Observation Particle Morphology of Colloidal System by Conventional SEM with an Improved Specimen Preparation Technique

Microscopy Research and Technique. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21080471

On the basis of our previous report that polymer emulsion with different viscosity can be investigated by conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we have developed an improved specimen preparation technique for obtaining particle morphology and size of colloidal silver, collagen, glutin, and polymer microspheres. In this study, we expect to provide a means for charactering the three-dimensional surface microstructure of colloidal particles. Dilution of the samples with appropriate volatile solvent like ethanol is effective for SEM specimen preparation. At a proper ratio between sample and ethanol, the colloidal particles are dispersed uniformly in ethanol and then deposited evenly on the substrate. Different drying methods are studied to search a proper drying condition, in which the small molecule solvent is removed without destroying the natural particle morphology. And the effects of ethanol in the specimen preparation process are described by analyzing the physicochemical properties of ethanol. The specimen preparation technique is simple and can be achieved in common laboratory for charactering the particle morphology of colloidal system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effect of Nitroxoline on Angiogenesis and Growth of Human Bladder Cancer

Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21088277

Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis; therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis is a promising strategy for developing new anticancer drugs. Type 2 methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP2) protein is likely a molecular target of angiogenesis inhibitors.

[Management of Patients with Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysm of Carotid and Vertebral Artery]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21092493

To evaluate the formation mechanism and management of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of carotid and vertebral artery.

ADAR2-dependent RNA Editing of GluR2 is Involved in Thiamine Deficiency-induced Alteration of Calcium Dynamics

Molecular Neurodegeneration. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21110885

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency (TD) causes mild impairment of oxidative metabolism and region-selective neuronal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). TD in animals has been used to model aging-associated neurodegeneration in the brain. The mechanisms of TD-induced neuron death are complex, and it is likely multiple mechanisms interplay and contribute to the action of TD. In this study, we demonstrated that TD significantly increased intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca2+]i in cultured cortical neurons.

A Cytoplasmic Dynein Tail Mutation Impairs Motor Processivity

Nature Cell Biology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21102439

Mutations in the tail of the cytoplasmic dynein molecule have been reported to cause neurodegenerative disease in mice. The mutant mouse strain Legs at odd angles (Loa) has impaired retrograde axonal transport, but the molecular deficiencies in the mutant dynein molecule, and how they contribute to neurodegeneration, are unknown. To address these questions, we purified dynein from wild-type mice and the Legs at odd angles mutant mice. Using biochemical, single-molecule, and live-cell-imaging techniques, we find a marked inhibition of motor run-length in vitro and in vivo, and significantly altered motor domain coordination in the dynein from mutant mice. These results suggest a potential role for the dynein tail in motor function, and provide direct evidence for a link between single-motor processivity and disease.

Multi-channel WDM RZ-to-NRZ Format Conversion at 50 Gbit/s Based on Single Silicon Microring Resonator

Optics Express. Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20941008

We comprehensively analyze multiple WDM channels RZ-to-NRZ format conversion using a single microring resonator. The scheme relies on simultaneous suppression of the first order harmonic components in the spectra of all the RZ channels. An optimized silicon microring resonator with free spectral range of 100 GHz and Q value of 7900 is designed and fabricated for this purpose. Multi-channel RZ-to-NRZ format conversion is demonstrated experimentally at 50 Gbit/s for WDM channels with 200 GHz channel spacing using the fabricated device. Bit error rate (BER) measurements show very good conversion performances for the scheme.

Chronic and Acute Models of Retinal Neurodegeneration TrkA Activity Are Neuroprotective Whereas P75NTR Activity is Neurotoxic Through a Paracrine Mechanism

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20943663

In normal adult retinas, NGF receptor TrkA is expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGC), whereas glia express p75(NTR). During retinal injury, endogenous NGF, TrkA, and p75(NTR) are up-regulated. Paradoxically, neither endogenous NGF nor exogenous administration of wild type NGF can protect degenerating RGCs, even when administered at high frequency. Here we elucidate the relative contribution of NGF and each of its receptors to RGC degeneration in vivo. During retinal degeneration due to glaucoma or optic nerve transection, treatment with a mutant NGF that only activates TrkA, or with a biological response modifier that prevents endogenous NGF and pro-NGF from binding to p75(NTR) affords significant neuroprotection. Treatment of normal eyes with an NGF mutant-selective p75(NTR) agonist causes progressive RGC death, and in injured eyes it accelerates RGC death. The mechanism of p75(NTR) action during retinal degeneration due to glaucoma is paracrine, by increasing production of neurotoxic proteins TNF-α and α(2)-macroglobulin. Antagonists of p75(NTR) inhibit TNF-α and α(2)-macroglobulin up-regulation during disease, and afford neuroprotection. These data reveal a balance of neuroprotective and neurotoxic mechanisms in normal and diseased retinas, and validate each neurotrophin receptor as a pharmacological target for neuroprotection.

Interaction of Functional NPC1 Gene Polymorphism with Smoking on Coronary Heart Disease

BMC Medical Genetics. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20955564

The protein of Niemann-pick type C1 gene (NPC1) is known to facilitate the egress of cholesterol and other lipids from late endosomes and lysosomes to other cellular compartments. This study aims to investigate whether the genetic variation in NPC1 is associated with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to detect whether NPC1 might interact with smoking on the risk of CHD.

[Verification of Ballast Water Exchange for International Ships Anchored in Xiamen Port by CDOM Tracer]

Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi = Guang Pu. Sep, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21105436

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and absorption spectroscopy were applied to study the optical properties of 29 CDOM samples collected from different ballast tanks of nine international route vessels anchored in Xiamen Port between October 2007 and April 2008. The purpose was to examine the feasibility of these spectral properties as a tracer to verify if these vessels follow the mid-ocean ballast water exchange (BWE) regulation. Using parallel factor analysis, four fluorescent components were identified, including two humic-like components (C1: 245, 300/386 nm; C2: 250, 345/458 nm) and two protein-like components (C3: 220, 275/306 nm; C4: 235, 290/345 nm), of which C2 component was the suitable fluorescence verification indicator. The vertical distribution of all fluorescent components in ballast tank was nearly similar indicating that profile-mixing sampling was preferable. Combined use of C2 component, spectral slope ratio (SR) of absorption spectroscopy and salinity may provide reasonable verification if BWE carried out by these nine ships. The results suggested that the combined use of multiple parameters (fluorescence, absorption and salinity) would be much reliable to determine the origin of ballast water, and to provide the technical guarantee for fast examination of ballast water exchange in Chinese ports.

[Effect of Intravenous Esmolol on BIS Index and Anesthesia Emergence During Sedation Anesthesia for Ambulatory Surgery]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20979754

The aim of this research is to observe whether esmolol infusion as an adjunct to propofol can affect BIS index, reduce anesthetic dose and decrease emergence time.

[Determination of Ascitic Bacterial 16S RRNA Gene in the Rapid Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis]

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21050561

To evaluate the value of ascitic bacterial 16S rRNA gene determination in the rapid diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Growth of Directly Transferable In(2)O(3) Nanowire Mats for Transparent Thin-film Transistor Applications

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21154419

[Study on the Efficiency of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) in Predicting In-hospital Mortality of the Patients with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21162824

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency of European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) in predicting in-hospital mortality for the patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who had undergone PCI in our hospital since year 2005 to 2007. We used both cumulative EuroSCORE score and logistic EuroSCORE to predict the in-hospital morality and to analyze the correlation between the predicted mortality and the actual mortality. RESULTS: According to the additive EuroSCORE, we divided the patients into three groups, the additive EuroSCORE 0 - 2 were divided into low-risk group, 3 - 5 were divided into mid-risk group and ≥ 6 into high-risk group. The actual in-hospital mortality rates were 0%, 0.47% and 6.09% respectively. The EuroSCORE model demonstrated an overall relation between the EuroSCORE ranking and the incidence of in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). Results from the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the EuroSCORE was an independent in-hospital mortality predictor (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The EuroSCORE risk model and the in-hospital mortality were significantly correlated, indicating that the model was a promising method for predicting the in-hospital mortality of PCI patients.

Longitudinal Study of Retinal Degeneration in a Rat Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Optics Express. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21164686

Rodent models of retinal degenerative diseases are used by vision scientists to develop therapies and to understand mechanisms of disease progression. Measurement of changes to the thickness of the various retinal layers provides an objective metric to evaluate the performance of the therapy. Because invasive histology is terminal and provides only a single data point, non-invasive imaging modalities are required to better study progression, and to reduce the number of animals used in research. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as a dominant imaging modality for human ophthalmic imaging, but has only recently gained significant attention for rodent retinal imaging. OCT provides cross section images of retina with micron-scale resolution which permits measurement of the retinal layer thickness. However, in order to be useful to vision scientists, a significant fraction of the retinal surface needs to be measured. In addition, because the retinal thickness normally varies as a function of distance from optic nerve head, it is critical to sample all regions of the retina in a systematic fashion. We present a longitudinal study of OCT to measure retinal degeneration in rats which have undergone optic nerve axotomy, a well characterized form of rapid retinal degeneration. Volumetric images of the retina acquired with OCT in a time course study were segmented in 2D using a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm. Then, using a 3D algorithm, thickness measurements were quantified across the surface of the retina for all volume segmentations. The resulting maps of the changes to retinal thickness over time represent the progression of degeneration across the surface of the retina during injury. The computational tools complement OCT retinal volumetric acquisition, resulting in a powerful tool for vision scientists working with rodents.

Loss of BCL2L10 Protein Expression As Prognostic Predictor for Poor Clinical Outcome in Gastric Carcinoma

Histopathology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21166696

BCL2L10 protein is an apoptosis-related member of the Bcl-2 protein family. The clinical significance of its expression in gastric carcinoma is poorly understood. The aim was to investigate BCL2L10 expression and its clinical and prognostic significance in gastric carcinoma patients.

[Study on the Expression of Uncoupling Protein 2 in the Kidney of the Rats with Hypothyroidism]

Zhongguo Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue = Chinese Critical Care Medicine = Zhongguo Weizhongbing Jijiuyixue. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21190599

To observe the change in the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in kidney mitochondria in rats with hypothyroidism, and study the mechanism of renal injury due to hypothyroidism.

Pathological Classification of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Based on a New Concept

World Journal of Hepatology. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21191517

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) arises from the lining epithelium and peribiliary glands of the intrahepatic biliary tree and shows variable cholangiocytic differentiation. To date, ICC was largely classified into adenocarcinoma and rare variants. Herein, we propose to subclassify the former, based on recent progress in the study of ICC including the gross classification and hepatic progenitor/stem cells and on the pathological similarities between biliary and pancreatic neoplasms. That is, ICC is classifiable into the conventional (bile duct) type, the bile ductular type, the intraductal neoplasm type and rare variants. The conventional type is further divided into the small duct type (peripheral type) and large bile duct type (perihilar type). The former is a tubular or micropapillary adenocarcinoma while the latter involves the intrahepatic large bile duct. Bile ductular type resembles proliferated bile ductules and shows a replacing growth of the hepatic parenchyma. Hepatic progenitor cell or stem cell phenotypes such as neural cell adhesion molecule expression are frequently expressed in the bile ductular type. Intraductal type includes papillary and tubular neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNBs and ITNBs) and a superficial spreading type. IPNB and ITNB show a spectrum from a preneoplastic borderline lesion to carcinoma and may have pancreatic counterparts. At invasive sites, IPNB is associated with the conventional bile duct ICC and mucinous carcinoma. Biliary mucinous cystic neoplasm with ovarian-like stroma in its wall is different from IPNB, particularly IPNB showing cystic dilatation of the affected ducts. Rare variants of ICC include squamous/adenosquamous cell carcinoma, mucinous/signet ring cell carcinoma, clear cell type, undifferentiated type, neuroendocrine carcinoma and so on. This classification of ICC may open up a new field of research of ICC and contribute to the clinical approach to ICC.

Tie2/TEK Modulates the Interaction of Glioma and Brain Tumor Stem Cells with Endothelial Cells and Promotes an Invasive Phenotype

Oncotarget. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21321379

Malignant gliomas are the prototype of highly infiltrative tumors and this characteristic is the main factor for the inevitable tumor recurrence and short survival after most aggressive therapies. The aberrant communication between glioma cells and tumor microenvironment represents one of the major factors regulating brain tumor dispersal. Our group has previously reported that the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie2/TEK is expressed in glioma cells and brain tumor stem cells and is associated with the malignant progression of these tumors. In this study, we sought to determine whether the angiopoietin 1 (Ang1)/Tie2 axis regulates crosstalk between glioma cells and endothelial cells. We found that Ang1 enhanced the adhesion of Tie2-expressing glioma and brain tumor stem cells to endothelial cells. Conversely, specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of Tie2 expression inhibited the adhesion capability of glioma cells. Tie2 activation induced integrin β1 and N-cadherin upregulation, and neutralizing antibodies against these molecules inhibited the adhesion of Tie2-positive glioma cells to endothelial cells. In 2D and 3D cultures, we observed that Ang1/Tie2 axis activation was related to increased glioma cell invasion, which was inhibited by using Tie2 siRNA. Importantly, intracranial co-implantation of Tie2-positive glioma cells and endothelial cells in a mouse model resulted in diffusely invasive tumors with cell clusters surrounding glomeruloid vessels mimicking a tumoral niche distribution. Collectively, our results provide new information about the Tie2 signaling in glioma cells that regulates the cross-talk between glioma cells and tumor microenvironment, envisioning Tie2 as a multi-compartmental target for glioma therapy.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent Kinase II Facilitated GluR6 Subunit Serine Phosphorylation Through GluR6-PSD95-CaMKII Signaling Module Assembly in Cerebral Ischemia Injury

Brain Research. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20888327

Although recent results suggest that GluR6 serine phosphorylation plays a prominent role in brain ischemia/reperfusion-mediated neuronal injury, little is known about the precise mechanisms regulating GluR6 receptor phosphorylation. Our present study shows that the assembly of the GluR6-PSD95-CaMKII signaling module induced by brain ischemia facilitates the serine phosphorylation of GluR6 and further induces the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase JNK. More important, a selective CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 suppressed the increase of the GluR6-PSD95-CaMKII signaling module assembly and GluR6 serine phosphorylation as well as JNK activation. Such effects were similar to be observed by NMDA receptor antagonist MK801 and L-type Ca(2+) channel (L-VGCC) blocker Nifedipine. These results demonstrate that NMDA receptors and L-VGCCs depended-CaMKII functionally modulated the phosphorylation of GluR6 via the assembly of GluR6-PSD95-CaMKII signaling module in cerebral ischemia injury.

Airway Management in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Suspension Laryngoscopic Surgery for Severe Laryngeal Obstruction Caused by Papillomatosis

Paediatric Anaesthesia. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21199117

To review perioperative airway management and ventilation strategy during the surgical removal of papilloma under suspension laryngoscopy in pediatric patients with severe airway obstruction.

Plasma-micropatterning of Albumin Nanoparticles: Substrates for Enhanced Cell-interactive Display of Ligands

Biointerphases. Dec, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21219031

The authors demonstrate a novel, efficient, and widely applicable approach to direct the patterning of ligand-functionalized organic nanoparticles derived from albumin on nonconductive, biodegradable polymeric substrates. In contrast to traditional deposition methods for inorganic nanoparticles, the approach involves oxygen plasma treatment of spatially restricted regions on a nonbiopermissive polymer. Albumin nanoparticles conjugated with a truncated fragment of fibronectin containing the Arg-Gly-Asp domain were successfully patterned and used as templates to elicit adhesion and spreading of human mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts. Attachment and spreading of both cell types into the plasma-exposed polymer areas was considerably more pronounced than with the ligand alone. The authors hypothesize that the underlying mechanism is oxygen plasma treatment-induced selective enhancement of ligand exposure from the deposited functionalized nanoparticles, which facilitates ligand receptor clustering at the cell membrane. The results highlight a promising nanoscale approach to modulate ligand presentation and spatially direct cell attachment and phenotypic behaviors.

[Bioremediation of Micro-polluted Source Water by Simulated River Bioreactor with Different Carriers]

Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue / [bian Ji, Zhongguo Ke Xue Yuan Huan Jing Ke Xue Wei Yuan Hui "Huan Jing Ke Xue" Bian Ji Wei Yuan Hui.]. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21250445

Two simulated river bioreactors with elastic filler and AquaMats were applied to remediate micro-polluted source water. Under intermittent aeration and gradual increase of aeration intensity, the biofilm reactor with elastic filler was successful start-up within 50 days, and average removal efficiencies of permanganate index, NH4(+) -N were 78.2% and 93.5%, respectively, but the removal efficiencies of the reactor with AquaMats were more than 70% and 80% after two weeks. On the condition of aerobic to anoxic ratio of 3 h: 3 h and aeration intensity of 250 L x h(-1), elastic filler was more efficient for the removal of permanganate index, NH4(+) -N, TN and TP. The pollutant removal of AquaMats was strongly enhanced when the aerobic to anoxic ratio and aeration intensity changed to 2 h :4 h and 120 L x h(-1), which suggested its potential of energy saving. Microscopic observation revealed that the surface of elastic filler was fully surrounded with filamentous bacteria and more inorganic particulate matter after successful start-up of the reactor, and the biofilm attaching to AquaMats was of higher microbial population diversity. The results indicated that elastic filler with homogeneous biofilm had a strong retention capacity for its radial structure, and the AquaMats with microporous structure was more suitable for the enrichment of different functional microorganisms and enhanced the collaborative removal of multiple pollutants.

Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter in Urban Sewage Using Excitation Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Parallel Factor Analysis

Journal of Environmental Sciences (China). 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21235160

Wastewater dissolved organic matter (DOM) from different processing stages of a sewage treatment plant in Xiamen was characterized using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Parallel factor analysis modeling of excitation-emission matrix spectra revealed five fluorescent components occurring in sewage DOM: one protein-like (C1), three humic-like (C2, C4 and C5) and one xenobiotic-like (C3) components. During the aerated grit chamber and primary sedimentation tank stage, there was only a slight decrease in fluorescence intensity and the absorption coefficient at 350 nm (a350). During the second aeration stage, high concentration of protein-like and short-wavelength-excited humic-like components were significantly degraded accompanied by significant loss of DOC (80%) and a350 (30%), indicating that C1 and C2 were the dominant constituents of sewage DOM. As a result, long-wavelength-excited C4 and C5 became the dominant humic-like components and the DOM molecular size inferred from the variation of spectral slope S (300-650 nm) and specific absorption (a280/DOC) increased. Combination use of F(max) of C1 and the ratio of C1/C5, or a350 may provide a quantitative indication for the relative amount of raw or treated sewage in aquatic environment.

Actin Filament Associated Protein Mediates C-Src Related SRE/AP-1 Transcriptional Activation

FEBS Letters. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21236256

AFAP is an adaptor protein involved in cytoskeletal organization and intracellular signaling. AFAP binds and activates c-Src; however, the downstream signals of this interaction remain unknown. Here we show that co-expression of AFAP and c-Src induce transcriptional activation of SRE and AP-1 in a c-Src activity dependent fashion. Structural-functional studies suggest that the proline-rich motif in the N-terminus of AFAP is critical for c-Src activation, and subsequent SRE/AP-1 transactivation and the actin-binding domain in the AFAP C-terminus is negatively involved in the regulation of AFAP/c-Src mediated SRE/AP-1 transactivation. Selective deletion of this domain enhances transactivation of SRE. We conclude that in addition to its role in the regulation of cytoskeletal structures, AFAP may also be involved in the c-Src related transcriptional activities.

Cytoprotective Effects of Albumin, Nitrosated or Reduced, in Cultured Rat Pulmonary Vascular Cells

American Journal of Physiology. Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21239532

S-nitrosoalbumin (SNO-Alb) has been shown to be an efficacious cytoprotective molecule in acute lung injury, as well as ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart and skeletal muscle. Nonetheless, limited information is available on the cellular mechanism of such protection. Accordingly, we investigated the protective effects of SNO-Alb [ and its denitrosated congener, reduced albumin (SH-Alb) ] on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH)-mediated cytotoxicity in cultured rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMEC), as well as hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-mediated cytotoxicity in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMC). We noted that tBH caused a concentration-dependent necrosis in RPMEC, and pretreatment of RPMEC with SNO-Alb dose-dependently decreased the sensitivity of these cells to tBH. A component of SNO-Alb cytoprotection was sensitive to N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and was associated with activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phenomena that could be reproduced with pretreatment with SH-Alb. Exogenous H(2)S caused concentration-dependent apoptosis in RPASMC due to activation of ERK1/2 and p38, as well as downregulation of Bcl-2. Pretreatment with SNO-Alb reduced H(2)S-mediated apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner that was associated with SNO-Alb-mediated inhibition of activation of ERK1/2 and p38. Pretreatment with SNO-Alb reduced toxicity of 1 mM sodium hydrosulfide in an N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-sensitive fashion in RPASMC that expressed gp60 and neuronal NOS and was capable of transporting fluorescently labeled SH-Alb. Therefore, SNO-Alb is cytoprotective against models of oxidant-induced necrosis (tBH) and inhibitors of cellular respiration and apoptosis (H(2)S) in both pulmonary endothelium and smooth muscle, respectively, and a component of such protection can be attributed to a SH-Alb-mediated activation of constitutive NOS.

Cyclophilin A (CyPA) Induces Chemotaxis Independent of Its Peptidylprolyl Cis-trans Isomerase Activity: Direct Binding Between CyPA and the Ectodomain of CD147

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21245143

Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is a ubiquitously distributed peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) that possesses diverse biological functions. Extracellular CyPA is a potent chemokine, which can directly induce leukocyte chemotaxis and contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammation-mediated diseases. Although it has been identified that the chemotaxis activity of CyPA is mediated through its cell surface signaling receptor CD147, the role of CyPA PPIase activity in this process is disputable, and the underlying molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, we present the first evidence that CyPA induces leukocyte chemotaxis through a direct binding with the ectodomain of CD147 (CD147(ECT)), independent of its PPIase activity. Although NMR study indicates that the CD147(ECT) binding site on CyPA overlaps with the PPIase active site, the PPIase inactive mutant CyPA(R55A) exhibits similar CD147(ECT) binding ability and chemotaxis activity to those of CyPA(WT). Furthermore, we have identified three key residues of CyPA involved in CD147(ECT) binding and found that mutations H70A, T107A, and R69A result in similar levels of reduction in CD147(ECT) binding ability and chemotaxis activity for CyPA, without affecting the PPIase activity. Our findings indicate that there exists a novel mechanism for CyPA to regulate cellular signaling processes, shedding new light on its applications in drug development and providing a new targeting site for drug design.

Effect of CC Chemokine Receptor 2 CCR2 Blockade on Serum C-reactive Protein in Individuals at Atherosclerotic Risk and with a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Promoter Region

The American Journal of Cardiology. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21247529

CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), expressed on the surface of circulating monocytes, and its ligand monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1; also known as CC-chemokine ligand 2) are present in atherosclerotic plaques and may have important roles in endothelial monocyte recruitment and activation. MLN1202 is a highly specific humanized monoclonal antibody that interacts with CCR2 and inhibits MCP-1 binding. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to measure reductions in circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, an established biomarker of inflammation associated with coronary artery disease, on MLN1202 treatment in patients at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (≥2 risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >3 mg/L). Additionally, patients were genotyped for the 2518 A→G polymorphism in the promoter of the MCP-1 gene to investigate the correlation between this polymorphism and reduced C-reactive protein levels with MLN1202 treatment. Patients who received MLN1202 exhibited significant decreases in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, beginning at 4 weeks and continuing through 12 weeks after dosing. Patients with A/G or G/G genotypes in the MCP-1 promoter had significantly greater reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels than patients with the wild-type A/A genotype. In conclusion, MLN1202 treatment was well tolerated in this patient population and resulted in significant reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.

Synthesis of (-)-callicarpenal, a Potent Arthropod-repellent

Tetrahedron. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21643472

Callicarpenal (1), a natural terpenoid isolated from American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), has shown significant repellent activities against mosquitoes, ticks and imported fire ants. Here we report our efficient synthetic approach to this natural product, and preliminary results of the mosquito biting-deterrent effects of callicarpenal as well as its synthetic precursors and related C(8)-epimers. The synthetic strategy allows rapid access to various epimers and analogues of the natural product that can be used to explore its structure-activity relationship and optimize its biological properties.

High-mobility Group A1 Proteins Enhance the Expression of the Oncogenic MiR-222 in Lung Cancer Cells

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21656127

High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is a non-histone chromatin protein that has the ability to regulate the transcriptional activity of many genes. Overexpression of HMGA1 is associated with malignant cellular behavior in a range of human cancers but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here we showed that in a cohort of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors, HMGA1 overexpression was immediately associated with enhanced expression of an oncogenic miRNA, namely, miR-222. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay revealed that HMGA1 directly binds to the proximal promoter of miR-222 in NSCLC cells. We further showed that HMGA1 silencing reduced miR-222 transcriptional activity, whereas forced HMGA1 expression increased it, indicating that miR-222 is directly regulated by HMGA1. Based on in silico prediction, one of the putative targets of miR-222 is phosphatase 2A subunit B (PPP2R2A) which inhibits Akt phosphorylation (p-Akt). We demonstrated that miR-222 inhibited protein expression of PPP2R2A in NSCLC cells by directly interacting with its 3'-UTR region, leading to an obvious increase of p-Akt. HMGA1 silencing augmented PPP2R2A protein expression and inhibited Akt signaling, resulting in significantly retarded cell growth response to IGF-I. These results suggested that HMGA1 is a positive regulator of miR-222, and HMGA1 overexpression might contribute to dysregulation of Akt signaling in NSCLC.

[Relationship Between Plasma Levels of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Feeding Intolerance in Preterm Infants]

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21672415

To study the changes of plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels and the relationship of plasma VIP levels with feeding intolerance (FI) in preterm infants.

CYP1A1 Ile462Val Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Lung Cancer: a Meta-analysis Based on 32 Studies

European Journal of Cancer Prevention : the Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22025136

Lung cancer is the second most common human malignant disease and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The effect of CYP1A1 IleVal polymorphism on susceptibility to lung cancer has been researched extensively over the last two decades. However, controversial results were obtained. To provide a more robust estimate of the effect, a meta-analysis was carried out. We systematically searched the PubMed database for studies published before August 2010, without language restriction. On the basis of our search criteria, a total of 32 studies (5126 patients and 6974 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, CYP1A1 IleVal polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk (GG vs. AG+AA: odds ratio=1.61, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-2.17; GG vs. AA: odds ratio=1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.35). Ethnic subgroup analyses showed that a significant association was found in Asians, but not in Africans, Caucasians, or other populations. In subgroup analyses by histology, the result is not reliable. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the CYP1A1 IleVal polymorphism might play a modest role in susceptibility to lung cancer, especially in Asians.

Mechanical Stochastic Tug-of-war Models Cannot Explain Bidirectional Lipid-droplet Transport

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22084076

Intracellular transport via the microtubule motors kinesin and dynein plays an important role in maintaining cell structure and function. Often, multiple kinesin or dynein motors move the same cargo. Their collective function depends critically on the single motors' detachment kinetics under load, which we experimentally measure here. This experimental constraint--combined with other experimentally determined parameters--is then incorporated into theoretical stochastic and mean-field models. Comparison of modeling results and in vitro data shows good agreement for the stochastic, but not mean-field, model. Many cargos in vivo move bidirectionally, frequently reversing course. Because both kinesin and dynein are present on the cargos, one popular hypothesis explaining the frequent reversals is that the opposite-polarity motors engage in unregulated stochastic tugs-of-war. Then, the cargos' motion can be explained entirely by the outcome of these opposite-motor competitions. Here, we use fully calibrated stochastic and mean-field models to test the tug-of-war hypothesis. Neither model agrees well with our in vivo data, suggesting that, in addition to inevitable tugs-of-war between opposite motors, there is an additional level of regulation not included in the models.

Iodine Excess or Not: Analysis on the Necessity of Reducing the Iodine Content in Edible Salt Based on the National Monitoring Results

Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22094833

Using national monitoring data collected between 1995 and 2009, this paper describes the change in trend with regard to the coverage of qualified iodized household salt and iodine status of the population in China since the implementation of universal salt iodization. The review indicates that the iodine content in edible salt increased from 16.2 mg/kg in 1995 to 42.3 mg/kg in 1999, then declined to 30.8 mg/kg in 2005 and has retained this level through the most recent data collection cycle, which is considered sufficient to achieve optimal iodine status. However, the median urinary iodine excretion level for children aged 8-10 at the national level has been consistently classified as "excessive iodine intake" since 1997, suggesting that although three adjustments on the standard of iodine content in edible salt have been made, the current content of salt iodization is still on the high side. The iodine content in edible salt could be lowered, and possibly adapted to local specific conditions such as water iodine content and the average daily intake of salt among the population in order to achieve a balance between preventing deficiency and reducing the risk of excessive intake.

[Establishment of Cellular Immunity of Enhanced Hepatitis B Vaccine]

Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Shiyan He Linchuang Bingduxue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22097617

To establish the method to detect the cellular immune response of enhanced hepatitis B vaccine and make verification preliminary.

Iridoids from the Roots of Valeriana Jatamansi and Their Biological Activities

Natural Product Research. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22115452

A new iridoid, jatamandoid A (1), and four known analogues (2-5) were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1-D and 2-D NMR). Five compounds were evaluated and compounds 1, 2 and 5 showed moderate neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal SH-SY5Y cell death.

Biofilm Formation and Microbial Community Analysis of the Simulated River Bioreactor for Contaminated Source Water Remediation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22120124

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: The start-up pattern of biofilm remediation system affects the biofilm characteristics and operating performances. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of the contaminated source water remediation systems with different start-up patterns in view of the pollutants removal performances and microbial community succession. METHODS: The operating performances of four lab-scale simulated river biofilm reactors were examined which employed different start-up methods (natural enrichment and artificial enhancement viadischarging sediment with influent velocity gradient increase) and different bio-fillers (Elastic filler and AquaMats® ecobase). At the same time, the microbial communities of the bioreactors in different phases were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and sequencing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The pollutants removal performances became stable in the four reactors after 2 months' operation, with ammonia nitrogen and permanganate index (COD(Mn)) removal efficiencies of 84.41-94.21% and 69.66-76.60%, respectively. The biomass of mature biofilm was higher in the bioreactors by artificial enhancement than that by natural enrichment. Microbial community analysis indicated that elastic filler could enrich mature biofilm faster than AquaMats®. The heterotrophic bacteria diversity of biofilm decreased by artificial enhancement, which favored the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) developing on the bio-fillers. Furthermore, Nitrosomonas- and Nitrosospira-like AOB coexisted in the biofilm, and Pseudomonas sp., Sphaerotilus sp., Janthinobacterium sp., Corynebacterium aurimucosum were dominant in the oligotrophic niche. CONCLUSION: Artificial enhancement via the combination of sediment discharging and influent velocity gradient increasing could enhance the biofilm formation and autotrophic AOB enrichment in oligotrophic niche.

[Antiviral Therapy of HCV Infection in Patients with Uraemia on Maintenance of Hemodialysis and Waiting for Renal Transplantation: a Case Report]

Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Ganzangbing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Hepatology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22053386

Characteristics of Ozone Vertical Profile Observed in the Boundary Layer Around Beijing in Autumn

Journal of Environmental Sciences (China). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22128539

In the autumn of 2008, the vertical profiles of ozone and meteorological parameters in the low troposphere (0-1000 m) were observed at two sites around Beijing, specifically urban Nanjiao and rural Shangdianzi. At night and early morning, the lower troposphere divided into two stratified layers due to temperature inversion. Ozone in the lower layer showed a large gradient due to the titration of NO. Air flow from the southwest brought ozone-rich air to Beijing, and the ozone profiles were marked by a continuous increase in the residual layer at night. The accumulated ozone in the upper layer played an important role in the next day's surface peak ozone concentration, and caused a rapid increase in surface ozone in the morning. Wind direction shear and wind speed shear exhibited different influences on ozone profiles and resulted in different surface ozone concentrations in Beijing.

Synthesis and Na+/H+ Exchanger Inhibitory Activity of Benzoylguanidine Derivatives

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21724305

Twenty-two compounds of substituted benzoylguanidine derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent NHE1 inhibitors. Twelve compounds showed more potent NHE1 inhibitory activity than cariporide. The activities of compounds 7e, 7h and 7j (IC(50) = 0.073 ± 0.021, 0.084 ± 0.012 and 0.068 ± 0.021 nmol/L, respectively) were two orders of magnitude higher than that of cariporide (30.7 ± 2.5 nmol/L). Myocardial cells in vitro screening showed 7j had highlighted protective effect on cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Thus it is valuable for further investigation.

Induction of Toll-like Receptor 2 Positive Antigen-presenting Cells in Spleen of Pristane-induced Arthritis in Rats

Molecular Biology Reports. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21725847

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been found to contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to investigate the regulation and potential role of TLR2 in spleen of pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) rat, which can be used to further understand the mechanisms of RA. Arthritis in DA rats was induced by pristane. TLR2 expression in spleen was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting, and TLR2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels was upregulated in PIA rats. Peptidoglycan (PGN) was systemically administrated to PIA rats, and arthritis severity was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Results showed that systemic administration of PGN to PIA rats obviously deteriorated arthritis severity. TLR2 expression on splenocytes and different types of immune cells was measured by flow cytometry. And it was found that TLR2 was mainly expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of spleen, and the proportion of TLR2(+) dendritic cells and macrophages in spleen of PIA rats was increased remarkably. Thus, we conclude that the induction of TLR2(+) APCs in spleen may participate in the maintenance of PIA.

Electrophysiological Correlates of Emotional Processing in Sensation Seeking

Biological Psychology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21726599

Previous studies have consistently reported a relationship between sensation seeking and emotional reactivity. However, little is known about the neural correlates and the time course of emotional processing in sensation seeking. The present study addressed these issues by recording event-related potentials (ERPs) during an emotional oddball task. Valence effect was significant at N2, P3 and LPP whereas arousal effect was significant at P3 and LPP. More importantly, low sensation seekers (LSSs) exhibited an increased emotional N2 whereas high sensation seekers (HSSs) showed an enhanced emotional P3. Furthermore, the arousal effect was similar across the two groups, but the valence effect at N2 stage was significant in LSSs instead of HSSs. These findings suggest that LSSs tend to show a more active general alerting system toward emotional stimuli, particularly for negative stimuli, whereas HSSs tend to display a stronger preference for intense stimulation irrespective of the emotional valence.

[Expression of ADAR1 Isoforms in Murine Acute T-ALL Leukemia Model]

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi / Zhongguo Bing Li Sheng Li Xue Hui = Journal of Experimental Hematology / Chinese Association of Pathophysiology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21729523

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of ADAR1 isoforms of P110 and P150 during the development of murine leukemia. A Notch1 over-expressing murine T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia model was used to study the expression of ADAR1. BMMNC were isolated at different stages of disease and CD45.2(+)GFP(+) leukemia cells were sorted by flow cytometry at late stage. The expression of ADAR1 was detected by real time quantitative PCR. The results showed that mouse bone marrow cells from both leukemia and control groups expressed P110 and P150. Difference of P110 and P150 mRNA expression were observed during the development of leukemia. The expression of P110 dramatically increased and was significantly higher than that in control group. However, the expression level of P150 in leukemia group decreased stably and reached one-fourth of that in control group at 14 day. Furthermore, similar expression patterns could be detected in sorted CD45.2(+)GFP(+) leukemia cells. It is concluded that the mRNA expressions of P110 and P150 show diverse patterns in the development of leukemia, suggesting that RNA editing mediated by ADAR1 isoforms may play different roles in leukemia.

Neuroprotective Kaurane Diterpenes from Fritillaria Ebeiensis

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21737919

The new kaurane diterpene, ent-3β-butanoyloxykaur-15-en-17-ol, and four known kaurane diterpenes were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria ebeiensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1-D and 2-D NMR). All the isolates showed neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Analysis of Gene Expression Profile of Arabidopsis Genes Under Trichloroethylene Stresses with the Use of a Full-length CDNA Microarray

Molecular Biology Reports. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21743994

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread and persistent environmental contaminant. Plants are able to take up a range of harmful organic compounds, including some of the most abundant environmental pollutants like TCE. In this study, complementary DNA microarrays were constructed to have a better view of transcript expression in Arabidopsis thaliana during TCE-induced stress. The microarray analysis demonstrated the complexity of gene expression patterns resulting from TCE. A total of 1,020 transcripts were differentially up-regulated by TCE. Those genes might specifically contribute to the TCE transformation, conjugation, and compartmentation in plant. This study provides informative preliminary data for more in-depth analyses of TCE tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

[Effects of Intermittent Aeration on Nitrogen-removal Capability of Biological Contact Oxidation Remediation System for Micro-polluted Source Water]

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. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21774328

Aiming at the carbon source limitation of denitrification in oligotrophic habitat, this paper studied the effects of intermittent aeration on the nitrogen-removal capability of biological contact oxidation remediation system for micro-polluted source water, and approached the feasibility and process mechanism of shortcut nitrification and denitrification in the system. Under the condition of 8 h-16 h anoxic-aerobic phase (I), the remediation system performed stably, and its average removal efficiency of ammonium (NH4+ -N), permanganate index (COD(Mn)), and total nitrogen (TN) was 93.0%, 78.1%, and 19.4%, respectively. Under the condition of 16 h-8 h anoxic-aerobic phase (II), the NH4+ -N and COD(Mn) removal efficiency still maintained at 81.2% and 76.4%, respectively, the accumulation of nitrite (NO2- -N) was significant, and the removal efficiency of TN reached more than 50%. The nitrogen transformation characteristics in the system during a cycle under condition II demonstrated that at the prerequisite of effluent NH4+ -N and DO concentrations reaching the standards, shortening aerobic phase length could maintain the DO concentration at 0. 5 -1.5 mg L(-1) in a long term, inhibit the growth and activity of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, and thereby, NO2- -N had an obvious accumulation, and the nitrogen removal via shortcut nitrification-denitrification in the biological contact oxidation remediation system for micro-polluted source water was finally achieved.

[The Effect of Adipose-derived Stem Cells on Viability of Random Pattern Skin Flap in Rabbits]

Zhonghua Zheng Xing Wai Ke Za Zhi = Zhonghua Zhengxing Waike Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21774351

To explore the effect of the adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) on the survival of random pattern skin flap in rabbits.

Downregulation of Mucins in Graft Bile Ducts After Liver Transplantation in Rats

Transplantation. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21775928

Nonanastomotic biliary strictures represent a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study investigates the potential role of mucins in bile duct injury after OLT.

Observation Particle Morphology of Colloidal System by Conventional SEM with an Improved Specimen Preparation Technique

Microscopy Research and Technique. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21780248

On the basis of our previous report that polymer emulsion with different viscosity can be investigated by conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we have developed an improved specimen preparation technique for obtaining particle morphology and size of colloidal silver, collagen, glutin, and polymer microspheres. In this study, we expect to provide a means for charactering the three-dimensional surface microstructure of colloidal particles. Dilution of the samples with appropriate volatile solvent like ethanol is effective for SEM specimen preparation. At a proper ratio between sample and ethanol, the colloidal particles are dispersed uniformly in ethanol and then deposited evenly on the substrate. Different drying methods are studied to search a proper drying condition, in which the small molecule solvent is removed without destroying the natural particle morphology. And the effects of ethanol in the specimen preparation process are described by analyzing the physicochemical properties of ethanol. The specimen preparation technique is simple and can be achieved in common laboratory for charactering the particle morphology of colloidal system.

Cerebral Ischemic Pre-conditioning Enhances the Binding Characteristics and Glutamate Uptake of Glial Glutamate Transporter-1 in Hippocampal CA1 Subfield of Rats

Journal of Neurochemistry. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21781120

Glial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) is the predominant subtype of glutamate transporters which are responsible for the homeostasis of extracellular glutamate. Our previous studies have shown that up-regulation in GLT-1 protein expression matches brain ischemic tolerance induced by cerebral ischemic preconditioning (CIP). To specify the role of functional changes of GLT-1 in the induction of brain ischemic tolerance by CIP, the present study was undertaken to examine changes in the binding properties of GLT-1 (including maximum binding and affinity for glutamate) and in GLT-1 mediated glutamate uptake, using L-³H-glutamate assay in the rat hippocampus. The results indicated that CIP was able to increase the maximum binding and affinity, and uptake of GLT-1 for glutamate in hippocampal CA1 subfield either with or without the presence of the subsequent severe brain ischemic insult. Simultaneously, accompanied with the above changes, CIP significantly reduced the delayed neuronal death (DND) in this region induced by lethal global cerebral ischemia. It could be concluded that up-regulation in the maximum binding and affinity and glutamate uptake of GLT-1 contributed to the neuronal protection of CIP against global cerebral ischemic insult.

Effect of Estradiol on Proliferation and Differentiation of Side Population Stem/progenitor Cells from Murine Endometrium

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21801373

In our previous study, endometrium side population cells (SP cells) were isolated from postpartum murine uterus, and characterized by a heterogeneous population of stem/progenitor cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of estrogen on the proliferation and differentiation of SP cells.

Neo-Clerodane Diterpenes from Ajuga Ciliata Bunge and Their Neuroprotective Activities

Fitoterapia. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21807075

Three new (1-3) and three known (4-6) neo-clerodane diterpenes have been isolated from the whole plants of Ajuga ciliata Bunge. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (12S)-1β,6α,19-triacetoxy-18-chloro-4α,12-dihydroxy-neo-clerod-13-en-15,16-olide (1), (12S,2'S)-12,19-diacetoxy-18-chloro-4α,6α-dihydroxy-1β-(2-methylbutanoyloxy)-neo-clerod-13-en-15,16-olide (2), and (12S)-6α,18,19-triacetoxy-4α,12-dihydroxy-1β-tigloyloxy-neo-clerod-13-en-15,16-olide (3), on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. All the diterpenes were evaluated for the neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and compounds 2-5 exhibited moderate neuroprotective effects.

Iridoids from the Roots of Valeriana Jatamansi and Their Neuroprotective Effects

Fitoterapia. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21807076

Three new iridoids, valeriandoids A-C (1-3), together with three known analogues (4-6), were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects and compounds 1, 3, 4 and 6 showed moderate neuroprotective effects.

Enantioselective Synthesis of (-)-jiadifenin, a Potent Neurotrophic Modulator

Organic Letters. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21812392

The first enantioselective synthesis of (-)-jiadifenin (1), a potent neurite outgrowth promoter isolated from the Illicium species, is described. The synthetic strategy builds upon bicyclic motif 6, which represents the AB ring of the natural product and proceeds in 19 steps and 1.1% overall yield. Key to our approach is a Mn(III)-mediated oxidation reaction of A ring that, following a regio- and diastereoselective α-hydroxylation and methylation sequence, produces the desired functionalities of (-)-jiadifenin. The effect of synthetic 1 in NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth was also measured in PC-12 cells.

CXCL16 Recruits Bone Marrow-derived Fibroblast Precursors in Renal Fibrosis

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21816936

Although fibroblasts are responsible for the production and deposition of extracellular matrix in renal fibrosis, their origin is controversial. Circulating fibroblast precursors may contribute to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, but the signaling mechanisms underlying the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors into the kidney in response to injury are incompletely understood. Here, in the unilateral ureteral obstruction model of renal fibrosis, tubular epithelial cells upregulated the chemokine CXCL16 in obstructed kidneys, and circulating fibroblast precursors expressed the CXCL16 receptor, CXCR6. Compared with wild-type mice, CXCL16-knockout mice accumulated significantly fewer bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors in obstructed kidneys. CXCL16-knockout mice also exhibited significantly fewer CD45-, collagen I-, and CXCR6-triple-positive fibroblast precursors in injured kidneys. Furthermore, targeted deletion of CXCL16 inhibited myofibroblast activation, reduced collagen deposition, and suppressed expression of collagen I and fibronectin. In conclusion, CXCL16 contributes to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis by recruiting bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors.

[Specificity of Acupuncture-moxibustion Effect and Its Research Value]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21823272

Acupuncture-moxibustion is the major method and process in acupuncture treatment. And obvious therapeutic effect can be found toward different phases of syndromes or various diseases. The concept of specificity of acupuncture-moxibustion effect is firstly put forward by this article, which refers to the corresponding relationship between different acupuncture and moxibustion techniques and the best indications or phases of syndromes. Meanwhile, through analysis of literatures concerning comparison on effects of different acupuncture-moxibustion techniques, different manipulations of the same acupuncture technique and different parameters of the same technique, the subjective existence of the specificity of acupuncture-moxibustion effect is approved. The recognition on specificity of acupuncture-moxibustion effect by domestic experts is also expounded. It is demonstrated that the study of specificity of acupuncture-moxibustion effect can be advanced through revealing of the law and features of its specificity, which is considered to be significant for clinical decision, educational implement and scientific research designation of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Ordered Blue Luminescent Ultrathin Films by the Effective Coassembly of Tris(8-hydroxyquinolate-5-sulfonate)aluminum and Polyanions with Layered Double Hydroxides

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21823659

This article reports a novel method to assemble a small anion with exfoliated Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets into ordered ultrathin films (UTFs) by employing the layer-by-layer assembly technique. The premixing solution of tris(8-hydroxyquinolate-5-sulfonate)aluminum(III) (AQS(3-)) with three kinds of polyanions-poly(acrylic acid), ((C(3)H(4)O(2))(n), PAA), poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) ([CH(2)CH(C(6)H(4))SO(3)](m), PSS), and poly[5-methoxy-2-(3-sulfopropoxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (C(12)H(13)O(5)S)(n), PPV)-has been used as building blocks to assemble alternatively with LDH nanosheets. The UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of (AQS-polyanion/LDH)(n) UTFs presents stepwise growth upon increasing deposited cycles in comparison with the (AQS/LDH)(n) film under the same experimental process. (AQS-PPV/LDH)(n) UTF displays complex fluorescence originating from AQS and PPV. The (AQS/LDH)(n) and (AQS-polyanion/LDH)(n) UTFs exhibit higher blue-polarized photoemission character with a luminescence anisotropy (r) of ca. 0.12-0.20 and a longer fluorescence lifetime than that of the Na(3)AQS film with r = 0.04. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the UTFs were orderly periodically layered structures with a thickness of ca. 3.0 nm per bilayer. Therefore, this work gives a feasible method for immobilizing small anions into the gallery of LDHs.

Tsc1 Mutant Neural Stem/progenitor Cells Exhibit Migration Deficits and Give Rise to Subependymal Lesions in the Lateral Ventricle

Genes & Development. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21828270

Subependymal nodules (SENs) and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are common brain lesions found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). These brain lesions present a mixed glioneuronal phenotype and have been hypothesized to originate from neural stem cells. However, this hypothesis has not been tested empirically. Here, we report that loss of Tsc1 in mouse subventricular zone (SVZ) neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) results in formation of SEN- and SEGA-like structural abnormalities in the lateral ventricle, the consequence of abnormal migration of NSPCs following Tsc1 loss.

Sesquiterpenoids from the Resinous Exudates of Commiphora Myrrha and Their Neuroprotective Effects

Planta Medica. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21830185

Ten new furanosesquiterpenoids, myrrhterpenoids A-J (1- 10), together with eight known analogues (11- 18), were isolated from the resinous exudates of COMMIPHORA MYRRHA. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by the ChemDraw 3D modeling using MM2. All isolated furanosesquiterpenes showed neuroprotective effects against MPP (+)-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.

Association Between Two Key SNPs on Chromosome 12p13 and Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population

Pharmacogenetics and Genomics. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21832970

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association studies recently identified two SNPs (rs11833579 and rs12425791) on chromosome 12p13 that are associated with ischemic stroke (IS) in Caucasian or Black persons from America and the Netherlands. Our aim was to determine whether these SNPs were associated with IS in Chinese Han population.

Cytotoxicity of VEGF(121)/rGel on Vascular Endothelial Cells Resulting in Inhibition of Angiogenesis is Mediated Via VEGFR-2

BMC Cancer. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21849059

The fusion protein VEGF(121)/rGel composed of the growth factor VEGF(121) and the plant toxin gelonin targets the tumor neovasculature and exerts impressive anti-vascular effects. We have previously shown that VEGF(121)/rGel is cytotoxic to endothelial cells overexpressing VEGFR-2 but not to endothelial cells overexpressing VEGFR-1. In this study, we examined the basis for the specific toxicity of this construct and assessed its intracellular effects in vitro and in vivo.

Sildenafil Inhibits Calcineurin/NFATc2-mediated Cyclin A Expression in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Life Sciences. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21851826

To examine whether calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway leads to proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) by regulating cell cycle proteins and whether the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil affects calcineurin/NFAT-induced cell proliferation.

Neuroprotective Cadinane Sesquiterpenes from the Resinous Exudates of Commiphora Myrrha

Fitoterapia. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21856385

Three new cadinane sesquiterpenes, commiterpenes A-C, were isolated from the resinous exudates of Commiphora myrrha. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). All the isolated sesquiterpenes showed neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.

Construction of Substituted Benzene Rings by Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Cross-Coupling of Olefins: A Rapid Synthetic Route to 1,4-Naphthoquinone and Its Derivatives

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21882309

Microbial Glycosylation of Cardamonin by Mucor Spinosus

Yao Xue Xue Bao = Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21882537

Microbial transformation of cardamonin by Mucor spinosus (CGMCC 3.3450) in preparative scale resulted in the isolation of two new products. Their structures were elucidated unambiguously by ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR spectra analyses as 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone (1, 4-GluC) and 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone (2, 6-GluC), respectively. The time-course of biotransformation by M. spinosus showed that both 4-GluC and 6-GluC appeared on the 2nd day. The optimal biotransformation temperature was 28 degrees C, the optimal biotransformation time was 72 h and the optimal concentration for cardamonin was 40 mg x mL(-1). This is the first time for successful microbial glycosylation of cardamonin in present research.

Trastuzumab Enhances the Anti-tumor Effects of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Sodium Butyrate on a HER2-overexpressing Breast Cancer Cell Line

International Journal of Molecular Medicine. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21887460

Trastuzumab has efficacy to improve the effect of cytotoxic drugs, such as paclitaxel and anthracyclin, against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Sodium butyrate (NaB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is known to have antitumoral properties. However, whether and how trastuzumab possesses the potential to synergize the anti-tumor effect of NaB on breast cancer cells is still equivocal. To elucidate whether combined treatment with NaB and trastuzumab exerts anti-tumor effects on a HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line, SKBR3 cells were treated with NaB alone or in combination with trastuzumab, and the effects on proliferation and cell cycle progression were analyzed. Combinatory treatment with NaB (4 mmol/l) and trastuzumab (20 µg/ml) significantly increased the growth-inhibitory effect on SKBR3 breast cancer cells, in comparison to NaB or trastuzumab treatment alone. The growth-inhibitory effect of the combination of NaB and trastuzumab was accompanied by elevated mRNA and protein levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. In contrast, this effect was absent in HER2-negative HCC1937 cells. In conclusion, trastuzumab significantly improved the antitumor effect of NaB on HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line in vitro.

Bioactive Myrsinol Diterpenoids from the Roots of Euphorbia Prolifera

Journal of Natural Products. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21928782

Ten myrsinol diterpenes, euphorbiaproliferins A-J (1-10), along with nine known analogues (11-19) were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia prolifera. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR), and the structure of 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The diterpenes showed neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.

Bandwidth and Wavelength-tunable Optical Bandpass Filter Based on Silicon Microring-MZI Structure

Optics Express. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21451674

A novel and simple bandwidth and wavelength-tunable optical bandpass filter based on silicon microrings in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure is proposed and demonstrated. In this filter design, the drop transmissions of two microring resonators are combined to provide the desired tunability. A detailed analysis and the design of the device are presented. The shape factor and extinction ratio of the filter are optimized by thermally controlling the phase difference between the two arms of the MZI. Simultaneous bandwidth and wavelength tunability with in-band ripple control is demonstrated by thermally tuning the resonance offset between the two microring resonators.

Generation of a 640 Gbit/s NRZ OTDM Signal Using a Silicon Microring Resonator

Optics Express. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21451675

A 640 Gbit/s NRZ OTDM signal has been successfully generated for the first time by format conversion of a 640 Gbit/s OTDM signal from RZ to NRZ. First, a coherent 640 Gbit/s OTDM RZ signal is generated by wavelength conversion of the original incoherent OTDM signal utilizing Kerr switching in a highly nonlinear fiber. Second, RZ-to-NRZ format conversion is achieved in a specially designed silicon microring resonator with FSR of 1280 GHz, Q value of 638, high extinction ratio and low coupling loss to optical fiber. A 640 Gbit/s NRZ OTDM signal with very clear eye-diagram and narrower bandwidth than both the original incoherent 640 Gbit/s and the wavelength converted coherent 640 Gbit/s RZ OTDM signals has been obtained. Bit error ratio measurements show error free (<10(-9)) performance at a received power of -30 dBm for all the OTDM channels of the 640 Gbit/s NRZ signal, with very low power penalty (<0.5 dB) and improved dispersion tolerance compared to the wavelength converted RZ case.

Identification and Characterization of the Pyridomycin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of Streptomyces Pyridomyceticus NRRL B-2517

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21454714

Pyridomycin is a structurally unique antimycobacterial cyclodepsipeptide containing rare 3-(3-pyridyl)-l-alanine and 2-hydroxy-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid moieties. The biosynthetic gene cluster for pyridomycin has been cloned and identified from Streptomyces pyridomyceticus NRRL B-2517. Sequence analysis of a 42.5-kb DNA region revealed 26 putative open reading frames, including two nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes and a polyketide synthase gene. A special feature is the presence of a polyketide synthase-type ketoreductase domain embedded in an NRPS. Furthermore, we showed that PyrA functioned as an NRPS adenylation domain that activates 3-hydroxypicolinic acid and transfers it to a discrete peptidyl carrier protein, PyrU, which functions as a loading module that initiates pyridomycin biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro. PyrA could also activate other aromatic acids, generating three pyridomycin analogues in vivo.

Overexpression of Shadoo Protein in Transgenic Mice Does Not Impact the Pathogenesis of Scrapie

Neuroscience Letters. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21458534

Shadoo is a glycoprotein expressed in the adult brain that is an interacting protein of prion protein; however, its function remains to be determined. To elucidate its role in prion pathogenesis, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type (wt) Shadoo driven by the murine PrP promoter. Expression of the murine Sprn transgene significantly increased brain Shadoo protein levels in all three mouse lines generated. Following infection with mouse-adapted scrapie strain 22L, all transgenic mice tested exhibited characteristics of scrapie disease. Importantly, there was no correlation between the expression level or incubation time of Shadoo with disease phenotype. We therefore conclude that Shadoo has little or no influence on the outcome of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) disease in transgenic mice.

Pestalotiopamide E, a New Amide from the Endophytic Fungus Pestalotiopsis Sp

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21462043

Chemical examination of the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp., isolated from the leaves of the Chinese mangrove Rhizophora mucronata, yielded a new amide called pestalotiopamide E (1). The structure of the new compound was unambiguously elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis.

Effect of Reinforcement History on Hand Choice in an Unconstrained Reaching Task

Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21472031

Choosing which hand to use for an action is one of the most frequent decisions people make in everyday behavior. We developed a simple reaching task in which we vary the lateral position of a target and the participant is free to reach to it with either the right or left hand. While people exhibit a strong preference to use the hand ipsilateral to the target, there is a region of uncertainty within which hand choice varies across trials. We manipulated the reinforcement rates for the two hands, either by increasing the likelihood that a reach with the non-dominant hand would successfully intersect the target or decreasing the likelihood that a reach with the dominant hand would be successful. While participants had minimal awareness of these manipulations, we observed an increase in the use of the non-dominant hand for targets presented in the region of uncertainty. We modeled the shift in hand use using a Q-learning model of reinforcement learning. The results provided a good fit of the data and indicate that the effects of increasing and decreasing the rate of positive reinforcement are additive. These experiments emphasize the role of decision processes for effector selection, and may point to a novel approach for physical rehabilitation based on intrinsic reinforcement.

Endothelium-coated Tumor Clusters Are Associated with Poor Prognosis and Micrometastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Resection

Cancer. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21480209

Distinct morphologic features of microvascular endothelium exist in tumor tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of endothelium-coated tumor clusters (ECTCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Scientific Publications in Nephrology and Urology Journals from Chinese Authors in East Asia: a 10-year Survey of the Literature

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21494662

Diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary tract are common health problems that affect people of all ages and demographic backgrounds. In this study, we compared the quantity and quality of nephrological and urological articles published in international journals from the three major regions of China: the mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW).

VEGF Attenuates Development from Cardiac Hypertrophy to Heart Failure After Aortic Stenosis Through Mitochondrial Mediated Apoptosis and Cardiomyocyte Proliferation

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21496294

Aortic stenosis (AS) affects 3 percent of persons older than 65 years and leads to greater morbidity and mortality than other cardiac valve diseases. Surgery with aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe symptomatic AS is currently the only treatment option. Unfortunately, in patients with poor ventricular function, the mortality and long-term outcome is unsatisfied, and only a minority of these patients could bear surgery. Our previous studies demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protects cardiac function in myocardial infarction model through classic VEGF-PI3k-Akt and unclear mitochondrial anti-apoptosis pathways; promoting cardiomyocyte (CM) proliferation as well. The present study was designed to test whether pre-operative treatment with VEGF improves AS-induced cardiac dysfunction, to be better suitable for AVR, and its potential mechanism.

Quantifying Cholesterol Synthesis in Vivo Using (2)H(2)O: Enabling Back-to-back Studies in the Same Subject

Journal of Lipid Research. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21498887

The advantages of using (2)H(2)O to quantify cholesterol synthesis include i) homogeneous precursor labeling, ii) incorporation of (2)H via multiple pathways, and iii) the ability to perform long-term studies in free-living subjects. However, there are two concerns. First, the t(1/2) of tracer in body water presents a challenge when there is a need to acutely replicate measurements in the same subject. Second, assumptions are made regarding the number of hydrogens (n) that are incorporated during de novo synthesis. Our primary objective was to determine whether a step-based approach could be used to repeatedly study cholesterol synthesis a subject. We observed comparable changes in the (2)H-labeling of plasma water and total plasma cholesterol in African-Green monkeys that received five oral doses of (2)H(2)O, each dose separated by one week. Similar rates of cholesterol synthesis were estimated when comparing data in the group over the different weeks, but better reproducibility was observed when comparing replicate determinations of cholesterol synthesis in the same nonhuman primate during the respective dosing periods. Our secondary objective was to determine whether n depends on nutritional status in vivo; we observed n of ∼25 and ∼27 in mice fed a high-carbohydrate (HC) versus carbohydrate-free (CF) diet, respectively. We conclude that it is possible to acutely repeat studies of cholesterol synthesis using (2)H(2)O and that n is relatively constant.

Association of a Tandem Repeat Polymorphism in NFATc1 with Increased Risk of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect in a Chinese Population

Biochemical Genetics. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21499900

The nuclear factor of activated T lymphocytes (NFATc1) plays a critical role during valvular and septal development. Genetic variants may influence the biological function of the protein and thus play a role in susceptibility to valvuloseptal defects. Tandem repeat polymorphisms and a common nonsynonymous polymorphism (Cys751Gly) of NFATc1 were genotyped in a hospital-based case-control study of 241 patients with valvuloseptal cardiac defects and 557 controls. The risk of valvuloseptal defect associated with the variant homozygote (LL) was significantly greater than that of the wild-type homozygote. Based on stratification analyses by congenital heart disease types, individuals with the LL genotype were postulated to have a higher risk of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (adjusted OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.02-2.78). These findings suggest the usefulness of the NFATc1 tandem repeat polymorphism as a biomarker of perimembranous ventricular septal defect susceptibility.

Pathological Spectrum of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Arising in Non-biliary Chronic Advanced Liver Diseases

Pathology International. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21501296

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is reported to develop in non-biliary chronic advanced liver diseases (CALD). Herein, we characterize the pathological features of ICC arising in CALD in comparison with those in non-CALD livers. Of 471 surgically resected cases of ICC in Kanazawa, Japan and Seoul, Korea, 53 were associated with CALD (group A), while the remaining 418 arose in otherwise normal livers (group B). When ICC were classified into bile duct type, bile ductular type, variants, and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), the whole spectrum of subtypes were found in group A; the majority of ICC belonged to the bile duct type in both groups. In group A, bile ductular type was rather frequent (22.6%) compared with group B (8.4%). IPNB was more frequent in group B (22.5%) than group A (3.8%), and in group B, frequent in Seoul cases (24.8%), but rare in Kanazawa cases (2.3%). Variants of ICC were rare in both groups. These results imply that cholangiocarcinogenesis itself is upregulated in group A in comparison with group B and that the bile ductular type is specifically related to group A. Some unique environmental factors in Seoul may be responsible for the frequent development of IPNB.

Direct Electron Transfer and Electrochemical Study of Hemoglobin Immobilized in ZnO Hollow Spheres

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21505813

ZnO hollow spheres were firstly prepared. A new type of amperometric hydrogen peroxide biosensor was fabricated by entrapping Hemoglobin (Hb) through the ZnO hollow spheres (ZHS) nanoparticles. The composition morphology and size were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The surface topography of the prepared films was imaged by atomic force microscope (AFM). Several techniques, including UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry were employed to characterize the performance of the biosensor. The results indicated that the ZHS nanoparticles had enhanced the performance of the hydrogen peroxide sensors. The electrochemical parameters of Hb in the ZHS were calculated by the results of the electron-transfer coefficient (α) and the apparent heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant K (s) as 0.5 and 3.1 s(-1), respectively. The resulting biosensors showed a wide linear range from 2.1 × 10(-6) to 5.18 × 10(-3) M, with a low detection limit of 7.0 × 10(-7) M (S/N = 3) under optimized experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that the ZHS matrix may improve the protein loading with the retention of bioactivity and greatly promote the direct electron transfer, which can be attributed to its unique morphology, high specific surface area, and biocompatibility. The biosensor obtained from this study possesses high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Neuroprotective Labdane Diterpenes from Fritillaria Ebeiensis

Fitoterapia. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21513776

By bioactivity-guided isolation, two labdane diterpenes (1 and 2) have been isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria ebeiensis. Their structures were elucidated as 6α,7β-dihydroxy-labda-8(17),12(E),14-triene (1) and 6-oxo-2α-hydroxy-labda-7,12(E), 14-triene (2), on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Both of the isolates showed neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct in Liver Cirrhosis with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21528069

A case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) arising in a patient with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is reported. A 76-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with recurrent HCC. Laboratory data showed that levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were elevated. He died of progressive hepatic failure. At autopsy, in addition to HCCs, an intraductal papillary proliferation of malignant cholangiocytes with fibrovascular cores was found in the dilated large bile ducts in the left lobe, and this papillary carcinoma was associated with an invasive mucinous carcinoma (invasive IPNB). Interestingly, extensive intraductal spread of the cholangiocarcinoma was found from the reactive bile ductular level to the interlobular bile ducts and septal bile ducts and to the large bile ducts in the left lobe. Neural cell adhesion molecule, a hepatic progenitor cell marker, was detected in IPNB cells. It seems possible in this case that hepatic progenitor cells located in reactive bile ductules in liver cirrhosis may have been responsible for the development of the cholangiocarcinoma and HCC, and that the former could have spread in the intrahepatic bile ducts and eventually formed grossly visible IPNB.

Performance and Scalability of Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Acceleration Using Graphics Processing Units

Applied Optics. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21532660

Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) provides faster line rates, better resolution, and higher sensitivity for noninvasive, in vivo biomedical imaging compared to traditional time domain OCT (TD-OCT). However, because the signal processing for FD-OCT is computationally intensive, real-time FD-OCT applications demand powerful computing platforms to deliver acceptable performance. Graphics processing units (GPUs) have been used as coprocessors to accelerate FD-OCT by leveraging their relatively simple programming model to exploit thread-level parallelism. Unfortunately, GPUs do not "share" memory with their host processors, requiring additional data transfers between the GPU and CPU. In this paper, we implement a complete FD-OCT accelerator on a consumer grade GPU/CPU platform. Our data acquisition system uses spectrometer-based detection and a dual-arm interferometer topology with numerical dispersion compensation for retinal imaging. We demonstrate that the maximum line rate is dictated by the memory transfer time and not the processing time due to the GPU platform's memory model. Finally, we discuss how the performance trends of GPU-based accelerators compare to the expected future requirements of FD-OCT data rates.

SEM-EDS Technique Employed in Evaluating the Aggregation Behaviors of Amphiphilic ABC-type Triblock Copolymers in Mixed Solvents with Tuned Polarities

Microscopy Research and Technique. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21538691

In this paper, a scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) technique has been developed for evaluating the aggregation structure of amphiphilic fluorinated ABC-type triblock copolymers MeOPEO(16)-PSt(220)-PFHEA(22) in mixed solvents with different polarities. The polarities of mixed solvents can be tuned by changing volume ratios of toluene, anhydrous ethanol, and distilled water, which leads to the changes in morphology and size of self-assembled colloidal particles of the copolymers in the system. The aggregation behaviors of the copolymers are revealed by SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and corresponding SEM-EDS techniques. The variations in concentrations of O and F elements over the thickness of copolymers particles give direct evidence for a better understanding of the arrangement of each block segment of copolymers in solution. And the technique can also help to explain the aggregation structure of micro- or nanomaterial with shell-core structure. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nanowires Assembled SnO2 Nanopolyhedrons with Enhanced Gas Sensing Properties

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21539401

Self-assembly of one-dimensional nanoscale building blocks into functional 2-D or 3-D complex superstructures has stimulated a great deal of interest. We report the synthesis and characterization of nanopolyhedrons assembled from ultrathin SnO(2) nanowires based on the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-assisted hydrothermal process. As-synthesized SnO(2) nanopolyhedrons have uniform diameters around 300 nm and are self-assembled by numerous ultrathin SnO(2) nanowires with diameters of 5-10 nm. The growth mechanism was also studied by investigating the samples synthesized at different reaction time. Thin films of the assembled SnO(2) nanopolyhedrons were configured as high performance sensors to detect methanol, ethanol, and acetone, which exhibited 1 ppm sensitivity, very fast response and recovery times (several seconds for different gases with concentrations of 1-200 ppm) to all the target gases and highly selective detection to acetone.

Demultiplexing of OTDM-DPSK Signals Based on a Single Semiconductor Optical Amplifier and Optical Filtering

Optics Letters. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21540927

We propose and demonstrate the use of a single semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and optical filtering to time demultiplex tributaries from an optical time division multiplexing-differential phase shift keying (OTDM-DPSK) signal. The scheme takes advantage of the fact that phase variations added to the target channel by cross-phase modulation from the control signal are effectively subtracted in the differential demodulation scheme employed for DPSK signals. Demultiplexing from 80 to 40 Gbit/s is demonstrated with moderate power penalty using an SOA with recovery time twice as long as the bit period at 80 Gbit/s. Large dynamic ranges for the input power and SOA current are experimentally demonstrated. The scheme is expected to be scalable toward higher bit rates.

[Research Thoughts and Methodology on Efficacy Specificity of Needling and Moxibustion Methods Based Upon Data Mining]

Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research / [Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Yi Xue Qing Bao Yan Jiu Suo Bian Ji]. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21585065

The method for needling and moxibustion is an indispensable component of acupuncturology. In clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, efficacy specificity of different needling and moxibustion methods for different clinical conditions or different phases of a disease exists objectively, which is in a close relation with the results of clinical interventions. Starting with the correlation between the efficacy specificity of different needling and moxibustion methods and different clinical conditions or syndromes, the authors of the present paper put forward to collect abundant literature on needling and moxibustion methods, extract and analyze standard formats of information, establish literature database on needling and moxibustion methods and then design literature data application platform. On the basis of those mentioned above, a data mining model of needling and moxibustion methods will be established for revealing the potential knowledge and regularities about application of needling and moxibustion methods from the related abundant fuzzy and incomplete literature data according to data analysis and designed research program on efficacy specificity.

Individual Differences in Visual Search: Relationship to Autistic Traits, Discrimination Thresholds, and Speed of Processing

Perception. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21936301

Enhanced visual search is widely reported in autism. Here we note a similar advantage for university students self-reporting higher levels of autism-like traits. Contrary to prevailing theories of autism, performance was not associated with perceptual-discrimination thresholds for the same stimuli, but was associated with inspection-time threshold--a measure of speed of perceptual processing. Enhanced visual search in autism may, therefore, at least partially be explained by faster speed of processing.

[Microbial Degradation of Microcystins in Water Environment: a Review]

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, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21941771

Lake and reservoir' s eutrophication and its produced microcystins (MCs) have enormous threats to ecological environment and human health. Because the conventional water pollution control techniques have definite limitations, it' s quite urgent to develop new technique to remove the MCs from water environment. MCs can be effectively degraded by specific microbes, and its intermediate and terminal products are non-toxic or low-toxic. This paper summarized the MCs-degrading microbial strains, biodegradation processes, mechanisms, and affecting factors, degraded products and their structural characteristics, and the applications of MCs-degrading microbial strains in water environment restoration. The further research directions were also proposed. It was hoped that this review could provide technical ideas for restoring MCs-polluted lakes and reservoirs and ensuring drinking water safety in China.

Bulk Synthesis of Crystalline and Crystalline Core/amorphous Shell Silicon Nanowires and Their Application for Energy Storage

ACS Nano. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21942645

Silicon nanowires (NWs) have stimulated significant interest and found numerous applications; however, many applications will require a bulk quantity of nanowires to be synthesized in a reliable way. In this paper, we report the bulk synthesis of silicon nanowires on millimeter scale Al(2)O(3) spheres with a thermal chemical vapor deposition system (CVD) via the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism. The spherical substrates enable the realization of Si nanowire synthesis on three-dimensional surfaces in comparison with the synthesis on a planar, two-dimensional wafer substrate. By modifying temperature in the recipe of synthesis, both single-crystalline and crystalline core/amorphous shell Si nanowires were obtained with this nanowire-on-spherical-support method. Conspicuous distinction in crystallinity of the nanowires was revealed by transmission electron microscopy characterization. The crystalline core/amorphous shell Si nanowires were utilized to form the anode of Li-ion battery half-cells with the traditional slurry method. Galvanostatic measurement demonstrated that the maximum power capacity achievable by the electrodes was 3500 mAh/g and capacity sustained at 1100 mAh/g after 60 cycles of charging and discharging.

Transferable and Flexible Nanorod-assembled TiO₂ Cloths for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells, Photodetectors, and Photocatalysts

ACS Nano. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21942659

Flexible and transferable TiO(2) nanorods cloths (TNRCs) were synthesized from a fast and catalyst-free microwave heating route by using carbon cloth as an efficiently sacrificial template. The as-synthesized TNRCs were assembled by numerous aligned TiO(2) nanorods with diameters of about 100 nm. The good transferability and flexibility make it possible to be transferred to any substrate for further device applications. As an example, we transferred the TNRCs to a FTO substrate to make dye-sensitized solar cells, which exhibited an improved efficiency of around 2.21% assisted by TiCl(4) treatment. The transferable TNRCs were also configured as high-performance photodetectors. Illuminated by UV light with a wavelength of 365 nm, the current was found significantly enhanced, and an I(UV)/I(dark) of about 60, a rise time of nearly 1.4 s, and a decay time of 6.1 s were obtained. Moreover, they were also configured as flexible and recyclable photocatalysts with good photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue solution under UV light irradiation.

Improvement of Glyphosate Resistance Through Concurrent Mutations in Three Amino Acids of the Ochrobactrum 5-enopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate Synthase

Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21948846

A mutant of 5-enopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase from Ochrobactrum anthropi was identified after four rounds of DNA shuffling and screening. Its ability to restore the growth of the mutant ER2799 cell on an M9 minimal medium containing 300 mM glyphosate led to its identification. The mutant had mutations in seven amino acids: E145G, N163H, N267S, P318R, M377V, M425T, and P438L. Among these mutations, N267S, P318R, and M425T have never been previously reported as important residues for glyphosate resistance. However, in the present study they were found by site-directed mutagenesis to collectively contribute to the improvement of glyphosate tolerance. Kinetic analyses of these three mutants demonstrated that the effectiveness of these three individual amino acid alterations on glyphosate tolerance was in the order P318R > M425T > N267S. The results of the kinetic analyses combined with a three-dimensional structure modeling of the location of P318R and M425T demonstrate that the lower hemisphere's upper surface is possibly another important region for glyphosate resistance. Furthermore, the transgenic Arabidopsis was obtained to confirm the potential of the mutant in developing glyphosate-resistant crops.

MiRNA Expression and Its Clinical Implications for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Non-small-cell Lung Cancer

Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21955239

miRNAs are a recently discovered category of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Altered expressions of miRNAs are reported in a variety of human cancers and may associate with cancer pathogenesis, apoptosis and cell growth, thereby functioning as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Accumulating evidence indicates that deregulation of miRNA contributes to tumor initiation and progression and hence, has clinical value in several human cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer. This article discusses the current knowledge of miRNAs in risk assessment, prevention, early diagnosis, prognosis and their possible role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the pathogenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer.

Guiding, Distribution, and Storage of Trains of Shape-dependent Droplets

Lab on a Chip. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21975867

We present a simple method of guiding, distributing, and storing of a train of shape-dependent droplets by using side flows, cavity guiding tracks, and storage chambers. The squeezing flow makes a train of flattened droplets to align to one side of the wall and the pushing flow guides it to one of the designated guiding tracks. Then the guided droplets move along the guiding track due to the lowered surface energy when they flow along the track. In addition, simultaneous droplet guiding and storing process has been demonstrated. An array of storage chambers placed in each track could store each train containing differently concentrated droplets. The proposed method will be useful for distribution of droplets for further processes or storing for multiplex, large-scale, dynamic assays over time.

Isolation and Characterisation of a New Antimicrobial Peptide from the Skin of Xenopus Laevis

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22014884

A new antimicrobial peptide (AMP) named PGLa-H has been isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) using gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Its amino acid sequence was determined as KIAKVALKAL by Edman degradation, with a molecular weight of 1053.727 Da as analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS). No similar AMP was found by BLAST search. Purified PGLa-H demonstrated antimicrobial ability against the reference bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)=23.6 μg/mL], Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC=8.7 μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC=14.4μg/mL) and was active against multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (MIC=67.8 μg/mL). The antimicrobial mechanism for this new peptide was further investigated by transmission electron microscopy. PGLa-H killed cells by destroying the cell membrane.

[Determination of Ascitic Bacterial 16S RRNA by Quantitative PCR-microarray in the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis]

Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi = Zhonghua Ganzangbing Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Hepatology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21586230

To evaluate the significance of determining ascitic bacterial 16S rRNA by quantitative PCR combined with microarray (PCR-microarray) in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Neuroprotective Bakkenolides from the Roots of Valeriana Jatamansi

Fitoterapia. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21596109

Two new bakkenolides, valerilactones A (1), and B (2), and two known analogues, bakkenolide-H (3) and bakkenolide-B (4), were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited potent neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Performance of a Dipstick Dye Immunoassay for Rapid Screening of Schistosoma Japonicum Infection in Areas of Low Endemicity

Parasites & Vectors. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21599944

The dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA), recently commercially available in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), is a rapid and simple test to detect human antibodies against Schistosoma Japonicum. Its performance and utility for screening schistosome infection in low endemic areas is little known. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional survey in seven villages with low endemicity of schistosomiasis in P.R. China and assessed the performance and utility of DDIA for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz method and the miracidium hatching technique. Serum samples, separated from whole blood of participants, were tested by DDIA.

[Research on High-order Windkessel Model for Assessing Vascular Compliance]

Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi = Journal of Biomedical Engineering = Shengwu Yixue Gongchengxue Zazhi. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21604472

In this paper, we propose the construction of a fifth-order Windkessel model, and give complete mathematical solutions for this model. Utilizing the diastolic pulse wave analytical methods, we derived the parameters of the mathematical model. The parameters were further applied to estimate arterial compliance, blood flow inertia, peripheral resistance and other indices. With simulation tools we assess the validity of the model, and built a simulation circuit with the model parameters R, C and L. The model parameters were obtained from the high-order Windkessel model. The stroke volume of left ventricle is employed as the input of the simulation circuit. At the end of the circuit, the responding signal was gained. And it in turn was compared with the measured pulse waveform. The results show that the fifth-order Windkessel model is superior to the third-order Windkessel model in the pulse wave fitting and stability, and thus better reflects the role of microvessles in the circulatory system.

[Upgrading to Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure After Chronic Right Ventricular Apical Pacing]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21609553

To investigate the clinical efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) through biventricular pacing in chronically right ventricular apical paced patients with heart failure.

Regulatory Effect of Rac1 on Vascular Reactivity After Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21386710

We used isolated superior mesenteric arteries (SMAs) from hemorrhagic-shock rats and hypoxia-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs; mimicking the shock state) to observe the effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF; Rac1 stimulator) and NSC23766 (Rac1 antagonist) on vascular reactivity and the relationship with the Rho kinase-myosin light-chain phosphatase (MLCP) and p21-activated kinase (PAK)-myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) signal pathway. The results indicated that the contractile responses of the SMAs and VSMCs were significantly increased at early shock or after transient hypoxia. NSC23766 (Rac1 antagonist) further increased, whereas PDGF (Rac1 stimulator) decreased the contractile responses of SMAs and VSMCs. In the late period of shock or prolonged hypoxia, the contractile responses of SMAs and VSMCs were significantly decreased; NSC23766 increased (whereas PDGF further decreased) the contractile response of the SMAs and VSMCs. Activation of Rac1 with PDGF significantly increased the activity of PAK and MLCP, and decreased Rho kinase and MLCK activity and 20-kDa myosin light-chain phosphorylation in VSMCs. The PAK inhibitor PAK-18 significantly antagonized the PDGF-induced decrease in MLCK activity, whereas the Rho kinase antagonist Y-27632 further enforced the PDGF-induced increase in MLCP activity. Simple fluid resuscitation did not improve but in combination with NSC23766 significantly improved vascular reactivity and animal survival at 24 hours. This suggested that Rac1 has an inhibitory effect on vasoreactivity after shock. Rac1-mediated regulation of vascular reactivity is mainly through activation of PAK, inhibition of MLCK and inhibition of Rho kinase, unpack the inhibition of Rho kinase to MLCP. Rac1 may be a potential target to treat vascular hyporeactivity in many critical conditions.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (-)-jiadifenolide

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21400650

Transcriptional Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 by Tumor Necrosis Factor and Its Relationship with Age-related Macular Degeneration

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21411747

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) may be involved in the molecular switch that determines which late form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) an individual develops. BMP4 expression is high in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in late, dry AMD patients, while BMP4 expression is low in the wet form of the disease, characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which BMP4 is down-regulated in CNV. BMP4 expression was decreased within laser-induced CNV lesions in mice at a time when tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression was high (7 d postlaser) and was reexpressed in RPE when TNF levels declined (14 d postlaser). We found that TNF, an important angiogenic stimulus, significantly down-regulates BMP4 expression in cultured human fetal RPE cells, ARPE-19 cells, and RPE cells in murine posterior eye cup explants. We identified two specificity protein 1 (Sp1) binding sites in the BMP4 promoter that are required for basal expression of BMP4 and its down-regulation by TNF. Through c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, TNF modulates Sp1 phosphorylation, thus decreasing its affinity to the BMP4 promoter. The down-regulation of BMP4 expression by TNF in CNV and mechanisms established might be useful for defining novel targets for AMD therapy.

Air Flow Assisted Ionization for Remote Sampling of Ambient Mass Spectrometry and Its Application

Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21416520

Ambient ionization methods are an important research area in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Under ambient conditions, the gas flow and atmospheric pressure significantly affect the transfer and focusing of ions. The design and implementation of air flow assisted ionization (AFAI) as a novel and effective, remote sampling method for ambient mass spectrometry are described herein. AFAI benefits from a high extracting air flow rate. A systematic investigation of the extracting air flow in the AFAI system has been carried out, and it has been demonstrated not only that it plays a role in the effective capture and remote transport of charged droplets, but also that it promotes desolvation and ion formation, and even prevents ion fragmentation during the ionization process. Moreover, the sensitivity of remote sampling ambient MS analysis was improved significantly by the AFAI method. Highly polar and nonpolar molecules, including dyes, pharmaceutical samples, explosives, drugs of abuse, protein and volatile compounds, have been successfully analyzed using AFAI-MS. The successful application of the technique to residue detection on fingers, large object analysis and remote monitoring in real time indicates its potential for the analysis of a variety of samples, especially large objects. The ability to couple this technique with most commercially available MS instruments with an API interface further enhances its broad applicability.

Co/Mn-mediated Oxidative Cross-coupling of Indoles with β-keto Esters Via Dioxygen Activation: an Efficient Access to Ketonization-olefination of Indoles

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21423933

The Co/Mn-mediated oxidative cross-coupling of indoles with β-keto esters via dioxygen activation under mild conditions leads to ketonization-olefination of indoles. This reaction furnishes the highly functionalized products with excellent selectivity in good yields.

Functionally Significant Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit α5 Promoter Haplotypes Are Associated with Susceptibility to Lung Cancer in Chinese

Cancer. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21448929

BACKGROUND: Although recent genome-wide association studies have been conducted to reveal the relation between variations in the α5 nicotinic receptor subunit and lung cancer in European and American populations, to the authors' knowledge, no definite information on the role of nicotine acetylcholine receptor subunit α5 (CHRNA5) in lung cancer risk has been obtained in a Chinese population. METHODS: To test this possible association, a case-control study was conducted in 505 patients with lung cancer (cases) and a control group of 498 cancer-free individuals. RESULTS: Participants were screened for variations in the CHRNA5 promoter region by sequencing, and 2 common polymorphisms were selected at -1640 (reference single nucleotide polymorphism identifier rs3829787 cytosine to thymine [C→T]) and at -62 (rs3841324 insertion→deletion [ins→del]) from the transcription start site of the CHRNA5 gene. Haplotype analysis revealed that the 2 least frequent haplotypes (T/ins and C/del) were statistically protective against lung cancer (P = .0002 and P = .0094, respectively). Unexpectedly, the luciferase results indicated that these 2 protective haplotype constructs had the extremely opposite promoter activity in various cells: the T/ins haplotype had the highest activity and the C/del haplotype had the lowest activity. Surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that both minor alleles (T and del) decreased DNA binding affinity to nuclear extracts, which the authors presumed was responsible for the disparity in promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that the CHRNA5 gene with under-activated or over-activated promoter activity may be protective against lung cancer. These results indicated a new associated risk pattern between CHRNA5 promoter activity and susceptibility to lung cancer that implies a complex role of the CHRNA5 gene in lung cancer. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.

Vitrification in Open and Closed Carriers at Different Cell Stages: Assessment of Embryo Survival, Development, DNA Integrity and Stability During Vapor Phase Storage for Transport

BMC Biotechnology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21450077

High cooling rates with vitrification can be achieved through the use of carriers that allow cryopreservation in fluid volumes < one μl. Open carriers allow direct contact of embryos with liquid nitrogen (LN2) whereas closed carrier systems sequester the embryo within a sealed system during immersion in LN2. The use of closed systems may be preferable to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. In the present study, we compare open and closed carriers for vitrification of embryos. We also examine their ability to retain embryo viability during vapor phase transport.

[Construction and Expression of Trichosanthin Mutant Gene TCS(RL28-29CG) and Purification of Expressed Product]

Xi Bao Yu Fen Zi Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21481314

To construct and express a trichosanthin(TCS)gene mutant and purify the expressed product.

CCR2 Mediates the Uptake of Bone Marrow-derived Fibroblast Precursors in Angiotensin II-induced Cardiac Fibrosis

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21572015

Angiotensin II plays an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Recent studies have shown that bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Since bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors express chemokine receptor, CCR2, we tested the hypothesis that CCR2 mediates the recruitment of fibroblast precursors into the heart, causing angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis. Wild-type and CCR2 knockout mice were infused with angiotensin II at 1,500 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1). Angiotensin II treatment resulted in elevated blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy that were not significantly different between wild-type and CCR2 knockout mice. Angiotensin II treatment of wild-type mice caused prominent cardiac fibrosis and accumulation of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors expressing the hematopoietic markers, CD34 and CD45, and the mesenchymal marker, collagen I. However, angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and accumulation of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors in the heart were abrogated in CCR2 knockout mice. Furthermore, angiotensin II treatment of wild-type mice increased the levels of collagen I, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin in the heart, whereas these changes were not observed in the heart of angiotensin II-treated CCR2 knockout mice. Functional studies revealed that the reduction of cardiac fibrosis led to an impairment of cardiac systolic function and left ventricular dilatation in angiotensin II-treated CCR2 knockout mice. Our data demonstrate that CCR2 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis through regulation of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors.

Crystal Structure of the Cell Corpse Engulfment Protein CED-2 in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21616056

In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the cell corpse engulfment proteins CED-2, CED-5, and CED-12 act in the same pathway to regulate the activation of the Rac small GTPase, CED-10, leading to the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton for engulfing apoptotic cells. Nevertheless, it is not well understood how these proteins act together. Here we report the crystal structures of the CED-2 protein as determined by X-ray crystallography. The full-length CED-2 protein and its truncated form containing the N-terminal SH2 domain and the first SH3 domain show similar three-dimensional structures. A CED-2 point mutation (F125G) disrupting its interaction with the PXXP motif of CED-5 did not affect its rescuing activity. However, CED-2 was found to interact with the N-terminal region of CED-5. Our findings suggest that CED-2 may regulate cell corpse engulfment by interacting with CED-5 through the N-terminal region rather than the PXXP motif.

Non-condensing Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Gene and SiRNA Delivery

International Journal of Pharmaceutics. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21621597

Gene therapy has shown a tremendous potential to benefit patients in a variety of disease conditions. However, finding a safe and effective systemic delivery system is the major obstacle in this area. Although viral vectors showed promise for high transfection rate, the immunogenicity associated with these systems has hindered further development. As an alternative to viral gene delivery, this review focuses on application of novel safe and effective non-condensing polymeric systems that have shown high transgene expression when administered systemically or by the oral route. Type B gelatin-based engineered nanocarriers were evaluated for passive and active tumor-targeted delivery and transfection using both reporter and therapeutic plasmid DNA. Additionally, we have shown that nanoparticles-in-microsphere oral system (NiMOS) can efficiently deliver reporter and therapeutic gene constructs in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, there has been a significant recent interest in the use small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic system for gene silencing. Both gelatin nanoparticles and NiMOS have shown activity in systemic and oral delivery of siRNA, respectively.

Dual-fiber Collimator with Elliptical Spot for Optical MEMS Devices

Applied Optics. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21629310

Fiber collimators are widely used in optical communication components and fiber-optic sensors. Ordinary fiber collimators are made with a circular beam waist radius from 100 μm to 300 μm. The circular beam waist is too large to switch or shut the beam for certain micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuators (such as MEMS linear mirrors). In this paper, a dual-fiber collimator with an elliptical spot is proposed to meet the demands of MEMS optical devices. The elliptical spot collimator has been designed and fabricated, the beam waist spot of which is an elliptical spot with a 231.6 μm long-axis radius and a 12.87 μm short-axis radius, and its coupling loss is 0.37 dB.

Follow-up Results of Children with Melamine Induced Urolithiasis: a Prospective Observational Cohort Study

World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21633859

Melamine-contaminated milk powder was the cause of the 2008 outbreak of urolithiasis in young children and infants in China, but the prognosis of these children remains unknown. We hypothesized that urolithiasis induced by melamine-contaminated milk powder may be associated with secondary renal injury.

Long-term Survival of Exogenous Embryonic Stem Cells in Adult Bone Marrow

Cell Research. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21670744

[Treatment of Nephritic Edema by Torasemide in Children]

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21672432

Degradation of Bromoxynil Octanoate by Strain Acinetobacter Sp. XB2 Isolated from Contaminated Soil

Current Microbiology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21674164

Bromoxynil octanoate (BOO), the most widespread herbicide applied to maize, is potentially toxic to both animals and humans. In this article, a highly effective BOO-degrading bacterial strain, XB2, was isolated from the soil of a herbicide factory. The strain was identified as an Acinetobacter sp. based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties. This strain could use BOO as its sole carbon source and could degrade 100 mg l(-1) BOO to non-detectable levels in 72 h (h). The optimal pH and temperature for strain XB2's growth and degradation of BOO in MSM are 7.0 and 30°C, respectively. We propose the following pathway of BOO degradation by strain XB2: the first step is the scission of the ester bond to form bromoxynil, bromoxynil then transformed to 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid due to the hydrolysis of nitriles, and debromination finally results in the formation of 3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Inoculating BOO-treated soil samples with strain XB2 resulted in a higher rate of BOO degradation than in non-inoculated soil, regardless of whether the soil had previously been sterilized.

Bioactive Neo-clerodane Diterpenoids from the Whole Plants of Ajuga Ciliata Bunge

Journal of Natural Products. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21682262

Ten new neo-clerodane diterpenes, ajugaciliatins A-J (1-5, 8-12), along with 17 known analogues (6, 7, 13-27) were isolated from the whole plants of Ajuga ciliata Bunge. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR), and the configuration of 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. All of the compounds were assessed for neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Compounds 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15-17, 19, and 20 exhibited moderate neuroprotective effects.

Defining Global Gene Expression Changes of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal Axis in Female SGnRH-antisense Transgenic Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio)

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21695218

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is critical in the development and regulation of reproduction in fish. The inhibition of neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) expression may diminish or severely hamper gonadal development due to it being the key regulator of the axis, and then provide a model for the comprehensive study of the expression patterns of genes with respect to the fish reproductive system.

Development of 11 X-STR Loci Typing System and Genetic Analysis in Tibetan and Northern Han Populations from China

International Journal of Legal Medicine. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21717152

X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) loci are used for forensic practice in recent years which play increasingly important roles in some complex kinship cases. In this paper, a new multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system which can simultaneously analyze 11 X-STR markers (DXS8378, DXS6795, DXS7132, DXS6803, DXS9898, DXS6801, DXS7133, GATA165B12, HPRTB, DXS8377 and DXS7423) was developed. The samples of 1,605 (742 males and 863 females) unrelated individuals from Tibetan and Northern Han population were successfully analyzed using this multiplex system. A total of 103 alleles for all the loci were observed. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests demonstrated no significant deviation from expected values (P > 0.05) for all of the 11 X-STR loci in the two studied populations. Polymorphism information contents of the loci were 0.3864-0.9013, and powers of discrimination in females of the loci were 0.6317-0.9845. There were no statistically significant differences between Tibetan and Northern Han populations in allele distribution of the 11 X-STR loci, in line with analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results. Our work indicates that this multiplex system is useful for forensic analysis for the two populations in China.

[Comparison of Ozone Between Beijing and Downstream Area]

Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue / [bian Ji, Zhongguo Ke Xue Yuan Huan Jing Ke Xue Wei Yuan Hui "Huan Jing Ke Xue" Bian Ji Wei Yuan Hui.]. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21717727

In this study ozone and meteorological factors were measured at an urban station and a downwind rural station around Beijing from June 2005 to September 2006. The ozone at urban station exhibited stronger diurnal and seasonal variations than that at the rural station. The maximum concentrations of ozone were 198.9 x 10(-9) and 151.2 x 10(-9) at Beijing and Xinglong, while there were 171 hours and 255 hours in which ozone exceeded the China's norm, respectively. 90% of the exceeding occurrences happened before 16:00 in Beijing, while more than 82% happened at night in Xinglong. The peak concentration of ozone at Xinglong in the diurnal cycle was 3-4 hours lag of that at Beijing because of the influence of air mass from Beijing. Double ozone peaks phenomena can be found at Xinglong due to the mountain-valley breezes especially in the summertime. Stagnant meteorological conditions and mountain-valley breezes can cause ozone accumulation at downwind areas. The AOT40 values were 23.1 x 10(-6) x h, 26.5 x 10(-6) x h, and 14.1 x 10(-6) x h in spring, summer and autumn respectively at Xinglong, which could cause more than 30% lose in wheat yields.

Polyphosphazene Nanoparticles for Cytoplasmic Release of Doxorubicin with Improved Cytotoxicity Against Dox-resistant Tumor Cells

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21220138

This study involved the construction of self-assembled nanoparticles from novel pH-sensitive amphiphilic polyphosphazenes. These nanoparticles provide fast pH-responsive drug release and have the capability to disturb endosomal membranes. The polymers were prepared by linking N,N-diisopropylethylenediamine (DPA) onto a backbone of PEGylated polyphosphazene. In vitro cell viability measurements demonstrated the superior efficacy of these pH-responsive nanoparticles over free doxorubicin (Dox): the IC50 was over 60 times lower than that of free Dox against a Dox-resistant cell line. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the further investigation of the intracellular distribution of Dox and fluorescent probes provided evidence that, upon internalization by cells through endocytic pathways, the pH-sensitive polymer would disrupt membranes of endosomal compartments, releasing the cargo drugs into the cytoplasm in a burst-like manner. This resulted in reduced likelihood of drug efflux via exocytosis, and reversal of the drug resistance of the tumor cells. Generally, the pH-responsive nanoparticles designed in this study have achieved their potential as a drug delivery system for tumor therapy applications.

Pd/PR3-catalyzed Cross-coupling of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids with Electron-deficient Polyfluoroarenes Via Combination of Decarboxylation with Sp2 C-H Cleavage

The Journal of Organic Chemistry. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21222475

By using Pd(TFA)(2)/PCy(3) as a catalyst, a broad range of aromatic carboxylic acids, including heteroaromatic carboxylic acids, efficiently underwent decarboxylative coupling with an array of polyfluoroarenes in the presence of stoichiometric amount of silver salts to generate biaryls. Silver salts were adjusted to the reactivity of aromatic carboxylic acids to efficiently suppress the protodecarboxylation and therefore improve decarboxylative cross-couplings. It was established that the palladium complex containing the PCy(3) ligand was capable of catalyzing the decarboxylation of electron-rich aromatic carboxylic acids, and silver salts promoted the decarboxylation of both electron-rich and -deficient ones. To explain the two different decarboxylation processes, two possible reaction pathways are proposed, which were further supported by the facts that the stoichiometric arylpalladium complex can directly arylate pentafluorobenzene in the presence of PCy(3) and the arylpalladium complex can catalyze the decarboxylative coupling of 2,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid with pentafluorobenzene. The kinetic isotope effect of 4.0 clearly showed that the C-H bond cleavage of polyfluoroarenes is involved in the rate-determining step.

Effects of the Balance in Activity of RhoA and Rac1 on the Shock-induced Biphasic Change of Vascular Reactivity in Rats

Annals of Surgery. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21233615

To investigate the effects of the balance in activity of RhoA and Rac1 on the shock-induced biphasic change in vascular reactivity and the related mechanism.

Inheritance of the Photoperiodic Response Controlling Imaginal Summer Diapause in the Cabbage Beetle, Colaphellus Bowringi

Journal of Insect Physiology. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21215751

Adults of the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi display a summer diapause in response to the exposure of their larvae to long photoperiods. In the present study, the inheritance of the photoperiodic response controlling summer diapause in C. bowringi by crossing a high diapause strain (D strain) with a laboratory selected nondiapause strain (N strain) was investigated under different photoperiods at 22, 25 and 28°C. The beetles in both reciprocal crosses and backcrosses showed a clear short-day response for the induction of diapause at all temperatures, similar to that of the D strain, suggesting that photoperiodic response of this beetle is heritable. The diapause incidences in the progeny from all the crosses under LD 15:9 or LD 12:12 at 25°C suggest that genetic and genetic-environmental interactions are involved in diapause induction. The incidence of diapauses in F(1) progeny was significantly lower than that in the D×D strain but significantly higher than that in the N×N strain, indicating that the diapause capability is inherited in an incomplete dominant manner. The incidence of diapause was greater among the offspring of hybrid females when those females had a D strain mother or grandmother rather than a N strain mother or grandmother, indicating that maternal effects on diapause induction are stronger than paternal effects. The laboratory selected nondiapause strain also showed a short-day photoperiodic response at a low temperature of 22°C, indicating that the photoperiodic photoreceptor and photoperiodic clock still function in the nondiapause strain.

Comparison of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Bone Marrow-derived Mononuclear Cells for Treatment of Diabetic Critical Limb Ischemia and Foot Ulcer: a Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21216483

To identify better cells for the treatment of diabetic critical limb ischemia (CLI) and foot ulcer in a pilot trial.

Genetic Polymorphisms in the Precursor MicroRNA Flanking Region and Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Survival

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20889907

Previously, we reported that common variants in precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) sequences played a role in the prediction of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survival.

Iron Oxide and Alumina Nanocomposites Applied to Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21347472

Nanocomposites composed of nanoparticles of iron oxide and aluminium oxide (Fe(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3)) with a unique structure show a remarkable catalytic performance in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS), compared with the traditional iron-based catalyst.

Fast-track Rehabilitation Program Vs Conventional Care After Colorectal Resection: a Randomized Clinical Trial

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21350719

To compare the fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care for patients after resection of colorectal cancer.

Functional Comparison of Metallothioneins MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena Thermophila

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21352798

Metallothioneins MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena thermophila have been characterized. The MTT1 contains mainly characteristic Cys-Cys-Cys and Cys-Cys clusters, but MTT2 contains mainly Cys-X-Cys cluster. Cd(16)-MTT1 mainly consists of α-helix and β-turns, in contrast, Cd(11)-MTT2 mainly consists of random coils. Reaction of Cd(16)-MTT1 and Cd(11)-MTT2 with nitric oxide leads to intramolecular disulfide bond formation, respectively. Binding stabilities of Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Zn(2+) to MTT1 are stronger than those to MTT2. Cu(2+) can not replace Cd(2+) from Cd(16)-MTT1 complex, but can replace Cd(2+) from Cd(11)-MTT2 complex. The analysis of qRT-PCR revealed MTT2 mRNA levels were 31-fold higher than those of MTT1 under basal conditions. These results further suggest MTT1 possibly play a role in the detoxification of heavy metal ions, and MTT2 may be involved in the homeostasis of copper ions.

Lanthanum(III) Impacts on Metallothionein MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena Thermophila

Biological Trace Element Research. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21359533

Metallothionein MTT1 and MTT2 from Tetrahymena thermophila are sulfydryl-rich proteins that can bind to and are inducible by heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, zinc, and copper. However, little is known about the induction and binding of T. thermophila metallothionein by trivalent metals. In this study, we found that 10-80 μM La(3+) can promote Tetrahymena cells proliferation, and fluorescence spectrum analysis showed that La(3+) can enter T. thermophila cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed La(3+) induced the expression of MTT1 and MTT2. Furthermore, Fluorescence analysis indicated La(3+) bind to MTT1 and MTT2. These results implied that La(3+) could interact with MTT1 and MTT2 via aspartic or glutamic acid oxygen atoms.

Human Adenovirus Type 5 Induces Cell Lysis Through Autophagy and Autophagy-triggered Caspase Activity

Journal of Virology. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21367888

Oncolytic adenoviruses, such as Delta-24-RGD, are promising therapies for patients with brain tumor. Clinical trials have shown that the potency of these cancer-selective adenoviruses should be increased to optimize therapeutic efficacy. One potential strategy is to increase the efficiency of adenovirus-induced cell lysis, a mechanism that has not been clearly described. In this study, for the first time, we report that autophagy plays a role in adenovirus-induced cell lysis. At the late stage after adenovirus infection, numerous autophagic vacuoles accompany the disruption of cellular structure, leading to cell lysis. The virus induces a complete autophagic process from autophagosome initiation to its turnover through fusion with the lysosome although the formation of the autophagosome is sufficient for virally induced cell lysis. Importantly, downmodulation of autophagy genes (ATG5 or ATG10) rescues the infected cells from being lysed by the virus. Moreover, autophagy triggers caspase activity via the extrinsic FADD/caspase 8 pathway, which also contributes to adenovirus-mediated cell lysis. Therefore, our study implicates autophagy and caspase activation as part of the mechanism for cell lysis induced by adenovirus and suggests that manipulation of the process is a potential strategy to optimize clinical efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses.

Expression, Characterization and Therapeutic Efficacy of Chimeric Fab of Anti-idiotypic Antibody NP30 Against Schistosoma Japonicum

Acta Tropica. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21376700

The murine monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 is a promising therapeutic antibody against Schistosoma japonicum. However, the immunogenicity of murine NP30 limits its further study and application in humans. Here the chimeric Fab of NP30 (chFab-NP30) comprising the variable regions of murine NP30 and constant regions of human antibody was assembled. chFab-NP30 was expressed and purified as a soluble and functional protein. Administration of chFab-NP30 in vivo increased the survival rate, reduced egg burdens and ameliorated organ pathology of mice with acute schistosomiasis. Our study indicated that chFab-NP30 is a promising candidate to be used as a specific and efficient recombinant antibody against acute schistosomiasis japonica. Further studies on function mechanism of chFab-NP30 needs to be carried out in the future.

Detection of Changes in DNA Methylation Induced by Low-energy Ion Implantation in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Radiation Research. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21385072

This study evaluated changes in DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown from seeds implanted with low-energy N(+) and Ar(+) ions. Methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) testing revealed altered DNA methylation patterns after ion implantation at doses of 1 × 10(14) to 1 × 10(16) ions/cm(2). Comparison of the MSAP electrophoretic profiles revealed nine types of polymorphisms in ion-implanted seedlings relative to control seedlings, among which four represented methylation events, three represented demethylation events, and the methylation status of two was uncertain. The diversity of plant DNA methylation was increased by low-energy ion implantation. At the same time, total genomic DNA methylation levels at CCGG sites were unchanged by ion implantation. Moreover, a comparison of polymorphisms seen in N(+) ion-implanted, Ar(+) ion-implanted, and control DNA demonstrated that the species of incident ion influenced the resulting DNA methylation pattern. Sequencing of eight isolated fragments that showed different changing patterns in implanted plants allowed their mapping onto variable regions on one or more of the five Arabidopsis chromosomes; these segments included protein-coding genes, transposon and repeat DNA sequence. A further sodium bisulfite sequencing of three fragments also displayed alterations in methylation among either different types or doses of incident ions. Possible causes for the changes in methylation are discussed.

Sesquiterpenes from Vladimiria Souliei and Their Inhibitory Effects on NO Production

Fitoterapia. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21238550

As a part of our ongoing search for plant-derived compounds that inhibit nitric oxide production, the methanol extract of the roots of Vladimiria souliei was found to show significant inhibitory effects on INF-γ-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Bioactivity-guided isolation of the extract yielded two most active sesquiterpenes, including a new compound, named souliene A (1) and alismol (2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Two isolates showed promising inhibitory effects on INF-γ-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease is Prevalent in Chinese Patients Admitted with Verified Cerebrovascular Lesions and Predicts Short-term Prognosis

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21239384

Recent studies have identified chronic kidney disease (CKD) as an important risk factor for vasculopathies. While the link between CKD and cardiovascular events is well established, the link with cerebrovascular lesions (CVL) has been less well described.

Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential to Reduce the Tumor Recurrence Rates And/or Improve Overall Survival

Medical Hypotheses. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21262555

Simple and Efficient Methods for the Accurate Evaluation of Patterning Effects in Ultrafast Photonic Switches

Optics Express. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21263552

Although patterning effects (PEs) are known to be a limiting factor of ultrafast photonic switches based on semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), a simple approach for their evaluation in numerical simulations and experiments is missing. In this work, we experimentally investigate and verify a theoretical prediction of the pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) length needed to capture the full impact of PEs. A wide range of SOAs and operation conditions are investigated. The very simple form of the PRBS length condition highlights the role of two parameters, i.e. the recovery time of the SOAs as well as the operation bit rate. Furthermore, a simple and effective method for probing the maximum PEs is demonstrated, which may relieve the computational effort or the experimental difficulties associated with the use of long PRBSs for the simulation or characterization of SOA-based switches. Good agrement with conventional PRBS characterization is obtained. The method is suitable for quick and systematic estimation and optimization of the switching performance.

Evaluation of Immunoassays for the Diagnosis of Schistosoma Japonicum Infection Using Archived Sera

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21267065

With a national program initiated recently to reduce transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), there is an urgent need for accessible, quality-assured diagnostics for case detection, surveillance, and program monitoring of chemotherapy efficacy and other control interventions in areas of low endemicity. We compared the performance of nine immunodiagnostic tests developed in P.R. China for detection of antibodies against S. japonicum and established their priority for further assessment in field settings.

In Vivo Length Changes of Carpal Ligaments of the Wrist During Dart-throwing Motion

The Journal of Hand Surgery. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21276892

The dart-throwing motion is an important movement pattern during most wrist actions. The aim of this study was to investigate length changes in the wrist ligaments in different positions of the dart-throw motion in vivo.

Growth of Directly Transferable In2O3 Nanowire Mats for Transparent Thin-film Transistor Applications

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21287640

Dysfunction of Preattentive Visual Information Processing Among Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Biological Psychiatry. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21288505

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder characterized by depressed mood and inability to experience pleasure. Mismatch negativity (MMN) has been established as a correlate of preattentive change detection. In this study, preattentive processing of visual information in MDD patients was investigated using visual MMN (vMMN), and an abnormal vMMN was predicted in depressed patients relative to healthy participants because of dysfunction at the preattentive level. The processes underlying vMMN in MDD patients were also explored, and memory-based comparison preattentive processing was hypothesized to be impaired in MDD patients.

In Vivo Length and Changes of Ligaments Stabilizing the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

The Journal of Hand Surgery. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21295926

To investigate the lengths and changes of selected ligaments stabilizing the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint during thumb motion in vivo.

PH-sensitive Fluorescent Sensors Based on Europium(III) Complexes

Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003). Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21298146

New europium(III) complexes Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ and Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 were designed and synthesized as new fluorescent pH probes (where HDSQ = 5-(dimethylamino)-N-(4-(2-((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbonyl)phenyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, DR1 = N(1)-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-N(2)-(rhodamine-6G) lactamethylene-diamine and TTA = thiophentrifluoroacetone). Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ exhibited high sensitivity in monitoring pH changes in neutral aqueous solution with negligible background fluorescence. Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 comprised a green light emitting Rhodamine 6G fluorophore and a Eu(III) moiety as the origin of red light. These pH-sensitive emitter components have pK(a) values of 5.0 and 7.2 respectively, and exhibit isolated protonated steps within one molecule. Luminescence titrations demonstrate that Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 was able to detect pH values at both near neutral pH and acidic pH ranges, and was also able to detect pH in both cultured cells and in vivo.

Effects of Estrogen on Stress-induced Premature Senescence of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: a Novel Mechanism for the "time Window Theory" of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Atherosclerosis. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21300357

To investigate the effects of estrogen on stress-induced premature senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the underlying mechanisms.

Coexistence of 2 Types of Atrial Tachycardias and Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia

Journal of Electrocardiology. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21168149

Double tachycardia is a relatively uncommon type of tachycardia. In this report, we discuss a 68-year-old woman with history of frequent palpitations. Electrophysiologic study revealed that narrow QRS tachycardias from 2 origins and 1 wide QRS tachycardia were induced and each of the tachycardias was induced by the other. We found that 2 focal atrial tachycardias and 1 ventricular tachycardia originated from right ventricular outflow tract. All of these tachycardias were successfully ablated during one session, and no recurrence appeared during 10 months of follow-up.

Streptomyces Indicus Sp. Nov., an Actinomycete Isolated from Deep-sea Sediment

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21169463

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete isolated from deep-sea sediment from the Indian Ocean was determined by using a polyphasic approach. The presence of iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) as the major cellular fatty acids, ll-diaminopimelic acid as the characteristic diamino acid, and MK-9(H(4), H(6) and H(8)) as the major menaquinones supported the affiliation of strain IH32-1(T) to the genus Streptomyces. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain IH32-1(T) exhibited highest similarities to the type strains of Streptomyces globosus (97.6 %) and Streptomyces toxytricini (97.6 %). However, DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain IH32-1(T) and the type strains of S. globosus and S. toxytricini were determined as 55.2 ± 4.7 and 38.3 ± 2.5 %, respectively. Based on its chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain IH32-1(T) is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces indicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IH32-1(T) ( = DSM 42001(T) = CGMCC 4.5727(T)).

BCL2L10 Protein Regulates Apoptosis/proliferation Through Differential Pathways in Gastric Cancer Cells

The Journal of Pathology. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21171085

The reason for and consequences of BCL2L10 down-regulation in gastric carcinoma are poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate the function of the protein BCL2L10 in gastric carcinoma. We investigated BCL2L10 expression using quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. The methylation status of the BCL2L10 gene promoter was examined by bisulphite sequencing in fresh gastric normal and carcinoma tissues. We studied apoptosis and proliferation regulation in gastric cancer cell lines using flow cytometry, fluorescence staining, murine xenografting and immunoblotting. Pathway inhibitors were applied to confirm the major pathways involved in apoptosis or proliferation regulation. We observed significant correlations between lower BCL2L10 expression and CpG island hypermethylation of the BCL2L10 gene promoter in gastric carcinoma, apoptosis induced by over-expressed BCL2L10 through mitochondrial pathways, and proliferation accelerated by BCL2L10 siRNA via the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway in gastric cancer cell lines. The pro-apoptotic effect of BCL2L10 and growth promotion by BCL2L10 siRNA in gastric cancer cells suggest that it may be a tumour suppressor.

The PA Protein Directly Contributes to the Virulence of H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Domestic Ducks

Journal of Virology. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21177821

During their circulation in nature, H5N1 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have acquired the ability to kill their natural hosts, wild birds and ducks. The genetic determinants for this increased virulence are largely unknown. In this study, we compared two genetically similar H5N1 AIVs, A/duck/Hubei/49/05 (DK/49) and A/goose/Hubei/65/05 (GS/65), that are lethal for chickens but differ in their virulence levels in ducks. To explore the genetic basis for this difference in virulence, we generated a series of reassortants and mutants of these two viruses. The virulence of the reassortant bearing the PA gene from DK/49 in the GS/65 background increased 10(5)-fold relative to that of the GS/65 virus. Substitution of two amino acids, S224P and N383D, in PA contributed to the highly virulent phenotype. The amino acid 224P in PA increased the replication of the virus in duck embryo fibroblasts, and the amino acid 383D in PA increased the polymerase activity in duck embryo fibroblasts and delayed the accumulation of the PA and PB1 polymerase subunits in the nucleus of virus-infected cells. Our results provide strong evidence that the polymerase PA subunit is a virulence factor for H5N1 AIVs in ducks.

Down-regulated Energy Metabolism Genes Associated with Mitochondria Oxidative Phosphorylation and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Viral Cardiomyopathy Mouse Heart

Molecular Biology Reports. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21127995

The majority of experimental and clinical studies indicates that the hypertrophied and failing myocardium are characterized by changes in energy and substrate metabolism that attributed to failing heart changes at the genomic level, in fact, heart failure is caused by various diseases, their energy metabolism and substrate are in different genetic variations, then the potential significance of the molecular mechanisms for the aetiology of heart failure is necessary to be evaluated. Persistent viral infection (especially coxsackievirus group B3) of the myocardium in viral myocarditis and viral dilated cardiomyopathy has never been neglected by experts. This study aimed to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of the altered gene expression for energy metabolism involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism in viral dilated cardiomyopathy. cDNA Microarray technology was used to evaluate the expression of >35,852 genes in a mice model of viral dilated cardiomyopathy. In total 1385 highly different genes expression, we analyzed 33 altered genes expression for energy metabolism involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism and further selected real-time-PCR for quantity one of regulatory mechanisms for energy including fatty acid metabolism-the UCP2 and assayed cytochrome C oxidase activity by Spectrophotometer to explore mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function. We found obviously different expression of 33 energy metabolism genes associated with mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism in cardiomyopathy mouse heart, the regulatory gene for energy metabolism: UCP2 was down-regulated and cytochrome C oxidase activity was decreased. Genes involved in both fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation were down-regulated, mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP2) expression did not increase but decrease which might be a kind of adaptive protection response to regulate energy metabolism for ATP produce.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Study of a Chinese Herbal Medicine Compound Tangzu Yuyang Ointment for Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: a Preliminary Report

Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21129474

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) compound Tangzu Yuyang Ointment (TYO) for treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Scaphoid and Lunate Movement in Different Ranges of Carpal Radioulnar Deviation

The Journal of Hand Surgery. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21131137

We aimed to investigate scaphoid and lunate movement in radial deviation and in slight and moderate ulnar deviation ranges in vivo.

TP53 Codon 72 Polymorphism and Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility: a Meta-analysis

Molecular Biology Reports. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21140221

Colorectal cancer constitutes a significant proportion of the global burden of cancer morbidity and mortality. A number of studies have been conducted to explore whether TP53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility. However, controversial results were obtained. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we systematically searched Medline, Google scholar, and Ovid database for studies reported before May 2010. A total of 3603 colorectal cancer cases and 5524 controls were included. TP53 codon 72 polymorphism was not associated with colorectal cancer risk in all genetic models (for dominant model: OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86-1.15; for recessive model: OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.81-1.23; for Arg/Pro vs. Arg/Arg: OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.87-1.15; for Pro/Pro vs. Arg/Arg: OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.76-1.25). In the subgroup analyses by ethnic groups and sources of controls, no significant associations were found in all models. Taken together, this meta-analysis suggested that the biologically usefulness of TP53 codon 72 polymorphism as a selection marker in colorectal cancer susceptibility may be very limited.

Brainstem Hap1-Ahi1 is Involved in Insulin-mediated Feeding Control

FEBS Letters. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21146532

The function of the brainstem Hap1-Ahi1 complex in the regulation of feeding behavior was investigated. When mice were fasted or treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), Hap1-Ahi1 was significantly upregulated. By using streptozotocin (STZ) to decrease the circulating insulin in mice, Hap1-Ahi1 was significantly increased. Furthermore, intra-brain injection of insulin decreased the expression of Hap1-Ahi1 in the brainstem. Moreover, when we knocked down the expression of brainstem Hap1 by RNAi, the mice showed decreased food intake and lower body weights. Collectively, our results indicate that the Hap1-Ahi1 complex in the brainstem works as a sensor for insulin signals in feeding control.

Sonodynamic Action of Pyropheophorbide-a Methyl Ester Induces Mitochondrial Damage in Liver Cancer Cells

Ultrasonics. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21183195

Sonodynamic therapy with pyropheophorbide-a methyl ester (MPPa) presents a promising aspect in treating liver cancer. The present study aims to investigate the mitochondrial damage of liver cancer cells induced by MPPa-mediated sonodynamic action. Mouse hepatoma cell line H(22) cells were incubated with MPPa (2 μM) for 20 h and then exposed to ultrasound with an intensity of 0.97 W/cm(2) for 8 s. Cytotoxicity was investigated 24h after sonodynamic action using MTT assay and light microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was analyzed using flow cytometry with rhodamine 123 staining and ultrastructural changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity of MPPa-mediated SDT on H(22) cell line was 73.00±3.42%, greater than ultrasound treatment alone (28.12±5.19%) significantly while MPPa treatment alone had no significant effect on H(22) cells. Moreover, after MPPa-mediated SDT cancer cells showed swollen mitochondria under TEM and a significant collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings demonstrated that MPPa-mediated SDT could remarkably induce cell death of H(22) cells, and highlighted that mitochondrial damage might be an important cause of cell death induced by MPPa-mediated SDT.

Anti-hyperalgesic Effect of CaMKII Inhibitor is Associated with Downregulation of Phosphorylated CREB in Rat Spinal Cord

Journal of Anesthesia. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21188428

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II and its downstream effector cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element binding protein (CREB) may be involved in the development of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the CaMKII inhibitor AIP on the association of CaMKII and CREB in a partial sciatic nerve ligation neuropathic pain model in rats.

Facile and Efficient Approach to Speed Up Layer-by-layer Assembly: Dipping in Agitated Solutions

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21166437

A facile and efficient approach has been developed to speed up the fabrication of LBL films through sequential dipping in vigorously agitated solutions. By this agitated-dipping (AD) LBL technique, the multilayer films of PAH and PSS were fabricated. The resulting films were explored by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray reflectivity, and AFM. Meanwhile, the comparison of the AD and conventional LBL films was made, which demonstrated that AD LBL can decrease dipping time by more than 15 times without reducing film quality remarkably. In addition, to verify the generality of AD LBL, we studied the AD LBL films of PDDA/PSS and PAH/PAA preliminarily as well. AD LBL promotes the efficiency of conventional LBL greatly while preserving its most advantages, such as simplicity, cheapness, precise control, universality in substrates, recycling use of sample solutions, and so on. It would be a promising alternative to build up LBL films rapidly.

Vitrification of Mouse Embryo-derived ICM Cells: a Tool for Preserving Embryonic Stem Cell Potential?

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21057976

Vitrification technology presents new opportunities for preservation of embryo derived stem cells without first establishing a viable ESC line. This study tests the feasibility of cryopreserving ICM cells using vitrification.

A Novel Tailed Primers Protocol to Identify the Association of IL-4 and IL-1RN (receptor Antagonist) Gene Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Polymorphisms with Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21111725

Generation of Anti-trenbolone Monoclonal Antibody and Establishment of an Indirect Competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Trenbolone in Animal Tissues, Feed and Urine

Talanta. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21147313

Trenbolone (TRE) is a steroid used by veterinarians on livestock to increase appetite and body weight. The use of TRE has been restricted because of its harmful side effect for consumers. To effectively control TRE residue in food and food product, a rapid and convenient immunoassay was developed by preparing an anti-TRE monoclonal antibody. The immunogen and coating antigen were prepared by coupling TRE hapten with carrier proteins via 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) method. The optimized method gave an average IC(50) value of 0.323 ng mL(-1) towards TRE and an average detection limit (LOD) of 0.06 ng mL(-1), which is much lower than the maximum residue levels (2.0 ng g(-1)) accepted by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The specificity of the antibody was evaluated by measuring cross-reactivity of six structurally related compounds, including 19-nortestosterone (9.7%), testosterone (0.13%), methyltestosterone (<0.01%), methandrostenolone (<0.01%), (+)-dehydroisoandrosterone (<0.001%) and β-estradiol (<0.001%). The recovery rates of the test in detection of TRE-fortified animal tissue, urine and animal feed samples were in the range of 81.3-89.4%, while the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 12.0%.

Apoptosis of Ovarian Cancer Cells Induced by Methylene Blue-mediated Sonodynamic Action

Ultrasonics. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21147492

The present study aims to investigate apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells induced by methylene blue (MB)-mediated sonodynamic therapy (SDT).

Troglitazone-activated PPARγ Inhibits LPS-induced Lung Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells Injuries Via TNF-α

Molecular Biology Reports. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21153920

Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common syndromes characterized by diffuse, acute injury to the alveolar epithelium and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, with high mortality rate for there are no effective pharmacological therapies. Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, is ubiquitously expressed within the lung. Recent studies have indicated PPARγ can protect lung tissue and alleviate pulmonary inflammatory injury. But no studies examined whether PPARγ agonists can protect the alveolar epithelial cells cultured in vitro. We observed the protective effect of PPARγ in LPS-induced alveolar type II epithelial cells injury. The results showed troglitazone-activated PPARγ could inhibit the production of TNF-α, one of the most important inflammatory factors, and then increased the expression of surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) and attenuate the apoptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells. Our results suggest that PPARγ may have a potential therapeutic effect on ALI.

Characterization of a Thermostable β-glucuronidase from Thermotoga Maritima Expressed in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22198718

TmGUSI, a gene identical to that encoding a thermostable β-glucuronidase in the hyperthermophilic anaerobe Thermotoga maritima, has been synthesized using a PCR-based two-step DNA synthesis and codon optimization for plants, and expressed in both Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana. TmGUSI expressed in transformed E. coli cells exhibited maximum hydrolytic activity at 65 °C and pH 6.5 and retained more than 80% activity after incubation at 85 °C for 30 min. TmGUSI activity in transgenic A. thaliana plants containing TmGUSI was also stable over the temperature range 65-80 °C. Our data suggest that β-glucuronidase from T. maritima can serve as a useful thermostable marker in higher plants.

2-[(Pyrimidin-2-yl-amino)-meth-yl]phenol

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22199767

In the title compound, C(11)H(11)N(3)O, the aromatic rings at either ends of the -CH(2)-NH- link are twisted by 72.58 (8)°; the hy-droxy substituent is a hydrogen-bond donor to an N atom of the pyrimidine ring. The other N atom of the pyrimidine ring is a hydrogen-bond acceptor to the amino group of an inversion-related mol-ecule.

2-[(Pyridin-3-yl-amino)-meth-yl]phenol

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22199768

In the title compound, C(12)H(12)N(2)O, the aromatic rings at either ends of the -CH(2)-NH- link are twisted by 68.79 (7)°. In the crystal, the hy-droxy substituent is a hydrogen-bond donor to the N atom of the pyridine ring of an adjacent mol-ecule, and the hydrogen bond generates a chain along the b axis; it is also a hydrogen-bond acceptor to the amino group of another adjacent mol-ecule. The two hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a layer structure.

Tools to Support Policy Decisions Related to Treatment Strategies and Surveillance of Schistosomiasis Japonica Towards Elimination

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22206024

Appropriate diagnostics to monitor disease trends and assess the effectiveness and impact of interventions are essential for guiding treatment strategies at different thresholds of schistosomiasis transmission and for certifying elimination. Field validation of these assays is urgently needed before they can be adopted to support policy decisions of the national programme for control and elimination of schistosomiasis in P.R. China. We compared the efficacy and utility of different immunoassays in guiding control strategies and monitoring the endemic status of S. japonicum infections towards elimination.

Isolation of Aerobic Denitrifiers and Characterization for Their Potential Application in the Bioremediation of Oligotrophic Ecosystem

Bioresource Technology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22265979

In recent years, nitrogen pollution has been increasingly serious in environmental waters in China, especially in drinking source. Seven predominant aerobic denitrifiers were isolated and characterized from the oligotrophic ecosystems. Based on their phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the isolates were identified as the genera of Pseudomonas, Achromobacter and Acinetobacter, and all isolates could express periplasmic nitrate reductase which was essential for the aerobic denitrification. The growth rates of the isolates were at 0.30-0.83h(-1), and obvious denitrification occurred when the dissolved oxygen (DO) level maintained at 3-10mgL(-1). The isolates were able to conduct heterotrophic nitrification for realizing completely nitrogen removal in aerobic oligotrophic niche. Furthermore, three strains especially Pseudomonas sp.3-7 showed outstanding capacities of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion and aggregation. Results demonstrated that the isolation of aerobic denitrifiers favored the bioremediation of oligotrophic ecosystems.

[Retrospective Investigation on National Endemic Situation of Schistosomiasis. II. Analysis of Changes of Endemic Situation in Transmission-controlled Counties]

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22164481

To summarize and analyze the process of the changes of schistosomiasis infection and Oncomelania snails in schistosomiasis transmission-controlled areas to explore the rules of the impact of changes of snail indexes on human infection before and after the stage of transmission control, so as to provide the evidence for editing snail indexes in the schistosomiasis controlled criterion and a more scientific, standardized control assessment and evaluation.

[Retrospective Investigation on National Endemic Situation of Schistosomiasis I Analysis of Changes of Endemic Situation in Transmission-interrupted Counties]

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22164605

To analyze the changing rules of schistosomiasis endemic situation in the area of transmission that has been interrupted before and after they reach the criteria of transmission interruption, so as to offer the basis of amending to the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission interruption and a more scientific, standardized assessment and evaluation of the effects of schistosomiasis control in the future.

[Retrospective Investigation on National Endemic Situation of Schistosomiasis. III. Changes of Endemic Situation in Endemic Rebounded Counties After Transmission of Schistosomiasis Under Control or Interruption]

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22164840

To analyze the changes of schistosomiasis endemic situation before and after reaching the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission control or transmission interruption in endemic rebounded areas, so as to offer the information for modifying the criteria of schistosomiasis control and elimination, and consolidating achievements of schistosomiasis control in People's Republic of China.

[Conditions of Schistosomiasis Laboratories at County Level]

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22164844

To understand the conditions of schistosomiasis laboratories at county level, so as to supply the information for diagnostic capacity building.

Microsatellite Instability in Saliva from Patients with Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer and Siblings Carrying Germline Mismatch Repair Gene Mutations

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22166501

Microsatellites are short tandem repeats of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences which are distributed throughout the genome. Tumors in patients with Lynch syndrome tend to accumulate mutations in microsatellites at a much higher rate than other sequences in the genome resulting in microsatellite instability (MSI). This is due to germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Using small pool-polymerase chain reaction (SP-PCR), previous studies have shown that mutant alleles can be detected in microsatellites of DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of Lynch syndrome patients at frequencies that were low, but significantly higher than frequencies in PBLs of age-matched non-Lynch syndrome controls. In the present study, SP-PCR detection of frequency of mutant MSI alleles (FMMA) was performed on PBLs and saliva samples from four sets of families. Each family set consisted of a mutation carrying affected proband (initial tumor bearer), a germline mutation-carrier sibling without tumors, and an age-matched normal control, either related (for 3 family sets) without mutation carrier status or unrelated (for 1 family set) without mutation carrier status. FMMAs of saliva and PBL DNA were compared between each proband, sibling and control for each family set, and between family sets. In all five statistically significant saliva comparisons identified between germline mutation carriers (FMMA: 0.080-0.261) and normal controls (FMMA: 0.003-0.087), the measured FMMAs were always higher in the carriers (p < 0.05). A logistic regression model of the data showed a significant increase in FMMAs in saliva DNA from siblings with MMR mutation compared to the normal controls (p < 0.001). These results indicated that the increased FMMAs observed in the saliva DNA as well as PBL DNA of MMR gene mutation carriers compared to normal controls are real and repeatable. Furthermore, the logistic regression also indicated that the FMMAs seen in saliva were nearly double those seen in PBLs (p < 0.001). Saliva testing, a less-invasive procedure than PBL testing, is more sensitive and appears to be a viable alternative for identifying MSI in carriers with MMR mutations.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Arising in Chronic Advanced Liver Disease and the Cholangiocarcinomatous Component of Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma Share Common Phenotypes and Cholangiocarcinogenesis

Histopathology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22175889

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) are known to arise in cases of non-biliary, chronic advanced liver disease (CALD), but their clinicopathological features remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the histological and immunohistochemical ICCs arising inCALD with those arising in livers with non-specific reactive (NSR) changes.

[Cord Blood Transplantation with Cytomegalovirus Infection Related Hemolysis: a Case Report]

Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Xueyexue Zazhi. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22338170

The CFP10/ESAT6 Complex of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis May Function As a Regulator of Macrophage Cell Death at Different Stages of Tuberculosis Infection

Medical Hypotheses. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22192908

Tuberculosis is a human disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis (Mtb) is a facultative intracellular pathogen. The alveolar macrophages provide a critical niche for the intracellular pathogen. It has been shown that virulent strains mycobacteria (Mtb-H37Rv, Mycobacterium bovis) induce less apoptosis in host macrophage than avirulent mycobacteria strains (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, H37Ra). Comparative genomics analysis has revealed that the region of difference (RD1) of M. tuberculosis is absent from all strains of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). On the contrary, it presents in all virulent strains of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. The culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP10) and early secretory antigenic target protein 6 (ESAT6) are encoded by RD1 genes Rv3874 and Rv3875, respectively. Recent studies indicated that the CFP10 and ESAT6 played an important role in M. tuberculosis virulence. It has been shown that incorporation of the RD1 region into BCG to restore the expression of CFP10 and ESAT6 leads to increasing the virulence and immunogenicity of bacterium. On the contrary, deletion of the genes encoding CFP10 and ESAT6 from the virulent M. bovis strain results in attenuation of virulence. Meanwhile, several studies showed that CFP10 and ESAT6 could inhibit and/or promote the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) from macrophages. Furthermore, TNF-α can induce apoptosis and necrosis of infected macrophages in tuberculosis. Considering above results, we hypothesize that the CFP10 and ESAT6 may be involved in the virulence of Mycobacterium through modulating macrophage cell death.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) Enhances Engraftment and Angiogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia

Diabetes. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22266669

To examine whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator linking angiogenesis and metabolism, could enhance the engraftment and angiogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in diabetic hindlimb ischemia, we engineered the overexpression of PGC-1α within MSCs using an adenoviral vector encoding green fluorescent protein and PGC-1α, and then tested the survivability and angiogenesis of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Under the condition of hypoxia concomitant with serum deprivation, the overexpression of PGC-1α in MSCs resulted in a higher expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α), a greater ratio of B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and a lower level of caspase 3 compared with the controls, followed by an increased survival rate and an elevated expression level of several proangiogenic factors. In vivo, the MSCs modified with PGC-1α could significantly increase the blood perfusion and capillary density of ischemic hindlimb of the diabetic rats, which was correlated to an improved survivability of MSCs and an increased level of several proangiogenic factors secreted by MSCs. We identified for the first time that PGC-1α could enhance the engraftment and angiogenesis of MSCs in diabetic hindlimb ischemia.

Regulatory Linkages Between Flagella and Surfactant During Swarming Behavior: Lubricating the Flagellar Propeller?

Journal of Bacteriology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22267512

Many bacteria explore their immediate environment using flagellar locomotion, and on semi-solid surfaces this type of flagella-driven motility is known as swarming (22).…

Protective Effects of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Against Oxidative Stress During High Glucose-induced Apoptosis in Podocytes

Cell Stress & Chaperones. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22270613

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein belonging to the interleukin-6 family of cytokines. In kidney, LIF regulates nephrogenesis, involves in tubular regeneration, responds to pro- and anti-inflammatory stimuli, and so on. LIF also plays an essential role in protective mechanisms triggered by preconditioning-induced oxidative stress. Although LIF shows a wide range of biologic activities, effects of LIF on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in podocytes remain unclear. The aim of the study was to assess whether LIF can attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis in podocytes. The result of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated that LIF protected podocytes against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity. The flow cytometry assay showed that LIF attenuated high glucose-induced apoptosis in podocytes. Meanwhile, the result of flow cytometric assay gave the clear indication that LIF decreased high glucose-induced elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The measurement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 activity levels showed that LIF attenuated the high glucose-induced decreased level of SOD and elevated level of NADPH oxidase, MDA and caspase-3 activity. These results may provide potential therapy for diabetic nephropathy in the future.

[Comparative Study on Therapeutic Effect Between SXDZ-100 and SDZ-II on Chronic Functional Constipation]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22295835

To compare the therapeutic effects between the Hwato neuro and muscle stimulator (SXDZ-100) and the regular electronic stimulator (SDZ-II) on chronic functional constipation.

Development of an Electrochemical Immunoassay for Detection of Gatifloxacin in Swine Urine

Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22302425

To detect gatifloxacin (GAT) residue in swine urine, an electrochemical immunoassay was established. An indirect competitive immunoassay was developed, in which the coating antigen is immobilized in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate and GAT residue from the sample competes with the limited binding sites in added anti-GAT antibody. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated to goat anti-rabbit IgG was used as the enzymatic label. A carbon fiber working electrode was constructed and current signals were detected by using hydrogen peroxide as a substrate and hydroquinone as an electrochemical mediator. The electrochemical immunoassay was evaluated by analysis of GAT in buffer or swine urine and an average value of half inhibition concentration (IC(50)) of 8.9 ng/ml was obtained. Excellent specificity of the antibody was achieved with little cross-reaction with lomefloxacin (3.0%), ciprofloxacin (3.0%), and ofloxacin (1.9%) among commonly used (fluoro)quinolones. In conclusion, the immunoassay system developed in this research can be used as a rapid, powerful and on-site analytical tool to detect GAT residue in foods and food products.

Arenobufagin, a Bufadienolide Compound from Toad Venom, Inhibits VEGF-mediated Angiogenesis Through Suppression of VEGFR-2 Signaling Pathway

Biochemical Pharmacology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22305746

Angiogenesis is crucial for carcinogenesis and other angiogenic processes. Arenobufagin, one of the major components of toad venom, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for cancer therapy. It inhibits cell growth in several cancer cell lines. However, little is known about arenobufagin's anti-angiogenic activity. In this study, we showed that arenobufagin inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced viability, migration, invasion and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Arenobufagin also suppressed sprouting formation from VEGF-treated aortic rings in an ex vivo model. Furthermore, we found that arenobufagin blocked angiogenesis in a matrigel plugs assay. Computer simulations suggested that arenobufagin interacted with the ATP-binding sites of VEGFR-2 by docking. In addition, arenobufagin inhibited VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 auto-phosphorylation and suppressed the activity of VEGFR-2-mediated signaling cascades. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that arenobufagin is a specific inhibitor of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.

Dual-Functional Gadolinium-Based Copper(II) Probe for Selective Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Fluorescence Sensing

Inorganic Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316302

A unique gadolinium complex, Nap-DO3A-Gd, comprising a naphthylamine luminescent moiety, a di-2-picolylamine (DPA) binding chelator, and a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) moiety has been designed and synthesized as a dual-functional probe for selective magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescent sensing of copper(II) in living cells. Nap-DO3A-Gd exhibited a turn-on manner of relaxivity changes and a fluorescent quenching toward Cu(2+). Through the introduction of naphthalamide into the Gd(3+) contrast agent platform to restrict the coordination ability of the DPA chelator and with Gd(3+) coordinating to the DPA moiety to turn away the interferences of other metal cations from Cu(2+) detection, the probe featured selective relaxivity changes toward Cu(2+) over other metal ions and brought unique Cu(2+)-specific luminescent responses. The probe was water-soluble with the luminescent detection limit established at 6 ppb and was successfully used for luminescence imaging detection of copper(II) in living cells. The results demonstrated the efficiency and advantage of our approach in the development of a dual-modality image.

Three New Iridoids from the Roots of Valeriana Jatamansi

Journal of Natural Medicines. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331424

Three new iridoids, valeriandoids D-F (1-3), have been isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Structure elucidation, especially the positions of the acyloxy groups, and complete (1)H- and (13)C-NMR assignments of these new compounds were carried out using one- and two-dimensional NMR measurements, including (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, DEPT-135, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and HR-ESI-MS experiments.

[Imaging Study on Supratrochlear Artery and Its Application in Nasal Reconstruction]

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi = Zhongguo Xiufu Chongjian Waike Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22332517

To study the image of the muscular and cutaneous branches of supratrochlear artery by internal and external carotid angiography and to design the frontal flap for nasal reconstruction.

MRG-1 is Required for Genomic Integrity in Caenorhabditis Elegans Germ Cells

Cell Research. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22212480

During meiotic cell division, proper chromosome synapsis and accurate repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are required to maintain genomic integrity, loss of which leads to apoptosis or meiotic defects. The mechanisms underlying meiotic chromosome synapsis, DSB repair and apoptosis are not fully understood. Here, we report that the chromodomain-containing protein MRG-1 is an important factor for genomic integrity in meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Loss of mrg-1 function resulted in a significant increase in germ cell apoptosis that was partially inhibited by mutations affecting DNA damage checkpoint genes. Consistently, mrg-1 mutant germ lines exhibited SPO-11-generated DSBs and elevated exogenous DNA damage-induced chromosome fragmentation at diakinesis. In addition, the excessive apoptosis in mrg-1 mutants was partially suppressed by loss of the synapsis checkpoint gene pch-2, and a significant number of meiotic nuclei accumulated at the leptotene/zygotene stages with an elevated level of H3K9me2 on the chromatin, which was similarly observed in mutants deficient in the synaptonemal complex, suggesting that the proper progression of chromosome synapsis is likely impaired in the absence of mrg-1. Altogether, these findings suggest that MRG-1 is critical for genomic integrity by promoting meiotic DSB repair and synapsis progression in meiosis.Cell Research advance online publication 3 January 2012; doi:10.1038/cr.2012.2.

Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Induced by Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in C6 Cells

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22213249

Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit anti-tumor effects on various human cancers, but the effects of HA on glioma cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore whether HA can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of C6 cells. Use of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that HA induced C6 cell death in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Results from hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry assay showed that HA induced C6 cell apoptosis significantly. Meanwhile, the flow cytometric assay gave clear indication that HA induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) generation showed that HA decreased the total SOD of cellular levels. Interestingly, pretreatment of N-(mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (N-MPG), known as a type of ROS scavenger formulations, could somehow inhibit C6 cell apoptosis induced by HA. These results may provide potential anti-glioma treatment in the future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.

MiRNA-21: A Biomarker Predictive for Platinum-based Adjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Cancer Biology & Therapy. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22237007

Purpose: To investigate the possible role of microRNAs in the resistance to platinum based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), explore their potential role and find potential biomarkers for prediction of the response to platinum.   Patients and methods: Microarray was employed to compare the expression of miRNAs between A549 and A549/CDDP cells. The effect of a differently expressed miRNA (miR-21) was examined on the sensitivity of cells to platinum. MiR-21 expression in NSCLC tumor tissues and matched plasma sample was also analyzed by Real-time PCR. Results: 21 miRNAs were deregulated in A549/CDDP. Increased miR-21 expression significantly increased the resistance of A549 cell to platinum, whereas reduced miR-21 decreased the resistance of A549/CDDP cell. This finding was further validated in the tissue samples of 58 patients and it was found that miR-21 expression was significantly increased in platinum based chemotherapy-resistant patients (n = 58, p = 0.000). And increased miR-21 expression was associated with the shorter DFS (p = 0.008). Among these 58 patients, 32 had the corresponding plasma samples and similar tendencies were detected in 68.75% patients. Finally, transfection of A549/CDDP with anti-miR-21 increased the expression of PTEN and decreased Bcl-2. In contrast, pre-miR-21 decreased the expression of PTEN and increased Bcl-2 in A549. Conclusion: Our data suggests that the expression level of miR-21 in tumor tissue and plasma might be used as a biomarker to predict adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy response and disease free survival in patients with NSCLC. Thus, it may serve as a novel therapeutic target to modulate platinum-based chemotherapy.

Sesquiterpenes Inhibiting NO Production from Celastrus Orbiculatus

Fitoterapia. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22245086

Two new (1 and 2) and one known (3) β-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenes were isolated from the fruits of Celastrus orbicultus Thunb. Their structures were elucidated as 1β,13-diacetoxy-8β,9β-dibenzoyloxy-β-dihydroagarofuran (1), 1β,13-diacetoxy-8α-hydroxy-9β-benzoyloxy-β-dihydroagarofuran (2), and 1β,6α,13-triacetoxy-9α-benzoyloxy-β-dihydroagarofuran (3), on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses. All the compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in murine microglial BV-2 cells.

Propylthiouracil-induced Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated Renal Vasculitis Versus Primary ANCA-associated Renal Vasculitis: A Comparative Study

The Journal of Rheumatology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22247359

OBJECTIVE: Renal involvement is frequently present in primary antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated small-vessel vasculitis (AAV) as well as propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced AAV. We analyzed the characteristics of patients with PTU-induced AAV with renal involvement and investigated the differences of the 2 diseases. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with PTU-induced AAV, diagnosed from 1997 to 2010, were enrolled for study. Their data were compared with those of 174 patients with primary AAV diagnosed at the same time. Renal involvement was present in all patients. RESULTS: There was a prominent proportion of young women with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.01). They had lower levels of proteinuria and serum creatinine and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Clinical immunological abnormalities were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV. Patients with PTU-induced AAV had less organ involvement and lower Birmingham Vasculitis Assessment Score than patients with primary AAV (p < 0.01). Renal biopsies showed a lower proportion of glomeruli with crescents (p < 0.01). Interstitial inflammation was less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.05). Similarly, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Renal survival and total survival were better in patients with PTU-associated vasculitis (p < 0.05, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Clinical and histopathological abnormalities were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV and most of them had a good prognosis.

Understanding the Physical Interactions in the FGF21/FGFR/β-Klotho Complex: Structural Requirements and Implications in FGF21 Signaling

Chemical Biology & Drug Design. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22248288

The endocrine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) requires both fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and β-Klotho for signaling. In this study, we sought to understand the inter-molecular physical interactions in the FGF21/FGFR/β-Klotho complex by deleting key regions in FGFR1c or FGF21. Deletion of the D1 and the D1-D2 linker (the D1/linker region) from FGFR1c led to β-Klotho-independent receptor activation by FGF21, suggesting that there may be a direct interaction between FGF21 and the D1/linker region-deficient FGFR1c. Consistent with this, the extracellular portion of FGFR1c lacking the D1/linker region blocked FGF21 action in a reporter assay, presumably by binding to and sequestering FGF21 from acting on cell surface receptor complex. In addition, the D1/linker region-deficient FGFR1c had enhanced interaction with β-Klotho. Further, we demonstrated that deletion of the D1/linker region enhanced the formation of the FGF21/β-Klotho/FGFR1c ternary complex in both Biacore and asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation studies. Finally, we found that the N-terminus of FGF21 is involved in the interaction with FGFR1c and FGF21/β-Klotho/FGFR1c ternary complex formation. Taken together, our data suggest that the D1/linker region regulates both the FGF21/FGFR1c and FGFR1c/β-Klotho interaction, and a direct interaction of FGF21 with FGFR1c may be an important step in receptor-mediated FGF21 signaling.

Iridoids from the Roots of Valeriana Jatamansi

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22263587

Two new iridoids, jatamanvaltrates N (1) and O (2), together with four known compounds (3-6), were isolated from the roots of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR spectral data with those of related compounds. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects, and only compound 1 showed weak neuroprotective activities.

Functional Characterization of Class II 5-enopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate Synthase from Halothermothrix Orenii H168 in Escherichia Coli and Transgenic Arabidopsis

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21720820

Although a large number of AroA enzymes (5-enopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase [EPSPS]) have been identified, cloned and tested for glyphosate resistance, only AroA variants derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain CP4 have been successfully used commercially. We have now used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based two-step DNA synthesis (PTDS) method to synthesize an aroA gene (aroA(H. orenii)) from Halothermothrix orenii H168 encoding a new EPSPS similar to AroA(A. tumefaciens CP4.) AroA(H. orenii) was then expressed in Escherichia coli and key kinetic values of the purified enzyme were determined. Kinetic analysis of AroA(H. orenii) indicated that the full-length enzyme exhibited increased tolerance to glyphosate compared with E. coli AroA(E. coli) while retaining a high affinity for the substrate phosphoenolpyruvate. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants containing aroA(H. orenii) were resistant to 15 mM glyphosate. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that residues Thr355Ser affected the affinity of AroA(H. orenii) for glyphosate, providing further evidence that specific amino acid residues are responsible for differences in enzymatic behavior among different AroA enzymes.

Retinoic Acid Promotes Neural Conversion of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Adherent Monoculture

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21611753

Retinoic acid (RA) plays multiple roles in the nervous system, including induction of neural differentiation, axon outgrowth and neural patterning. Previously, RA for neural differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells always relies on embryoid bodies (EBs) formation. Here we report an in vitro adherent monoculture system to induce mouse ES cells into neural cells accompanied with RA. RA (1 μM) treatment, during initial 2 days of differentiation, can enhance the expression of neural markers, such as Nestin, Tuj1 and MAP2, and result in an earlier neural differentiation of ES cells. Furthermore, RA promotes a significant increase in neurite elongation of ES-derived neurons. Our study also implies that RA induced to express Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) for neural differentiation. However, the mechanisms of RA triggering neural induction remain to be determined. Our simple and efficient strategy is proposed to provide a basis for studying RA signaling pathways in neural differentiation in vitro.

Stress Responses to Phenol in Arabidopsis and Transcriptional Changes Revealed by Microarray Analysis

Planta. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21927950

Phenols are toxic, environmentally persistent products of the chemical industry that are capable of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications in the food chain. Little is known of how plants respond to this compound. To understand the transcriptional changes under phenol, microarray experiments on Arabidopsis thaliana were performed. Microarray results revealed numerous perturbations in signaling and metabolic pathways. The results indicated that the phenol response was related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative conditions, including ROS generated for pathogen defense.

Droplet-based Microfluidic Device for Multiple-droplet Clustering

Lab on a Chip. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22159516

We present a multiple-droplet clustering device that can perform sequential droplet trapping and storing. Shape-dependent droplet manipulation in forward and backward flows has been incorporated to achieve high trapping and storing efficiency in a 10 × 12 array of clustering structures (e.g., storing well, storing chamber, trapping well, and guiding track). In the forward flow, flattened droplets are trapped in each trapping well. In the backward flow, the trapped droplets are released from the trapping well and follow the guiding tracks to their corresponding storing wells. The guided droplets float up out of the confining channel to the super stratum of the storing chamber due to interfacial energy and buoyancy effects. This forward/backward flow-based trapping/storing process can be repeated several times to cluster droplets with different contents and samples in the storing chambers. We expect that the proposed platform will be a valuable tool to study complex droplet-based reactions in clustered droplets.

Surface Contact Stimulates the Just-in-time Deployment of Bacterial Adhesins

Molecular Microbiology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22053824

The attachment of bacteria to surfaces provides advantages such as increasing nutrient access and resistance to environmental stress. Attachment begins with a reversible phase, often mediated by surface structures such as flagella and pili, followed by a transition to irreversible attachment, typically mediated by polysaccharides. Here we show that the interplay between pili and flagellum rotation stimulates the rapid transition between reversible and polysaccharide-mediated irreversible attachment. We found that reversible attachment of Caulobacter crescentus cells is mediated by motile cells bearing pili and that their contact with a surface results in the rapid pili-dependent arrest of flagellum rotation and concurrent stimulation of polar holdfast adhesive polysaccharide. Similar stimulation of polar adhesin production by surface contact occurs in Asticcacaulis biprosthecum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Therefore, single bacterial cells respond to their initial contact with surfaces by triggering just-in-time adhesin production. This mechanism restricts stable attachment to intimate surface interactions, thereby maximizing surface attachment, discouraging non-productive self-adherence, and preventing curing of the adhesive.

Lack of Overt FGF21 Resistance in Two Mouse Models of Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Endocrinology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22067317

Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolic regulator of glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, are elevated in obese diabetic subjects, raising questions about potential FGF21 resistance. Here we report tissue expression changes in FGF21 and its receptor components, and we describe the target-organ and whole-body responses to FGF21 in ob/ob and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Plasma FGF21 concentrations were elevated 8- and 16-fold in DIO and ob/ob mice, respectively, paralleling a dramatic increase in hepatic FGF21 mRNA expression. Concurrently, expression levels of βKlotho, FGF receptor (FGFR)-1c, and FGFR2c were markedly down-regulated in the white adipose tissues (WAT) of ob/ob and DIO mice. However, dose-response curves of recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) stimulation of ERK phosphorylation in the liver and WAT were not right shifted in disease models, although the magnitude of induction in ERK phosphorylation was partially attenuated in DIO mice. Whole-body metabolic responses were preserved in ob/ob and DIO mice, with disease models being more sensitive and responsive than lean mice to the glucose-lowering and weight-loss effects of rhFGF21. Endogenous FGF21 levels, although elevated in diseased mice, were below the half-maximal effective concentrations of rhFGF21, suggesting a state of relative deficiency. Hepatic and WAT FGF21 mRNA expression levels declined after rhFGF21 treatment in the absence of the increased expression levels of βKlotho and FGFR. We conclude that overt FGF21 resistance was not evident in the disease models, and increased hepatic FGF21 expression as a result of local metabolic changes is likely a major cause of elevated circulating FGF21 levels.

Hypothalamic Ahi1 Mediates Feeding Behavior Through Interaction with 5-HT2C Receptor

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22123816

It is indicated that there are important molecules interacting with brain nervous systems to regulate feeding and energy balance by influencing the signaling pathways of these systems, but relatively few of the critical players have been identified. In the present study, we provide the evidence for the role of Abelson helper integration site 1 (Ahi1) protein as a mediator of feeding behavior through interaction with serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT(2C)R), known for its critical role in feeding and appetite control. First, we demonstrated the co-localization and interaction between hypothalamic Ahi1 and 5-HT(2C)R. Ahi1 promoted the degradation of 5-HT(2C)R through the lysosomal pathway. Then, we investigated the effects of fasting on the expression of hypothalamic Ahi1 and 5-HT(2C)R. Fasting resulted in an increased Ahi1 expression and a concomitant decreased expression of 5-HT(2C)R. Knockdown of hypothalamic Ahi1 led to a concomitant increased expression of 5-HT(2C)R and a decrease of food intake and body weight. Last, we found that Ahi1 could regulate the expression of neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin. Taken together, our results indicate that Ahi1 mediates feeding behavior by interacting with 5-HT(2C)R to modulate the serotonin signaling pathway.

CaMKII Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides Protect Against Ischemia-induced Neuronal Death in the Rat Hippocampus

Journal of the Neurological Sciences. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22036300

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on the assembly of the CaMKII·GluR6·PSD-95 signaling module, GluR6 serine phosphorylation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) activation. A further aim was to determine the neuroprotective mechanism of CaMKII antisense ODNs against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced neuronal death in the rat hippocampus. CaMKII antisense ODNs were intracerebroventricularly infused to inhibit CaMKII expression once daily for 3days prior to the induction of ischemia. Transient cerebral ischemia (15min) and reperfusion were induced by four-vessel occlusion in Sprague-Dawley rats as an animal model for transient cerebral I/R. The expression of related proteins was examined by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Neuronal death in the rat hippocampus was detected by histology and histochemistry. The results indicate that CaMKII antisense ODNs inhibit several of the processes that are normally induced by cerebral I/R, including CaMKII expression, increased CaMKII·GluR6·PSD-95 signaling module assembly, GluR6 serine phosphorylation and JNK3 activation. Alternatively, CaMKII antisense ODNs also exhibit a significant neuroprotective role against cerebral I/R-induced cell death. These results provide the first evidence that CaMKII antisense ODNs can exert neuroprotective effects on cerebral I/R-induced cell death. The possible molecular mechanisms underlying this effect include 1) an inhibition of CaMKII expression and subsequent suppression of the assembly of the CaMKII·GluR6·PSD-95 signaling module, 2) GluR6 serine phosphorylation, and 3) reduced JNK3 activation.