial stages of larvae. Under heat and cold shock conditions, SexHSP70 and SexHSP83 mainly functioned during heat shock and cooling and SexHSP83 also had a function in the recovery stage. SexHSP74 had important functions in short-term heat shock and recovery, as well as long-term cooling. The results revealed that long-term shocking can affect SexHSP74 and SexHSP83 expression and long-term cooling can influence SexHSP83 expression during the recovery stage.

Manipulating the Power of an Additional Phase: a Flower-like Au-Fe3O4 Optical Nanosensor for Imaging Protease Expressions in Vivo

ACS Nano. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21366330

We and others have recently proposed the synthesis of composite nanoparticles that offer strongly enhanced functionality. Here we have used a flower-shaped Au-Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticle as a template to construct an optical probe containing Cy5.5-GPLGVRG-TDOPA on the iron oxide surface and SH-PEG(5000) on the gold surface that can be specifically activated by matrix metalloproteinases expressed in tumors. Gold nanoparticles have excellent quenching properties, but labile surface chemistry in vivo; on the other hand, iron oxide nanoparticles afford robust surface chemistry, but are suboptimal as energy receptors. By a marriage of the two, we have produced a unified structure with performance that is unachievable with the separate components. Our results are a further demonstration that the architecture of nanoparticles can be modulated to tailor their function as molecular imaging/therapeutic agents.

Data Mining Methods in Omics-based Biomarker Discovery

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21370100

The advent of Omics technologies as genomics and proteomics has brought the hope of discovering novel biomarkers that can be used to diagnose, predict, and monitor the progress of disease. The importance of data mining to identify biological markers for the diagnostic classification and prognostic assessment in the context of microarray and proteomic data has been increasingly recognized. We present an overview of general data mining methods and their applications to biomarker discovery with particular focus on genomics and proteomics data. Two case studies are exemplarily presented, and relevant data mining terminology and techniques are explained.

Water Splitting by Tungsten Oxide Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition and Decorated with an Oxygen-evolving Catalyst

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21154542

Magnetic-mesoporous Janus Nanoparticles

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21103584

Novel multifunctional magnetic-mesoporous Janus particles with controlled aspect ratio were developed by a simple one-step synthesis approach. Due to their superior magnetic properties and well-defined pore structures, these particles will be important in drug delivery, molecule targeting, cellular imaging, and as building blocks for the assembly of complex nanostructures.

Astrocytic Glutamate Transporter-dependent Neuroprotection Against Glutamate Toxicity: an in Vitro Study of Maslinic Acid

European Journal of Pharmacology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21118675

The astrocytic glutamate transporters GLAST/EAAT1 and GLT-1/EAAT2 are crucial for the removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft and are essential for maintaining a low concentration of extracellular glutamate in the brain. Enhanced transporter expression is neuroprotective. In the present study, we tested the neuropotective effects of maslinic acid, a natural product from the Olea europaea plant, on cultures of primary neurons from the cerebral cortex. Studies showed that astrocyte-conditioned medium from maslinic acid-treated astrocytes dose-dependently promoted neuron survival during glutamate toxicity by enhancing extracellular glutamate clearance. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis revealed that maslinic acid pre-treatment significantly increased the expression of GLAST and GLT-1 at the protein and mRNA levels. In addition, this neuroprotection was abolished by the glutamate transporter inhibitor, L-Threohydroxy aspartate (THA), in a co-culture of astrocytes and neurons. These findings suggest that maslinic acid regulates the extracellular glutamate concentration by increasing the expression of astrocytic glutamate transporters, which may, in turn, provide neuroprotection.

An Acid and Highly Thermostable Xylanase from Phialophora Sp. G5

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21120468

An endo-β-1,4-xylanase gene, designated xyn10G5, was cloned from Phialophora sp. G5 and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The 1,197-bp full-length gene encodes a polypeptide of 399 amino acids consisting of a putative signal peptide at residues 1-20, a family 10 glycoside hydrolase domain, a short Gly/Thr-rich linker and a family 1 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The deduced amino acid sequence of XYN10G5 shares the highest identity (53.4%) with a putative xylanase precursor from Aspergillus terreus NIH2624. The purified recombinant XYN10G5 exhibited the optimal activity at pH 4.0 and 70 °C, remained stable at pH 3.0-9.0 (>70% of the maximal activity), and was highly thermostable at 70 °C (retaining ~90% of the initial activity for 1 h). Substrate specificity studies have shown that XYN10G5 had the highest activity on soluble wheat arabinoxylan (350.6 U mg(-1)), and moderate activity to various heteroxylans, and low activity on different types of cellulosic substrates. Under simulated gastric conditions, XYN10G5 was stable and released more reducing sugars from soluble wheat arabinoxylan; when combined with a glucanase (CelA4), the viscosity of barley-soybean feed was significantly reduced. These favorable enzymatic properties make XYN10G5 a good candidate for application in the animal feed industry.

Synthesis and Supramolecular Self-assembly of Coil-rod-coil Molecules: the Relationship Between Self-assembled Nanostructures and Molecular Structures

Chemistry, an Asian Journal. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21140397

Herein, the relationship between the supramolecularly self-assembled nanostructures and the chemical structures of coil-rod-coil molecules is discussed. A series of nonamphiphilic coil-rod-coil molecules with different alkyl chains, central mesogenic groups, and chemical linkers were designed and synthesized. The solvent-mediated supramolecular self-assembling of these coil-rod-coil molecules resulted in rolled-up nanotubes, nanofibers, submicron sized belts, needle-like microcrystals, and amorphous structures. The self-assembling behaviors of these coil-rod-coil molecules have been systematically investigated to reveal the relationship between the supramolecularly self-assembled nanostructures and their chemical structures. With respect to the formation of rolled-up nanotubes by self-assembly of coil-rod-coil molecules, we have systematically investigated the following three influencing structural factors: 1) the alkyl chain length; 2) the central mesogenic group; (3) the linker type. These studies disclosed the key structural features of coil-rod-coil molecules for the formation of rolled-up nanotubes.

Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome Associated with Consumption of Gynura Segetum

Journal of Hepatology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21146894

One major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is the intake of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing products. Over 8000 PA-induced HSOS cases have been reported worldwide and at least 51 among them were suspected to be attributed to exposure to the Chinese medicine 'Tusanqi'. PA-induced hepatotoxicity involves cytochrome P450-mediated metabolic activation of PAs to electrophilic pyrrolic metabolites which react with macromolecules, such as proteins. However, no studies have found such protein adduction in HSOS patients. We report one HSOS case confirmed by liver biopsy, where the patient claimed taking 'Tusanqi' as self-medication.

Response Property of Inferior Collicular Neurons Inherited from Peripheral Origin in Mouse

Brain Research. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21075082

The mechanisms underlying spike time coding in auditory system are not well understood. Despite of several models proposed to describe the first spike latency (FSL), there is no comparison of their respective performance. Here, based on FSL data from the central nucleus of inferior colliculus (CIC) in mouse to tone stimuli with varying rise function, rise time, and amplitude, we examined the previous models by comparing the recorded FSL with derived the FSL, respectively. We found that the LIEFTS (leaky integration, event formation, temporal summation) threshold model produced better match with the recorded data than other models. In addition, the model suggested that the short time constants derived from the FSL data (<2 ms) cannot be attributed to IC neurons themselves (normally longer than 10 ms), but are similar to those for the inner hair cells (around 1.4 ms). Our results suggested that LIEFTS threshold model is a better fit for FSL, and FSL properties in central neurons can be inherited along the central auditory pathway, likely through faithful relays from the peripheral origins.

Whole-body Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Nutlin-3a in Mice After Intravenous and Oral Administration

Drug Metabolism and Disposition: the Biological Fate of Chemicals. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20947617

Nutlin-3a is an MDM2 inhibitor that is under investigation in preclinical models for a variety of pediatric malignancies, including retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and leukemia. We used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to characterize the disposition of nutlin-3a in the mouse. Plasma protein binding and blood partitioning were assessed by in vitro studies. After intravenous (10 and 20 mg/kg) and oral (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) dosing, tissue concentrations of nutlin-3a were determined in plasma, liver, spleen, intestine, muscle, lung, adipose, bone marrow, adrenal gland, brain, retina, and vitreous fluid. The PBPK model was simultaneously fit to all pharmacokinetic data using NONMEM. Nutlin-3a exhibited nonlinear binding to murine plasma proteins, with the unbound fraction ranging from 0.7 to 11.8%. Nutlin-3a disposition was characterized by rapid absorption with peak plasma concentrations at approximately 2 h and biphasic elimination consistent with a saturable clearance process. The final PBPK model successfully described the plasma and tissue disposition of nutlin-3a. Simulations suggested high bioavailability, rapid attainment of steady state, and little accumulation when administered once or twice daily at dosages up to 400 mg/kg. The final model was used to perform simulations of unbound tissue concentrations to determine which dosing regimens are appropriate for preclinical models of several pediatric malignancies.

Interleukin-17A Induces Cathepsin K and MMP-9 Expression in Osteoclasts Via Celecoxib-blocked Prostaglandin E2 in Osteoblasts

Biochimie. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20937352

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine secreted primarily by T(H)-17 cells that can stimulate the development of osteoclasts (osteoclastogenesis) in the presence of osteoblasts. IL-17, through osteoblasts, has indirect effects on the expression of bone resorption-related enzymes in osteoclasts, which have not been well clarified. Here, using MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells as osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors, we aimed to clarify these effects of IL-17A. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of IL-17A for 72 h and the conditioned media collected (in the presence of soluble receptor activator of NF-кB ligand) and used to culture RAW264.7 cells. To assess osteoclast differentiation, adherent cells were fixed and stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Our analyses demonstrated that the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells increases after 3 days of culture in conditioned medium from IL-17A-treated cells compared to untreated controls. In addition, we observed that the levels of cathepsin K and MMP-9 increase in the conditioned medium from IL-17A-treated cells, whereas CA II expression levels remain unaffected. PGE(2) production from MC3T3-E1 cells increased in the presence of IL-17A. Celecoxib, a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), blocked both the IL-17A-stimulated increase in TRAP-positive multinucleated cells and the expression of cathepsin K and MMP-9. Furthermore, when MC3T3-E1 cells were transformed with small interfering RNA to silence COX-2 expression before IL-17A treatment, the resulting conditioned medium was less effective at inducing cathepsin K and MMP-9 expression in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that IL-17A induces the differentiation and function of osteoclasts via celecoxib-blocked prostaglandin, mainly PGE(2), in osteoblasts.

Effects of Neuropeptide S on the Proliferation of Splenic Lymphocytes, Phagocytosis, and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production of Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophages in the Pig

Peptides. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20933561

Neuropeptide S (NPS), a newly identified neuropeptide, is involved in many physiological and pathological activities through the NPS receptor (NPSR). Recently, the NPS and NPSR have been detected in peripheral systems of pigs including immune tissues, suggesting that NPS may play an important role in the regulation of immune function. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence and function of NPS and NPSR in splenic lymphocytes (SPLs) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) of pigs. By RT-PCR, the expression of NPS and NPSR mRNA was detected in the SPLs and PAMs. NPS immunoreactivity was observed in the membrane and cytoplasm of both SPLs and PAMs. We found that NPS could stimulate the proliferation of SPLs, when NPS was added at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM alone or in combination with PHA/LPS in vitro. In macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of pigs, various doses of NPS (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM) up-regulated the phagocytosis of PAMs in comparison to controls. In PAMs, NPS could induce the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Taken together, all data suggest that NPS is capable of inducing phagocytosis of non-opsonized E. coli. NPS might act as potent neuroimmunomodulatory factors and affects the maintenance of immune homeostasis.

TRPV1 Activation is Required for Hypertonicity-stimulated Inflammatory Cytokine Release in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20739465

To determine whether hypertonic stress promotes increases in inflammatory cytokine release through transient receptor potential vanilloid channel type 1 (TRPV1) signaling pathway activation in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs).

Recombinant Domain V of β2-glycoprotein I Inhibits the Formation of a 7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate and β2-glycoprotein I Complex

Journal of Biochemistry. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20876187

Our prior study has been reported the formation of the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)/β(2)-glycoproteinI (β(2)-GPI)/autoantibody complex facilitated the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) process. The domain V of β(2)-GPI binds to the negatively charged molecules, e.g. 7-ketochoresteryl-9-caboxynonanoate (oxLig-1) derived from the oxLDL and mediates the interaction between oxLDL and β(2)-GPI. In the present study, the oxLig-1/β(2)-GPI/anti-β(2)-GPI Ab (WB-CAL-1) model was established. The recombinant domain V of β(2)-GPI (rβ(2)-GPI DV) expressed in Escherichia coli competitively inhibits the interaction between β(2)-GPI and oxLig-1 in the enzyme-linked immunoassay. Moreover, the rβ(2)-GPI DV significantly inhibits the formation of the oxLig-1/β(2)-GPI/autoantibody complex in an APS patient. The present work suggests a novel possibility that rβ(2)-GPI DV could be used to inhibit the formation of oxLDL/β(2)-GPI/autoantibody complex, and give us a hint for the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent the APS process.

Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α Contributes to the Profibrotic Action of Angiotensin II in Renal Medullary Interstitial Cells

Kidney International. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20881940

To examine whether hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mediates the profibrotic effects of angiotensin II, we treated cultured renal medullary interstitial cells with angiotensin II and found that it increased HIF-1α levels. This was accompanied by a significant upregulation of collagen I/III, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, elevation of the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and a transdifferentiation marker vimentin. All these effects of angiotensin II were completely blocked by siRNA for HIF-1α but not HIF-2α. Overexpression of a prolyl-hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) transgene, the predominant renal HIF prolyl-hydroxylase, attenuated the effects of angiotensin II and its gene silencing enhanced the effects of angiotensin II. Removal of hydrogen peroxide eliminated angiotensin II-induced profibrotic effects. A 2-week infusion of rats with angiotensin II increased the expression of HIF-1α and α-smooth muscle actin, another marker of transdifferentiation, in renal medullary interstitial cells in vivo. Thus, our study suggests that HIF-1α mediates angiotensin II-induced profibrotic effects through activation of cell transdifferentiation. We propose that redox regulation of prolyl-PHD2 plays a critical role in angiotensin II-induced activation of HIF-1α in renal cells.

Preclinical Lymphatic Imaging

Molecular Imaging and Biology : MIB : the Official Publication of the Academy of Molecular Imaging. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20862613

Noninvasive in vivo imaging of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic nodes is expected to fulfill the purpose of analyzing lymphatic vessels and their function, understanding molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic spread of tumors, and utilizing lymphatic molecular markers as a prognostic or diagnostic indicator. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of in vivo imaging modalities for detecting lymphatic vessels, lymphatic drainage, and lymphatic nodes, which include conventional lymphatic imaging techniques such as dyes and radionuclide scintigraphy as well as novel techniques for lymphatic imaging such as optical imaging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, positron emission tomography using lymphatic biomarkers, photoacoustic imaging, and combinations of multiple modalities. The field of lymphatic imaging is ever evolving, and technological advances, combined with the development of new contrast agents, continue to improve the research of lymphatic vascular system in health and disease states as well as to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in the relevant diseases.

Real-time Implementation of an Intent Recognition System for Artificial Legs

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22254971

This paper presents a real-time implementation of an intent recognition system on one transfemoral (TF) amputee. Surface Electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from residual thigh muscles and the ground reaction forces/moments collected from the prosthetic pylon were fused to identify three locomotion modes (level-ground walking, stair ascent, and stair descent) and tasks such as sitting and standing. The designed system based on neuromuscular-mechanical fusion can accurately identify the performing tasks and predict intended task transitions of the patient with a TF amputation in real-time. The overall recognition accuracy in static states (i.e. the states when subjects continuously performed the same task) was 98.36%. All task transitions were correctly recognized 80-323 ms before the defined critical timing for safe switch of prosthesis control mode. These promising results indicate the potential of designed intent recognition system for neural control of computerized, powered prosthetic legs.

Improving the Performance of a Neural-machine Interface for Artificial Legs Using Prior Knowledge of Walking Environment

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22255279

A previously developed neural-machine interface (NMI) based on neuromuscular-mechanical fusion has showed promise for recognizing user locomotion modes; however, errors of NMI during mode transitions were observed, which may challenge its real application. This study aimed to investigate whether or not the prior knowledge of walking environment could further improve the NMI performance. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)-based classifiers were designed to identify user intent based on electromyographic (EMG) signals from residual muscles of leg amputees and ground reaction force (GRF) measured from the prosthetic leg. The prior knowledge of the terrain in front of the user adjusted the prior possibility in the discriminant function. Therefore, the boundaries of LDA were adaptive to the prior knowledge of the walking environment. This algorithm was evaluated on a dataset collected from one patient with a transfemoral (TF) amputation. The preliminary results showed that the NMI with adaptive prior possibilities outperformed the NMI without using the prior knowledge; it produced 98.7% accuracy for identifying tested locomotion modes, accurately predicted all the task transitions with 261-390 ms prediction time, and generated stable decision during task transitions. These results indicate the potential of using prior knowledge about walking environment to further improve the NMI for prosthetic legs.

Preliminary Design of a Terrain Recognition System

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22255571

This paper aims to design a wearable terrain recognition system, which might assist the control of powered artificial prosthetic legs. A laser distance sensor and inertial measurement unit (TMU) sensors were mounted on human body. These sensors were used to identify the movement state of the user, reconstruct the geometry of the terrain in front of the user while walking, and recognize the type of terrain before the user stepped on it. Different sensor configurations were investigated and compared. The designed system was evaluated on one healthy human subject when walking on an obstacle course in the laboratory environment. The results showed that the reconstructed terrain height demonstrated clearer pattern difference among studied terrains when the laser was placed on the waist than that when the laser was mounted on the shank. The designed system with the laser on the waist accurately recognized 157 out of 160 tested terrain transitions, 300ms-2870ms before the user switched the negotiated terrains. These promising results demonstrated the potential application of the designed terrain recognition system to further improve the control of powered artificial legs.

Investigation of Sit-to-stand and Stand-to-sit in an Above Knee Amputee

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22256034

The objective of this pilot study is twofold: 1) to extract key factors/features in sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit (STS) performed by an above knee (AK) amputee; 2) to propose a convenient way to quantify symmetry. One male unilateral transfemoral amputee participated in the pilot study. The subject was instructed to rise in a comfortable and natural manner and conduct a series of sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit. We simultaneously measured kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimension and identify modes and a convenient index of STS symmetry (slope of the major axis of the error ellipse) is proposed using the insole pressure sensors. Based on the preliminary results it is recommended that kinematics and kinetics in both the sagittal and frontal planes be considered for an AK amputee performing STS. The information might be useful for further research on amputee STS.

Trust Sensor Interface for Improving Reliability of EMG-based User Intent Recognition

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22256077

To achieve natural and smooth control of prostheses, Electromyographic (EMG) signals have been investigated for decoding user intent. However, EMG signals can be easily contaminated by diverse disturbances, leading to errors in user intent recognition and threatening the safety of prostheses users. To address this problem, we propose a trust sensor interface (TSI) that contains 2 modules: (1) abnormality detector that detects diverse disturbances with high accuracy and low latency and (2) trust evaluation that dynamically evaluates the reliability of EMG sensors. Based on the output of the TSI, the user intention recognition (UIR) algorithm is able to dynamically adjust their operations or decisions. Our experiments on an able-bodied subject have demonstrated that the proposed TSI can effectively detect two types of disturbances (i.e. motion artifacts and baseline shifts) and improve the reliability of the UIR.

Optical Properties of Fully Conjugated Cyclo[n]thiophenes - An Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22259753

Optical properties of two series of fully conjugated cyclo[n]thiophenes were analyzed experimentally and theoretically. The absorption spectra reveal a shift to higher wavelengths with increasing size of the cycles, which can be successfully described by an excitonic approach based on a Frenkel exciton Hamiltonian. Furthermore, intriguing new bands in the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the smaller macrocycles disclose the dominance of their ring strain.

HLA-B*07 is a High Risk Allele for Familial Cervical Cancer

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22320938

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate 50 women from eight families with familial cervical cancer in Wufeng County, Hubei Province, China, a region with a high incidence of cervical cancer. Eighty-nine healthy women, of similar age, location and ethnicity, were selected as a control group. Methods: Blood samples were collected from both groups, and HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 genotypes were profiled with the Multi-Analyte Profiling system (xMAP) (Luminex HLA-SSO) using a WAKFlow HLA typing kit. Results were analyzed with Luminex HLA typing software and showed good stability, reproducibility and specificity. Results: We found several high risk alleles in women with familial cervical cancer, that associated with the highest risk being HLA-B*07 (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 1.8-41.1). Conclusions: HLA-B*07 is a high risk allele for cervical cancer, and has strong potential for use as a molecular biomarker.

[Risk Factors of Death Cases of Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease in Hunan Province]

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321590

To study risk factors of death cases of hand foot and mouth diseases (HFMD) in Hunan province, so as to provide scientific evidence for further prevention and control.

[Protective Functions of Recombinant Protein Targeted at RANKL Against Hepatic Ischemia/reperfusion Injury Transfected by Retrovirus in Mice]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321985

To explore the protective functions of recombinant protein RANK-Fc against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and clarify its possible mechanism.

Improved Outcome of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Retrospective Study of Intraoperative Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography in 73 Patients

Abdominal Imaging. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22131041

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) during percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) procedure in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: From January 2008 to July 2010, 73 patients with sporadic unilateral RCC were enrolled to our study (57 men and 16 women, age range: 37-78 years, mean age 57.9 years). The diameter of the tumor was 1.7-5.8, 3.4 cm on average. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the intraoperative ultrasonography type: CEUS group and conventional ultrasound group. Patients in CEUS group received CEUS before insertion of the electrode, and the second CEUS was performed right after the initial ablation to dynamically evaluate the images. If there was highly suspicious residue, additional ablation and repeated CEUS were applied. Patients in the conventional ultrasound group received PRFA guided by gray-scale ultrasound. All of these patients received contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination 7 days after the procedure (patients in CEUS group received CEUS conducted with each CT scan), with subsequent CT and CEUS assessment at 3, 6, and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range: 12-42 months). All tumors were biopsied before RFA. The local tumor control rate was 94.6% (35/37) in the CEUS group and 86.1% (31/36) in the conventional ultrasound group (P < 0.05); the cancer-specific survival rate and the overall survival rate were 100%. The post-RFA (12 months) mean GFR levels were 84.7 ± 27.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P > 0.05, compared with pre-GFR: 86.4 ± 26.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) in the CEUS group and 81.9 ± 22.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P > 0.05, compared with pre-GFR: 83.5 ± 23.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) in the conventional ultrasound group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative CEUS can "real-time" monitor the ablated area during PRFA procedure. This technique can help to achieve a higher success rate compared with conventional ultrasound. No impact of intraoperative CEUS has been found on GFR level.

Influence of β-catenin Small Interfering RNA on Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Medical Sciences = Hua Zhong Ke Ji Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ying De Wen Ban = Huazhong Keji Daxue Xuebao. Yixue Yingdewen Ban. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21671177

This study examined the effect of small interfering RNA-mediated β-catenin knockdown on the survival, invasion and chemosensitivity of human osteosarcoma cells (U2-OS cells). The siRNA against β-catenin was constructed and transfected into U2-OS cells. The expression of β-catenin was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell growth and apoptosis was detected in the presence or absence of doxorubicin by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell invasion ability was measured by transwell assay. The results showed that the transfection of β-catenin siRNA resulted in decreased expression of β-catenin, suppression of invasion and motility of U2-OS cells, reduced chemosensitivity to doxorubicin in vitro, and little change in cell growth and apoptosis. Additionally, down-regulated MT1-MMP expression was found after transfection. It was concluded that knockdown of β-catenin gene may decrease the invasive ability of human osteosarcoma cells through down-regulated MT1-MMP expression, and the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells against doxorubicin.

Mesoporous Multifunctional Upconversion Luminescent and Magnetic "nanorattle" Materials for Targeted Chemotherapy

Nano Letters. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22133237

Nanorattles consisting of hydrophilic, rare-earth-doped NaYF(4) shells each containing a loose magnetic nanoparticle were fabricated through an ion-exchange process. The inner magnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles are coated with a SiO(2) layer to avoid iron leaching in acidic biological environments. This multifunctional mesoporous nanostructure with both upconversion luminescent and magnetic properties has excellent water dispersibility and a high drug-loading capacity. The material emits visible luminescence upon NIR excitation and can be directed by an external magnetic field to a specific target, making it an attractive system for a variety of biological applications. Measurements on cells incubated with the nanorattles show them to have low cytotoxicity and excellent cell imaging properties. In vivo experiments yield highly encouraging tumor shrinkage with the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) and significantly enhanced tumor targeting in the presence of an applied magnetic field.

Targeting of Junctional Adhesion Molecule-C (JAM-C) Inhibits Experimental Choroidal Neovascularization

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323465

Purpose:To identify the expression of junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and evaluate the effect of JAM-C targeting on CNV formation and on cellular functions relevant to CNV in vitro, such as macrophage transmigration, human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cell migration and monolayer RPE permeability.Methods:JAM-C expression in CNV was analyzed by real-time PCR, immunoblot and immunofluorescence staining. CNV area and blood vessel leakage were quantified using isolectin B4 staining and fluorescein angiography, respectively, one week after laser treatment. Macrophage infiltration within the CNV area was measured by immunofluorescence, and transmigration through monolayer RPE was analyzed using a transepithelial migration assay. After JAM-C shRNA transfection, human RPE cell migration was quantified using a transwell assay, and monolayer RPE permeability was determined by measuring the apical-to-basolateral movements of sodium fluorescein.Results:JAM-C expression was upregulated during CNV formation after laser treatment in a time-dependent manner. However, no change in JAM-C expression was found in the retina up to 14 days after laser treatment. JAM-C targeting by intravitreal injection of JAM-C Fc chimera inhibited CNV, blood vessel leakage and macrophage infiltration. JAM-C Fc chimera inhibited basolateral-to-apical transmigration through a monolayer of hRPE of macrophages from wet AMD patients in vitro. In addition, shRNA-mediated JAM-C knockdown inhibited hRPE cell migration and hRPE permeability.Conclusions:JAM-C blockade may prove useful for CNV suppression by inhibiting macrophage transmigration, RPE cell migration and monolayer RPE barrier malfunction.

A Thiopyranchromenone and Other Chromone Derivatives from an Endolichenic Fungus, Preussia Africana

Journal of Natural Products. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22324636

The first example of a naturally occurring thiopyranchromenone, preussochromone A (1), and five other new chromone derivatives, preussochromones B-F (2-6), were isolated from solid cultures of an endolichenic fungus, Preussia africana. The structures of 1-6 were established primarily by NMR experiments, and 2 and 4 were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by the application of electronic circular dichroism (ECD), whereas those of C-5 in 3, C-6 in 4, and the 6,7-diol in 5 were deduced via the CD data of the in situ formed [Rh(2)(OCOCF(3))(4)] complex, the modified Mosher method, and Snatzke's method, respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significant cytotoxicity against A549 cells.

Microwave Absorption Enhancement of Multifunctional Composite Microspheres with Spinel Fe(3) O(4) Cores and Anatase TiO(2) Shells

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331748

Multifunctional composite microspheres with spinel Fe(3) O(4) cores and anatase TiO(2) shells (Fe(3) O(4) @TiO(2) ) are synthesized by combining a solvothermal reaction and calcination process. The size, morphology, microstructure, phase purity, and magnetic properties are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, selected-area electron diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The results show that the as-synthesized microspheres have a unique morphology, uniform size, good crystallinity, favorable superparamagnetism, and high magnetization. By varying the experimental conditions such as Fe(3) O(4) size and concentration, microspheres with different core sizes and shell thickneses can be readily synthesized. Furthermore, the microwave absorption properties of these microspheres are investigated in terms of complex permittivity and permeability. By integration of the chemical composition and unique structure, the Fe(3) O(4) @TiO(2) microspheres possess lower reflection loss and a wider absorption frequency range than pure Fe(3) O(4) . Moreover, the electromagnetic data demonstrate that Fe(3) O(4) @TiO(2) microspheres with thicker TiO(2) shells exhibit significantly enhanced microwave absorption properties compared to those with thinner TiO(2) shells, which may result from effective complementarities between dielectric loss and magnetic loss. All the results indicate that these Fe(3) O(4) @TiO(2) microspheres may be attractive candidate materials for microwave absorption applications.

Efficient Synthesis and Physical Properties of Novel H-shaped 2,3,7,8-tetraazaanthracene-based Conjugated Molecules

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334307

A series of novel H-shaped molecules consisting of a 2,3,7,8-tetraazaanthracene core and thiophene arms have been developed. The electrochemical study reveals their typical n-type characters. The solid state packing and optoelectronic properties of these molecules can be finely tuned via modification of the substituents.

Transport Spectroscopy of Symmetry-broken Insulating States in Bilayer Graphene

Nature Nanotechnology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22266634

Bilayer graphene is an attractive platform for studying new two-dimensional electron physics, because its flat energy bands are sensitive to out-of-plane electric fields and these bands magnify electron-electron interaction effects. Theory predicts a variety of interesting broken symmetry states when the electron density is at the carrier neutrality point, and some of these states are characterized by spontaneous mass gaps, which lead to insulating behaviour. These proposed gaps are analogous to the masses generated by broken symmetries in particle physics, and they give rise to large Berry phase effects accompanied by spontaneous quantum Hall effects. Although recent experiments have provided evidence for strong electronic correlations near the charge neutrality point, the presence of gaps remains controversial. Here, we report transport measurements in ultraclean double-gated bilayer graphene and use source-drain bias as a spectroscopic tool to resolve a gap of ∼2 meV at the charge neutrality point. The gap can be closed by a perpendicular electric field of strength ∼15 mV nm(-1), but it increases monotonically with magnetic field, with an apparent particle-hole asymmetry above the gap. These data represent the first spectroscopic mapping of the ground states in bilayer graphene in the presence of both electric and magnetic fields.

A Haplotype of MATN3 is Associated with Vertebral Fracture in Chinese Postmenopausal Women: Peking Vertebral Fracture (PK-VF) Study

Bone. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22270056

The Matrilin3 gene (MATN3) encodes an extracellular matrix protein, which modulates chondrocyte differentiation. The aim of this study was to test for association of MATN3 polymorphisms with bone mineral density (BMD), fracture, vertebral fracture, bone turnover or 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in postmenopausal women. A community-based population of 1488 postmenopausal women was randomly selected in Beijing. The history of fracture and vertebral fracture was obtained via questionnaire and vertebral X-ray respectively. BMD of lumbar spine (2-4), femoral neck and total hip were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum N-terminal procollagen of type 1 collagen (P1NP), β-isomerized type I collagen C-telopeptide breakdown products (β-CTX) and 25(OH)D were quantified. Binary logistic regression revealed that Haplotype-4 was significantly associated with vertebral fracture risk in both additive model (p=0.023, OR=1.521) and dominant model (p=0.028, OR=1.623). The significance remained after 10,000 permutation tests to correct multiple testing (p=0.042). Re-selected age matched vertebral fracture case-control groups revealed similar associations in additive model (p=0.014, OR=1.927, 95%CI=1.142-3.253) and in dominant model (p=0.011, OR=2.231, 95%CI=1.200-4.148). However, no significant association was found between MATN3 polymorphisms and serum β-CTX, P1NP, 25(OH)D levels, or BMD. In linear regression, Haplotype-2 approached marginal significance in association with femoral neck BMD T-score (p=0.050), but this would account for only 0.2% of BMD variation in our sample. This study suggests that Haplotype-4 of MATN3 is associated with vertebral fracture risk independent of BMD in Chinese postmenopausal women. Efforts should be made to replicate our finding in other, similar and ethnically diverse, populations.

Experimental Demonstration of 1.08 Tb/s PDM CO-SCFDM Transmission over 3170 Km SSMF

Optics Express. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22274424

Coherent optical single-carrier frequency-division-multiplexing (CO-SCFDM) is a promising candidate for future high-speed long-haul optical fiber transmission system. Being a modified form of coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM), the CO-SCFDM can inherit the advantages such as low computation complexity and high flexibility, while suffers less nonlinear impairment due to much lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate 1.08 Tb/s polarization-division multiplexing (PDM) CO-SCFDM transmission over 3170 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) with Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) only. The back-to-back and nonlinear transmission performances for CO-OFDM and CO-SCFDM are also compared.

Dual-frequency (20/40kHz) Ultrasonic Assisted Photocatalysis for Degradation of Methylene Blue Effluent: Synergistic Effect and Kinetic Study

Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310448

Dual-frequency ultrasonic assisted photocatalysis (DUAP) was proposed to enhance the degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) solution. The influence of operational parameters, i.e., irradiation time, ultrasonic arrangement, TiO(2) concentration and power density, was studied. The results implied that the rapid degradation of MB solution was achieved in 18min under DUAP with the dual frequencies of 20/40kHz. Kinetic investigation of MB degradation for the DUAP process was conducted on the basis of first-order kinetic equation and the synergistic effect was assessed by examination of the apparent rate constant. The effect of ultrasonic arrangement was analyzed by comparison of the pressure amplitude of ultrasonic superposition field. The evolvement of intermediate products and the role of active species during DUAP were distinguished by UV-Vis spectra and the free radical scavenging experiment.

Diversity of Bacterial Communities Associated with the Indian Ocean Sponge Tsitsikamma Favus That Contains the Bioactive Pyrroloiminoquinones, Tsitsikammamine A and B

Marine Biotechnology (New York, N.Y.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310802

Tsitsikamma favus is a latrunculid sponge endemic to the coast of South Africa that produces unique pyrroloiminoquinones known as tsitsikammamines. Wakayin and makaluvamine A are structurally similar to the tsitsikammamines and are the only pyrroloiminoquinones isolated from a source other than Porifera (namely a Fijian ascidian Clavelina sp. and a laboratory culture of the myxomycete Didymium bahiense, respectively). The source of the tsitsikammamines is hypothesised to be microbial, which could provide a means of overcoming the current supply problem. This study focuses on characterising the microbial diversity associated with T. favus. We have used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis together with clonal and deep sequencing of microbial 16S rRNA gene amplicons to show that specimens of this sponge species contain a distinct and conserved microbial population, which is stable over time and is dominated by a unique Betaproteobacterium species.

Trans-Tetra-aqua-bis-[bis-(pyridin-3-yl)methanone-κN]manganese(II) Bis-(perchlorate)

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22259330

In the title complex, [Mn(C(11)H(8)N(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(2), the Mn(2+) ion is located on an inversion center with the slightly distorted N(2)O(4) octa-hedral coordination sphere comprising N-atom donors from two monodentate trans-related bis-(pyridin-3-yl)methanone ligands and four water ligands. The two perchlorate anions are linked to the mononuclear complex mol-ecule through water O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds while inter-complex water O-H⋯N(pyridine) inter-actions form an infinite chain structure extending along the b axis. The perchlorate anions also function as inter-unit links through water O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds which, together with water O-H⋯O(carbon-yl) inter-actions, give a three-dimensional framework structure.

Expression of Y-Box-binding Protein 1 in Chinese Patients with Breast Cancer

Tumour Biology : the Journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21968648

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Y-Box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) in breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Paraffin sections were retrospectively collected from 239 cases of stage I-III breast cancer patients and 30 healthy females who received surgery between January 2000 and December 2004 in the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital. The protein expression of YB-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression difference between the two groups and the correlation between YB-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and breast cancer prognosis were analyzed. Within the breast cancer group, YB-1 was expressed in the cytoplasm in 100.0% (239/239) of cases and in the nucleus in 36.8% (88/239) of cases. Within the control group of normal breast tissue, YB-1 was expressed in the cytoplasm in 100.0% (30/30) of cases and in the nucleus in 16.7% (5/30) of cases. The expression of YB-1 in the nucleus of breast cancer cells was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissue (P = 0.029). The expression of YB-1 in the nucleus of breast cancer cells positively correlated with the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade (P = 0.007) and HER-2 expression (P = 0.005), negatively correlated with ER expression (P = 0.004), and was independent of the age, menstrual status, pathological type, tumor size, lymph node status, presence of thrombosis, PR expression, and EGFR expression. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with positive YB-1 expression in the nucleus were significantly lower than those of patients who were negative for nuclear YB-1 expression, and the difference was statistically significant (DFS 65.9% vs. 82.1%, P = 0.000; OS 79.5% vs. 92.1%, P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis suggested that the expression of YB-1 in the nucleus is an independent prognostic factor that affects DFS and OS in breast cancer patients (DFS P = 0.015; OS P = 0.035). In conclusion, the expression of YB-1 in the nucleus is related to carcinogenesis and the development of breast cancer. Therefore, YB-1 is an important molecular marker that can be used to predict breast cancer prognosis.

Broad Reactivity of the Luminex XTAG Respiratory Virus Panel (RVP) Assay for the Detection of Human Rhinoviruses

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22222051

Acyl Homoserine Lactone-based Quorum Sensing in a Methanogenic Archaeon

The ISME Journal. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22237544

Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum sensing commonly refers to cell density-dependent regulatory mechanisms found in bacteria. However, beyond bacteria, this cell-to-cell communication mechanism is poorly understood. Here we show that a methanogenic archaeon, Methanosaeta harundinacea 6Ac, encodes an active quorum sensing system that is used to regulate cell assembly and carbon metabolic flux. The methanogen 6Ac showed a cell density-dependent physiology transition, which was related to the AHL present in the spent culture and the filI gene-encoded AHL synthase. Through extensive chemical analyses, a new class of carboxylated AHLs synthesized by FilI protein was identified. These carboxylated AHLs facilitated the transition from a short cell to filamentous growth, with an altered carbon metabolic flux that favoured the conversion of acetate to methane and a reduced yield in cellular biomass. The transcriptomes of the filaments and the short cell forms differed with gene expression profiles consistent with the physiology. In the filaments, genes encoding the initial enzymes in the methanogenesis pathway were upregulated, whereas those for cellular carbon assimilation were downregulated. A luxI-luxR ortholog filI-filR was present in the genome of strain 6Ac. The carboxylated AHLs were also detected in other methanogen cultures and putative filI orthologs were identified in other methanogenic genomes as well. This discovery of AHL-based quorum sensing systems in methanogenic archaea implies that quorum sensing mechanisms are universal among prokaryotes.

Gemini Surfactant Assisted Synthesis of Two-dimensional Metal Nanoparticles/graphene Composites

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22246144

We demonstrate the synthesis of 2D metal nanoparticles (MNPs)/graphene nanocomposites using small cationic surfactants as stabilizers. 2D sandwich-like MNPs/graphene nanocomposites with a uniform distribution of MNPs can be achieved via a one-pot in situ growth and reduction protocol.

Treadmill Training Regulates β-catenin Signaling Through Phosphorylation of GSK-3β in Lumbar Vertebrae of Ovariectomized Rats

European Journal of Applied Physiology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22252247

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with high level of adipogenesis within the bone marrow at the expense of osteoblast population. The mechanical effect on β-catenin through phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is critical for inhibition of adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. In present study, we hypothesized that treadmill training could regulate the β-catenin signaling through phosphorylation of GSK-3β in the lumbar vertebrae of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into the following four groups: (a) Sham, (b) OVX, (c) OVX exercised (EX), and (d) OVX estrogen replacement (E(2)). At the end of the experiment, the serum levels of estradiol (E(2)) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the ultimate lumbar vertebra strength, as well as the protein expression for peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), β-catenin, P-GSK-3β, and osterix (Osx) in lumbar vertebrae were analyzed. Moreover, the protein expression for β-catenin and P-GSK-3β were also examined in the uterus. The EX group had lower protein level of PPARγ, higher ultimate lumbar vertebral strength, and higher protein levels of β-catenin, and P-GSK-3β in lumbar vertebral bodies compared with sedentary OVX group. The effects of EX treatment on the protein levels of β-catenin and P-GSK-3β in bones were not reproducible in the uterus. Moreover, exercise treatment produced no estrogenic effect as evidenced by serum level of LH. In conclusion, this study suggested that treadmill training could activate the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling and inhibit the production of PPARγ in lumbar vertebrae of OVX rats, which may contribute to the prevention of bone loss in OVX rats.

Protein Degradation Pathways After Brain Ischemia

Current Drug Targets. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22204315

There are two major routes for clearance of aberrant cellular components: (i) the ubiquitin-proteasomal system (UPS); and (ii) the autophagy pathway. The UPS degrades individual abnormal proteins, whereas the autophagy pathway is the chief route for bulk degradation of large abnormal protein aggregates and aberrant organelles. Impairments of the protein degradation pathways are closely tied with many human diseases. Brain ischemia leads to protein misfolding and aggregation, resulting in overproduction of protein aggregate-associated organelles. Brain ischemia also damages protein degradation pathways. This chapter will discuss molecular mechanisms underlying the impairments of the UPS and autophagy pathways and how such impairments lead to multiple organelle failure and delayed neuronal death after brain ischemia.

Complicated Life, Complicated VEGF-B

Trends in Molecular Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22178229

No other member of the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family has been as mysterious as VEGF-B. Notwithstanding its name, VEGF-B can hardly be regarded as a growth factor because growth occurs fairly normally in Vegf-b deficient mice. Moreover, VEGF-B is barely angiogenic under most conditions, although it was expected to be an angiogenic factor for a long time. Under certain conditions, VEGF-B has been shown to be involved in blood vessel growth. Under other conditions, however, VEGF-B can act to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis. Given these contradictory findings, the biological function of VEGF-B appears enigmatic. In this review, we summarize recent advances in VEGF-B biology and discuss its multifaceted roles, the underlying mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic implications.

Four-and-a-half-LIM Protein 1 Down-regulates Estrogen Receptor α Activity Through Repression of AKT Phosphorylation in Human Breast Cancer Cell

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22094188

The Four-and-a-half LIM protein 1 (FHL-1) is a member of LIM-only protein family. It plays important roles in proliferation and apoptosis regulation of certain hepatocellular carcinoma and human breast cancer. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is involved in the development and progression of human breast cancer. IGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway also plays certain roles in the program and regulation of human breast cancer and ovary cancer. However, the biological function of FHL-1 in regulation of human breast cancer and in the cross-talk of estrogen and IGF signaling pathway remains largely unknown. In this paper, we show that FHL-1 protein interacts with ERα and AKT. FHL-1 represses the translation and transcription of estrogen receptor-responsive genes through down-regulating AKT activation. In addition, FHL-1 is not only an ERα-interacting co-regulation protein, but also decreases the phosphorylation of AKT and ERα. Depression of endogenous FHL-1 by FHL-1 targeted small interfering RNA enhances the expression of these proteins and phosphorylation of AKT and ERα. These data suggest that FHL-1 may regulate ER signaling function through regulation of AKT activation besides the physical and functional interaction with ERα. By establishing a linkage role of the FHL-1 between the estrogen ERα signaling pathway and IGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, this study identifies that FHL-1 proteins may be a useful molecular target for human breast cancer therapy.

NAD(P)H Oxidase-dependent Intracellular and Extracellular O2•- Production in Coronary Arterial Myocytes from CD38 Knockout Mice

Free Radical Biology & Medicine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22100343

Activation of NAD(P)H oxidase has been reported to produce superoxide (O(2)(•-)) extracellularly as an autocrine/paracrine regulator or intracellularly as a signaling messenger in a variety of mammalian cells. However, it remains unknown how the activity of NAD(P)H oxidase is regulated in arterial myocytes. Recently, CD38-associated ADP-ribosylcyclase has been reported to use an NAD(P)H oxidase product, NAD(+) or NADP(+), to produce cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) or nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate, which mediates intracellular Ca(2+) signaling. This study was designed to test a hypothesis that the CD38/cADPR pathway as a downstream event exerts feedback regulatory action on the NAD(P)H oxidase activity in production of extra- or intracellular O(2)(•-) in mouse coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs). By fluorescence microscopic imaging, we simultaneously monitored extra- and intracellular O(2)(•-) production in wild-type (CD38(+/+)) and CD38 knockout (CD38(-/-)) CAMs in response to oxotremorine (OXO), a muscarinic type 1 receptor agonist. It was found that CD38 deficiency prevented OXO-induced intracellular but not extracellular O(2)(•-) production in CAMs. Consistently, the OXO-induced intracellular O(2)(•-) production was markedly inhibited by CD38 shRNA or the CD38 inhibitor nicotinamide in CD38(+/+) CAMs. Further, Nox4 siRNA inhibited OXO-induced intracellular but not extracellular O(2)(•-) production, whereas Nox1 siRNA attenuated both intracellular and extracellular O(2)(•-) production in CD38(+/+) CAMs. Direct delivery of exogenous cADPR into CAMs markedly elevated intracellular Ca(2+) and O(2)(•-) production in CD38(-/-) CAMs. Functionally, CD38 deficiency or Nox1 siRNA and Nox4 siRNA prevented OXO-induced contraction in isolated perfused coronary arteries in CD38 WT mice. These results provide direct evidence that the CD38/cADPR pathway is an important controller of Nox4-mediated intracellular O(2)(•-) production and that CD38-dependent intracellular O(2)(•-) production is augmented in an autocrine manner by CD38-independent Nox1-derived extracellular O(2)(•-) production in CAMs.

How to Make More Cycling Good for Road Safety?

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22062332

This paper discusses the current level of the road safety problems of cycling and cyclists, why cyclists run relatively high risks, and why cyclists may be considered as 'vulnerable road users'. This paper is based on peer-reviewed research which give some idea how to reduce the number of cyclist casualties. However, this research is rather limited and the results cannot (easily) be transferred from one setting or country to another: generalization of results should only be done with the utmost care, if it is to be done at all. Interventions to reduce cyclist casualties worldwide seem to be of an incidental nature; that is to say, they are implemented in a rather isolated way. In a Safe System approach, such as the Dutch Sustainable Safety vision, the inherent risks of traffic are dealt with in a systematic, proactive way. We illustrate how this approach is especially effective for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists. Finally, the paper addresses the question of whether it is possible to make more cycling good for road safety. We conclude that when the number of cyclists increases, the number of fatalities may increase, but will not necessarily do so, and the outcome is dependent on specific conditions. There is strong evidence that well-designed bicycle facilities-physically separated networks-reduce risks for cyclists, and therefore have an impact on the net safety result, for example if car-kilometres are substituted by bicycle kilometres. Policies to support cycling should incorporate these findings in order to make more cycling good for road safety.

Bifidobacterium As an Oral Delivery Carrier of Interleukin-12 for the Treatment of Coxsackie Virus B3-induced Myocarditis in the Balb/c Mice

International Immunopharmacology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22088614

IL-12 plays an important role in the treatment of many infectious diseases by being administered intravenously or intramuscularly. However, intravenous or intramuscular administration is difficult and inconvenient and may cause side effects. The aim of this study is to develop a novel oral delivery system for IL-12 using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum as the carrier and further investigate the efficacy of IL-12-expressed B. longum on the coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in mice. A mIL-12 gene expression vector pBBADs-IL-12 for B. longum was constructed and transformed into Bifidobacterium. Subsequently, the expression of mIL-12 in the engineered B. longum was identified in vitro by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after l-arabinose induction. Moreover, our data indicated that oral administration of IL-12-expressed B. longum for two weeks after CVB3 infection in the Balb/c mice could downregulate the severity of virus-induced myocarditis, markedly reduce the virus titers in the heart and induce a Th1 pattern in the spleen and heart compared with the controls. In conclusion, a novel oral delivery system of Bifidobacterium for murine IL-12 has been successfully established. Oral administration of mIL-12-transformed B. longum may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of CVB3-induced myocarditis in the mice.

Optimization on Preparation Condition of Epimedium Polysaccharide Liposome and Evaluation of Its Adjuvant Activity

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22074742

The aim of this strategy was to investigate whether the adjuvant activity of epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) could be further enhanced after encapsulated with liposome. In preparation of EPS liposome (EPSL) test, an orthogonal L(9) (3(4)) test design was used to optimize the preparation condition of EPSL. In adjuvant activity test, 350 14-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to 7 groups and vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. Simultaneously, the chickens in experimental groups were injected with EPSL at three doses, EPS and blank liposome, respectively. The activity of lymphocytes proliferation, titer of serum antibody and concentrations of cytokines were determined. Results showed that the optimal preparation condition of EPSL was that ratio of drug to lipid, ratio of soybean phospholipid to cholesterol, ultrasonic time, and water bath temperature were 1:30, 4:1, 10 min and 40°C, respectively. EPSL could significantly enhance the immune response of ND vaccine and promote cytokines secretion, and its high dose possessed the best efficacy. These findings indicated that liposome encapsulation could significantly improve the adjuvant activity of EPS.

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Oriental Fruit Moth Grapholita Molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Molecular Biology Reports. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21670960

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) currently is one of the economically most destructive pest species of stone and pome fruits worldwide. Here we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of this pest. This genome is 15,776 bp long, with an A + T content of 81.24%, containing 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and an A + T-rich region. All gene are arranged as hypothesized ancestral gene order of insects except for trnM, which was shuffled from 3' downstream of trnQ to 5' upstream of trnI. cox1 gene uses unusual CGA start codon, as that in all other sequenced lepidopteran mitochondrial genome. The secondary structures for the two rRNA genes were predicted. All helices typically present in insect mitochondrial rRNA genes are generated. A microsatellite sequence was inserted into the region of H2347 in rrnL in G. molesta and two other sequenced tortricid mitochondrial genomes, indicating that the insertion event in this helix might occurred anciently in family Tortricidae. All of the 22 typical animal tRNA genes have a typical cloverleaf structure except for trnS2, in which the D-stem pairings in the DHU arm are absent. An intergenic sequence is present between trnQ and nad2 as well as in other sequenced lepidopteran mitochondrial genomes, which was presumed to be a remnant of trnM gene and its boundary sequences after the duplication of trnM to the upstream of trnI in Lepidoptera. The A + T-rich region is 836 bp, containing six repeat sequences of "TTATTATTATTATTAAATA(G)TTT."