[Isolation and Analysis of Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in Dendrobium Huoshanense]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi = China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22308676

To investigate the genetic diversity and structure of Dendrobium huoshanense, a (CT)n enriched microsatellite library was constructed using a magnetic beads enrichment procedure.

[Inhibitory Effect of Total Bufadienolides from Toad Venom Against H22 Tumor in Mice and Their Metabolites]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi = China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22308689

To evaluate the inhibitory effect of total bufadienolides from toad venom against H22 tumor in mice and preliminarily analyze the structures of the metabolites in tissues.

The Protective Effects of Ambroxol in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa-induced Pneumonia in Rats

Archives of Medical Science : AMS. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22312374

To evaluate the effect of Ambroxol on the pulmonary surfactant (PS) in rat pneumonia induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA).

Potent Toxic Macrocyclic Trichothecenes from the Marine-derived Fungus Myrothecium Verrucaria Hmp-F73

Natural Product Communications. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22312738

Activity-guided fractionation of a methanol extract from the culture broth of Myrothecium verrucaria Hmp-F73, a fungus associated with the sponge Hymeniacidon perleve, afforded six macrocyclic trichothecenes, verrucarin J (1), 8-hydroxyverrucarin J (2), verrucarin A (3), 8-acetoxyroridin H (4), isororidin E (5), and roridin E (6), along with trichoverrin B (7). All seven metabolites displayed potent toxicity to the brine shrimp (Artemia salina). In addition, compounds 2, 3, and 6 showed weak phytotoxic activities against lettuce seeds. A preliminary structure-activity relationship of the metabolites is also discussed.

Elevated DISC1 Transcript Levels in PBMCs During Acute Psychosis in Patients with Schizophrenia

Translational Biomedicine. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22319686

BACKGROUND: Severe mental disorders like schizophrenia are a leading cause of disability in people in the prime years of their lives (aged 15 to 44 years). Relapse is a primary contributor to schizophrenia disease burden and is frequently attributed to medication noncompliance and inadequate doses. Currently, a patient's neuroleptic dose is titrated to clinical response within recommended dose ranges. Use of unbiased biomarkers of effective neuroleptic treatment-response would greatly facilitate the identification of a person's lowest effective dose to minimize unsafe side effects and improve compliance. Biomarkers may allow precisely tailored adjustments of neuroleptic dose to reduce relapse due to variable disease course. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Biomarkers of active psychosis were sought among persons with schizophrenia hospitalized with acute psychosis. The transcriptional response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to treatment of psychosis was measured using RNA expression profiling in 12-paired samples from patients with schizophrenia. The paired samples were collected early after treatment initiation and again just before patients were released from the hospital. Patients showed significant improvement in positive symptoms of psychosis assessed at each sample collection using a brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) (P<0.05). Preliminary evidence is presented indicating that decreased transcript levels of isoforms of disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) measured in PBMCs were associated with treatment in 91% of samples (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to identify neuroleptic-response biomarkers and to replicate this initial finding of association of DISC1 transcript levels with treatment of psychosis.

Analysis of Water Quality Factors Influencing the Speciation of Inorganic Nitrogen Using GRA

Journal of Environmental Biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22319882

Based on the water quality data from 2006 to 2008, grey relational analysis (GRA) is used to analyze factors that may have influence on the speciation of inorganic nitrogen in the Chengdu section of middle Min river. The results show that water temperature, changing from 20.2 +/- 2.7, 13.4 +/- 5.7 and 16.8 +/- 5.6 degrees C, is the first restrictive factor for the speciation of inorganic nitrogen; it is negatively correlated with the ratio of total ammonia nitrogen to total inorganic nitrogen contents [m(AN)/m(TIN)] in three different periods of wet season, dry season and year-round. The average pH values for years, in wet and dry periods are 7.6 +/- 0.4, 7.3 +/- 0.3 and 7.8 +/- 0.2, respectively, and have different influences in different seasons. It is the second restrictive factor and positive correlation between pH and m(AN)/m(TIN) in wet season and through the year yet it is the fourth factor in dry seasons. The values of dissolved oxygen (DO), which are 4.6 +/- 1.4, 4.6 +/- 2.4, 4.6 +/- 2.0 respectively, is the third factor and negatively correlates with m(AN)/m(TIN) in third different periods. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) indirectly inhibits the nitrifying bacteria because the DO is depleted in the decomposition of organic matter by heterotrophic bacteria, showing the positive correlation.As the alkalinity can meet the requirement of nitrification in wet season and through the year, it is not restrictive factor. However, it is the second restrictive factor in dry season because of low content of alkalinity inhibiting the growth of nitrifying bacteria.

Molecular Mechanisms of Celery Seed Extract Induced Apoptosis Via S Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in the BGC-823 Human Stomach Cancer Cell Line

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22320960

Background: Mechanisms of apoptosis in tumor cells is an important field of tumor therapy and cancer molecular biology. Loss of cell cycle control, leading to uncontrolled proliferation, is common in cancer. Therefore, the identification of potent and selective cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors is a priority for anti-cancer drug discovery. There are at least two major apoptotic pathways, initiated by caspase-8 and caspase-9, respectively, which can activate caspase cascades. Apoptosis triggered by activation of the mitochondrial-dependent caspase pathway represents the main programmed cell death mechanism. This is activated by various intracellular stresses that induce permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane. Anti-tumor effects of celery seed extract (CSE) and related mechanisms regarding apoptosis were here investigated in human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells. Methods: CSE was produced by supercritical fluid extraction. Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and apoptosis by flow cytometry using Annexin/PI staining and DAPI staining and a laser scanning cConfocal microscope (LSCM). Cell cycling was evaluated using PI staining with flow cytometry and expression of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins cyclin A, CDK2, bcl-2 and bax was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: CSE had an anti-proliferation effect on human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After treatment, the apoptotic rate significantly increased, with morphological changes typical of apoptosis observed with LSCM by DAPI staining. Cell cycle and apoptosis related proteins, such as cyclin A, CDK2 and bcl-2 were all down-regulated, whereas bax was up-regulated. Conclusions: The molecular determinants of inhibition of cell proliferation as well as apoptosis of CSE may be associated with cycle arrest in the S phase.

Meta-analysis of ALDH2 Variants and Esophageal Cancer in Asians

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22320964

Alcohol drinking is considered a risk factor for esophageal cancer, and exposure to high levels of acetaldehyde, the principal metabolite of alcohol, may be responsible. Individuals homozygous for the *2 variant allele of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are unable to metabolize acetaldehyde, which prevents them from alcohol drinking, whereas those with *1/*2 have a 6-fold higher blood acetaldehyde concentration postalcohol consumption with respect to *1*1. We carried out a meta-analysis of ALDH2 and esophageal cancer searching for relevant studies on Asians in Medline and EMbase up to May 2011, and investigated the association between this genotype variation and esophageal cancer risk. A total of 2,697 cases and ,6344 controls were retained for the analysis. The pooled OR (95% CI) for ALDH2*1/*2 was 2.47 (95%CI: 1.76-3.46) compared with ALDH2*1/*1. ALDH2*2/*2 showed a non-significant decreased risk for esophageal cancer with OR of 0.6 (0.26-1.38). ALDH2*1/*2 individuals showed a higher risk of esophageal cancer among moderate and heavy alcohol users [2.17(1.95-2.43) and 3.20(2.78-3.70), respectively]. Moderate drinkers with ALDH2*2/*2 showed strong esophageal cancer risk [OR(95%CI)=8.52(3.81-19.04)] compared with ALDH2*1/*1 carriers among heavy drinkers than non-drinkers and moderate drinkers (OR=7.05). Our finding showed that ALDH2*1/*2 genotype increases the risk of esophageal cancer, while the ALDH2*2/*2 genotype reduces the risk, presumably preventing people from consumption due to discomfort. Drinking clearly modifies the effect of ALDH2 on esophageal cancer risk in Asians.

Never Smokers with Lung Cancer: Analysis of Genetic Variants

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22320997

It is well-known that tobacco smoke is a definite causative agent important for human health. Epidemiological research has proven that smoking is a cause of various serious and fatal diseases. However, never-smokers comprise a high proportion of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. To determine whether lung cancer patients in never smokers have different genetic mutations from their counterparts in smokers, we comprehensively searched the Cochrane Library, Medline and EMbase from 1966 to Jun 2010 for the following terms: ("non- smoker" or "never-smoker") and ("lung cancer") and ("gene") limited to English and clinical trials. Although a significant fraction of lung cancers in never smokers may also be attributable to tobacco, many such cancers arise in the absence of detectable tobacco exposure, and may follow a very different molecular pathway of malignant formation, including EGFR gene mutation, P53 mutation and metabolic gene CYP1AIIle462Val polymorphism. These genes will help doctors to separate never-smoker lung cancer from smokers, and may present promising targets for therapy of never-smoker lung cancers. Future efforts should focus on further delineation of underlying biologic differences, identifying potential non-tobacco-related risk factors, and refining treatment strategies for different groups of lung cancer patients.

[Study on Discrepant Protein Expression in Rat Auditory Cortex Under Impulse Noise Exposure]

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321423

Impulse noise was adopted in adult rats to built acute deafferent animal model. Differential proteomics techniques were applied to detect the changes of protein expression in the auditory cortex before and after the noise exposure.

[The Blood-aqueous Barrier Changes After Laser Peripheral Iridotomy or Surgery Peripheral Iridectomy]

[Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi] Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321495

To investigate the ocular blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) alteration after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) or surgery peripheral iridectomy (SPI) in patients with primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma (PCACG).

[Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Mutations, Amplification and Clinicopathologic Correlation in Patients with Lung Cancer]

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi Chinese Journal of Pathology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321546

To investigate the clinicopathological features of patients with lung cancers associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene amplification and/or mutations.

[Experience on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Mutation Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi Chinese Journal of Pathology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321558

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

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

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

[Follow-up and Outcome As Well As the Related Biological Factors on the Cases with Indeterminate HIV Antibody Level]

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321593

To explore the follow-up visit, outcome and auxiliary diagnosis method on the cases with indeterminate antibody level measured by Western blotting as well as the related biological factors.

[Effect of Plasma-derived Hepatitis B Vaccine 23(rd) Year After a Full Course of Vaccination in Healthy Young Children]

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321594

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-HBs persistence and the long term preventive efficacy after vaccination 23 years with plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine.

[The Clinical Study of High-frequency Ultrasound-guided Vacuum-assisted Biopsy for Breast Microcalcifications]

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Surgery]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321683

To evaluate the clinical application of high-frequency ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy for breast microcalcifications.

[Robotically Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Beating Heart]

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Surgery]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321684

To analyze the safety and efficiency of robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RACABG) on beating heart using da Vinci S system.

[Analysis of the Antimycobacterial Activities of Rifabutin and the Relationship Between Drug-resistance and RpoB Mutations of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis]

Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi = Zhonghua Jiehe He Huxi Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321711

To compare the antimycobacterial activities of rifampicin (RFP) and rifabutin (RBT), and to evaluate the correlation between RBT resistance and genetic alterations in the rpoB gene.

[Prognostic Values for In-hospital Event Rate of Early E/Em in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321780

To assess the prognostic values for in-hospital event rate of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) parameter (E/Em) after acute myocardial infarction.

[Impact of Left Ventricular Systolic Function on the Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Unprotected Left Main Disease]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321782

To evaluate the impact of left ventricular systolic function on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main (ULM) disease.

[Onset Timing of Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Middle-aged and Old Patients]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321229

To compare the differences on onset timing of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young and aged patients.

[Prevalence of Abnormal Ankle Brachial Index in Xinjiang Adult Population]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321237

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ankle brachial index(ABI) in Xinjiang adult population.

[A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel and Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pioglitazone with Sulphonyurea in Type 2 Diabetic Patients]

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine]. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321321

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 30 mg pioglitazone hydrochloride combined with sulphonyurea in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients.

[Pathogenic Effects of Level of Nitric Oxide, Hyponatremia and Heart Function on Hepatorenal Syndrome]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321879

To analyze the changes of liver function, renal function, electrolytes, heart function and serum nitric oxide (NO) in chronic severe hepatitis patients with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) by plasma exchange (PE), study the relationship of NO, hyponatremia, heart function with HRS.

[Single Trocar Laparoscopic Surgery: a Report of 45 Cases]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321884

To report the initial urological applications of single trocar laparoscopic surgery.

[Clinical Efficacy of Acne Scar Treatment with Micro-plasma Radio Frequency]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321922

To explore the efficacy of facial acne scars treatment with micro-plasma radio frequency.

[Paying Great Attention to Autopsy at Chinese Major Hospitals]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321974

Dihydroartemisinin Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-mediated Apoptosis in HepG2 Human Hepatoma Cells

Tumori. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22322845

Aims and background. Previous studies showed that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) possessed antitumor activity in many human tumor cells through the induction of apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on apoptosis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Methods. The inhibitory effect of DHA on HepG2 cells was measured by MTT assay. The percentage of apoptotic cells was detected by flow cytometry with double staining of fluorescein isothiocyanate-annexin V/propidium iodide. The intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Protein expression of GADD153, Bcl-2 and Bax in HepG2 cells was examined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results. DHA significantly inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptosis rates in HepG2 cells treated with 0, 50, 100 and 200 μmol/L DHA for 24 hours were 2.53 ± 0.88%, 24.85 ± 3.63%, 35.27 ± 5.92% and 48.53 ± 7.76%, respectively. Compared with the control group, DHA significantly increased ROS generation and [Ca2+]i level (P <0.05), with the generation of ROS preceding the increase in [Ca2+]i. An increase in GADD153 and Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 were observed in DHA-treated cells. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine could attenuate the effects of DHA in the experiments. Conclusion. DHA could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines through increasing the intracellular production of ROS and [Ca2+]i. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis may contribute to this effect by regulating the expression of GADD153, proapoptotic Bax, and antiapoptotic Bcl-2.

[Analysis of Variation Trends of Thyroid Cancer Treated in Tianjin Cancer Hospital Form 1954 to 2009]

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22325223

To investigate and analyze the variation trends in the pathological composition of thyroid cancer patients treated in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from 1954 to 2009.

[Mutation Analysis of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Gene in 55 Patients with Phenylketonuria from Hebei Province]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333022

To identify the pathogenic mutations of phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (PAH) in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) from Hebei Province.

[Surveillance on the Etiology and Genetic Characteristics of Rabies in Hunan Province, from 2008 to 2009]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333083

To analyze the etiology of rabies in Hunan province and the genetic characteristics of rabies N gene isolated from 2008 to 2009.

[Identification and Functional Study of Tim-1(+)CD19(+) Regulatory B Cell in Kidney Transplantation Recipients]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333248

To observe the ratio of Tim-1(+)CD19(+) B cell in the peripheral blood of kidney transplantation recipients and elucidate its functions.

[Correlations of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase and Insulin Resistance, Pancreatic B-cell Function]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333257

To explore the correlations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), insulin resistance and pancreatic B-cell function.

[Problem Solving in Endodontic Diseases: X. Dental Restorations After Root Canal Treatments]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333312

[Considerations of Retention and Dental Preparation in Restoration of Tooth Defects]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333348

[Construction of Tissue Engineering Bone with Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Sheets]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333357

To construct tissue engineering bone with bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) sheets of dogs.

[High IgE Syndrome and Its Oral Manifestatiom]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333364

[Selection of Surgical Modalities for T3 Glottic Carcinoma]

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22335954

To determine the optimal surgical modality for T3 glottic carcinoma.

[A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Efficacy of Combination of Gemcitabine and Carboplatin or Paclitaxel and Combination of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in the Treatment for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22335958

[Primary Adenocarcinoma of Seminal Vesicle: Report of a Case]

Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi Chinese Journal of Pathology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336165

[Immune Status and Vaccination in Children with Leukemia]

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. Chinese Journal of Pediatrics. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336299

[One Case Report of Misleading Catheter into Right Atrium During Coronary Angiography]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336462

[Studies on the Relationship Between Polymorphism of IL-28B Rs8099917 and the Outcome of HBV Infection]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336553

To investigate the correlation between IL-28B rs8099917 polymorphism and the outcome of HBV infection.

[Predictive Value of Serum Uric Acid on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336555

To evaluate the predictive value of uric acid (UA) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

[Analyzing Urinary Proteome Patterns of Metabolic Syndrome Patients with Early Renal Injury by Magnet Bead Separation and Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry]

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22338134

To determine the potential urinary biomarkers of metabolic syndrome (MS) with early renal injury and establish diagnostic models by magnetic bead-based separation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).

[Effect of Omega-3 Fish Oil Fat Emulsion on the Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Bortezomib]

Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Xueyexue Zazhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22338163

[Construction of Recombinant Plasmid Expressing S1 Gene of New Type of Reovirus]

Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Shiyan He Linchuang Bingduxue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22338225

To construct the recombinant plasmid containing S1 gene of new type of reovirus, and to study the expression of protein sigma1 in Vero cells.

[Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Prefrontal Lobe and Thalamus in Schizophrenics: Correlation with Clinical Characteristics]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333054

To explore the characteristics of different subtypes of schizophrenics on prefrontal lobe and thalamus by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) and its relationship.

[A Study of Esophageal Function and Reflux Characteristics of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients Presenting with Chronic Cough]

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine]. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333125

To investigate the characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with chronic cough by the results of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and high-resolution manometry (MII-HRM) procedure and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance combined pH (MII-pH) monitoring.

[Cardio-myogenic Differentiation of Human Amniotic Fluid Colony Derived Stem Cells in the Form of Embryonic Body-like Structure]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333154

To investigate cardio-myogenic differentiation potential of human amniotic fluid colony derived stem cells (HAFCDSC) in the form of embryonic body (EB)-like structure in vitro.

[Evaluation of Laser Triangulation Method for Measurement of Post-gel Shrinkage and Post-vitrification Shrinkage in Composite Resins]

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333309

To employ a laser triangulation method for measuring post-gel and post-vitrifi-cation polymerization shrinkage of composite resins.

[Adult-to-adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation with 94 Cases Report]

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Surgery]. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333451

To investigate the donor evaluation, surgical protocol, and the complication for the adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT).

[Clinical Efficacy of Microvascular Decompression Plus Intraoperative Monitoring of Abnormal Muscle Response in the Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333614

To explore the clinical efficacy of microvascular decompression plus intraoperative monitoring of abnormal muscle response in the treatment of hemifacial spasm.

[Biomechanical Study of "mandible-temporomandibular Joint" Under Different Loading Angles with Forsus]

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical Science Edition. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22332554

To identify the best loading angle with Forsus for mandible-temporomandibular joint.

[Biological Characteristics and Management of Familial Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma]

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22335974

To analyze the clinical biological characteristics and investigate the managements of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (FPTC).

[Echocardiography Guided Coated Stent-graft Implantation for Patients with Stanford B Aortic Dissection]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336448

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guided coated stent-graft implantation for patients with Stanford B aortic dissection.

[Left Ventricular Flow Vector Characteristics and the Relationship Between Flow Vector and Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Anterior Myocardial Infarction]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336454

To assess left ventricular vortex and flow vector features and the relationship between vector flow and left ventricular systolic function in patients with anterior myocardial infarction by echocardiography-derived vector flow mapping (VFM).

[Efficacy of Ibutilide for Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation During Radiofrequency Ablation]

Zhonghua Xin Xue Guan Bing Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336457

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of ibutilide for cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) during radiofrequency ablation.

[Study on Incidence of HIV Infection Among Heroin Addicts Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22336606

To determine the incidence and risk factors of HIV infection among heroin addicts receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province.

Patient Predictor Variables for Six Forms of Suicidality

European Journal of Pain (London, England). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22337569

OBJECTIVES: There has been a significant amount of research performed on the relationship between the presence of chronic pain and all forms of suicidality. This study explored which rehabilitation acute pain patient (APP) and rehabilitation chronic pain patient (CPP) variables are predictive of six suicidality items: wanting to die because of pain; wanting to die because life is hard; history of wanting to die; history of suicide attempts; recent frequent suicide ideation; and having a suicidal plan. METHODS: The six suicide items were contained within the Battery for Health Improvement-Research Version (BHI-R) and were administered to a healthy community sample (n = 1478), community patients (n = 158), rehabilitation APPs (n = 326), rehabilitation CPPs (n = 341) and rehabilitation patients without pain (n = 110). RESULTS: Affirmation of the six items in APPs/CPPs ranged from 6.13% to 34.90%. Logistic regression predictor models for each item for APPs/CPPs were developed utilizing available variables from the BHI-R. Predictor variables differed between APPs and CPPs and between items. Most predictor variables had previously been delineated in non-pain behaviour studies (e.g., substance abuse). Some novel variables such as perseverance were also identified. Contrary to the behaviour suicide literature, no demographic variables (except employment) were predictive. Correct patient classification ranged from 87% to 95%, in most cases being better than the base rate prediction. DISCUSSION: Suicidality predictor variables were differentially distributed between APPs and CPPs and between different forms of suicidality. Some suicidality predictor variables appeared to be specific to pain patients.

The New Age of Carbon Nanotubes: An Updated Review of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Electrochemical Sensors

Nanoscale. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337209

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they have drawn considerable research attention and have shown great potential application in many fields due to their unique structural, mechanical, and electronic properties. However, their native insolubility severely holds back the process of application. In order to overcome this disadvantage and broaden the scope of their application, chemical functionalization of CNTs has attracted great interest over the past several decades and produced various novel hybrid materials with specific applications. Notably, the rapid development of functionalized CNTs used as electrochemical sensors has been successfully witnessed. In this featured article, the recent progress of electrochemical sensors based on functionalized CNTs is discussed and classified according to modifiers covering organic (oxygen functional groups, small organic molecules, polymers, DNA, protein, etc.), inorganic (metal nanoparticles, metal oxide, etc.) and organic-inorganic hybrids. By employing some representative examples, it will be demonstrated that functionalized CNTs as templates, carriers, immobilizers and transducers are promising for the construction of electrochemical sensors.

[Clinical Investigation of Efficacy of Third-line and Beyond Pemetrexed Treatment in Advanced Non-squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Zhongguo Fei Ai Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22336241

Pemetrexed in combination with platinum or a single-agent has been approved for the first- and second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of pemetrexed therapy in the third-line and beyond treatment of NSCLC has yet to be generally accepted. The present retrospective study reports the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in the third-line and beyond treatment of advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

Reinnervation for Bladder Through End-to-side Neurorrhaphy of Autonomic Nerve and Somatic Nerve in Rats

Journal of Neurotrauma. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22332710

End-to-side neurorrhaphy is widely used in peripheral nervous system for nerve repair, however, which is limited to somatic nerves since the application of this technique. The feasibility of nerve regeneration through end-to-side neurorrhaphy between autonomic nerve and somatic nerve with different characteristics in peripheral nerveous system is still unsolved. The rats were divided into three groups for different treatments (n=10 per group). In the end-to-side neurorrhaphy group, left lumbar 6 and sacral 1 were transected in dura and the distal stump of lumbar 6 ventral root was sutured to lateral face of lumbar 4 ventral root through end-to-side coaptation. No repair group, the rats didn't undergo neurorrhaphy. In the Control group, the left lumbar 6 dorsal root and sacral 1 roots were transected, respectively, but the lumbar 6 ventral root was kept intact. After 16 weeks, the origination and mechanism of nerve regeneration was evaluated by retrograde double labeling technique as well as histomorphological examination and intravesical pressure measurement. Retrograde double labeling indicated that the reconstructed reflex pathway was successfully established and the main regeneration mechanism was axons collateral sprouting. Morphological examination and intravesical pressure measurement indicated prominent nerve regeneration and successful reinnervation for bladder in the neurorrhaphy group, compared to no repair group (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in histomorphology of donor nerve and bilateral extensor digitorum longus muscles in the neurorrhaphy group. Nerve regeneration may be achievable for nerve repair through end-to-side neurorrhaphy between autonomic nerve and somatic nerve without apparent impairment of donor somatic nerve.

Functional Expression of Mouse Insulin-like Growth Factor-I with Food-grade Vector in Lactococcus Lactis NZ9000

Letters in Applied Microbiology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22332956

Aims:  To functionally express the recombinant mouse insulin-like growth factor-I (rtmIGF-I) in Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 with a food-grade vector. Methods and Results:  The rtmIGF-I encoding sequence was inserted into secreted food-grade vector pLEB688 and transformed into Lc. lactis NZ9000. The expression of the recombinant protein rtmIGF-I was confirmed by tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis and Western blot. The concentration of this recombinant protein was 3 mg l(-1) in the medium fraction. Further experiment demonstrated that the recombinant protein was biologically active and promoted NIH3T3 cell proliferation in a concentration- dependent manner. Conclusions:  The rtmIGF-I was expressed in Lc. lactis and located into the medium fraction. The optimal final concentration which could promote NIH3T3 cell proliferation after incubation was 100 ng ml(-1) . Significance and Impact of the Study:  The rtmIGF-I was functionally expressed in Lc. lactis NZ9000 with a food-grade vector. Thus, the recombinant Lc. lactis NZ9000 could act as a host for the production of rtmIGF-I for further study. The recombinant strain could serve as an IGF-I delivery system. © 2012 The Authors Letters in Applied Microbiology © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Intra-aneurysmal Onyx Embolization for Distal Aneurysms of the Cerebellar Arteries

Neurological Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333839

BACKGROUND: Distal cerebellar artery aneurysms are difficult to treat both surgically and endovascularly. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of intra-aneurysmal Onyx embolization of these lesions with parent artery preservation. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients harboring 10 distal cerebellar aneurysms were treated with intraaneurysmal Onyx embolization. Locations of the aneurysms were as follows: superior cerebellar artery in three patients, anterior inferior cerebellar artery in two, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery in five. The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: In every case, endovascular treatment was achieved. Immediate angiography demonstrated that all of 10 aneurysms were completely occluded, with parent artery preservation in nine of them. Procedurerelated complication occurred in one patient with transient neurological sequelae. None of the treated aneurysms experienced rebleeding or recanalization during the follow-up time (mean, 12.7 months). CONCLUSION: We found that the intra-aneurysmal Onyx embolization was helpful in the treatment of distal cerebellar aneurysms in which selective occlusion of the aneurysmal sac with coils or open clipping cannot be achieved.

Development of a Rapid UPLC-MS/MS Method for Quantification of Saxagliptin in Rat Plasma and Application to Pharmacokinetic Study

Biomedical Chromatography : BMC. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334441

A novel, simple and rapid ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay was established for quantification of saxagliptin in rat plasma. Plasma samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and chromatographed on a C(18) column (2.1 × 50 mm i.d., 1.7 µm). The mobile phase consisted of methanol and 0.1% formic acid (40:60, v/v). Multiple reaction monitoring transitions were performed for detection in positive-ion mode with an electrospray ionization source. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.5-100 ng/mL (R(2)  > 0.99). All accuracy values were between 90.62 and 105.60% relative error and the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 9.66% relative standard deviation. Extraction recovery was more than 81.01% and the matrix effect ranged from 90.27 to 109.15%. After validation, the method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study where healthy rats were orally given 0.5 mg/kg saxagliptin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identifying FGA Peptides As Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma-associated Biomarkers by Magnetic Beads

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334501

Early diagnosis and treatment is known to improve prognosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC). The study determined the specific peptide profiles by comparing the serum differences between NPC patients and healthy controls, and provided the basis for the diagnostic model and identification of specific biomarkers of NPC. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) can be used to detect the molecular mass of peptides. Mass spectra of peptides were generated after extracting and purification of 40 NPC samples in the training set, 21 in the single center validation set and 99 in the multicenter validation set using weak cationic-exchanger magnetic beads. The spectra were analyzed statistically using FlexAnalysis(TM) and ClinProt(TM) bioinformatics software. The 4 most significant peaks were selected out to train a genetic algorithm model to diagnose NPC. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 100% in the training set, 90.5% and 88.9% in the single center validation set, 91.9% and 83.3% in the multicenter validation set, and the false positive rate and false negative rate were obviously lower in the NPC group (false positive rate, 16.7%;false negative rate, 8.1%) than in the other cancer group (false positive rate, 39%; false negative rate, 61%),respectively. So, the diagnostic model including 4 peptides can be suitable for NPC but not for other cancers. FGA peptide fragments identified may serve as tumor-associated biomarkers for NPC. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measurement of Liver T(1) and T(2) Relaxation Times in an Experimental Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334510

PURPOSE: To characterize changes in relaxation times of liver using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an experimental mouse model of liver fibrosis. Quantitative MRI is a potentially robust method to characterize liver fibrosis. However, correlation between relaxation times and fibrosis stage has been controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in male adult C57BL/6N mice (22-25 g; n = 12) by repetitive dosing of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ). The animals were examined with a series of spin-echo (SE) images with varying TRs and multiecho SE imaging sequence at 7 T before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after CCl(4) insult. Hepatic T(1) and T(2) values were measured. Histology was performed with hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: Significant increase (P < 0.001) in hepatic T(1) was found at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following CCl(4) insult as compared with that before insult. Meanwhile, hepatic T(2) at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after CCl(4) insult was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that before the insult. Liver histology showed collagen deposition, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in livers with CCl(4) insult. CONCLUSION: Both longitudinal and transverse relaxation times may serve as robust markers for liver fibrosis. With the advent of single breath-hold sequences for MR relaxometry, quantitative mapping of relaxation times can be routinely and reliably performed in abdominal organs and hence may be valuable and robust in detecting liver fibrosis at early phase and monitoring its progression. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Liver Fibrosis: An Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) Study

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334528

PURPOSE: To characterize longitudinal changes in molecular water diffusion, blood microcirculation, and their contributions to the apparent diffusion changes using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis in an experimental mouse model of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in male adult C57BL/6N mice (22-25 g; n = 12) by repetitive dosing of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ). The respiratory-gated diffusion-weighted (DW) images were acquired using single-shot spin-echo EPI (SE-EPI) with 8 b-values and single diffusion gradient direction. True diffusion coefficient (D(true) ), blood pseudodiffusion coefficient (D(pseudo) ), and perfusion fraction (P(fraction) ) were measured. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was also performed for comparison. Histology was performed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: A significant decrease in D(true) was found at 2 weeks and 4 weeks following CCl(4) insult, as compared with that before insult. Similarly, D(pseudo) values before injury was significantly higher than those at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after CCl(4) insult. Meanwhile, P(fraction) values showed no significant differences over different timepoints. For DTI, significant decrease in ADC was observed following CCl(4) administration. Fractional anisotropy at 2 weeks after CCl(4) insult was significantly lower than that before insult, and subsequently normalized at 4 weeks after the insult. Liver histology showed collagen deposition, the presence of intracellular fat vacuoles, and cell necrosis/apoptosis in livers with CCl(4) insult. CONCLUSION: Both molecular water diffusion and blood microcirculation contribute to the alteration in apparent diffusion changes in liver fibrosis. Reduction in D(true) and D(pseudo) values resulted from diffusion and perfusion changes, respectively, during the progression of liver fibrosis. IVIM analysis may serve as valuable and robust tool in detecting and characterizing liver fibrosis at early stages, monitoring its progression in a noninvasive manner. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identifying Multiple Configurations of Complex Molecules on Metal Surfaces

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334582

Experimental identification of molecular configurations in diffusion processes of large complex molecules has been a demanding topic in the field of molecular construction at solid surfaces. Such identification is needed in order to control the self-assembly process and the properties and configurations of the resulting structures. This paper provides an overview of state-of-the-art techniques for identification of molecular configurations in motion. First, a brief introduction to the conventional tools is presented, for example, low-energy electron diffraction and IR/Raman spectroscopy. Second, currently used techniques, scanning probe microscopy, and its application in molecular configuration identification are reviewed. In the last part, a methodology combining time-resolved tunneling spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation is reviewed in detail; this strategy has been successfully applied to two typical molecular systems, (t-Bu)(4) -ZnPc and FePc (where Pc is phthalocyanine), with molecular rotation and laterial diffusion on the Au(111) surface.

Heme-copper Terminal Oxidase Using Both Cytochrome C and Ubiquinol As Electron Donors

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334648

The cytochrome c oxidase Cox2 has been purified from native membranes of the hyperthermophilic eubacterium Aquifex aeolicus. It is a cytochrome ba(3) oxidase belonging to the family B of the heme-copper containing terminal oxidases. It consists of three subunits, subunit I (CoxA2, 63.9 kDa), subunit II (CoxB2, 16.8 kDa), and an additional subunit IIa of 5.2 kDa. Surprisingly it is able to oxidize both reduced cytochrome c and ubiquinol in a cyanide sensitive manner. Cox2 is part of a respiratory chain supercomplex. This supercomplex contains the fully assembled cytochrome bc(1) complex and Cox2. Although direct ubiquinol oxidation by Cox2 conserves less energy than ubiquinol oxidation by the cytochrome bc(1) complex followed by cytochrome c oxidation by a cytochrome c oxidase, ubiquinol oxidation by Cox2 is of advantage when all ubiquinone would be completely reduced to ubiquinol, e.g., by the sulfidequinone oxidoreductase, because the cytochrome bc(1) complex requires the presence of ubiquinone to function according to the Q-cycle mechanism. In the case that all ubiquinone has been reduced to ubiquinol its reoxidation by Cox2 will enable the cytochrome bc(1) complex to resume working.

Determination of the Protein Interactome of the Transcription Factor Sox2 in Embryonic Stem Cells Engineered for Inducible Expression of Four Reprogramming Factors

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334693

Unbiased proteomic screens provide a powerful tool for defining protein-protein interaction networks. Previous studies employed Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT) to identify the Sox2-interactome in embryonic stem cells (ESC) undergoing differentiation in response to a small increase in the expression of epitope-tagged Sox2. Thus far, the Sox2-interactome in ESC has not been determined. To identify the Sox2-interactome in ESC, we engineered ESC for inducible expression of different combinations of epitope-tagged Sox2 along with Oct4, Klf4 and c-Myc. Epitope-tagged Sox2 was used to circumvent the lack of suitable Sox2 antibodies needed to perform an unbiased proteomic screen of Sox2-associated proteins. Although i-OS-ESC differentiate when both Oct4 and Sox2 are elevated, i-OSKM-ESC do not differentiate, even when the levels of the four transcription factors are coordinately elevated ~2- to 3-fold. Our findings with i-OS-ESC and i-OSKM-ESC provide new insights into the reasons why ESC undergo differentiation when Sox2 and Oct4 are elevated in ESC. Importantly, the use of i-OSKM-ESC enabled us to identify the Sox2-interactome in undifferentiated ESC. Using MudPIT, we identified >70 proteins that associate with Sox2 in ESC. We extended these findings by testing the function of the Sox2-assoicated protein Smarcd1, and demonstrate that knockdown of Smarcd1 disrupts the self-renewal of ESC and induces their differentiation. Together, our work provides the first description of the Sox2-interactome in ESC and indicates that Sox2, along with other master regulators, is part of a highly integrated protein-protein interaction landscape in ESC.

Anti-tumor Effects of Brucine Immuno-nanoparticles on Hepatocellular Carcinoma

International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22334771

Hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult to diagnose early, and most patients are already in the late stages of the disease when they are admitted to hospital. The total 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. Recent studies have showed that brucine has a good anti-tumor effect, but high toxicity, poor water solubility, short half-life, narrow therapeutic window, and a toxic dose that is close to the therapeutic dose, which all limit its clinical application. This study evaluated the effects of brucine immuno-nanoparticles (BIN) on hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Effect of Oxidized LDL on the Expression of Connexins in Cultured Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Cell Biology International. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22335207

The role of connexins in atherogenesis has attracted increasing attention in recent years; however, whether oxidized LDL is one of the pro-atherosclerotic factors that can influence the expression of endothelial connexins remains unclear. To investigate the effect of oxidized LDL on the gene expression of the gap junction proteins connexin37, connexin40, and connexin43 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, HUVECs were cultured and divided into groups, then stimulated with various concentrations of oxidized LDL for different time periods. The mRNA expression levels of connexin37, connexin40, and connexin43 in each group were determined semi-quantitatively by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while the protein expression of the three connexins was investigated by immunocytochemical staining. We found that various concentrations of oxidized LDL down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of connexin37, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of connexin40 and connexin43. Time-dependent dynamic alterations of the mRNA expression levels of connexin37, connexin40, and connexin43 were also found in HUVECs stimulated by oxidized LDL. We conclude that oxidized LDL can change the expression of connexin genes in cultured HUVECs within a short period, and thus may be involved in the pro-atherosclerotic effect of oxidized LDL.

Binary n-Alkane Mixtures from Total Miscibility to Phase Separation in Microcapsules: Enrichment of Shorter Component in Surface Freezing and Enhanced Stability of Rotator Phases

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22335490

The crystallization behaviors of binary normal alkane (n-alkane) mixtures with a series of carbon number difference (donated as Δn), both in the bulk state and in nearly monodisperse microcapsules, have been investigated by the combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction (XRD). As revealed by the DSC data, the surface freezing temperature (donated as Ts) of spatially confined binary n-alkane mixtures with large Δn is lower than the calculated value due to the enrichment of shorter component in the surface freezing phase. More alkane molecules with shorter carbon chain are located on the interface between the inner shell of microcapsules and the bulk mixture, thus leading to the decrease of the average chain length of the surface freezing phase and corresponding lower Ts. Furthermore, XRD results have proved that the enhanced surface freezing phenomenon can contribute to the stabilization of the rotator phases in n-alkane mixtures, and even induce the crossover of some certain rotator phase (RII) from transient to metastable. However, the decisive reason for such stabilization or crossover is attributed to the suppression of the orienting movement of alkane molecules towards their next nearest neighbors within the layer of rotator phases.

A Point Mutation in the DNA-binding Domain of HPV-2 E2 Protein Increases Its DNA-binding Capacity and Reverses Its Transcriptional Regulatory Activity on the Viral Early Promoter

BMC Molecular Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333459

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein is a multifunctional DNA-binding protein. The transcriptional activity of HPV E2 is mediated by binding to its specific binding sites in the upstream regulatory region of the HPV genomes. Previously we reported a HPV-2 variant from a verrucae vulgaris patient with huge extensive clustered cutaneous, which have five point mutations in its E2 ORF, L118S, S235P, Y287H, S293R and A338V. Under the control of HPV-2 LCR, co-expression of the mutated HPV E2 induced an increased activity on the viral early promoter. In the present study, a series of mammalian expression plasmids encoding E2 proteins with one to five amino acid (aa) substitutions for these mutations were constructed and transfected into HeLa, C33A and SiHa cells. Results: CAT expression assays indicated that the enhanced promoter activity was due to the co-expressions of the E2 constructs containing A338V mutation within the DNA-binding domain. Western blots analysis demonstrated that the transiently transfected E2 expressing plasmids, regardless of prototype or the A338V mutant, were continuously expressed in the cells. To study the effect of E2 mutations on its DNA-binding activity, a serial of recombinant E2 proteins with various lengths were expressed and purified. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that the binding affinity of E2 protein with A338V mutation to both an artificial probe with two E2 binding sites or HPV-2 and HPV-16 promoter-proximal LCR sequences were significantly stronger than that of the HPV-2 prototype E2. Furthermore, co-expression of the construct containing A338V mutant exhibited increased activities on heterologous HPV-16 early promoter P97 than that of prototype E2. Conclusions: These results suggest that the mutation from Ala to Val at aa 338 is critical for E2 DNA-binding and its transcriptional regulation.

Effect of Self-assembled InAs Islands on the Interfacial Roughness of Optical Switched Resonant Tunneling Diode

Nanoscale Research Letters. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333518

ABSTRACT: Embedding a quantum dot [QD] layer between the double barriers of resonant tunneling diode [RTD] is proved to be an effective method to increase the sensitivity of QD-RTD single-photon detector. However, the interfacial flatness of this device would be worsened due to the introduction of quantum dots. In this paper, we demonstrate that the interfacial quality of this device can be optimized through increasing the growth temperature of AlAs up barrier. The glancing incidence X-ray reflectivity and the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements show that the interfacial smoothness has been greatly improved, and the photo-luminescence test indicated that the InAs QDs were maintained at the same time. The smoother interface was attributed to the evaporation of segregated indium atoms at InGaAs surface layer.

The Effect of Metformin on Food Intake and Its Potential Role in Hypothalamic Regulation in Obese Diabetic Rats

Brain Research. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325091

Metformin appears to be involved in altering energy expenditure and thermogenesis, and could affect hypothalamic feeding circuits. However, it is not clear whether metformin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the hypothalamus and exert a direct effect on the central nervous system. Here we show the presence of metformin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of diabetic rats administered orally with metformin which was confirmed by detecting the concentration of metformin with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Food intake of diabetic rats treated with metformin was reduced, and glucose homeostasis was gained. Expression of orexigenic peptides neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) decreased in the hypothalamus of metformin-treated diabetic rats, though anorexigenic peptides pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) did not change significantly. The phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was increased but phosphorylated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) was similar in the hypothalamus of metformin-treated diabetic rats. Our findings suggest that metformin may cross BBB and play a central mechanism on regulation of food intake in the hypothalamus. The anorexic effect of metformin may be mediated by inhibition of NPY and AgRP gene expression through the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Catalysis: Solution-Based Synthesis and Design of Late Transition Metal Chalcogenide Materials for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) (Small 1/2012)

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337579

The image features late transition metal chalcogenide (LTMC) nanomaterials produced via solution-based approaches, including hydrothermal/solvothermal, single-source precursor, hot-injection, template-directed soft synthesis, and Kirkendall-effect-induced soft synthesis approaches. Due to their low costs, good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, high methanol tolerance, and facile synthesis, LTMCs have been introduced as promising Pt-free ORR electrocatalysts. Furthermore, hybrids of LTMCs with other functional nanoparticles can lead to signi? cantly better ORR catalytic activity. It is expected that new synthetic approaches, modi? cation techniques, and LTMCs with desirable morphology, size, composition, and structures could be developed in the future to satisfy the requirements of commercial fuel cells.

Culturomics Meets Random Fractal Theory: Insights into Long-range Correlations of Social and Natural Phenomena over the Past Two Centuries

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface / the Royal Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337632

Culturomics was recently introduced as the application of high-throughput data collection and analysis to the study of human culture. Here, we make use of these data by investigating fluctuations in yearly usage frequencies of specific words that describe social and natural phenomena, as derived from books that were published over the course of the past two centuries. We show that the determination of the Hurst parameter by means of fractal analysis provides fundamental insights into the nature of long-range correlations contained in the culturomic trajectories, and by doing so offers new interpretations as to what might be the main driving forces behind the examined phenomena. Quite remarkably, we find that social and natural phenomena are governed by fundamentally different processes. While natural phenomena have properties that are typical for processes with persistent long-range correlations, social phenomena are better described as non-stationary, on-off intermittent or Lévy walk processes.

A High-Throughput, Homogeneous, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Assay for Phospho-N-acetylmuramoyl-pentapeptide Translocase (MraY)

Journal of Biomolecular Screening. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337656

Peptidoglycan biosynthesis is an essential process in bacteria and is therefore a suitable target for the discovery of new antibacterial drugs. One of the last cytoplasmic steps of peptidoglycan biosynthesis is catalyzed by the integral membrane protein MraY, which attaches soluble UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-pentapeptide to the membrane-bound acceptor undecaprenyl phosphate. Although several natural product-derived inhibitors of MraY are known, none have the properties necessary to be of clinical use as antibacterial drugs. Here we describe a novel, homogeneous, fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based MraY assay that is suitable for high-throughput screening for novel MraY inhibitors. The assay allows for continuous measurement, or it can be quenched prior to measurement.

Ginkgolide B Inhibits Renal Cyst Development in in Vitro and in Vivo Cyst Models

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22338085

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disease characterized by massive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney. However, there is no effective therapy yet for this disease. To examine whether ginkgolide B, a natural compound, inhibits cyst development, an MDCK cyst model, an embryonic kidney cyst model and a PKD mouse model were used. Interestingly, ginkgolide B significantly inhibited MDCK cyst formation dose-dependently, with up to 69% reduction by 2 µM ginkgolide B. Ginkgolide B also significantly inhibited cyst enlargement in the MDCK cyst model, embryonic kidney cyst model and PKD mouse model. To determine the underlying mechanisms, the effect of ginkgolide B on the MDCK cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, chloride transporter CFTR activity and intracellular signaling pathways were also studied. Ginkgolide B did not affect cell viability, proliferation, and expression and activity of the chloride transporter CFTR that mediates cyst fluid secretion. Ginkgolide B induced cyst cell differentiation and altered Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ginkgolide B inhibits renal cyst formation and enlargement, suggesting that ginkgolide B might be developed into a novel candidate drug for ADPKD.

Sodium Butyrate Stimulates Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Liver by Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 3

Diabetes. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22338096

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) stimulates fatty acid oxidation and ketone body production in animals. In this study, we investigated the role of FGF21 in the metabolic activity of sodium butyrate, a dietary histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. FGF21 expression was examined in serum and liver after injection of sodium butyrate into dietary obese C57BL/6 J mice. The role of FGF21 was determined using antibody neutralization or knockout mice. FGF21 transcription was investigated in liver and HepG2 hepatocytes. Trichostatin A (TSA) was used in the control as an HDAC inhibitor. Butyrate was compared with bezafibrate and fenofibrate in the induction of FGF21 expression. Butyrate induced FGF21 in the serum, enhanced fatty acid oxidation in mice, and stimulated ketone body production in liver. The butyrate activity was significantly reduced by the FGF21 antibody or gene knockout. Butyrate induced FGF21 gene expression in liver and hepatocytes by inhibiting HDAC3, which suppresses peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α function. Butyrate enhanced bezafibrate activity in the induction of FGF21. TSA exhibited a similar set of activities to butyrate. FGF21 mediates the butyrate activity to increase fatty acid use and ketogenesis. Butyrate induces FGF21 transcription by inhibition of HDAC3.

Target-mediated Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Model of Exendin-4 in Rats, Monkeys and Man

Drug Metabolism and Disposition: the Biological Fate of Chemicals. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22338110

A mechanism-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was developed for exendin-4 to account for receptor-mediated endocytosis via GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) as the primary mechanism for its nonlinear disposition. Time profiles of exendin-4 concentrations following intravenous (iv), subcutaneous (sc) and continuous iv infusion doses in rats, iv and sc doses in monkeys, and iv infusion and sc doses in man were examined. Mean data for glucose and insulin after glucose challenges during exendin-4 treatment in healthy rats were analyzed. The PK model components included receptor binding, subsequent internalization and degradation, non-specific tissue distribution, and linear first-order elimination from plasma. The absorption rate constant (k(a)) decreased with increasing doses in all three species. The clearance from central compartment (CL(c)) (rats: 3.62 ml/min, monkeys: 2.39 ml/min/kg, man: 1.48 ml/min/kg) was similar to reported renal clearances. Selected PK parameters (CL(c), V(c) and k(off)) correlated allometrically with body weight. The equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D)) was within the reported range in rats (0.74 nM), while the value in monkeys (0.12 pM) was much lower than in man (1.38 nM). The effects of exendin-4 on the glucose-insulin system were described by a feedback model with a biphasic effect equation driven by free exendin-4 concentrations. Our generalized nonlinear PK/PD model for exendin-4 taking into account of drug binding to GLP-1R well described PK profiles following various routes of administration over a large range of doses in three species along with PD responses in healthy rats. The present model closely reflects underlying mechanisms of disposition and dynamics of exendin-4.

PCGF Homologs, CBX Proteins, and RYBP Define Functionally Distinct PRC1 Family Complexes

Molecular Cell. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325352

The heterogeneous nature of mammalian PRC1 complexes has hindered our understanding of their biological functions. Here, we present a comprehensive proteomic and genomic analysis that uncovered six major groups of PRC1 complexes, each containing a distinct PCGF subunit, a RING1A/B ubiquitin ligase, and a unique set of associated polypeptides. These PRC1 complexes differ in their genomic localization, and only a small subset colocalize with H3K27me3. Further biochemical dissection revealed that the six PCGF-RING1A/B combinations form multiple complexes through association with RYBP or its homolog YAF2, which prevents the incorporation of other canonical PRC1 subunits, such as CBX, PHC, and SCM. Although both RYBP/YAF2- and CBX/PHC/SCM-containing complexes compact chromatin, only RYBP stimulates the activity of RING1B toward H2AK119ub1, suggesting a central role in PRC1 function. Knockdown of RYBP in embryonic stem cells compromised their ability to form embryoid bodies, likely because of defects in cell proliferation and maintenance of H2AK119ub1 levels.

Assessment of Herbicide Sorption by Biochars and Organic Matter Associated with Soil and Sediment

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325445

Sorption of two herbicides, fluridone (FLUN) and norflurazon (NORO), by two types of biochars, whole sediment, and various soil/sediment organic matter (OM) fractions including nonhydrolyzable carbon (NHC), black carbon (BC) and humic acid (HA) was examined. The single-point organic carbon (OC)-normalized distribution coefficients (K(OC)) of FLUN and NORO at low solution concentration (C(e)=0.01S(W), solubility) for HA, NHC, and BC were about 3, 14, and 24 times and 3, 16, and 36 times larger than their bulk sediments, respectively, indicating the importance of different OM fractions in herbicide sorption. This study revealed that aliphatic moieties of the hydrothermal biochars and aromatic moieties of NHC samples, respectively, were possibly responsible for herbicide sorption. The hydrothermal biochar and condensed OM (i.e., NHC and BC) showed relatively high or similar herbicide sorption efficiency compared to the thermal biochar, suggesting that the hydrothermal biochar may serve as an amendment for minimizing off-site herbicide movement.

PINCH is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Rectal Cancer Patients Without Preoperative Radiotherapy - a Study in a Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial of Preoperative Radiotherapy

BMC Cancer. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325464

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The clinical significance between particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine rich protein (PINCH) expression and radiotherapy (RT) in tumours is not known. In this study, the expression of PINCH and its relationship to RT, clinical, pathological and biological factors were studied in rectal cancer patients. METHODS: PINCH expression determined by immunohistochemistry was analysed at the invasive margin and inner tumour area in 137 primary rectal adenocarcinomas (72 cases without RT and 65 cases with RT). PINCH expression in colon fibroblast cell line (CCD-18 Co) was determined by western blot. RESULTS: In patients without RT, strong PINCH expression at the invasive margin of primary tumours was related to worse survival, compared to patients with weak expression, independent of TNM stage and differentiation (P = 0.03). No survival relationship in patients with RT was observed (P = 0.64). Comparing the non-RT with RT subgroup, there was no difference in PINCH expression in primary tumours (invasive margin (P = 0.68)/inner tumour area (P = 0.49). In patients with RT, strong PINCH expression was related to a higher grade of LVD (lymphatic vessel density) (P = 0.01) CONCLUSIONS: PINCH expression at the invasive margin was an independent prognostic factor in patients without RT. RT does not seem to directly affect the PINCH expression.

Adsorption of Perchlorate from Aqueous Solution by the Calcination Product of Mg/(Al-Fe) Hydrotalcite-like Compounds

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325635

The calcination products containing Mg(II), Al(III), and Fe(III) in the brucite-like layers with varying Mg/Al/Fe molar ratios at 550°C were used as the adsorbent to remove perchlorate from aqueous solution, while the Mg/(Al-Fe) hydrotalcite compounds were synthesized by co-precipitation method at a constant pH value. The Mg/(Al-Fe) hydrotalcite compounds (HMAF) were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and TG-DTA. The characteristics showed that the layered double hydroxides structures in the HMAF were lost during calcination at 550°C, but were reconstructed subsequent to adsorption of perchlorate, indicating that the 'memory effect' appeared to play an important role in perchlorate adsorption. Batch adsorption studies were conducted under various equilibration conditions, such as molar ratios of Mg/Al/Fe, calcined temperature, different initial solution pH, adsorbent dose, initial perchlorate concentration, and co-existing anions. It was found that the existence of ferric iron in calcined Mg/(Al-Fe) hydrotalcite compound (CHMAF) was favorable to removal of perchlorate from water, and the best ratio of Mg/Al/Fe is 3:0.8:0.2 (CHMAF5%). This study demonstrated that the calcination product of Mg/(Al-Fe) hydrotalcite-like compound was a promising adsorbent for control of the perchlorate pollution in water.

Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution by Biochars Derived from Anaerobically Digested Biomass

Bioresource Technology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325901

This study examined the ability of two biochars converted from anaerobically digested biomass to sorb heavy metals using a range of laboratory sorption and characterization experiments. Initial evaluation of DAWC (digested dairy waste biochar) and DWSBC (digested whole sugar beet biochar) showed that both biochars were effective in removing a mixture of four heavy metals (Pb(2 +), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Cd(2+)) from aqueous solutions. Compared to DAWC, DWSBC demonstrated a better ability to remove Ni and Cd. Further investigations of lead sorption by the two biochars indicated that the removal was mainly through a surface precipitation mechanism, which was confirmed by batch sorption experiments, mathematical modeling, and examinations of lead-laden biochars samples using SEM-EDS, XRD, and FTIR. The lead sorption capacity of the two biochars was close to or higher than 200mmol/kg, which is comparable to that of commercial activated carbons.

Characterization of H(2)O-forming NADH Oxidase from Streptococcus Pyogenes and Its Application in L-rare Sugar Production

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326164

A nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase from Streptococcus pyogenes MGAS10394 (SpNox) was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The purified SpNox enzyme had optimal pH and temperature of 7.0 and 55°C, respectively, with a K(m) of 27.0μM and a k(cat)/K(m) of 1.1×10(7)s(-1)M(-1). SpNox showed the highest activity among all known NADH oxidases, and site-directed mutagenesis and docking analysis shed light on the molecular basis of its unusually high activity. The characteristics of SpNox may prove to be useful for NAD(+) regeneration in the production of l-rare sugar.

Preparation, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Studies of Tacrolimus-dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex-loaded Albumin Nanoparticles

International Journal of Pharmaceutics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326299

The purpose of the study is to develop a new formulation for clinically used anti-cancer agent tacrolimus (FK506) to minimize the severe side effects. Toward this end, a new formulation method has been developed by complexation of FK506 with an hydrophilic cyclodextrin derivative, heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) using ultrasonic means. The resulting complex displays dramatically enhanced solubility of FK506. Then bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were prepared directly from the preformed FK506/DM-β-CD inclusion complex by the desolvation-chemical crosslinking method, with the size of 148.4-262.9nm. Stable colloidal dispersions of the nanoparticles were formed with zeta potentials of the range of -24.9 to -38.4mV. The entrapment efficiency of FK506 was increased as high as 1.57-fold. Moreover, notably FK506 was released from the nanoparticles in a sustained manner. As demonstrated, pharmacokinetic studies reveal that, as compared with FK506-loaded BSA nanoparticles, the FK506/DM-β-CD inclusion complex-loaded BSA nanoparticles have significant increase at T(max), t(1/2), MRT and decrease at C(max). In summary, these results suggest that the drug/DM-β-CD inclusion complex-loaded BSA nanoparticles display significantly improved delivery efficiency for poorly soluble FK506 or its derivatives.

QM/MM Studies on the Catalytic Mechanism of Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326747

Epinephrine is a naturally occurring adrenomedullary hormone that transduces environmental stressors into cardiovascular actions. As the only route in the catecholamine biosynthetic pathway, Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) catalyzes the synthesis of epinephrine. To elucidate the detailed mechanism of enzymatic catalysis of PNMT, combined quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) calculations were performed. The calculation results reveal that this catalysis contains three elementary steps: the deprotonation of protonated norepinphrine, the methyl transferring step and deprotonation of the methylated norepinphrine. The methyl transferring step was proved to be the rate-determining step undergoing a SN2 mechanism with an energy barrier of 16.4kcal/mol. During the whole catalysis, two glutamic acids Glu185 and Glu219 were proved to be loaded with different effects according to the calculations results of the mutants. These calculation results can be used to explain the experimental observations and make a good complementarity for the previous QM study.

Dynamic Monitoring of β-cell Injury with Impedance and Rescue by Glucagon-like Peptide-1

Analytical Biochemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326794

β-Cell injury plays an important role in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Most of the β-cell bioassays depend on labeling or endpoint assessments that might not capture the true physiology or pathology of the injury process. In the current study, we dynamically detected a broad range of pathological and pharmacological responses to four toxicants (cytokine mixture, free fatty acid mixture, streptozotocin, and hydrogen peroxide) in living β-cells (INS-1E and MIN6) by a label-free, cell-based assay system named xCELLigence, codeveloped by ACEA Biosciences and Roche Diagnostics. Our results suggest that the impedance readout is highly sensitive and provides more information than some of the conventional endpoint cytotoxicity assays for β-cell injury such as the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and morphology measurements. Furthermore, this system was used to evaluate the anti-injury effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its nonpeptidic mimetic Boc5 by monitoring responses to four toxicants in two β-cell lines. This study confirms that the protective property of Boc5 on β-cells is similar to that of GLP-1.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase: A Universal Internal Control for Western Blots in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Analytical Biochemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326796

In the current study, we examined the expression level of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein in a number of organisms and the stability of GAPDH under various conditions. Our results revealed that GAPDH is present in multiple Escherichia coli strains, the yeast strain GS115, Caenorhabditis elegans, rat PC12 cells, and both mouse and rat brain. Furthermore, GAPDH was stably expressed under different concentrations of inducer and at different times of induction in E. coli (BL21) cells and yeast GS115 cells. Stable expression of GAPDH protein was also observed in C.elegans and PC12 cells that were treated with different concentrations of paraquat or sodium sulfite, respectively. In addition, we were able to detect and identify the endogenous gapA protein in E.coli via immunoprecipitation and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Endogenous gapA protein and exogenously expressed (subcloned) GAPDH proteins were detected in E. coli BL21 but not for gapC. With the exception of gapC in E. coli, the various isoforms of GAPDH possessed enzymatic activity. Finally, sequence analysis revealed that the GAPDH proteins were 76% identical, with the exception of E. coli gapC. Taken together, our results indicate that GAPDH could be universally used as an internal control for the Western blot analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic samples.

Anti-diabetic Activities of Acanthopanax Senticosus Polysaccharide (ASP) in Combination with Metformin

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326821

Combination therapy had become very popular currently for the diabetes mellitus and its complications, because of long term unreasonable drug use and adverse reaction to human body. In this study, a polysaccharide (ASP) from the roots of Acanthopanax senticosus was evaluated as an adjuvant with metformin for antidiabetic therapy in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The result identified ASP plus metformin had a more beneficial promotion for relieving the symptoms of diabetes and reversing liver and kidney damage to normal level than only metfomin administration to diabetic rats. The blood glucose, blood lipid (TC and TG), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea levels in diabetic rats were decreased by combination of ASP and metformin. Furthermore, the body weight, liver glycogen formation, antioxidant substance (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GPX) levels increased evidently in diabetic mice treated with both ASP and metformin. In particular, sometimes ASP plus metformin could significantly reverse the pathophysiologic parameters of diabetic rats to normal level than only metformin administration. Therefore ASP could be developed to a new adjuvant combined with metformin for diabetes mellitus therapy in the future.

Specific TaqMan Probed Real-time Quantitative RT-PCR Methods and Their Application to Differentiate the Transcripts of Duplicated BF or BLB Genes in Chicken MHC

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22326897

BF and BLB genes of chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are responsible for classical antigen processing and presentation; therefore they play a central role in determining the genetic resistance or susceptibility of different MHC-B haplotypes to some infectious diseases. In this study, we developed specific TaqMan probed real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (TaqMan qRT-PCR) methods based on the diagnostic nucleotide polymorphisms present in duplicated BF or BLB genes in B2 and B19 haplotypes. The results showed very similar amplification efficiency but no cross-reaction between the duplicated BF or BLB genes of the same haplotype. Spleen mRNA samples of B2 and B19 chickens were used to validate these TaqMan qRT-PCR methods. We observed that BF2 or BLB2 gene was dominantly transcribed in all B2 and B19 chickens. Our findings verified the impact of diversified promoter sequences on the function of duplicated BF or BLB genes. Hence the principles adopted to establish these specific TaqMan qRT-PCR methods in this study can be applied to differentiate the transcripts of duplicated BF or BLB genes of other MHC-B haplotypes in chicken.

Production of the Monoclonal Antibody Against Sudan 2 for Immunoassay of Sudan Dyes in Egg

Analytical Biochemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327048

Many methods have been reported to determine the residues of Sudan dyes in food samples. Among the reported methods, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was a usually used practical screen tool. In this study, a novel hapten of Sudan 2 was synthesized by coupling 4-amino-3-methylbenzoic acid to β-naphthol, and the monoclonal antibody against Sudan 2 was produced. The obtained antibody can recognize Sudan 1, 2, 3, 4, Sudan red G and Para red simultaneously. After evaluation of different coating antigens, a heterologous indirect competitive ELISA was then developed to determine the six Sudan dyes in egg. The crossreactivities for the six analytes were in a range of 63%-100% and the limits of detection were in a range of 0.2-0.5 ng/g depending on the compound. Intra- and inter-assay recoveries from the standards fortified blank egg were in a range of 71.7%-97.6% with coefficients of variation lower than 17.1%.

MiR-181 Mediates Cell Differentiation by Interrupting the Lin28 and Let-7 Feedback Circuit

Cell Death and Differentiation. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327176

Enhanced Immunity Against Hepatoma Induced by Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Hsp70-H22 Peptide Complexes and CD40L

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327301

PURPOSE: Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines have become an attractive antitumour therapeutic approach. However, clinical application of current DC-based cancer vaccines has been limited by their ineffectiveness. Heat shock protein 70 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TBhsp70) is known to have a potent adjuvant capability to induce maturation of DCs and thus acts as an alternative ligand to the CD40 ligand (CD40L) on T cells to induce a T-cell response. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the combination of TBhsp70-H22 tumour-peptide complexes and CD40L might improve the antitumour efficacy for development of therapeutic DC-based vaccines against hepatoma. METHODS: The CD40, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR expression on DCs pulsed with TBhsp70-H22 tumour-peptide complexes and soluble CD40L was studied by flow cytometric analysis, and T-helper type 1 cytokine secretion, such as IL-12p70 secretion, was tested by ELISA. The H22-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) were detected by a (51)Cr-release assay, and the in vivo antitumour immunity against hepatoma was measured by utilising H22-tumour-bearing mice after therapeutic administration. RESULTS: Up-regulation of CD40, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR expression on DCs pulsed with TBhsp70-H22 tumour-peptide complexes and CD40L was found, which stimulated a high level of T-helper type 1 cytokine secretion, such as IL-12p70, and resulted in the induction of H22-specific CTLs. The therapeutic administration of DCs pulsed in vitro with TBhsp70-H22 tumour-peptide complexes and CD40L significantly reduced the progression of H22 tumours in mice compared with DC-Hsp70-H22 peptide complexes or DC-CD40L alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that DCs pulsed with Hsp70-H22-peptide complexes and CD40L enhance the antitumour immunity against hepatoma, which provides a novel immunotherapeutic approach against cancer.

Coexistence of Ferromagnetism and Superconductivity in YBCO Nanoparticles

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327377

Nanoparticles of superconducting YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-δ) were synthesized via a citrate pyrolysis technique. Room temperature ferromagnetism was revealed in the samples by a vibrating sample magnetometer. Electron spin resonance spectra at selected temperatures indicated that there is a transition from the normal to the superconducting state at temperatures below 100 K. The M-T curves with various applied magnetic fields showed that the superconducting transition temperatures are 92 K and 55 K for the air-annealed and the post-annealed samples, respectively. Compared to the air-annealed sample, the saturation magnetization of the sample by reheating the air-annealed one in argon atmosphere is enhanced but its superconductivity is weakened, which implies that the ferromagnetism maybe originates from the surface oxygen defects. By superconducting quantum interference device measurements, we further confirmed the ferromagnetic behavior at high temperatures and interesting upturns in field cooling magnetization curves within the superconducting region are found. We attributed the upturn phenomena to the coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity at low temperatures. Room temperature ferromagnetism of superconducting YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-δ) nanoparticles has been observed in some previous related studies, but the issue of the coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity within the superconducting region is still unclear. In the present work, it will be addressed in detail. The cooperation phenomena found in the spin-singlet superconductors will help us to understand the nature of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in more depth.

Mutations in SLC20A2 Link Familial Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification with Phosphate Homeostasis

Nature Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327515

Familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC) is a genetic condition with a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including parkinsonism and dementia. Here, we identified mutations in SLC20A2, encoding the type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 2 (PiT2), in IBGC-affected families of varied ancestry, and we observed significantly impaired phosphate transport activity for all assayed PiT2 mutants in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our results implicate altered phosphate homeostasis in the etiology of IBGC.

AFLP Analysis and Zebra Disease Resistance Identification of 40 Sisal Genotypes in China

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327644

Sisal is the most important fiber crop in tropical and subtropical areas in China and the world. Zebra disease is a serious threat to the main cultivar Agave hybrid No.11648 (H.11648) worldwide. To select germplasm materials with zebra disease resistance for breeding, the fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used to make a cluster analysis of the genetic relationships of 40 sisal genotypes grown in China, and Phytophthora nicotianae was used to inoculate the 40 genotypes to identify their resistance to zebra disease. As a result, the similarity coefficient among 40 sisal genotypes was found to be 0.44-0.83 and the 40 genotypes show different levels of disease resistance. According to the AFLP analysis, the disease resistance and chromosomal ploidy, it can be reasoned that, A. attenuata var. marginata, Dong 109, Nan ya 1 and A. attenuata are suitable for hybridization with H.11648 to breed a new disease-resistant variety.

Hypermethylation of the Gene LARP2 for Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of β-thalassemia Based on DNA Methylation Profile

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327645

In order to identify epigenetic markers of β-thalassemia, a genome-wide profiling method named differential methylation hybridization was used to search these differentially methylated genes. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and molecular annotation system were used to analyze the data, and methylation-specific PCR and real-time PCR were used to confirm the differentially methylated genes. This system was validated by detecting 13 cases, 10 of which were homo-zygous β-thalassaemia. Totally 113 genes were identified as methlyation-enriched genes (ratio ≥ 2.0, P < 0.05) and 96 genes were identified as hypomethylated genes in both groups (ratio ≤ 0.5, P < 0.05). The promoter of the gene of La ribonucleoprotein domain family (LARP2) was significantly hypermethylated in β-thalassemia, and the expression of LARP2 was significantly lower in β-thalassemia. Hypermethylation of the LARP2 promoter was correlated with its lower expression in β-thalassemia and our chip-based DNA methylation detection system can provide earlier diagnosis of β-thalassemia using this epigenetic marker.

Assay and Characterization of an Osmolarity Inducible Promoter Newly Isolated from Bacillus Subtilis

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327648

An osmolarity-sensitive promoter fragment, P23423, isolated from Bacillus subtilis was characterized. The expression of β-galactosidase (β-Gal) driven by P23423 was regulated by osmolarity both in Escherichia coli and B. subtilis. The classical conserved region of this prokaryotic promoter was found within the sequence of the cloned fragment, and the putative promoter was identified as the control element of RNA not coding for protein (a RNA molecule that is not translated into a protein). The efficiency and benefit of this promoter was further demonstrated via osmolarity-induced expression of three other heterologous proteins in E. coli. Thus, this approach provided a simple and inexpensive inducible promoter element for the expression of cloned genes.

Characterization of Transcriptional Activation and Inserted-into-gene Preference of Various Transposable Elements in the Brassica Species

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327652

Transposable elements (TEs) have attracted increasing attention because of their tremendous contributions to genome reorganization and gene variation through dramatic proliferation and excision via transposition. However, less known are the transcriptional activation of various TEs and the characteristics of TE insertion into genomes at the genome-wide level. In the present study, we focused on TE genes for transposition and gene disruption by insertion of TEs in expression sequences of Brassica, to investigate the transcriptional activation of TEs, the biased insertion of TEs into genes, and their salient characteristics. Long terminal repeat (LTR-retrotransposon) accounted for the majority of these active TE genes (70.8%), suggesting that transposition activation varied with TE type. 6.1% genes were interrupted by LTR-retrotransposons, which indicated their preference for insertion into genes. TEs were preferentially inserted into cellular component-specific genes acted as "binding" elements and involved in metabolic processes. TEs have a biased insertion into some host genes that were involved with important molecular functions and TE genes exhibited spatiotemporal expression. These results suggested that various types of transposons differentially contributed to gene variation and affected gene function.

BRCA1: a New Candidate Gene for Bovine Mastitis and Its Association Analysis Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Milk Somatic Cell Score

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327776

Bovine mastitis is a very complex and common disease of dairy cattle and a major source of economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide. In this study, the bovine breast cancer 1, early onset gene (BRCA1) was taken as a candidate gene for mastitis resistance. The main object of this study was to investigate whether the BRCA1 gene was associated with mastitis in cattle. Through DNA sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and Created Restriction Site PCR (CRS-PCR) methods, three SNPs (G22231T, T25025A, and C28300A) were detected and twenty-four combinations of these SNPs were observed. The single SNP and their genetic effects on somatic cell score (SCS) were evaluated and a significant association with SCS was found in C28300A. The mean of genotype EE was significantly lower than those of genotypes EF and FF. The results of combined genotypes analysis of three SNPs showed that BBDDFF genotype with the highest SCS were easily for the mastitis susceptibility, whereas AACCEE genotype with the lowest SCS were favorable for the mastitis resistance. The information provided in the present study will be very useful for improving mastitis resistance in dairy cattle by marker-assisted selection.

A Novel Triazidoruthenium(iii) Building Block for the Construction of Polynuclear Compounds

Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22327897

Reaction of [Ru(VI)(N)(sap)Cl] with excess NaN(3) affords a novel paramagnetic triazidoruthenium(iii) complex [Ru(III)(sap)(N(3))(3)](2-), which is isolated as a PPh(4)(+) salt (1). Reaction of 1 with Ni(2+) and Co(2+) ions produce two isostructural hexanuclear [Ru(4)M(2)] compounds, [Ru(IV)(4)M(II)(2)(μ(3)-OMe)(2)(μ-OMe)(2)(μ-N)(2)(μ-N(3))(2)(μ-O(phenoxy))(2)(sap)(4) (MeOH)(4)] (M = Ni 2 or Co 3). The molecular structures of 1-3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. 1 is a mononuclear ruthenium(iii) compound where three azide ligands are bonded to ruthenium in a meridional fashion, while compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural hexanuclear compounds containing a defective face-sharing dicubane-like core with two missing vertexes. Variable-temperature dc magnetic susceptibility studies have been carried out for 2 and 3. These data indicate that there are four diamagnetic Ru(iv) ions in 2 and 3 and there is ferromagnetic interaction between the two Ni(2+) in 2 and Co(2+) in 3via the methoxy bridges.

Truncated Peptides from Melittin and Its Analog with High Lytic Activity at Endosomal PH Enhance Branched Polyethylenimine (BPEI) Mediated Gene Transfection

The Journal of Gene Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22328546

BACKGROUND: Melittin is a commonly used cell penetrating peptide (CPP) for improving branched polyethylenimine (BPEI)- mediated gene transfection. However, its application is limited owing to the cytotoxicity generated by the lytic activity at neutral pH. Here, we report two truncated peptides from melittin and florae with improved transfection efficiency. METHODS: Two truncated peptides consisting of 1-20 residues of melittin (MT20) and florae (FL20) were synthesized. Circular Dichroism Spectrometry (CD) was used to analyze the secondary structures of the peptides. The membrane-lytic activity of the peptides and their potency in enhancing cellular uptake of calcein were evaluated. The peptides and BPEI mixtures were mixed with plasmid DNA to prepare peptides/BPEI /DNA complexes. The physicochemical characters of complexes were measured and the effect of the peptides on BPEI mediated transfection was determined. RESULTS: CD analysis and structure observation showed that the truncated peptides have α-helical conformation, which was necessary for penetrating activity. The truncated peptides exhibited several advantages than their parent peptides: (i) they showed higher hemolytic potency in acidic pH but lower lytic activity than their parent peptides in neutral pH; (ii) enhanced calcein efficiently release from both early and late endosome; (iii) they did not affect the DNA binding affinity of BPEI and the physicochemical characteristics of BPEI/DNA complexes. Moreover, the peptides could increase BPEI-mediated transfection efficiency in different cell lines (293FT, B16F10 and CHO-K1) by simply mixing with BPEI, without causing cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the truncated peptides with higher endosomal disrupting activity were better enhancers for increasing transfection efficiency. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Predictors of Dating Violence Among Chinese Adolescents: The Role of Gender-Role Beliefs and Justification of Violence

Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22328647

In Chinese societies, violence among adolescent dating partners remains a largely ignored and invisible phenomenon. The goal of this study is to examine the relationships among gender-role beliefs, attitudes justifying dating violence, and the experiences of dating-violence perpetration and victimization among Chinese adolescents. This study has used self-reporting measures to collect data from a probability sample of 976 adolescents (mean age = 15.9) in three Chinese societies: Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Research results reveal a high prevalence of dating violence (including physical violence, sexual violence, and controlling behavior) among Chinese adolescents with dating experience: the perpetration rate is 27.3% and the victimization rate is 39%. Study results demonstrate that adolescents who endorse traditional gender-role beliefs tend to view dating violence as acceptable behavior. Boys' endorsement of traditional gender roles, boys' attitudes justifying boy-on-girl violence, and boys' attitudes against girl-on-boy violence predict boys' actual sexual-violence behavior. Moreover, boys' attitudes justifying boy-on-girl dating violence is the strongest predictor of boys' perpetration of physical and sexual dating violence. This study also shows that boys' hostility is a significant predictor of boys' controlling behavior. Programs for preventing dating violence should include components designed to challenge traditional gender-role beliefs and attitudes justifying dating violence.

Essential Role of Caveolin-3 in Adiponectin Signalsome Formation and Adiponectin Cardioprotection

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22328772

OBJECTIVE: Adiponectin (APN) system malfunction is causatively related to increased cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate molecular mechanisms responsible for APN transmembrane signaling and cardioprotection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Compared with wild-type mice, caveolin-3 knockout (Cav-3KO) mice exhibited modestly increased myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (increased infarct size, apoptosis, and poorer cardiac function recovery; P<0.05). Although the expression level of key APN signaling molecules was normal in Cav-3KO, the cardioprotective effects of APN observed in wild-type were either markedly reduced or completely lost in Cav-3KO. Molecular and cellular experiments revealed that AdipoR1 colocalized with Cav-3, forming AdipoR1/Cav-3 complex via specific Cav-3 scaffolding domain binding motifs. AdipoR1/Cav-3 interaction was required for APN-initiated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and AMPK-independent intracellular cardioprotective signalings. More importantly, APPL1 and adenylate cyclase, 2 immediately downstream molecules required for AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent signaling, respectively, formed a protein complex with AdipoR1 in a Cav-3 dependent fashion. Finally, pharmacological activation of both AMPK plus PKA significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function in Cav-3KO animals. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results demonstrated for the first time that Cav-3 plays an essential role in APN transmembrane signaling and APN anti-ischemic/cardioprotective actions.

WaVPeak: Picking NMR Peaks Through Wavelet-based Smoothing and Volume-based Filtering

Bioinformatics (Oxford, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22328784

MOTIVATION: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been widely used as a powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional structures of proteins in vivo. However, the post-spectra processing stage of NMR structure determination usually involves a tremendous amount of time and expert knowledge, which includes peak picking, chemical shift assignment, and structure calculation steps. Detecting accurate peaks from the NMR spectra is a prerequisite for all following steps, and thus remains a key problem in automatic NMR structure determination. RESULTS: We introduce WaVPeak, a fully automatic peak detection method. WaVPeak first smoothes the given NMR spectrum by wavelets. The peaks are then identified as the local maxima. The false positive peaks are filtered out efficiently by considering the volume of the peaks.WaVPeak has two major advantages over the state-of-the-art peak-picking methods. First, through wavelet-based smoothing, WaVPeak does not eliminate any data point in the spectra. Therefore, WaVPeak is able to detect weak peaks that are embedded in the noise level. NMR spectroscopists need the most help isolating these weak peaks. Second, WaVPeak estimates the volume of the peaks to filter the false positives. This is more reliable than intensity-based filters that are widely used in existing methods.We evaluate the performance of WaVPeak on the benchmark set proposed by PICKY (Alipanahi et al., 2009), one of the most accurate methods in the literature. The dataset comprises 32 2D and 3D spectra from eight different proteins. Experimental results demonstrate that WaVPeak achieves an average of 96%, 91%, 88%, 76% and 85% recall on (15)N-HSQC, HNCO, HNCA, HNCACB and CBCA(CO)NH, respectively. When the same number of peaks are considered, WaVPeak significantly outperforms PICKY. AVAILABILITY: WaVPeak is an open source program. The source code and two test spectra of WaVPeak are available at http://faculty.kaust.edu.sa/sites/xingao/Pages/Publications.aspx. The online server is under construction. CONTACT: statliuzhi@xmu.edu.cn, ahmed.abbas@kaust.edu.sa, majing@ust.hk, xin.gao@kaust.edu.sa.

Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Nanoparticle Film: Synthesis and Reversible Wettability Switching Behavior

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22329929

The present work describes a one-step facile spray deposition process for the fabrication of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanoparticle film. The film shows fast response wettability transition between superhydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The reversible superhydrophobicity to hydrophilicity switching can be easily carried out by adjusting the temperature. The film also demonstrates oil uptake ability and can selectively adsorb oil floating on water surface. Furthermore, the film surface shows the anti-fouling performance for organic solvents, which can self-remove the organic solvents layer and recover its superhydrophobic behavior. The advantage of the present approach is that the damaged film can be easily repaired by spraying again.

IKBKE is Induced by STAT3 and Tobacco Carcinogen and Determines Chemosensitivity in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Oncogene. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330135

Serine/threonine kinase IKBKE is a newly identified oncogene; however, its regulation remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that IKBKE is a downstream target of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and that tobacco components induce IKBKE expression through STAT3. Ectopic expression of constitutively active STAT3 increased IKBKE mRNA and protein levels, whereas inhibition of STAT3 reduced IKBKE expression. Furthermore, expression levels of IKBKE are significantly associated with STAT3 activation and tobacco use history in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients examined. In addition, we show induction of IKBKE by two components of cigarette smoke, nicotine and nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK). Upon exposure to nicotine or NNK, cells express high levels of IKBKE protein and mRNA, which are largely abrogated by inhibition of STAT3. Characterization of the IKBKE promoter revealed two STAT3-response elements. The IKBKE promoter directly bound to STAT3 and responded to nicotine and NNK stimulation. Notably, enforcing expression of IKBKE induces chemoresistance, whereas knockdown of IKBKE not only sensitizes NSCLC cells to chemotherapy but also abrogates STAT3- and nicotine-induced cell survival. These data indicate for the first time that IKBKE is a direct target of STAT3 and is induced by tobacco carcinogens through STAT3 pathway. In addition, our study also suggests that IKBKE is an important therapeutic target and could have a pivotal role in tobacco-associated lung carcinogenesis.Oncogene advance online publication, 13 February 2012; doi:10.1038/onc.2012.39.

Variation of Polarization Distribution of Reflected Beam Caused by Spin Separation

Optics Express. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330439

The variation of polarization distribution of reflected beam at specular interface and far field caused by spin separation has been studied. Due to the diffraction effect, we find a distinct difference of light polarization at the two regions. The variation of polarization distribution of reflected light provides a new method to measure the spin separation displacement caused by Spin Hall Effect of light.

Fabricating Fiber Bragg Gratings with Two Phase Masks Based on Reconstruction-equivalent-chirp Technique

Optics Express. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330463

Based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique, a novel solution for fabricating low-cost long fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with desired properties is proposed and initially studied. A proof-of-concept experiment is demonstrated with two conventional uniform phase masks and a submicron-precision translation stage, successfully. It is shown that the original phase shift (OPS) caused by phase mismatch of the two phase masks can be compensated by the equivalent phase shift (EPS) at the ±1^st channels of sampled FBGs, separately. Furthermore, as an example, a π phase-shifted FBG of about 90mm is fabricated by using these two 50mm-long uniform phase masks based on the presented method.

Enhanced Aerobic Nitrifying Granulation by Static Magnetic Field

Bioresource Technology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330589

One of the main challenging issues for aerobic nitrifying granules in treating high strength ammonia wastewater is the long granulation time required for activated sludge to transform into aerobic granules. The present study provides a novel strategy for enhancing aerobic nitrifying granulation by applying an intensity of 48.0mT static magnetic field. The element analysis showed that the applied magnetic field could promote the accumulation of iron compounds in the sludge. And then the aggregation of iron decreased the full granulation time from 41 to 25days by enhancing the setting properties of granules and stimulating the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Long-term, cycle experiments and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis proved that an intensity of 48.0mT magnetic field could enhance the activities and growth of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). These findings suggest that magnetic field is helpful and reliable for accelerating the aerobic nitrifying granulation.

Comprehensive Kinetic Studies of Acidic Oil Continuous Esterification by Cation-exchange Resin in Fixed Bed Reactors

Bioresource Technology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330603

Biodiesel produced by esterification from molar ratio of methanol to free fatty acid (FFA) as 25:1 in presence of triglyceride was carried out with cation-exchange resin as a heterogeneous catalyst in three different scales of fixed bed reactors from minireactor (6.8mm×110mm) to pilot scale reactor (70mm×1260mm) at 338K. The kinetic study of esterification was undertaken in terms of pseudo-homogeneous mechanism and performed as a first order reaction with elimination of the solid-liquid internal and external mass transfer resistances. Moreover, a kinetic model of FFA esterification was developed to illustrate the relationship between the FFA conversion and the catalyst bed height of fixed bed reactor. The model was also suitable for various resins in fixed bed reactor. The theoretical predictions were in agreement with the experimental data with root mean square (RMS) errors <10.

Traumatic Neuroma in a Patient with Breast Cancer After Mastectomy: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

World Journal of Surgical Oncology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330690

ABSTRACT: The incidence of traumatic neuroma is extremely low, especially in those patients with breast cancer after mastectomy. There are only 10 cases reported in the literature. We report a patient who developed a palpable nodular mass near the mastectomy scar. The result of excisional biopsy was traumatic neuroma. Review of the literature reveal 10 cases with breast cancer of traumatic neuromas after mastectomy. Traumatic neuroma is a benign lesion and a reparative response of the nerve to injury, either direct/indirect trauma or chronic inflammation. Benign lesions as traumatic neuromas are more rarely seen after mastectomy. However, in order to manage patients' treatment, the most critical problem is to distinguish it from recurrent breast carcinoma. Although assistant examination methods such as ultrasound and computed tomography are valuable to a certain extent, the final diagnosis can only be confirmed on pathologic examination.

Statins Induce the Accumulation of Regulatory T Cells in the Atherosclerotic Plaque

Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331026

CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) mediate immune suppression and prevent autoimmune disorders. Recently, Tregs were found to present in atherosclerotic lesions and played an important role in progression of atherosclerosis. Statins have immunomodulatory propertiy and the effect of statins on atherosclerosis depends in part on their immunomodulatory mechanism. We sought to determine whether statins exhibit an effect on Tregs in atherosclerotic plaques and in peripheral circulation of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In vivo experiment, we induced atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups for 6-week treatment: simvastatin (50 mg/kg/d) or vehicle (control). Simvastatin significantly increased the numbers of the Tregs and the expression of Tregs marker Foxp3, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, simvastatin played an important role in modulating the balance between anti-inflammatory (Tregs and Th2 cells) and proinflammatory (Th17 and Th1 cells) subsets of T cells. In vitro experiment, simvastatin incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with ACS. After an incubation for 96 hrs, simvastatin significantly enhanced the frequency and functional suppressive properties of Tregs. So, statins treatment may influence Tregs in atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, statins improved the quantity and suppressive function of Tregs in ACS patients.

Assessment of Progesterone Receptors in Breast Carcinoma by PET with 21-18F-Fluoro-16α,17α-[(R)-(1'-α-furylmethylidene)Dioxy]-19-Norpregn-4-Ene-3,20-Dione

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331216

This first-in-human study was designed to evaluate the safety and dosimetry of the progesterone analog 21-(18)F-fluoro-16α,17α-[(R)-(1'-α-furylmethylidene)dioxy]-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione ((18)F-FFNP), as well the feasibility of imaging tumor progesterone receptors (PRs) by PET in breast cancer. METHODS: Women with breast cancer underwent PET with (18)F-FFNP. Tumor (18)F-FFNP uptake was assessed semiquantitatively by determining maximum standardized uptake value and tumor-to-normal breast (T/N) activity ratio and by Logan graphical analysis. The PET results were correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) and PR status, assessed by in vitro assays of the tumor tissue. The biodistribution of (18)F-FFNP was measured in patients by whole-body PET, and human dosimetry was estimated. RESULTS: Twenty patients with 22 primary breast cancers (16 PR-positive [PR+] and 6 PR-negative [PR-]) were evaluated. Tumor maximum standardized uptake value was not significantly different in PR+ and PR- cancers (mean ± SD, 2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.3, P = 0.386), but the T/N ratio was significantly greater in the PR+ cancers (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3, P = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant correlation between distribution volume ratio and T/N ratio (r = 0.89; P = 0.001) but not between distribution volume ratio and either PR status or standardized uptake value, likely because of small sample size. On the basis of whole-body PET data in 12 patients, the gallbladder appeared to be the dose-limiting organ, with an average radiation dose of 0.113 mGy/MBq. The whole-body dose was 0.015 mGy/MBq, and the effective dose was 0.020 mSv/MBq. No adverse effects of (18)F-FFNP were encountered. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FFNP PET is a safe, noninvasive means for evaluating tumor PRs in vivo in patients with breast cancer. The relatively small absorbed doses to normal organs allow for the safe injection of up to 440 MBq of (18)F-FFNP.

Morbidity and Mortality of Neonatal Respiratory Failure in China: Surfactant Treatment in Very Immature Infants

Pediatrics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331337

OBJECTIVES:We retrospectively investigated incidence, morbidity, and mortality of neonatal respiratory failure (NRF) in China, with special emphasis on surfactant treated very immature infants.METHODS:NRF was defined as respiratory hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation and/or nasal continuous positive airway pressure for at least 24 hours.RESULTS:There were 6864 cases of NRF, composing 19.7% of total admissions to 55 NICUs in 2008. Of these cases, 62.8% were preterm, and 16.4% of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g). The primary diseases were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS, 43.9%), pneumonia/sepsis (21.7%), transient respiratory insufficiency (14.7%), transient tachypnea (8.1%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (7.0%). Surfactant was given to 26.8% of infants with NRF and 54.8% infants with RDS. The survival rate of surfactant-treated RDS was 79.9% compared to 71.8% in those not receiving surfactant (P < .001). This was also true in those of VLBW, 59.8% vs 52.2% (P = .035), respectively. The overall survival rate in NRF cases was 75.3%, but it was 58.1% among VLBW infants; for those infants of 25, 26, and 27 to 28 weeks\x{2019} gestational age, the survival rates were ∼6%, 30%, and 50%, respectively; and the survival rates for infants with meconium aspiration syndrome and pneumonia/sepsis were 70.3% and 71.4%, respectively. The care burden was associated with high treatment withdrawal and death rate.CONCLUSIONS:The outcomes of NRF, especially in extremely premature infants, reflect both progress and persistent limitations in providing respiratory support in the emerging NICUs of China, but overall survival for sick newborns had improved steadily.

Enhancement of Osteogenesis by Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Sponges Loaded with Surface-embedded Hydroxyapatite Particles and RhBMP-2

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331603

The bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded on [poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, and "s" stands for surface] (PLGA/HA-S), PLGA/HA-M (containing the same HA amount in the matrix as that of the PLGA/HA-S and "m" stands for matrix), and PLGA scaffolds, which were then cultured in a medium-containing Escherichia coli-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2). In vitro culture of rat BMSCs found no different cell morphology in all the scaffolds, but the alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene expression of type I collagen (COL I) and osteocalcin (OCN) in the PLGA/HA-S scaffolds were always highest and were significantly improved in comparison with those in the PLGA scaffolds. In a rat calvarial defect model, new bone formation was enhanced in the PLGA/HA-S/ErhBMP-2 implants at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation too. Therefore, the PLGA/HA-S scaffold can better enhance the ErhBMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and osteogenesis in vivo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.

Direct Observations of Retention Failure in Ferroelectric Memories

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331626

Nonvolatile ferroelectric random-access memory uses ferroelectric thin films to save a polar state written by an electric field that is retained when the field is removed. After switching, the high energy of the domain walls separating regions of unlike polarization can drive backswiching resulting in a loss of switched domain volume, or in the case of very small domains, complete retention loss.

Residual Intraretinal Retinoblastoma After Chemoreduction Failure

Archives of Ophthalmology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22332223

[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.

Cationic Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Regioselective Tandem Heterocyclization/[3+2] Cycloaddition of 2-(1-Alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones with Alkynes

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22322888

Rh(I) in two minds: A Rh(I) -catalyzed tandem heterocyclization/[3+2] cycloaddition reaction was developed that provides rapid, efficient, and stereoselective access to highly substituted cyclopenta[c]furans from readily available 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones and alkynes. The cationic Rh(I) acts as both a Lewis acid and a conventional transition-metal catalyst, providing the first example of a Rh(I) species acting as a Lewis acid.

Overexpression of Sigma-1 Receptor Inhibits ADAM10 and ADAM17 Mediated Shedding in Vitro

Protein & Cell. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22322890

The sigma-1 receptor is a molecular chaperone protein highly enriched in the brain. Recent studies linked it to many diseases, such as drug addition, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, depression, and even cancer. Sigma-1 receptor is enriched in lipid rafts, which are membrane microdomains essential in signaling processes. One of those signaling processes is ADAM17- and ADAM10-dependent ectodomain shedding. By using an alkaline phosphatase tagged substrate reporter system, we have shown that ADAM10-dependent BTC shedding was very sensitive to both membrane lipid component change and sigma-1 receptor agonist DHEAS treatment while ADAM17-dependent HB-EGF shedding was not; and overexpression of sigma-1 receptor diminished ADAM17- and ADAM10-dependent shedding. Our results indicate that sigma-1 receptor plays an important role in modifying the function of transmembrane proteases.

Comparative Transcriptomics and Proteomics Analysis of Citrus Fruit, to Improve Understanding of the Effect of Low Temperature on Maintaining Fruit Quality During Lengthy Post-harvest Storage

Journal of Experimental Botany. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323274

Fruit quality is a very complex trait that is affected by both genetic and non-genetic factors. Generally, low temperature (LT) is used to delay fruit senescence and maintain fruit quality during post-harvest storage but the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Hirado Buntan Pummelo (HBP; Citrus grandis × C. paradis) fruit were chosen to explore the mechanisms that maintain citrus fruit quality during lengthy LT storage using transcriptome and proteome studies based on digital gene expression (DGE) profiling and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), respectively. Results showed that LT up-regulated stress-responsive genes, arrested signal transduction, and inhibited primary metabolism, secondary metabolism and the transportation of metabolites. Calcineurin B-like protein (CBL)-CBL-interacting protein kinase complexes might be involved in the signal transduction of LT stress, and fruit quality is likely to be regulated by sugar-mediated auxin and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. Furthermore, ABA was specific to the regulation of citrus fruit senescence and was not involved in the LT stress response. In addition, the accumulation of limonin, nomilin, methanol, and aldehyde, together with the up-regulated heat shock proteins, COR15, and cold response-related genes, provided a comprehensive proteomics and transcriptomics view on the coordination of fruit LT stress responses.

Genotypic Variants at 2q33 and Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in China: A Meta-analysis of Genome-wide Association Studies

Human Molecular Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323360

Genome-wide association studies have identified susceptibility loci for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We conducted a meta-analysis of all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that showed nominally significant p-values in two previously published genome-wide scans that included a total of 2961 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases and 3400 controls. The meta-analysis revealed five SNPs at 2q33 with P < 5 x 10(-8) and the strongest signal was rs13016963, with a combined odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.29 (1.19-1.40) and P = 7.63 x 10(-10). An imputation analysis of 4304 SNPs at 2q33 suggested a single association signal and the strongest imputed SNP associations were similar to those from the genotyped SNPs. We conducted an ancestral recombination graph analysis with 53 SNPs to identify one or more haplotypes that harbor the variants directly responsible for the detected association signal. This showed that the five SNPs exist in a single haplotype along with 45 imputed SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium and the strongest candidate was rs10201587, one of the genotyped SNPs. Our meta-analysis found genome-wide significant SNPs at 2q33 that map to the CASP8/ALS2CR12/TRAK2 gene region. Variants in CASP8 have been extensively studied across a spectrum of cancers with mixed results. The locus we identified appears to be distinct from the widely studied rs3834129 and rs1045485 SNPs in CASP8. Future studies of esophageal and other cancers should focus on comprehensive sequencing of this 2q33 locus and functional analysis of rs13016963 and rs10201587and other strongly correlated variants.

E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Tripartite Motif 38 Negatively Regulates TLR-Mediated Immune Responses by Proteasomal Degradation of TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 in Macrophages

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323536

Activation of TLR signaling in the innate immune cells is critical for the elimination of invading microorganisms. However, uncontrolled activation may lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this article, we report the identification of tripartite motif (TRIM) 38 as a negative feedback regulator in TLR signaling by targeting TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). TRIM38 was induced by TLR stimulation in an NF-κB-dependent manner in macrophages. Knockdown of TRIM38 expression by small interfering RNA resulted in augmented activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, and enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas overexpression of TRIM38 has an opposite effect. As an E3 ligase, TRIM38 bound to TRAF6 and promoted K48-linked polyubiquitination, which led to the proteasomal degradation of TRAF6. Consistently, knockdown of TRIM38 expression resulted in higher protein level of TRAF6 in primary macrophages. Our findings defined a novel function for TRIM38 to prevent excessive TLR-induced inflammatory responses through proteasomal degradation of TRAF6.

Central Diabetes Insipidus Associated with Impaired Renal Aquaporin-1 Expression in Mice Lacking Liver X Receptor β

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323586

The present study demonstrates a key role for the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor β (LXRβ) in the etiology of diabetes insipidus (DI). Given free access to water, LXRβ(-/-) but not LXRα(-/-) mice exhibited polyuria (abnormal daily excretion of highly diluted urine) and polydipsia (increased water intake), both features of diabetes insipidus. LXRβ(-/-) mice responded to 24-h dehydration with a decreased urine volume and increased urine osmolality. To determine whether the DI was of central or nephrogenic origin, we examined the responsiveness of the kidney to arginine vasopressin (AVP). An i.p. injection of AVP to LXRβ(-/-) mice revealed a partial kidney response: There was no effect on urine volume, but there was a significant increase of urine osmolality, suggesting that DI may be caused by a defect in central production of AVP. In the brain of WT mice LXRβ was expressed in the nuclei of magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. In LXRβ(-/-) mice the expression of AVP was markedly decreased in the magnocellular neurons as well as in urine collected over a 24-h period. The persistent high urine volume after AVP administration was traced to a reduction in aquaporin-1 expression in the kidney of LXRβ(-/-) mice. The LXR agonist (GW3965) in WT mice elicited an increase in urine osmolality, suggesting that LXRβ is a key receptor in controlling water balance with targets in both the brain and kidney, and it could be a therapeutic target in disorders of water balance.

Triggering a Cell Shape Change by Exploiting Preexisting Actomyosin Contractions

Science (New York, N.Y.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323741

Apical constriction changes cell shapes, driving critical morphogenetic events including gastrulation in diverse organisms and neural tube closure in vertebrates. Apical constriction is thought to be triggered by contraction of apical actomyosin networks. Here, we found that apical actomyosin contractions began before cell shape changes in both C. elegans and Drosophila. In C. elegans, actomyosin networks were initially dynamic, contracting and generating cortical tension without significant shrinking of apical surfaces. Apical cell-cell contact zones and actomyosin only later moved increasingly in concert, with no detectable change in actomyosin dynamics or cortical tension. Thus, apical constriction appears to be triggered not by a change in cortical tension but by dynamic linking of apical cell-cell contact zones to an already contractile apical cortex.

Analysis of Two L-galactono-1,4-lactone Responsive Genes with Complementary Expression During the Development of Arabidopsis Thaliana

Plant & Cell Physiology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323769

Unraveling the role of genes annotated as protein of unknown function is of importance in progression of plant science. l-Galactono-1,4-lactone (l-GalL) is the terminal precursor for ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana and our previous study showed two DUF (domains of unknown function) 642 family genes (At1g80240 and At5g25460, designated as DGR1 and DGR2, respectively) to be sensitive to it (Gao et al. 2011). In this work, leaves from wild-type Arabidopsis were fed with d-glucose, l-galactose, l-GalL and AsA, and the expression level of At1g80240 and At5g25460 genes showed specific response to l-GalL, but not the other supplements despite the increases of the tissue AsA contents. Analysis of promoter-GUS transgenic plants showed the two genes to be complementarily expressed at the root apex and in the rest of the root excluding the apex respectively in both young and old seedlings, and to be expressed at the leaf primordia. The GUS activity under the control of the At5g25460 promoter was high in the cotyledon and leaf veins of young seedlings. These findings were consistent with the results of the quantitative real-time PCR. Interestingly, the T-DNA insertion mutant of At5g25460 (SALK_125079) displayed shorter roots and smaller rosettes than Col-0, however no phenotypic difference was observed between the T-DNA insertion mutant of At1g80240 and wild-type. This is the first report on the expression and functional analysis of these two DUF642 family genes, with the results revealing the contribution of DGR genes to the development of Arabidopsis.

Manipulation of Collective Optical Activity in One Dimensional Plasmonic Assembly

ACS Nano. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22324310

The manipulation of the chirality and corresponding optical activity in the visible-near infrared (NIR) light region is significant to realize the applications in the fields of chemical sensing, enantioselective separation, chiral nanocatalysis and optical devices. We studied the plasmon-induced circular dichroism (CD) response by one dimensional (1D) assembly of cysteine (CYS) and gold nanorods (GNRs). Typically, GNRs can form end-to-end assembly through the electrostatic attraction of CYS molecules preferrentially attached on the ends of different GNRs. CD responses are observed at both the UV and visible-NIR light region in the 1D assembly, which are assigned to the CYS molecules and the GNRs, respectively. In addition, the wavelength of the CD responses can be manipulated from 550 nm to more than 900 nm through altering the aspect ratios of GNRs in 1D assembly. Anisotropic enhancement of optical activity is discovered, suggesting the enhancement of longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) peak of GNRs in the CD response is much more apparent than that of the transverse LSPR. The CD responses of CYS-attached individual GNRs and CYS assembled gold nanoparticles (GNPs) substantiate that the form of assembly and the shape of building blocks are significant not only for the intensity but for the line shape of the CD signals.

Investigation of the Physicochemical Properties of CuO-CoO Binary Metal Oxides Supported on γ-Al(2)O(3) and Their Activity for NO Removal by CO

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22321989

The dispersion and physicochemical behaviors of CuO-CoO binary metal oxides supported on γ-Al(2)O(3) were characterized by XRD, LRS, XPS, H(2)-TPR, and in situ FT-IR techniques. Their activities were evaluated by NO-CO model reaction. The results indicated that (a) for lower loadings, CuO and CoO were able to be highly dispersed on the surface of γ-Al(2)O(3) support; (b) the interaction between dispersed CuO and CoO upon γ-Al(2)O(3) was discussed in the view of incorporation model. According to this model and obtained results, the surface dispersed Cu-O-Co species were considered to exist on the surface of γ-Al(2)O(3); (c) CO or/and NO adsorption FT-IR results evidenced that the surface dispersed copper species could be reduced to lower valence by CO and the NO adsorption species converted with the increase in the temperature; (d) the surface dispersed Cu-O-Co species could be reduced to active Cu-□-Co species by CO among the mixture atmosphere. The formation of the surface synergetic oxygen vacancy (SSOV) was a crucial factor in the process of the NO-CO reaction. And a possible reaction pathway was tentatively proposed to discuss the NO-CO reaction based on all of these results.

Practical Biocatalytic Desymmetrization of Meso-N-heterocyclic Dicarboxamides and Their Application in the Construction of Aza-sugar Containing Nucleoside Analogs

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22322323

Amidase-catalyzed desymmetrization of meso-N-heterocyclic dicarboxamides under very mild conditions provided a highly efficient and practical method for the preparation of enantiomerically pure carbamoyl-substituted heterocyclic amino acids that were unique and versatile platforms for the construction of both antipodes of aza-sugar containing nucleoside analogs.

On-line Continuous Sampling Dynamic Microwave-assisted Extraction Coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Separation for the Determination of Lignans in Wuweizi and Naphthoquinones in Zicao

Journal of Chromatography. B, Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22321410

The on-line continuous sampling dynamic microwave-assisted extraction (on-line CSDMAE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatographic separation and determination of the lignans in Wuweizi and naphthoquinones in Zicao was developed. The extraction, separation and determination of target analytes were simultaneously carried out. The experimental parameters, including type of extraction solvent, microwave extraction power, solvent flow rate, amount of sample and particle size of the sample, were evaluated by the univariate method and orthogonal screening. The detection limits for schisandrin A, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin, shikonin and β,β'-dimethylacrylshikonin are 0.86, 0.90, 0.27, 0.42 and 0.92μgmL(-1), respectively. Compared with the conventional extraction methods, such as off-line continuous microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and Soxhlet extraction, the proposed method is quicker and more effective.

Adsorption of Sulfamethoxazole on Biochar and Its Impact on Reclaimed Water Irrigation

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22321858

Reclaimed water irrigation can satisfy increasing water demand, but it may also introduce pharmaceutical contaminants into the soil and groundwater environment. In this work, a range of laboratory experiments were conducted to test whether biochar can be amended in soils to enhance removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from reclaimed water. Eight types of biochar were tested in laboratory sorption experiments yielding solid-water distribution coefficients (K(d)) of 2-104L/kg. Two types of biochar with relatively high K(d) were used in column leaching experiments to assess their effect on reclaimed water SMX transport through soils. Only about 2-14% of the SMX was transported through biochar-amended soils, while 60% was found in the leachate of the unamended soils. Toxicity characteristic leaching experiments confirmed that the mobility and bioavailability of SMX in biochar-amended soils were lower than that of unamended soils. However, biochar with high accumulations of SMX was still found to inhibit the growth of the bacteria compared to biochar with less SMX which showed no effects. Thus, biochar with very high pharmaceutical sorption abilities may find use as a low-cost alternative sorbent for treating wastewater plant effluent, but should be used with caution as an amendment to soils irrigated with reclaimed water or waste water.

Dickkopf-1 Inhibits Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition of Colon Cancer Cells and Contributes to Colon Cancer Suppression

Cancer Science. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22321022

This study aimed to determine the expression pattern of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1), a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling, in colon cancer and assess the function and mechanism of Dkk1 in tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. We detected the protein expression of Dkk1 and some epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin and β-catenin) in 217 tissue samples of human colon cancer, up-regulated Dkk1 expression in HCT116 colon cancer cells, and established a nude mouse xenograft model. Dkk1 protein overexpression was inversely related to tumor grade and the presence of metastasis and recurrence of colon cancer. Notably, the expression of Dkk1 was concomitant with reduced immunohistochemical features of EMT (e.g. increased expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin, decreased expression of mesenchymal marker Vimentin, and cytoplasmic distribution of β-catenin). Furthermore, Dkk1 overexpression resulted in restoration of epithelial phenotype, decreased expression of EMT transcription factors Snail and Twist, and decreased expression of markers suggestive of intestinal stem cells (e.g. CD133 and Lgr5). Functional analysis showed overexpression of Dkk1 reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. Moreover, up-regulation of Dkk1 led to decreased tumor-initiating ability and suppressed colon tumor growth in nude mice. Our findings indicate that Dkk1 can suppress the progression of colon cancer, possibly through EMT inhibition, and could therefore serve as a target for tumor therapy. © 2012 Japanese Cancer Association.

Influence of Chronic Stress on the Compositions of Hepatic Cholesterol and Triglyceride in Male Wistar Rats Fed a High Fat Diet

Hepatology Research : the Official Journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22321167

Aim:  We determined the influence of chronic stress (CS) on the compositions of hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Methods:  Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet or a HFD and half of the HFD fed rats were given CS (electric foot shock assisted with noise) for 8 weeks. Results:  Compared with the control group, the levels of hepatic total cholesterol (TC) and TG were significantly elevated in the HFD and HFD with chronic stress (HFD+CS) groups, and the more severe elevations of them were found in the HFD group. Inversely, the more severe elevations of hepatic water-soluble parts of TC and TG were found in the HFD+CS group, as the elevations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in liver and serum, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and malondialdehyde in liver. Meanwhile, downregulated mRNA expressions of hepatic liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were also more severe in the HFD+CS group. Conclusion:  CS can aggravate the high levels of water-soluble compositions of hepatic TC and TG induced by HFD as it aggravates hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress; in spite of that, however, it cannot further promote hepatic lipidosis. This is consistent with the downregulated mRNA expressions of LXR-α and PPAR-γ.

Steroids and Phenolic Constituents from the Fruiting Bodies of the Basidiomycete Sarcodon Joedes

Natural Product Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22320163

Nine secondary metabolites, including four steroids, four phenolics and one cerebroside, were isolated from the methanol extract of the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Sarcodon joedes. The isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic analyses as (22E,24R)-6β-methoxyergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α-diol (1), 2',3'-diacetoxy-3,4,5',6',4″-pentahydroxy-p-terphenyl (2), cerebroside B (3), ergosta-7,22-dien-3β-ol (4), ergosterol peroxide (5), (22E,24R)-3β-hydroxy-ergosta-5,22-dien-7-one (6), benzoic acid (7), methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (8) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (9). The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated. All these compounds were isolated from this fungus for the first time.

Non-equilibrium Umbrella Sampling Applied to Force Spectroscopy of Soft Matter

The Journal of Chemical Physics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22320759

Physical systems often respond on a timescale which is longer than that of the measurement. This is particularly true in soft matter where direct experimental measurement, for example in force spectroscopy, drives the soft system out of equilibrium and provides a non-equilibrium measure. Here we demonstrate experimentally for the first time that equilibrium physical quantities (such as the mean square displacement) can be obtained from non-equilibrium measurements via umbrella sampling. Our model experimental system is a bead fluctuating in a time-varying optical trap. We also show this for simulated force spectroscopy on a complex soft molecule-a piston-rotaxane.

Empirical Cupping Correction for CT Scanners with Primary Modulation (ECCP)

Medical Physics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22320792

Purpose: X-ray CT measures the attenuation of polychromatic x-rays through an object. The rawdata acquired, which are the negative logarithm of the relative x-ray intensity behind the patient, must undergo water precorrection to linearize the measurement and to convert them into line integrals that are ready for reconstruction. The function to linearize the measured projection data depends on the detected spectrum of the ray. This spectrum may vary as a function of the detector position, e.g., in cases where the heel effect becomes relevant, where a bow-tie filter introduces channel-dependent beam hardening, or where a primary modulator is used to modulate the primary intensity of the spectrum.Methods: The authors propose a new approach that allows to handle these effects in a highly convenient way. Their new empirical cupping correction for primary modulation (ECCP) corrects for artifacts, such as cupping artifacts or ring artifacts, which are induced by nonlinearities in the projection data due to spatially varying pre- or postfiltration of the x-rays. To do so, ECCP requires only a simple scan of a homogeneous phantom of nearly arbitrary shape. Based on this information, coefficients of a polynomial series are calculated and stored for later use.Results: Physical measurements demonstrate the quality of the precorrection that can be achieved using ECCP to remove the cupping artifacts and to obtain well-calibrated CT values even in cases of strong primary modulation. A combination of ECCP with analytical techniques yielding a hybrid cupping correction method is possible and allows for channel-dependent correction functions.Conclusion: The proposed ECCP method is a very effective and easy to incorporate approach that compensates for even strong detector channel-dependent changes of the detected spectrum. © 2011 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22320924

The activation of innate immunity by various factors (e.g. lipopolysaccharide and complements) plays an important role in initiating and promoting alcoholic liver injury via the stimulation of Kupffer cells to induce oxidative stress and to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) that cause hepatocellular damage. Accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of innate immunity also stimulates Kupffer cells to produce the hepatoprotective cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 during alcoholic liver injury. IL-6 protects against alcoholic liver injury via the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the subsequent induction of a variety of hepatoprotective genes in hepatocytes. IL-10 inhibits alcoholic liver inflammation via the activation of STAT3 in Kupffer cells/macrophages and the subsequent inhibition of liver inflammation. Recent studies have suggested that IL-10 may play a dual role in controlling ethanol-induced steatosis and liver injury via the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, thereby ameliorating alcoholic liver injury, or via the inhibition of the hepatoprotective cytokine IL-6, thereby potentiating alcoholic liver injury. IL-22 is another important hepatoprotective cytokine that protects against acute and chronic alcoholic liver injury by binding to a receptor complex composed of IL-10R2 and IL-22R chains on the surfaces of hepatocytes. Finally, IL-22 treatment is a potential therapeutic option for treating severe forms of alcoholic liver disease because of its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antisteatotic, proliferative, and antimicrobial effects, as well as the potential added benefit of few side effects.

Reversible Plasmonic Circular Dichroism of Au Nanorod and DNA Assemblies

Journal of the American Chemical Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313383

Reversible plasmonic circular dichroism (CD) responses are realized for the first time based on temperature-dependent assembly and disassembly of Au nanorod (Au NR) and DNA hybrids. Compared with the conventional UV-vis absorption spectra, the changes in both intensity and line shape of plasmonic CD signals are much more pronounced, leading to a preliminary detection limit of DNA as low as 75 nM. The mechanism and influence factors of reversible plasmonic CD responses are explored.

Endogenous Sex Hormones and C-reactive Protein in Healthy Chinese Men

Clinical Endocrinology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313436

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of endogenous sex hormones and SHBG with C-reactive protein (CRP) in Chinese men. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The study population comprised 1989 men at baseline recruitment of a population-based cohort in China. Participant information on risk factors was collected by a face-to-face interview and clinical examination. All subjects in the study were without taking any kind of medication for anti-inflammation purpose or treatment of hypogonadism and with CRP value less than 10 mg/L. Data were analyzed by using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Higher levels of total testosterone (TT, β = -0.114, 95%CI, -0.162 to -0.065), free testosterone (β = -0.059, 95%CI, -0.106 to -0.012) and SHBG (β = -0.116, 95%CI, -0.169 to -0.063) were statistically significantly related to lower levels of CRP, after adjustment for age, waist circumference (WC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes and family history of hypertension or diabetes. In the subgroup of men with body mass index ≥27.5 kg/m(2) or with metabolic syndrome, findings for TT and SHBG were more pronounced, whereas the associations of TT with CRP were attenuated and nonstatistically significant among subjects with WC ≥90 cm or with insulin resistance. No associations were observed between estradiol, LH, FSH and CRP. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed the association of androgens with reduced inflammation as measured by CRP in Chinese men. This is independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and was explained in part by markers of central obesity and insulin resistance, rather than metabolic syndrome. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Granulocyte-colony Stimulating Factor Promotes Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Glioma Cells

Cancer Biology & Therapy. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313638

Sustaining proliferative signaling is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a hematopoietic growth factor that controls proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, may contribute to the development of glioma. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of G-CSF and its receptor (G-CSFR) in various grades of glioma samples and primary cell culture derived from a glioblastoma patient as well as different human glioma cell lines. We showed that G-CSF and G-CSFR were widely expressed by glioma samples, primary glioma cell culture and glioma cell lines. The expression levels of G-CSF and G-CSFR were not significantly different between different grades of glioma. G-CSF promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. Neutralization of G-CSFR with its antibody inhibited growth and metastasis of glioma cells in vitro. We also showed that activation of signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT 3) as well as expression of several of its downstream effectors was regulated by G-CSF. Taken together, the present results suggest that G-CSF contributes to glioma progression that may be linked to glioma genesis and recurrence.

Secondary Metabolites Produced by Solid Fermentation of the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium Commune QSD-17

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313755

The marine sediment-derived fungus Penicillium commune QSD-17 was re-investigated and cultured on rice solid medium. Two new compounds, isophomenone (1) and 3-deacetylcitreohybridonol (2), together with seven known derivatives (3-9), were identified. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis.

Doped Carbon Nanotube Networks for Electrochemical Filtration of Aqueous Phenol: Electrolyte Precipitation and Phenols Polymerization

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313807

Electrochemical filtration with anodic carbon nanotube (CNT) networks is reported to be effective for chemical and microbiological water treatment. Here, we investigate how CNT doping affects the electrochemical filtration performance towards the remediation of aromatic wastewaters. Purified and well-characterized undoped (C-CNT), boron-doped (B-CNT), and nitrogen-doped (N-CNT) anodic carbon nanotube networks are challenged with aqueous phenol in a sodium sulfate electrolyte. Steady-state current and effluent total organic carbon (TOC) measurements are utilized to evaluate the oxidative performance as a function of voltage and electrolysis time. In terms of steady-state TOC removal, at an applied voltage of 3 V all three anodic CNT networks are able to remove approximately 7 to 8 mgC L-1 of the influent TOC within the ~1 s liquid residence time of the electrochemical filter. The anodic CNT networks are partially passivated over the 5 h electrolysis time with the B-CNT network displaying the least passivation. The extent of passivation was observed to be inversely correlated to the CNT work function. SEM, XPS, and TGA of the electrolyzed CNT networks are used to identify the two primary passivation mechanisms of electrochemical phenols polymerization and electrochemical electrolyte precipitation. In agreement with chronoamperometry results, the B-CNT network has the lowest extent of passivating polymer and precipitate formation. The precipitant is determined to likely be sodium persulfate or carbonate and is removed with a simple acidic water wash. The polymer is determined to likely be polyphenylene oxide and is partially removed with the wash. All three anodic CNT networks display potential for energy efficient electrochemical filtration of aromatic wastewaters and the B-CNT are determined to be the most resistant to passivation.

Heated Spermatozoa: Effects on Embryonic Development and Epigenetics

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313867

BACKGROUNDSperm chromatin is highly condensed and relatively resistant to chemical and physical treatments. The purpose of this study was to explore the highest temperature that sperm can tolerate and still produce live offspring.METHODSMouse sperm were heated in a water bath at 50, 65, 80 or 95°C for 30 min before they were microinjected into mouse oocytes. Fertilization, embryo development and 1-cell embryo karyotypes were evaluated. Epigenetic reprogramming including DNA methylation and histone H3K4-trimethylation were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining.RESULTSThe ability of mouse sperm to activate the egg after ICSI was heat sensitive; only 20% of eggs were activated by sperm that had been heated to 50°C and none was activated by sperm heated to 80°C. However, if eggs were activated artificially, mouse sperm subjected to 80°C for 30 min were able to produce live offspring, while 95°C treatment disabled sperm decondensation after ICSI. Once the heat-treated sperm nucleus had developed into a pronucleus, sperm chromatin was able to undergo normal active DNA demethylation and histone methylation. Aberrant chromosome rates increased from 16.3 to 100% when the temperature was raised from 50 to 95°C.CONCLUSIONSHeat treatment destroys integrity of sperm chromatin in a temperature-dependent manner. Eighty degree Celsius was the highest temperature that mouse sperm could withstand and still produce live offspring.

[Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis]

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313881

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been widely used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is no systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of CHM.

[Assessment of External Methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients with Chronic Ulcer of the Lower Extremities: Study Protocol of a Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-group, Prospective Trial]

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao = Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22313884

Chronic ulcer of the lower extremities amounts for a grave and serious problem for public health. Western medicine focuses on controlling infection, improving blood circulation, surgical debridement, skin grafting, etc, but there are bottlenecks in the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and a legacy of sound clinical efficacy in this area. TCM has developed a unique, effective external theory, and a large number of topical prescriptions and external technology. Through this research, a safe and effective treatment protocol of TCM for chronic ulcer of the lower extremities can be formed. To this end, during China's "Eleventh Five-Year" Plan, special research committees and projects on TCM external treatments and external technologies were established. This study on ulcer of the lower extremities constitutes one of the major research topics.

Recombinant Gp90 Protein Expressed in Pichia Pastoris Induces a Protective Immune Response Against Reticuloendotheliosis Virus in Chickens

Vaccine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314135

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) causes an oncogenic, immunosuppressive and runting syndrome in multiple avian hosts worldwide. In this study, the gp90 protein of REV was secretory expressed in Pichia pastoris with high production level and good antigenicity. To fully utilize the expression potential of the P. pastoris expression system, a panel of Pichia clones carrying increasing copies of the gp90 expression cassette was created using an in vitro multimerization approach and the effects of gene dosage on gp90 expression were investigated. Results demonstrated that an increase in gp90 copy number can significantly improve the yields of gp90 protein. Following expression and scale-up, the gp90 protein production level could reach up to 400mg/L, and the protein could be detected by gp90-specific monoclonal antibody. Investigations of its vaccine efficacy demonstrated that the recombinant gp90 protein was able to induce sustained high levels of antibodies against REV as being detected by ELISA and virus neutralizing test. Furthermore, immunization of chickens with the recombinant gp90 vaccine fully protected the animals from viremia after REV infection. Overall, the yeast-expressed gp90 protein retains good immunogenicity and could be used as a potential subunit vaccine candidate for REV prevention.

EphB3 Suppresses Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Metastasis Via a PP2A/RACK1/Akt Signalling Complex

Nature Communications. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314363

Eph receptors are implicated in regulating the malignant progression of cancer. Here we find that despite overexpression of EphB3 in human non-small-cell lung cancer, as reported previously, the expression of its cognate ligands, either ephrin-B1 or ephrin-B2, is significantly downregulated, leading to reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of EphB3. Forced activation of EphB3 kinase in EphB3-overexpressing non-small-cell lung cancer cells inhibits cell migratory capability in vitro as well as metastatic seeding in vivo. Furthermore, we identify a novel EphB3-binding protein, the receptor for activated C-kinase 1, which mediates the assembly of a ternary signal complex comprising protein phosphatase 2A, Akt and itself in response to EphB3 activation, leading to reduced Akt phosphorylation and subsequent inhibition of cell migration. Our study reveals a novel tumour-suppressive signalling pathway associated with kinase-activated EphB3 in non-small-cell lung cancer, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy by activating EphB3 signalling, thus inhibiting tumour metastasis.

Determination of Catecholamine in Human Serum by a Fluorescent Quenching Method Based on a Water-soluble Fluorescent Conjugated Polymer-enzyme Hybrid System

The Analyst. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314795

In this paper, a sensitive water-soluble fluorescent conjugated polymer biosensor for catecholamine (dopamine DA, adrenaline AD and norepinephrine NE) was developed. In the presence of horse radish peroxidase (HRP) and H(2)O(2), catecholamine could be oxidized and the oxidation product of catecholamine could quench the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of poly(2,5-bis(3-sulfonatopropoxy)-1,4-phenylethynylenealt-1,4-poly(phenylene ethynylene)) (PPESO(3)). The quenching PL intensity of PPESO(3) (I(0)/I) was proportional to the concentration of DA, AD and NE in the concentration ranges of 5.0 × 10(-7) to 1.4 × 10(-4), 5.0 × 10(-6) to 5.0 × 10(-4), and 5.0 × 10(-6) to 5.0 × 10(-4) mol L(-1), respectively. The detection limit for DA, AD and NE was 1.4 × 10(-7) mol L(-1), 1.0 × 10(-6) and 1.0 × 10(-6) mol L(-1), respectively. The PPESO(3)-enzyme hybrid system based on the fluorescence quenching method was successfully applied for the determination of catecholamine in human serum samples with good accuracy and satisfactory recovery. The results were in good agreement with those provided by the HPLC-MS method.

Effect of the Calcium Sensing Receptor on Rat Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation Through the ERK1/2 Pathway

Molecular Biology Reports. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314915

Migration and proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is critical to treatment of ischemic injury. The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) has an important role in maintaining systemic calcium homeostasis, which is related to cell proliferation, apoptosis and paracrine signaling. We hypothesize that CaSR may enhance BMSC proliferation. Rat BMSCs were incubated with various calcium concentrations for 48 h in vitro to activate CaSR. To investigate potential mechanisms responsible for growth enhancement by calcium, the rat BMSC cell cycle progression was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and induction of apoptosis confirmed by cytofluorimetric analysis using propidium iodide and Annexin V-FITC double staining. Since the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was one of the most significantly affected by CaSR, MAPK activation was measured by western blotting. Calcium exposure significantly enhanced rat BMSCs proliferation, as well as the proportion of the population in S phase, in a dose-dependent manner, effects which were abolished by NPS2390 (a CaSR antagonist) and U0126 (a MEK1/2 inhibitor). These results demonstrate that CaSR is involved in rat BMSC proliferation, as seen by an increased proliferation index, decreased apoptosis, and ERK1/2 activation, and provide important insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which CaSR affects cell proliferation. A CaSR agonist may prove useful to enhance BMSC survival during transplantation.

A Split Ligand for Lanthanide Binding: Facile Evaluation of Dimerizing Proteins

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314964

Luminescence of lanthanides is attractive for biological applications due to its long lifetime and sharp emission profiles. We describe the split display of a lanthanide binding ligand that allows facile evaluation of dimerizing proteins. The split lanthanide ligand is cysteine reactive, and therefore should be readily applicable to a variety of protein systems.

Morphologic Evidence for Spatially Clustered Spines in Apical Dendrites of Monkey Neocortical Pyramidal Cells

The Journal of Comparative Neurology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22315181

The general organization of neocortical connectivity in macaque monkey is relatively well understood. However, mounting evidence points to an organizing principle that involves clustered synapses at the level of individual dendrites. Several synaptic plasticity studies have reported cooperative interaction between neighboring synapses on a given dendritic branch, which may potentially induce synapse clusters. Additionally, theoretical models have predicted that such cooperativity is advantageous, as it greatly enhances a neuron's computational repertoire. However, due largely to the lack of sufficient morphologic data, the existence of clustered synapses in neurons on a global scale has never been established. Importantly, the majority of excitatory synapses are found within dendritic spines. In this study, we demonstrate that spine clusters do exist on pyramidal neurons by analyzing the three-dimensional locations of ∼40,000 spines on 280 apical dendritic branches in layer III of the rhesus monkey prefrontal cortex. Using clustering algorithms and Monte Carlo simulations, we quantify the probability that the observed extent of clustering does not occur randomly. This provides a measure that tests for spine clustering on a global scale, whenever high-resolution morphologic data are available. Here, we demonstrate that spine clusters occur significantly more frequently than expected by pure chance, and that spine clustering is concentrated in apical terminal branches. Importantly, these findings indicate that spine clustering is driven by systematic biological processes. We also found that mushroom- and stubby-shaped spines are predominant in clusters on dendritic segments that display prolific clustering, independently supporting a causal link between spine morphology and synaptic clustering. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Angiogenic Deficiency and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction Are Associated with Macrophage Malfunction in SIRT1-/- Mice

Endocrinology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22315447

The histone deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibits adipocyte differentiation and suppresses inflammation by targeting the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and nuclear factor κB. Although this suggests that adiposity and inflammation should be enhanced when SIRT1 activity is inactivated in the body, this hypothesis has not been tested in SIRT1 null (SIRT1(-/-)) mice. In this study, we addressed this issue by investigating the adipose tissue in SIRT1(-/-) mice. Compared with their wild-type littermates, SIRT1 null mice exhibited a significant reduction in body weight. In adipose tissue, the average size of adipocytes was smaller, the content of extracellular matrix was lower, adiponectin and leptin were expressed at 60% of normal level, and adipocyte differentiation was reduced. All of these changes were observed with a 50% reduction in capillary density that was determined using a three-dimensional imaging technique. Except for vascular endothelial growth factor, the expression of several angiogenic factors (Pdgf, Hgf, endothelin, apelin, and Tgf-β) was reduced by about 50%. Macrophage infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression were 70% less in the adipose tissue of null mice and macrophage differentiation was significantly inhibited in SIRT1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts in vitro. In wild-type mice, macrophage deletion led to a reduction in vascular density. These data suggest that SIRT1 controls adipose tissue function through regulation of angiogenesis, whose deficiency is associated with macrophage malfunction in SIRT1(-/-) mice. The study supports the concept that inflammation regulates angiogenesis in the adipose tissue.

Aerobic Oxidations of C602- in the Presence of PhCN and PhCH2CN: Oxygenation Versus Dehydrogenation Reactions

The Journal of Organic Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316014

Aerobic oxidations of dianionic C60 were examined in PhCN and PhCH2CN, where dioxygen was activated to O2•- via the single-electron transfer from C602-, and underwent oxygenation and dehydrogenation reactions respectively. Addition of PhCH2Br led to further benzylation for the oxygenated product, but not for the dehydrogenated one, suggesting that the initial two negative charges were preserved for the intermediates of the oxygenation reaction, while not for those of the dehydrogenation reaction.

Humic Acid Facilitates the Transport of ARS-Labeled Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Iron Oxyhydroxide-Coated Sand

Environmental Science & Technology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316080

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAP) have been widely used to remediate soil and wastewater contaminated with metals and radionuclides. However, our understanding of nHAP transport and fate is limited in natural environments that exhibit significant variability in solid and solution chemistry. The transport and retention kinetics of Alizarin red S (ARS)-labeled nHAP were investigated in water-saturated packed columns that encompassed a range of humic acid concentrations (HA, 0 to 10 mg L-1), fractional surface coverage of iron oxyhydroxide coatings on sand grains (λ, 0 to 0.75), and pH (6.0 to 10.5). HA was found to have a marked effect on the electrokinetic properties of ARS-nHAP, and on the transport and retention of ARS-nHAP in granular media. The transport of ARS-nHAP was found to increase with increasing suspension HA concentration because of enhanced colloidal stability and the reduced aggregate size. When HA=10 mg L-1, greater ARS-nHAP attachment occurred with increasing λ because of increased electrostatic attraction between negatively charged nanoparticles and positively charged iron oxyhydroxides, although alkaline conditions (pH 8.0 and 10.5) reversed the surface charge of the iron oxyhydroxides and therefore decreased deposition. The retention profiles of ARS-nHAP exhibited a hyperexponential shape for all test conditions, suggesting some unfavorable attachment conditions. Retarded breakthrough curves occurred in sands with iron oxyhydroxide coatings because of time-dependent occupation of favorable deposition sites. Consideration of the above effects is necessary to improve remediation efficiency of nHAP for metals and actinides in soil and subsurface environments.

Safety Evaluation of (32)P-Chromic Phosphate-Poly L Lactic Acid Particles Interstitially Implanted into Livers of Beagle Dogs

Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316174

Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and toxicity of biodegradable (32)P-chromic phosphate-poly L lactic acid ((32)P-CP-PLLA) particles interstitially implanted into Beagle dog livers. Methods: Eighteen healthy Beagle dogs were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=3), and were treated with drugs of different formulations or doses, as well as controls. At different time points after surgery, the experimental dogs were weighed. Detection of indicators of blood chemistry and liver fibrosis, SPECT bremsstrahlung imaging, computed tomography, histological examination, continuous blood measurement, and counting of urine and fecal radioactivity were performed for these dogs. Results: SPECT imaging showed that after implantation of radioactive particles into livers, radioactivity continuously accumulated in the implanted sites, while no radioactivity imaging was found in the nonimplantation sites. The mean absorbance doses in the implantation sites were 89.8-178.7 Gy. Local spherical lesions were observed in tissues. The average effective half-life time of (32)P-CP-PLLA was 11.8 days. Within 4 weeks after surgery, slight or moderate swelling and degradation of liver cells were detected, while in 8 weeks after surgery, they are normal. For the blood chemistry, liver fibrosis, and other indicators, no significant differences were found between the control groups and particle implantation groups (F=1.378, p=0.232). Conclusions: (32)P-CP-PLLA particles have advantages including good targeting, immobile, being degradable in vivo, easy to be protected, and so on. It is suitable for treating solid tumors with blood supply. (32)P-CP-PLLA particles are a kind of safe, novel, radioactive implantation drug.

Current Epidemiological Profile and Features of Visceral Leishmaniasis in People's Republic of China

Parasites & Vectors. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316234

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is still an important public health problem in China. In recent years endemic regions spread, prevalence increased, and even an outbreak of the disease occurred in China due to global warming and population movement. It is essential to elucidate the current epidemic situation and epidemiological characteristics of VL for designing control policy. In the present study we describe the current epidemiological profile and characteristics of VL in China based on retrospectively reviewing of VL cases reported between 2005 and 2010 by a passive surveillance system. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective review of VL cases notified between 2005 and 2010 based on the passive surveillance data. The data were tabulated, diagrammatized and analyzed through descriptive statistics in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. RESULTS: A total of 2450 VL cases were notified, with a mean of 408 cases per year. 61 counties were identified as endemic area with 2224 autochthonous cases, and the other 118 counties as non-endemic areas with 226 imported cases. 97.71% of cases were concentrated in Xinjiang, Gansu and Sichuan Provinces. 9 major counties reported a mean of 10 cases per year, with a total of 1759 cases reported. Different types of VL revealed distinct epidemiological characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The number of VL cases and endemic counties both increased in the period 2005-2010 in China. Different type or sub-type of VL revealed distinct epidemiological characteristics. Therefore, differential control measures must be taken in different endemic areas against incidence increase and endemic area spread.

Effective Components Screening and Anti-myocardial Infarction Mechanism Study of the Chinese Medicine NSLF6 Based on "system to System" Mode

Journal of Translational Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316391

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Shuanglong formula (SLF), a Chinese medicine composed of panax ginseng and salvia miltiorrhiza exhibited significant effect in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in clinical. Because of the complex nature and lack of stringent quality control, it's difficult to explain the action mechanism of SLF. METHOD: In this study, we present a "system to system" (S2S) mode. Based on this mode, SLF was simplified successively through bioactivity-guided screening to achieve an optimized minimal phytochemical composition (new formula NSLF6) while maintaining its curative effect for MI. RESULTS: Pharmacological test combining with the study of systems biology show that NSLF6 has activity for treatment MI through synergistic therapeutic efficacies between total ginsenosides and total salvianolic acids via promoting cardiac cell regeneration and myocardial angiogenesis, antagonistic myocardial cell oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS: The present S2S mode may be an effective way for the discovery of new composite drugs from traditional medicines.

Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of a Novel BmGDAP1 Gene from Silkworm, Bombyx Mori, Involved in Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis Virus Infection

Gene. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316564

A novel ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1 gene (BmGDAP1) was first cloned and sequenced from silkworm, Bombyx mori using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA of BmGDAP1 was 1514bp, consisting of a 91bp 5' untranslated region (UTR), a 424bp 3'-UTR and a 999bp open reading frame (ORF). The ORF encoded a polypeptide of 332 amino acids, which possessed a thioredoxin (TRX)-like domain, a glutathione S-transferase-C (GST-C) family domain and a transmembrane segment. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that BmGDAP1 transcripts were mainly presented in the tissues of hemocytes and midgut of silkworm, and its expression level was down-regulated in the hemocytes, while up-regulated in the midgut. Therefore, it could be concluded that BmGDAP1 plays an important role in the recognition and immune response of silkworm to BmCPV infection.

In Situ Raman Spectroscopy of Surfaces Modified by Ion Soft Landing

The Analyst. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318214

The design and characterization of a system for in situ Raman analysis of surfaces prepared by ion soft landing (SL) is described. The performance of the new high vacuum compatible, low cost, surface analysis capability is demonstrated with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of surfaces prepared by soft landing of ions of crystal violet, Rhodamine 6G, methyl orange and copper phthalocyanine. Complementary in situ mass spectrometric information is recorded for the same surfaces using a previously implemented secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS). Imaging of the modified surfaces is achieved using 2D Raman imaging as demonstrated for the case of Rhodamine 6G soft landing. The combination of the powerful molecular characterization tools of SERS and SIMS in a single instrument fitted with in-vacuum sample transport capabilities, facilitates in situ analysis of surfaces prepared by ion SL. In particular, information is provided on the charge state of the soft landed species. In the case of crystal violet the SERS data suggest that the positively charged ions being landed retain their charge state on the surface under vacuum. By contrast, in the case of methyl orange which is landed as an anion, the SERS spectra suggest that the SL species has been neutralized.

Adropin Deficiency is Associated with Increased Adiposity and Insulin Resistance

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318315

Adropin is a secreted peptide that improves hepatic steatosis and glucose homeostasis when administered to diet-induced obese mice. It is not clear if adropin is a peptide hormone regulated by signals of metabolic state. Moreover, the significance of a decline in adropin expression with obesity with respect to metabolic disease is also not clear. We investigated the regulation of serum adropin by metabolic status and diet. Serum adropin levels were high in chow-fed conditions and were suppressed by fasting and diet-induced obesity. High adropin levels were observed in mice fed a high-fat low carbohydrate diet, while lower levels were observed in mice fed a low fat high carbohydrate diet. To investigate the role of adropin deficiency in metabolic homeostasis, we generated adropin knockout mice (AdrKO) on the C57BL/6J background. AdrKO displayed a 50%-increase in increase in adiposity, although food intake and energy expenditure were normal. AdrKO also exhibited dyslipidemia and impaired suppression of endogenous glucose production in hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp conditions, suggesting insulin resistance. While homo- and heterozygous carriers of the null adropin allele exhibited normal diet-induced obesity relative to controls, impaired glucose tolerance associated with weight gain was more severe in both groups. In summary, adropin is a peptide hormone regulated by fasting and feeding. In fed conditions, adropin levels are regulated dietary macronutrients, and increase with dietary fat content. Adropin is not required for regulating food intake, however it's functions impact on adiposity and are involved in preventing insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance.

Amino Acid-mediated Aldolase Immobilisation for Enhanced Catalysis and Thermostability

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318456

To improve the properties of the immobilised 2-deoxy-D: -ribose-5-phosphate aldolase (DERA), unreacted functional groups on support surface were blocked with amino acids. The relative activities of the immobilised enzyme were 144.7 and 141.9% when the post-immobilisation modification was done with Arg and Phe, respectively. The residual activity of immobilised DERA after heating at 60 °C for 120 min was 65.1% when Phe and Val were used as the blocking amino acids, a 2.0- and 2.87-fold increase over that of the immobilised (no post-immobilisation blocking) and free DERA. Immobilised DERA maintained maximal activity in 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate (DR5P) synthesis up to 600 mM of acetaldehyde, which was much higher than the amount of acetaldehyde tolerated by free enzyme (300 mM). This superior resistance to high acetaldehyde concentrations would accelerate the DR5P reaction by shifting the reaction equilibrium towards the product. The results from this study suggest that the novel immobilised DERA may be useful for industrial applications.

Multiview Face Recognition: From TensorFace to V-TensorFace and K-TensorFace

IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. Part B, Cybernetics : a Publication of the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318490

Face images under uncontrolled environments suffer from the changes of multiple factors such as camera view, illumination, expression, etc. Tensor analysis provides a way of analyzing the influence of different factors on facial variation. However, the TensorFace model creates a difficulty in representing the nonlinearity of view subspace. In this paper, to break this limitation, we present a view-manifold-based TensorFace (V-TensorFace), in which the latent view manifold preserves the local distances in the multiview face space. Moreover, a kernelized TensorFace (K-TensorFace) for multiview face recognition is proposed to preserve the structure of the latent manifold in the image space. Both methods provide a generative model that involves a continuous view manifold for unseen view representation. Most importantly, we propose a unified framework to generalize TensorFace, V-TensorFace, and K-TensorFace. Finally, an expectation-maximization like algorithm is developed to estimate the identity and view parameters iteratively for a face image of an unknown/unseen view. The experiment on the PIE database shows the effectiveness of the manifold construction method. Extensive comparison experiments on Weizmann and Oriental Face databases for multiview face recognition demonstrate the superiority of the proposed V- and K-TensorFace methods over the view-based principal component analysis and other state-of-the-art approaches for such purpose.

Etiology and Epidemiology of Viral Diarrhea in Children Under the Age of Five Hospitalized in Tianjin, China

Archives of Virology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318672

Viral diarrhea is a great threat to children's health in developing countries. We conducted a prospective surveillance study of acute diarrhea of young children at Tianjin Children's Hospital from April 2008 to April 2009. Viral infections were detected in 356 of the total 766 collected stool specimens (46.48%). Rotavirus infections were the most common (27.94%; predominant type G1), followed by adenovirus infections (17.62%; predominant type Ad41), norovirus infections (5.87%; predominant type GII-4/2006b), and astrovirus infections (3.15%; only HAstV-1). Children younger than 1 year old were the most susceptible population to viral infections (87.9%). Diarrhea, vomiting, and fever were the most frequent clinical symptoms among the infected patients. The viral infections had no age, sex, or regional differences. Most infection rates were higher in the autumn, winter, and spring. This study supported that the rotavirus vaccine should be included in the Expanded Programme on Immunization in China.

Transport of Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase (NA) to Host Cell Surface is Regulated by ARHGAP21 and Cdc42

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318733

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is transported to the virus assembly site at the plasma membrane and is a major viral envelope component that plays a critical role in the release of progeny virions and in determination of host range restriction. However, little is known about the host factors that are involved in regulating the intracellular and cell surface transport of NA. Here we identified the Cdc42-specific GAP, ARHGAP21 differentially expressed in host cells infected with influenza A virus using cDNA microarray analysis. Furthermore, we have investigated the involvement of Rho family GTPases in NA transport to the cell surface. We found that expression of constitutively active or inactive mutants of RhoA or Rac1 did not significantly affect the amount of NA that reached the cell surface. However, expression of constitutively active Cdc42 or depletion of ARHGAP21 promoted the transport of NA to the plasma membranes. By contrast, cells expressing shRNA targeting Cdc42 or overexpressing ARHGAP21 exhibited a significant decrease in the amount of cell surface-localized NA. Importantly, silencing Cdc42 reduced influenza A virus replication, whereas silencing ARHGAP21 increased the virus replication. Together, our results reveal that ARHGAP21 and Cdc42-based signaling regulates the NA transport and thereby impacts virus replication.

Bone Tissue Engineering Using Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and an Injectable Sodium Alginate/gelatin Scaffold

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318897

To investigate the potential application of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and an injectable sodium alginate/gelatin scaffold for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The phenotype of osteogenic BMSCs was examined by mineralized nodules formation and type I collagen expression. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The biocompatibility of scaffold and osteogenic cells were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Ectopic bone formation as well as closure of rabbit calvarial critical-sized defects following scaffold-cell implantation were analyzed by histological examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Spindle-shaped osteogenic cells of high purity were derived from BMSCs. The osteogenic cells and sodium alginate/gelatin (2:3) scaffold presented fine biocompatibility following cross-linking with 0.6% of CaCl(2) . After implantation, the scaffold-cell construct promoted both ectopic bone formation and bone healing in the rabbit calvarial critical-sized defect model. Our data demonstrated that the sodium alginate/gelatin scaffold could be a suitable biomaterial for bone engineering, and the scaffold-osteogenic cells construct is a promising alternative approach for the bone healing process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.

Enhanced Effect of Daytime Restricted Feeding on the Circadian Rhythm of Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318948

There are increasing awareness of the link between impaired circadian clocks and multiple metabolic diseases. However, the impairment of the circadian clock by type 2 diabetes has not been fully elucidated. To understand whether and how the function of circadian clock is impaired under the diabetic condition, we examined not only the expression of circadian genes in the heart and pineal gland but also the behavioral rhythm of type 2 diabetic and control rats in both the nighttime restricted feeding (NRF) and daytime restricted feeding (DRF) conditions. In the NRF condition, the circadian expression of clock genes in the heart and pineal gland was conserved in the diabetic rats, being similar as that in the control rats. DRF shifted the circadian phases of peripheral clock genes more efficiently in the diabetic rats than those in the control rats. Moreover, the activity rhythm of rats in the diabetic group was completely shifted from the dark phase to the light phase after 5 days of DRF treatment, while the activity rhythm of rats in the control group was still under the control of SCN after the same DRF treatment. Furthermore, the serum glucose rhythm of type 2 diabetic rats was also shifted and controlled by the external feeding schedule, ignoring the SCN rhythm. Therefore, DRF shows stronger effect on the reentrainment of circadian rhythm in the type 2 diabetic rats, suggesting that the circadian system in diabetes is unstable and more easily shifted by feeding stimuli.

Theoretical Investigation of Water-Gas Shift Reaction Catalyzed by Iron Group Carbonyl Complexes M(CO)5 (M = Fe, Ru, Os)

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. A. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309054

We have investigated the mechanism of M(CO)5 (M = Fe, Ru, Os) catalyzed water-gas shift reaction (WGSR) by using density functional theory and ab initio calculations. Our calculation results indicate that the whole reaction cycle consists of six steps: 1→2→3→4→5→6→2. In this stepwise mechanism the metal Fe, Ru and Os behave generally in a similar way. However, crucial differences appear in steps 3→4→5 which involve dihydride M(H)2(CO)3COOH- (4') and/or dihydrogen complex MH2(CO)3COOH- (4). The stability of the dihydrogen complexes becomes weaker down the iron group. The dihydrogen complexes 4_Fe is only 11.1 kJ/mol less stable than its dihydrides 4'_Fe at the B3LYP/II(f)++//B3LYP/II(f) level. Due to very low energy barrier it is very easy to realize the transform from 4_Fe to 4'_Fe and vice versa, and thus for Fe there is no substantial difference to differentiate 4 and 4' for the reaction cycle. The most possible key-intermediate 4'_Ru is 38.2 kJ/mol more stable than 4_Ru. However, the barrier for the conversion 3_Ru→4'_Ru is 23.8 kJ/mol higher than that for 3_Ru→4_Ru. Additionally, 4'_Ru has to go through 4_Ru to complete dehydrogenation 4'_Ru→5_Ru. The concerted mechanism 4'_Ru→6_Ru, in which the CO group attacks to ruthenium while H2 dissociates, can be excluded. In contrast to Fe and Ru, the dihydrogen complex of Os is too unstable to exist at the level of theory. Moreover, we predict Fe and Ru species are more favorable than Os species for the WGSR, because that the energy barrier for the 4→5 process of Fe and Ru is only 38.9 and 16.2 kJ/mol, respectively, whereas 140.5 kJ/mol is calculated for the conversion 4'→5 of Os which is significantly higher. In general, the calculations are in good agreement with available experimental data. We hope that our work will be beneficial to the development and design of the WGSR catalyst with high performance.

Carbon Disulfide Assisted Polymerization of Benzene

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309055

The chemical transformation of benzene (C6H6) and carbon disulfide (CS2) binary solution under high pressure condition is investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy up to 6.8 GPa. On increasing the pressure, all the Raman bands of benzene decrease in intensity, whereas new broad bands start to be observed at 1520 and 1450 cm-1, indicating a highly cross-linked polymer is formed. The recovered sample is analyzed through Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy and is identified as a saturated hydrocarbons and element sulfur.

The Novel, Orally Bioavailable HSP90 Inhibitor NVP-HSP990 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma Cells and Acts Synergistically with Melphalan by Increased Cleavage of Caspases

European Journal of Haematology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309072

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) binds and stabilizes numerous proteins and kinases essential for myeloma cell survival and proliferation. We and others have recently demonstrated that inhibition of HSP90 by small molecular mass inhibitors induces cell death in multiple myeloma (MM). However, some of the HSP90 inhibitors involved in early clinical trials have shown limited antitumor activity and unfavorable toxicity profiles. Here, we analyzed the effects of the novel, orally bioavailable HSP90 inhibitor NVP-HSP990 on MM cell proliferation and survival. The inhibitor led to a significant reduction in myeloma cell viability and induced G2 cell cycle arrest, degradation of caspases-8 and -3 and induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of the HSP90 ATPase activity was accompanied by degradation of MM phospho-Akt and phospho-ERK1/2 and upregulation of Hsp70. Exposure of MM cells to a combination of NVP-HSP990 and either melphalan or histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors caused synergistic inhibition of viability, increased induction of apoptosis and was able to overcome the primary resistance of the cell line RPMI-8226 to HSP90 inhibition. Combined incubation with melphalan and NVP-HSP990 led to synergistically increased cleavage of caspases-2, -9 and -3. These data demonstrate promising activity for NVP-HSP990 as single agent or combination treatment in MM and provide a rationale for clinical trials. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Kinked P-n Junction Nanowire Probes for High Spatial Resolution Sensing and Intracellular Recording

Nano Letters. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309132

Semiconductor nanowires and other semiconducting nanoscale materials configured as field-effect transistors have been studied extensively as biological/chemical (bio/chem) sensors. These nanomaterials have demonstrated high-sensitivity from one- and two-dimensional sensors, although the realization of the ultimate pointlike detector has not been achieved. In this regard, nanoscale p-n diodes are attractive since the device element is naturally localized near the junction, and while nanowire p-n diodes have been widely studied as photovoltaic devices, their applications as bio/chem sensors have not been explored. Here we demonstrate that p-n diode devices can serve as a new and powerful family of highly localized biosensor probes. Designed nanoscale axial p-n junctions were synthetically introduced at the joints of kinked silicon nanowires. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the kinked nanowire structures were achieved, and electrical transport measurements exhibited rectifying behavior with well-defined turn-on in forward bias as expected for a p-n diode. In addition, scanning gate microscopy demonstrated that the most sensitive region of these nanowires was localized near the kinked region at the p-n junction. High spatial resolution sensing using these p-n diode probes was carried out in aqueous solution using fluorescent charged polystyrene nanobeads. Multiplexed electrical measurements show well-defined single-nanoparticle detection, and experiments with simultaneous confocal imaging correlate directly the motion of the nanobeads with the electrical signals recorded from the p-n devices. In addition, kinked p-n junction nanowires configured as three-dimensional probes demonstrate the capability of intracellular recording of action potentials from electrogenic cells. These p-n junction kinked nanowire devices, which represent a new way of constructing nanoscale probes with highly localized sensing regions, provide substantial opportunity in areas ranging from bio/chem sensing and nanoscale photon detection to three-dimensional recording from within living cells and tissue.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity in Vitro of the Complex [Mn (Hptc) (phen) (OH)] N

Life Sciences. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310100

AIMS: A bridging ligand 2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid (H(3)ptc) and its manganese(II) complex [Mn(Hptc)(phen)(OH)]n(Hptc=2,4,6-pyridine tricarboxylic acid, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. MAIN METHODS: The interaction with DNA (HeLa and KB) was carried out by fluorescence spectrum and gel electrophoresis assay. In vitro apoptosis assay and cytotoxicity assay detect the manganese (II) complex interaction with cancer cells. KEY FINDINGS: Fluorescence spectrum demonstrated the ability of the complexes to interact with DNA in an intercalative mode. Gel electrophoresis assay exhibited more effective DNA-cleavage activity. In vitro apoptosis assay of the complexes were examined on HeLa and KB cells, exhibited cytotoxic specificity and a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. SIGNIFICANCE: The complex may be a latent antitumor agent as a result of its unique interaction mode with DNA and cancer cells inhibition effect.

Specific Inhibition of AQP1 Water Channels in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Small Interfering RNAs

The Journal of Trauma. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310126

: Aquaporin (AQP)-1 is expressed in most microvasculature endothelial cells forming water channels that play major roles in a variety of physiologic processes. Our aim was to investigate the regulatory functions of AQP1 on trancellular and paracellular permeability.

Crystal Structure and Biochemical Analyses Reveal Beclin 1 As a Novel Membrane Binding Protein

Cell Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310240

The Beclin 1 gene is a haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor and plays an essential role in autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism by which Beclin 1 functions remains largely unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of the evolutionarily conserved domain (ECD) of Beclin 1 at 1.6 Å resolution. Beclin 1 ECD exhibits a previously unreported fold, with three structural repeats arranged symmetrically around a central axis. Beclin 1 ECD defines a novel class of membrane-binding domain, with a strong preference for lipid membrane enriched with cardiolipin. The tip of a surface loop in Beclin 1 ECD, comprising three aromatic amino acids, acts as a hydrophobic finger to associate with lipid membrane, consequently resulting in the deformation of membrane and liposomes. Mutation of these aromatic residues rendered Beclin 1 unable to stably associate with lipid membrane in vitro and unable to fully rescue autophagy in Beclin 1-knockdown cells in vivo. These observations form an important framework for deciphering the biological functions of Beclin 1.Cell Research advance online publication 7 February 2012; doi:10.1038/cr.2012.24.

Genetic Correction of β-thalassemia Patient-specific IPS Cells and Its Use in Improving Hemoglobin Production in Irradiated SCID Mice

Cell Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310243

The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from differentiated somatic cells by over-expression of several transcription factors has the potential to cure many genetic and degenerative diseases currently recalcitrant to traditional clinical approaches. One such genetic disease is β-thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia). This disease is caused by either a point mutation or the deletion of several nucleotides in the β-globin gene, and it threatens the lives of millions of people in China. In the present study, we successfully generated iPSCs from fibroblasts collected from a 2-year-old patient who was diagnosed with a homozygous 41/42 deletion in his β-globin gene. More importantly, we successfully corrected this genetic mutation in the β-thalassemia iPSCs by homologous recombination. Furthermore, transplantation of the genetically corrected iPSCs-derived hematopoietic progenitors into sub-lethally irradiated immune deficient SCID mice showed improved hemoglobin production compared with the uncorrected iPSCs. Moreover, the generation of human β-globin could be detected in the mice transplanted with corrected iPSCs-derived hematopietic progenitors. Our study provides strong evidence that iPSCs generated from a patient with a genetic disease can be corrected by homologous recombination and that the corrected iPSCs have potential clinical uses.Cell Research advance online publication 7 February 2012; doi:10.1038/cr.2012.23.

FDG PET/CT in Diagnosing and Staging Cutaneous Eccrine Adenocarcinoma

Clinical Nuclear Medicine. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310258

Cutaneous eccrine adenocarcinoma is a rare skin cancer. We reported a case of an 86-year-old woman with a nail-size papule on her back for 40 years, which became enlarged in the past 2 months. Physical examination revealed right axillary lymphadenopathy. FDG PET/CT scan showed intense FDG activity in the primary back lesion and bilateral axillary nodes. The histopathologic results after tumor resection and bilateral axillary lymph node dissection indicated cutaneous eccrine adenocarcinoma with metastases in axillary nodes.

Correlation of Clinicopathological Features and Expression of Molecular Markers With Prognosis After 131I Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Clinical Nuclear Medicine. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310269

: The aim of this study was to identify molecular markers associated with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients and to determine whether there was a correlation between clinicopathological features or molecular markers and the outcome of radioiodine therapy.

Foxo3a Transcription Factor is a Negative Regulator of Skp2 and Skp2 SCF Complex

Oncogene. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310285

Skp2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein-2) SCF complex displays E3 ligase activity and oncogenic activity by regulating protein ubiquitination and degradation, in turn regulating cell cycle entry, senescence and tumorigenesis. The maintenance of the integrity of Skp2 SCF complex is critical for its E3 ligase activity. The Skp2 F-box protein is a rate-limiting step and key factor in this complex, which binds to its protein substrates and triggers ubiquitination and degradation of its substrates. Skp2 is found to be overexpressed in numerous human cancers, which has an important role in tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanism by which the function of Skp2 and Skp2 SCF complex is regulated remains largely unknown. Here we show that Foxo3a transcription factor is a novel and negative regulator of Skp2 SCF complex. Foxo3a is found to be a transcriptional repressor of Skp2 gene expression by directly binding to the Skp2 promoter, thereby inhibiting Skp2 protein expression. Surprisingly, we found for the first time that Foxo3a also displays a transcription-independent activity by directly interacting with Skp2 and disrupting Skp2 SCF complex formation, in turn inhibiting Skp2 SCF E3 ligase activity and promoting p27 stability. Finally, we show that the oncogenic activity of Skp2 is repressed by Foxo3a overexpression. Our results not only reveal novel insights into how Skp2 SCF complex is regulated, but also establish a new role for Foxo3a in tumor suppression through a transcription-dependent and independent manner.Oncogene advance online publication, 6 February 2012; doi:10.1038/onc.2012.26.

Cognitive Inhibition and Shifting in Asperger's Syndrome

Psychopathology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310703

No abstract available.

Protein Phosphatase 2A Effectively Modulates Basal L-type Ca(2+) Current by Dephosphorylating Ca(v)1.2 at Serine 1866 in Mouse Cardiac Myocytes

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310722

Calcium (Ca(2+)) influx through Ca(v)1.2 L-type Ca(2+) channels is an important event for cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. The functional regulation of Ca(v)1.2 is controlled by multiple kinases and phosphatases. It has been well documented that phosphorylation of Ca(v)1.2 by PKA or other kinases is sufficient for the upregulation of channel activity. However, little is known about the role of protein phosphatases in counterbalancing the phosphorylation of Ca(v)1.2, especially the degree to which protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-mediated dephosphorylation is involved in the regulation of Ca(v)1.2 in the mouse heart. Here, we report a physical interaction between PP2A and the C-terminus of Ca(v)1.2 in mouse heart extracts as revealed by coimmunoprecipitation. This interaction was further confirmed by the observation that PP2A and Ca(v)1.2 are colocalized in isolated mouse cardiomyocytes. Specifically, PP2A was bound at serine 1866 in the C-terminus of Ca(v)1.2, and PP2A-induced Ca(v)1.2 dephosphorylation at serine 1866 was observed in mouse cardiomyocytes. Importantly, the density of L-type calcium current increased in line with the increase in the phosphorylation at serine 1866 of Ca(v)1.2 in cardiac-specific PP2A Cα knockout mice. These phenomena were reproduced by treatment with okadaic acid, a PP2A inhibitor, in H9c2 cells. In summary, our data reveal the functional role of PP2A in cardiac Ca(v)1.2 regulation.

Mutation Identification of the DSPP in a Chinese Family with DGI-II and an Up-to-date Bioinformatic Analysis

Genomics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310900

In this study, through linkage analysis of a four-generation Chinese family with multiple members afflicted with DGI (type II), we identified a novel missense mutation in DSPP. The mutation was located in exon 2 at the second nucleotide position of the last codon and resulted in a substitution of a proline with a leucine residue (c.50C>T, p.P17L, g.50C>T). To assess the potential effects of this novel mutation, we utilized various bioinformatics analysis programs. The results indicate that the mutation likely affects protein cleavage/trafficking. We also analyzed previously reported mutations of DSPP. In summary, our finding supports that the genomic sequence that corresponds to the P17 residue of DSPP is a mutational hotspot and P17 may be critical for the function of DSPP.

Three-year Follow-up Results of Polypectomy with Endometrial Ablation in the Management of Endometrial Polyps Associated with Tamoxifen in Chinese Women

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22310944

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hysteroscopic polypectomy with endometrial ablation in the management of tamoxifen-associated endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women with a more than 3-year follow-up period. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of 76 postmenopausal patients on tamoxifen who were performed hysteroscopic polypectomy with endometrial ablation were evaluated more than 3 years after the procedure with recurrence of polyps, recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding and surgical re-intervention. RESULTS: Average follow-up period was 74.91±20.84 months. No patient underwent hysterectomy, 7 of 76 patients had a surgical re-intervention representing a total of 90.8% avoidance of additional surgery during the follow-up period, and 4 patients had a recurrent endometrial polyp representing the recurrence rate was 5.3%. 3 of 41 patients with postmenopausal bleeding had a recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding representing symptomatic relief rate is 92.7%. The treatment failed in 7 patients who requested surgical re-intervention: 4 patients requested a repeat polypectomy and ablation, 1 patient requested a repeat ablation and 2 patients requested a repeat hysteroscopy with uterine adhesion. No malignant endometrial pathological result was found. CONCLUSIONS: For postmenopausal patients suffering from endometrial polyps associated with tamoxifen, hysteroscopic polypectomy with endometrial ablation continues to be proven as a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment method. The high rate of surgical re-intervention avoidance, great symptomatic relief and low recurrence rate are very encouraging for this technology.

Jun Activation Domain-binding Protein 1 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Inversely Correlates with the Cell Cycle Inhibitor P27

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311264

The Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (Jab1) may be involved in degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27, but it has not been clarified. In this study, we observed expression levels of Jab1 and p27 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and normal oral mucosa tissue and evaluated whether the Jab1 expression is correlated with p27 protein levels and how it is clinically relevant OSCC. The clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical expression levels of Jab1 and p27 proteins were immunohistochemically studied in 206 specimens from patients who underwent surgical resection for OSCC. Survival analyses were performed by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Jab1 overexpression was detected in 83% (171 of 206) of OSCCs and 19% (4 of 21) of normal oral mucosa. While p27 expression was 60% in OSCCs. We found an inverse correlation between Jab1 and p27 expression levels (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that Jab1 overexpression and p27 low expression were significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients. Our findings suggest that Jab1 expression is inversely correlated with p27 expression levels, suggesting that Jab1 overexpression contributes to pathogenesis of OSCC by degradating p27 expression. Furthermore, control of Jab1 could be a novel target of therapy in OSCCs.

Inter-flat Airflow and Airborne Disease Transmission in High-rise Residential Buildings

Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311361

[Effect of Dihydroartemisinin on the Expression of BCR/ABL Fusion Gene in Leukemia K562 Cells]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Yi Chuan Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Yixue Yichuanxue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311485

To investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the BCR/ABL fusion gene in leukemia K562 cell.

Combustion Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of the Small Hydrofullerene C(50) H(10)

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311643

The hydrofullerene C(50) H(10) is synthesized by low-pressure benzene-oxygen diffusion combustion. The structure of C(50) H(10) is identified through NMR, mass spectrometry, and IR and Raman spectroscopy as a D(5h) symmetric closed-cage molecule with five pairs of fused pentagons stabilized by ten hydrogen atoms. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectrometric analyses disclose its optical properties as comparable with those of its chloride cousin (C(50) Cl(10) ). Cyclic and square-wave voltammograms reveal that the first reduction potential of C(50) H(10) is more negative than that of C(50) Cl(10) as well as C(60) , with implications for the utilization of C(50) H(10) as a promising electron acceptor for photovoltaic applications.

Tissue Distribution of Anidulafungin in Neonatal Rats

Birth Defects Research. Part B, Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311649

Anidulafungin, an echinocandin, is currently approved for treatment of fungal infections in adults. There is a high unmet medical need for treatment of fungal infections in neonatal patients, who may be at higher risk of infections involving bone, brain, and heart tissues. This in vivo preclinical study investigated anidulafungin distribution in plasma, bone, brain, and heart tissues in neonatal rats. Postnatal day (PND) 4 and PND 8 Fischer (F344/DuCrl) rats were dosed subcutaneously once with anidulafungin (10 mg/kg) or once daily for 5 days (PND 4-8). Plasma and tissue samples were collected and anidulafungin levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The mean plasma C(max) and AUC(0-24) values were consistent with single-dose plasma pharmacokinetics (dose normalized) reported previously for adult rats. Observed bone concentrations were similar to plasma concentrations regardless of dosing duration, with bone-to-plasma concentration ratios of approximately 1.0. Heart concentrations were higher than plasma, with heart to plasma concentration ratios of 1.3- to 1.8-fold. Brain concentrations were low after single dose, with brain-to-plasma concentration ratio of approximately 0.23, but increased to approximately 0.71 after 5 days of dosing. Tissue concentrations were nearly identical after single-dose administration in both PND 4 and PND 8 animals, indicating that anidulafungin does not appear to differentially distribute in this period in neonatal rats. In conclusion, anidulafungin distributes to bone, brain, and heart tissues of neonatal rats; such results are supportive of further investigation of efficacy against infections involving bone, brain, and heart tissues.

ERK MAP Kinase-dependent SOCS-3 Gene Induction Requires C-Jun, STAT3 and SP3 Transcription Factors

Molecular Pharmacology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311708

SOCS-3 gene induction by cyclic AMP-elevating agents or the PKC-activator, PMA, in primary HUVECs was found to require PKCηand PKCε-dependent ERK activation. The minimal, ERK-responsive element of the SOCS-3 promoter was localised to a region spanning nucleotides -107 to the transcription start site and contains conserved binding sites for AP-1 and SP1/SP3 transcription factors, as well as proximal and distal STAT (pSTAT and dSTAT) binding elements. All three classes of transcription factor were activated in response to ERK activation. Moreover, representative protein components of each of these transcription factor binding sites, namely c-Jun, STAT3 and SP3, were found to undergo ERK-dependent phosphorylation within their respective transactivation domains. Mutational analysis demonstrated an absolute requirement for the SP1/SP3 binding element in controlling basal transcriptional activity of the minimal SOCS-3 promoter. In addition AP-1, pSTAT and SP1/SP3 binding sites were required for ERK-dependent, PMA-stimulated SOCS-3 gene activation. The dSTAT site appears to be important for supporting activity of the AP-1 site, since combined deletion of both sites completely blocks transcriptional activation of SOCS-3 by PMA. Together these results describe novel, ERK-dependent regulation of transcriptional activity that requires co-dependent activation of multiple transcription factors within the same region of the SOCS-3 gene promoter.

Phospholipase C-related, but Catalytically Inactive Protein PRIP Modulates SNAP-25 Phosphorylation and Exocytosis

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22311984

Exocytosis is one of the most fundamental cellular events. The basic mechanism of the final step, membrane fusion, is mediated by the formation of the SNARE complex, which is modulated by the phosphorylation of proteins controlled by the concerted actions of protein kinases and phosphatases. We have previously shown that a protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) anchoring protein, PRIP (phospholipase C-related, but catalytically inactive protein), has an inhibitory role in regulated exocytosis. The current study investigated the involvement of PRIP in the phospho-dependent modulation of exocytosis. Dephosphorylation of SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25kDa) was mainly catalyzed by PP1 and the process was modulated by wild-type PRIP, but not by the mutant (F97A) lacking PP1-binding ability in in vitro studies. We then examined the role of PRIP in phospho-dependent regulation of exocytosis in cell-based studies using a pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12 cells, that secrete noradrenalin. Exogenous expression of PRIP accelerated the dephosphorylation process of phosphorylated SNAP-25 after forskolin or phorbol ester treatment of the cells. The phospho-states of SNAP-25 were correlated with noradrenalin secretion, which was enhanced by forskolin or phorbol ester treatment and modulated by PRIP expression in PC12 cells. Both SNAP-25 and PP1 were co-precipitated in anti-PRIP immunocomplex isolated from PC12 cells expressing PRIP. Collectively, together with our previous observation regarding the roles of PRIP in PP1 regulation, these results suggest that PRIP is involved in the regulation of the phospho-states of SNAP-25 by modulating the activity of PP1, thus regulating exocytosis.

Fungus-Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aspergillus Terreus

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22312264

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has received increasing attention due to the growing need to develop safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies for nano-materials synthesis. In this report, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using a reduction of aqueous Ag(+) ion with the culture supernatants of Aspergillus terreus. The reaction occurred at ambient temperature and in a few hours. The bioreduction of AgNPs was monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the AgNPs obtained were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The synthesized AgNPs were polydispersed spherical particles ranging in size from 1 to 20 nm and stabilized in the solution. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) was found to be an important reducing agent for the biosynthesis, and the formation of AgNPs might be an enzyme-mediated extracellular reaction process. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of AgNPs was systematically evaluated. The synthesized AgNPs could efficiently inhibit various pathogenic organisms, including bacteria and fungi. The current research opens a new avenue for the green synthesis of nano-materials.

A New Strategy for Identification of Highly Conserved MicroRNAs in Non-Model Insect, Spodoptera Litura

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22312275

The indigenous small non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are important regulators of gene expression and many of them are evolutionarily conserved. Whether stem-loop RT-PCR, as a sensitive method, could be utilized to clone conserved miRNAs from non-model insects lacks information. Here, three miRNAs, sli-miR-14, sli-miR-2a and sli-bantam, were cloned from Spodoptera litura by stem-loop RT-PCR. Two groups of primers were designed, and one of them performed especially well and proved stable. The sequences of two highly conserved miRNAs, sli-miR-14 and sli-miR-2a were identical to those in Drosophila melanogaster. To validate the reliability of this strategy, pre-miR-14 and pre-miR-2a in S. litura as representatives were given as well; this shared high homology with those in D. melanogaster and Bombyx mori, and both mature sequences of sli-miR-14 and sli-miR-2a in their precursors shared 100% identity to the results shown by stem-loop RT-PCR. Moreover, expression patterns of these miRNAs were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR. Sli-miR-14 and sli-miR-2a could be detected successfully and their expression patterns showed similar characteristics with those in model insects, further suggesting stem-loop RT-PCR technology can be used for identification of highly conserved miRNAs in non-model insects. These results provide a simplified and efficient strategy for studying the structure and function of highly conserved miRNAs, especially some critical miRNAs in non-model insects.

Icariin Ameliorates Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Vitro and in Vivo

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22312291

This study investigated the effect of Icariin (ICA) supplementation on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model system. Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly distributed into a control group and a streptozotocin-induced diabetes group. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups; one group received ICA 5 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks by oral gavage; the other group received saline gavage as a placebo. Retinal morphological changes, endothelial markers (RECA), collagen IV (Col-IV), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuropathic changes (Thy-1 and Brn3a expression) of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were investigated. The effects of ICA at various concentrations (0, 10(1), 10(2), 10(3) nmol/mL) on neurite growth were investigated also in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) cultured from both diabetic and normal animals. Numerous pathological changes (deceased expression of RECA, VEGF, Thy-1, and Brn3a as well as decreased Collagen IV and Müller cell content) were noted in the retinal vessels of diabetic rats; these changes were attenuated in diabetic animals that received ICA. ICA enhanced neurite growth in RGC from both normal rats and diabetic rats in a dose dependent fashion. ICA may be useful in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Further investigations are indicated.