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Background: The incidence of dyslipidemia increases after menopause. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been recommended for menopause-related disease. However, the positive effect on lipid metabolism disorders is still unclear., Objectives: To investigate the underlying mechanism of EA treatment on lipid metabolism disorders through ONT full-length transcriptome sequencing Methods: Adult female SD rats were randomly divided into Ctrl, sham operation+high-fat feed(Sham+HFD), Ovariectomized+high-fat feed (OVX+HFD), Ovariectomized+high-fat feed + Atorvastatin (OVX+HFD+ATO) and OVX+HFD+EA groups. Periovarian adipose tissue around the bilateral ovaries of rats in the Sham+HFD group was resected. Rats in the OVX+HFD, OVX+HFD+ATO and OVX+HFD+EA groups were subjected to bilateral oophorectomy to prepare the ovariectomized rat model. Treatment was applied to rats in the OVX+HFD+EA group. ST36, PC6, SP6, BL18 and ST40 were the selected acupoints. Daily food intake and body weights of rats were recorded. The samples were collected 30 days after treatment. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were detected to assess the improvement of lipid metabolism disorders. HE and oil red O staining were used to stain the liver tissues. Total RNA was extracted from liver tissues, and its transcriptional changes were determined by high-throughput sequencing. Additionally, RTÁqPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to verify the crucial signal pathway screened by the ONT fullÁlength transcriptome sequencing., Results: EA treatment resulted in a lowered weight of perirenal fat and liver and a significant improvement in the color of the liver. In addition, EA could improve the lipid profile and hepatic steatosis in OVX+HFD rats. According to fullÁlength transcriptome sequencing, 2292 genes showed differential expression in the OVX+HFD group; of these, 1121 were upregulated and 1171 down-regulated. 609 DEGs were found in the OVX+HFD+EA group compared to the OVX+HFD group; 235 up-regulated and 374 down-regulated. We also found that 77 genes are significantly upregulated after EA intervention through Venn map analysis (including Agtr1a, Pdia3, etc.), which may be the targeted genes for EA treatment of lipid metabolism disorders. Finally, we verified the expression of Pdia3, Perk and Qrich1 levels in liver tissues. HFD feeding could increase the expression of Pdia3 and its downstream signal pathways molecular Perk and Qrich1. But these effects were reversed by EA treatment, the results demonstrated that the expression of pdia3, Perk, as well as Qrich1 of OVX+HFD rats had a decreasing trend after EA treatment., Conclusions: EA could ameliorate lipid metabolic disorder in OVX+HFD rats. The Pdia3/Perk/Qrich1 signal pathway may play crucial roles in the improvement of lipid metabolism disorder of OVX+HFD rats after EA treatment., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Animal body size variation is of particular interest in evolutionary biology, but the genetic basis remains largely unknown. Previous studies have shown the presence of two parallel evolutionary genetic clusters within the fish genus Epinephelus with evident divergence in body size, providing an excellent opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of body size variation in vertebrates. Herein, we performed phylotranscriptomic analysis and reconstructed the phylogeny of 13 epinephelids originating from the South China Sea. Two genetic clades with an estimated divergence time of approximately 15.4 million years ago were correlated with large and small body size, respectively. A total of 180 rapidly evolving genes and two positively selected genes were identified between the two groups. Functional enrichment analyses of these candidate genes revealed distinct enrichment categories between the two groups. These pathways and genes may play important roles in body size variation in groupers through complex regulatory networks. Based on our results, we speculate that the ancestors of the two divergent groups of groupers may have adapted to different environments through habitat selection, leading to genetic variations in metabolic patterns, organ development, and lifespan, resulting in body size divergence between the two locally adapted populations. These findings provide important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying body size variation in groupers and species differentiation.

Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes play an important role in plant resistance to abiotic stress. However, systematic studies of the response of Boehmeria nivea (ramie) XTH genes ( BnXTHs ) to cadmium (Cd) stress are lacking. We sought to identify the BnXTH -family genes in ramie through bioinformatics analyses and to investigate their responses to Cd stress. We identified 19 members of the BnXTH gene family from the ramie genome, referred to as BnXTH1-19 , among which BnXTH18 and BnXTH19 were located on no chromosomes and the remaining genes were unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. The 19 members were divided into four groups, Groups I/II/IIIA/IIIB, according to their phylogenetic relationships, and these groups were supported by analyses of intron-exon structure and conserved motif composition. A highly conserved catalytic site (HDEIDFEFLG) was observed in all BnXTH proteins. Additionally, three gene pairs ( BnXTH6 - BnXTH16 , BnXTH8 - BnXTH9 , and BnXTH17 - BnXTH18 ) were obtained with a fragment and tandem-repeat event analysis of the ramie genome. An analysis of cisregulatory elements revealed that BnXTH expression might be regulated by multiple hormones and abiotic and biotic stress responses. In particular, 17 cisregulatory elements related to abiotic and biotic stress responses and 11 cisregulatory elements related to hormone responses were identified. We also found that most BnXTH genes responded to Cd stress, and BnXTH1 , BnXTH3 , BnXTH6 , and BnXTH15 were most likely to contribute to the Cd tolerance of ramie, as evidenced by the substantial increases in expression under Cd treatment. Heterologous expression of BnXTH1 , BnXTH6 , and BnXTH15 significantly enhanced the Cd tolerance of transgenic yeast cells. These results suggest that the BnXTH gene family is involved in Cd stress responses, laying a theoretical foundation for functional studies of BnXTH genes and the innovative breeding of Cd-tolerant ramie.

Background: Inositol is a hexa-carbon polyol, a naturally soluble vitamin, often found in various foods., Aim: To discuss the impact of different stereoisomers of inositol on insulin sensitivity of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients., Methods: Eighty GDM pregnant women were divided into four groups according to their treatment received: A group (placebo folic acid 400 μg/d), B group [myo-inositol (MI) 1500 mg, twice a day], C group [D-chiro-inositol (DCI) 250 mg, twice a day], and D group (inositol MI and inositol DCI 1500 mg/250 mg, twice a day). Each patient routinely used dietary guidance adjustments and did some safe and effective aerobic exercise in addition to receiving placebo or inositol from GDM diagnosis to delivery. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test postprandial glucose (2 h postprandial blood glucose), fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels and Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) scores were determined before treatment and 8 wk after treatment onset. Adverse maternal and infant outcomes, including hypoglycemia, excessive amniotic fluid, premature infants, macrosomia, fetal distress etc ., were also recorded., Results: There was no statistical difference in the baseline data of each group. The levels of 2 h blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the B, C, and D groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (A group) after treatment ( P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the B group, the level of the above indexes in the C and D groups decreased more significantly, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The HOMA-IR of B, C, and D groups decreased significantly, and the HOMA-ISI increased significantly compared with the A group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05), among which the decrease of HOMA-IR and the increase of HOMA-ISI were more significant in the C and D group compared with the B group ( P < 0.05). The occurrence rate of adverse maternal and infant outcomes in the C and D group was significantly lower than that in the control group (A group), and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Treatment with different inositol stereoisomers (inositol MI and inositol DCI) can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients, and inositol DCI has a better curative effect than inositol MI., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflicts-of-interest related to this article., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Good control of the morphology, particle size, and wettability of silica nanoparticles is of increasing importance to their use in a variety of fields. Here, we propose a strategy to tune the surface wettability of nanosilica by changing the dosage of a chemical modifier. A series of measurements, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scatting technique, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and surface hydroxyl number and water contact angle measurement, were conducted to verify the surface chemistry and wettability of these nanoparticles. Through controlled chemical modification, the contact angle of the treated nanoparticles increases from 34.7 to 155° with increasing amount of dichlorodimethylsilane (DCDMS) within a molar ratio (MR) between DCDMS and nanoparticles of 5.17. The number of hydroxyl groups covered on the particle surface decreases gradually from 1.79 to 0.47, and the surface grafting rate could reach 73.7%. As the addition of dichlorodimethylsilane equals MR 5.17, the contact angle reaches the maximum value of 155°, which displays excellent superhydrophobicity. After surpassing the point of MR 5.17, the contact angle does not increase but starts to decrease, ultimately remaining stable at 135°. It can be concluded that the surface wettability of nano-SiO 2 particles can be precisely modulated by varying the amounts of the modifier. Furthermore, the modulating mechanism of the process occurring on the surface of SiO 2 particles has been investigated at the molecular level.

Leopard coral groupers belong to the Plectropomus genus of the Epinephelidae family and are important fish for coral reef ecosystems and the marine aquaculture industry. To promote future research of this species, a high-quality chromosome-level genome was assembled using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technology. A 787.06 Mb genome was assembled, with 99.7% (784.57 Mb) of bases anchored to 24 chromosomes. The leopard coral grouper genome size was smaller than that of other groupers, which may be related to its ancient status among grouper species. A total of 22 317 protein-coding genes were predicted. This high-quality genome of the leopard coral grouper is the first genomic resource for Plectropomus and should provide a pivotal genetic foundation for further research. Phylogenetic analysis of the leopard coral grouper and 12 other fish species showed that this fish is closely related to the brown-marbled grouper. Expanded genes in the leopard coral grouper genome were mainly associated with immune response and movement ability, which may be related to the adaptive evolution of this species to its habitat. In addition, we also identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with carotenoid metabolism between red and brown-colored leopard coral groupers. These genes may play roles in skin color decision by regulating carotenoid content in these groupers.

Background: Fecal incontinence (FI) has been shown to be a common symptom in Western countries; however, there is few researches focusing on its epidemic condition in Chinese women. We conducted this national population-based epidemiology study to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of FI among adult Chinese women living in urban regions., Methods: This is a subgroup analysis of a national population-based epidemiology study of FI. Total 28,196 adult women from urban regions of six provinces and municipalities participated in this research from 2014 to 2015. They finished the questionnaire under the direction of trained interviewers. FI was defined as accidental leakage of flatus and/or liquid or solid stool at least once in the past. The FI prevalence trend and risk factors were identified by the Cochran-Armitage test, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression., Results: The prevalence of FI in adult females in urban China was 0.43% (95% confidence interval: 0.35%-0.51%). Among women with FI, 42.96%, 82.96%, and 42.22% reported having leakage of solid, liquid stool, and gas, respectively. The overall FI prevalence and the incidence rate of solid stool/liquid stool/gas leakage increased with age. The mean Wexner score was 4.0% and 12.0% FI patients reported Wexner score ≥9. Body mass index ≥24 kg/m, pelvic organ prolapses, chronic constipation, chronic cough, alcohol consumption, physical diseases including chronic bronchitis and cancer, gynecological diseases like gynecological inflammation are risk factors for FI. Vaginal delivery was the risk factor for FI in females with labor history., Conclusions: FI was not a common symptom in adult Chinese women living in urban areas and there were some potential modifiable risk factors., Trial Registration: Chinses Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-OCS-14004675; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=4898.

One known bis-indole alkaloid-voacamine was isolated from Voacanga africana Stapf and Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) exprement showed that this alkaloid could be combine with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase1B (PTP1B). Then the PTP1B activity inhibition experiment display that the compound showed an outstanding promoting activity to PTP1B.

Obesity is a chronic multifactorial disease prevalent in many areas of the world and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In women, obesity increases the risks of both metabolic and reproductive diseases, such as diabetes and infertility. The mechanisms underlying these effects, especially in young women, are largely unknown. To explore these mechanisms, we established a high-fat diet (HFD) model of obesity in immature female mice. Microarray analysis of gene expression in ovaries and white adipose tissue identified a large number of differentially expressed genes (>1.3-fold change) in both tissues. In ovaries of the HFD group, there were 208 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including 98 upregulated and 110 downregulated, and 295 differentially expressed lncRNAs (long non coding RNAs), including 63 upregulated and 232 downregulated. In white adipose tissue, there were 625 differentially expressed mRNAs, including 220 upregulated and 605 downregulated in the HFD group, and 1595 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 1320 and 275 downregulated in the HFD group. Our results reveal significant differences between the transcriptomes of the HFD and control groups in both ovaries and white adipose tissue that provide clues to the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced female reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders, as well as biomarkers of risk for these disorders.

Chemokine receptor Cxcr4 evolved two paralogs in the teleost lineage. However, cxcr4a and cxcr4b have been characterized only in a few species. In this study, we identified two cxcr4 paralogs from the orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides . The phylogenetic relationship and gene structure and synteny suggest that the duplicated cxcr4a/b should result from the teleost-specific genome duplication (Ts3R). The teleost cxcr4 gene clusters in two paralogous chromosomes exhibit a complementary gene loss/retention pattern. Ec&#95;cxcr4a and Ec&#95;cxcr4b show differential and biased expression patterns in grouper adult tissue, gonads, and embryos at different stages. During embryogenesis, Ec&#95;cxcr4a/b are abundantly transcribed from the neurula stage and mainly expressed in the neural plate and sensory organs, indicating their roles in neurogenesis. Ec&#95; Cxcr4a and Ec&#95; Cxcr4b possess different chemotactic migratory abilities from the human SDF-1α, Ec&#95; Cxcl12a, and Ec&#95; Cxcl12b. Moreover, we uncovered the N-terminus and TM5 domain as the key elements for specific ligand⁻receptor recognition of Ec&#95; Cxcr4a- Ec&#95; Cxcl12b and Ec&#95; Cxcr4b- Ec&#95; Cxcl12a. Based on the biased and divergent expression patterns of Eccxcr4a / b , and specific ligand⁻receptor recognition of Ec&#95; Cxcl12a/b⁻ Ec&#95; Cxcr4b/a, the current study provides a paradigm of sub-functionalization of two teleost paralogs after Ts3R., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The founding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Background: We investigated the effects of TRPC1 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human airway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)., Methods: A total of 94 patients who underwent lobectomy were selected and divided into COPD (49 cases) and control (45 cases) groups. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect expression of E-cadherin and vimentin and TRPC1. Correlation of TRPC1 expression with E-cadherin and vimentin expression, and correlations of lung function indicators in COPD patients with expression of TRPC1, E-cadherin, and vimentin were analyzed. Human airway epithelial cells (16HBE) were used for cell experiments; and cigarette smoking extract (CSE) was adopted to establish the COPD model using TRPC1 recombinant plasmids and siRNA. Cells were assigned into the control, CSE, CSE + vector, CSE + TRPC1, CSE + si-NC, and CSE + si-TRPC1 groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were implemented to detect expression of TRPC1, E-cadherin, and vimentin., Results: Compared with the control group, expression of TRPC1 and vimentin significantly increased while expression of E-cadherin decreased in the COPD group, and protein expression of TRPC1 was positively correlated with the protein expression of vimentin but negatively correlated with the protein expression of E-cadherin. Patients exhibiting positive expression of TRPC1 had lower FEV1, FEV1%Pred, and FEV1/FVC, compared with the patients exhibiting negative expression of TRPC1. Compared with the control group, expression of TRPC1 and vimentin increased, whereas expression of E-cadherin decreased in the CSE, CSE + vector, CSE + TRPC1, and CSE + si-NC groups. Compared with the CSE and CSE + vector groups, the expression of TRPC1 and vimentin increased but the expression of E-cadherin decreased in the CSE + TRPC1 group. Compared with the CSE and CSE + si-NC groups, the expression of TRPC1 and vimentin decreased but the expression of E-cadherin increased in the CSE + si-TRPC1 group. No significant differences were observed among the CSE, CSE + vector and CSE + si-NC groups., Conclusion: Overexpression of TRPC1 in COPD promoted EMT process and TRPC1 may be a new and interesting focus for COPD new treatment in the future.

Dead end (dnd), vertebrate-specific germ cell marker, had been demonstrated to be essential for primordial germ cell (PGC) migration and survival, and the link between PGC number and sex change had been revealed in some teleost species, but little is known about dnd in hermaphroditic vertebrates. In the present study, a protogynous hermaphroditic orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) dnd homologue (Ecdnd) was identified and characterized. Quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization analysis revealed a dynamic and sexually dimorphic expression pattern in PGCs and germ cells of gonads. During sex changing, the Ecdnd transcript sharply increased in early transitional gonad, reached the highest level at late transitional gonad stage, and decreased after testis maturation. Visualization of zebrafish PGCs by injecting with RFP-Ecdnd-3'UTR RNA and GFP-zfnanos3-3'UTR RNA confirmed importance of Ecdnd 3'UTR for the PGC distribution. In addition, knockdown of EcDnd by using antisense morpholinos (MO) caused the ablation of PGCs in orange-spotted grouper. Therefore, the current data indicate that Ecdnd is essential for PGCs survival and may serve as a useful germ cell marker during gametogenesis in hermaphroditic grouper., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Multiple nanos genes have been characterized in several fishes, but the functional implications of their various expression patterns remain unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized four nanos genes from a hermaphroditic fish orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides . Ecnanos1a and Ecnanos1b show divergent expression patterns, and the dynamic expression change of Ecnanos1a in pituitaries during sex change is associated with testis differentiation and spermatogenesis. Ecnanos2 and Ecnanos3 might be germline stem cells (GSCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs)-specific markers, respectively. Significantly, Ecnanos3 3'-untranslated region (UTR) is necessary for PGC specific expression, where a non-canonical "GCACGTTT" sequence is required for miR-430-mediated repression of Ecnanos3 RNA. Furthermore, grouper Dead end (Dnd) can relieve miR-430 repression in PGCs by associating with a 23 bp U-rich region (URR) in Ecnanos3 3'-UTR. The current study revealed the functional association of multiple nanos genes with PGC formation and germ cell development in orange-spotted grouper, and opened up new possibilities for developing biotechnologies through utilizing the associations between Ecnanos3 and PGCs or between Ecnanos2 and GSCs in the hermaphroditic fish.

Objective: This study aims to explore the correlations of genetic polymorphisms in LIG4 and HSPB1 genes with the radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), especially radiation pneumonitis (RP), in lung cancer patients., Methods: A total of 160 lung cancer patients, who were diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and received radiotherapy, were included in the present study from September 2009 to December 2011. TaqMan Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to verify the SNPs of LIG4 and HSPB1 genes. Chi-square criterion was used to compare the differences in demographic characteristics, exposure to risk factors, and SNPs genotypes. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS 18.0., Results: A total of 32 (20.0%) lung cancer patients had RP after receiving radiotherapy. Of the 32 cases, 4 cases were of grade 2, 24 cases were of grade 3, and 4 cases were of grade 4. However, our results indicated that the general condition and treatment of all patients had no significant difference with RP risk (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, our results revealed that there was no significant association between the frequencies of LIG4 rs1805388 and HSPB1 rs2868371 genotype distribution and the risk of RP (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that the genetic polymorphisms in LIG4 rs1805388 and HSPB1 rs2868371 were not obviously correlated with the risk of RP and RILI of lung cancer.

Trichostatin A (TSA) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. We here investigated its effects on proliferation and apoptosis of the CNE2 carcinoma cell line, and attempted to establish genome-wide DNA methylation alteration due to differentially histone acetylation status. After cells were treated by TSA, the inhibitory rate of cell proliferation was examined with a CCK8 kit, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Compared to control, TSA inhibited CNE2 cell growth and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, TSA was found to induce genome-wide methylation alteration as assessed by genome-wide methylation array. Overall DNA methylation level of cells treated with TSA was higher than in controls. Function and pathway analysis revealed that many genes with methylation alteration were involved in key biological roles, such as apoptosis and cell proliferation. Three genes (DAP3, HSPB1 and CLDN) were independently confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, we conclude that TSA inhibits CNE2 cell growth and induces apoptosis in vitro involving genome-wide DNA methylation alteration, so that it has promising application prospects in treatment of NPC in vivo. Although many unreported hypermethylated/hypomethylated genes should be further analyzed and validated, the pointers to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of NPC should be stressed.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins-1 and -2 (NOD1 and NOD2) are members of the NOD-like receptors (NLRs) family. They are both cytoplasmic receptors, and sense microbial infections/danger molecules to induce host innate immune response. In this study, the full-length ORF sequences of NOD1 and NOD2 were cloned, and the putative amino acid sequences were identified in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). The complete open reading frame (ORF) of grouper NOD1 contained 2823 bp encoding a 940 amino acid protein. Grouper NOD2 cDNA contained a 2967 bp ORF, encoding a protein of 988 amino acid residues. Both grouper NOD1 and NOD2 had similar domains to human and fish counterparts. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that grouper NOD1 clustered with grass carp, zebrafish and channel catfish, while NOD2 was most closely related to fugu. Expression patterns of grouper NOD1 and NOD2 were next studied. NOD1 had the highest level of expression in skin while NOD2 in trunk kidney. Post Vibrio alginolyticus (strain EcGS020401), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PolyI:C challenges, gene expression of grouper NOD1 and NOD2 was stimulated to different extents. NOD1 showed a significant enhancement after LPS stimulation, but NOD2 increased more significantly after PolyI:C invasion, indicating that NOD1 and NOD2 may exert different effects on the eradication of bacteria and virus. The adaptor protein RIP-like-interacting CLARP kinase (RICK) and downstream molecule interleukin-8 (IL-8) were also induced at different levels after stimulation, which indicated that NOD1 and NOD2 signal transduction was involved in grouper innate immune protection against bacterial and viral infections., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important gene family in host innate immunologic surveillance. The TLR22 gene is an essential member of the TLRs that is only found in aquatic animals and has been detected in some bony fish. Here, a TLR22 homolog, EcTLR22, was characterized in the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) via homology cloning. The 3321 bp full-length cDNA sequence of EcTLR22 was obtained, which included an open reading frame of 2880 bp encoding a putative peptide of 960 amino acids containing three highly typical domains with the characteristics of TLR family members. The deduced amino acid sequence of EcTLR22 showed a relatively high similarity to flounder TLR22. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the orange-spotted grouper TLR22 sequence was clustered with those of Perciforme, such as flounder and croaker. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed broad expression of EcTLR22, with relatively high expression detected in the head kidney, trunk kidney, spleen, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and heart of orange-spotted grouper. After injection with Vibrio alginolyticus, there was significant up-regulation of the expression of EcTLR22 in the spleen. In evaluating unstimulated/stimulated head kidney leukocytes and spleen leukocytes, a significant increase in EcTLR22 mRNA expression was detected, which implied a sensitive immune response. Furthermore, four important molecules for signal transduction, MyD88, TRIF, TNF-α and IRF3, were chosen to analyze the role of the EcTLR22 signaling pathway in anti-pathogen responses. Upon LPS or Poly I:C challenge, expression of the four genes was induced, with an increasing tendency detected in head kidney leukocytes, suggesting that the four genes might work with EcTLR22 in host defense against pathogenic microbes., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We present the synthesis, characterization of the structures, and magnetic properties of five isostructural dodecanuclear coordination clusters of Ni(II) and Co(II): [Co(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(EtOH)(6)](NO(3))(5) (1), [Ni(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(H(2)O)(3)(EtOH)(3)](NO(3))(5)·2H(2)O (2), mixed-metal composition (Ni/Co 1:1) [Co(6)Ni(6)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(NO(3))(5) (3), and [M(12)(bm)(12)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(6)(EtOH)(6)](ClO(4))(5) (M=Co (4), Ni (5)), in which Hbm=(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methanol. They consist of analogous structural cores that are constructed by three cubanes (M(4)O(4)) that surround the templating nitrate and bridging auxiliary acetate and the directing ligands bm. They have different magnetic behaviors. Whereas there is the absence of the out-of-phase ac susceptibility (χ'') for the Ni(II)-based compounds 2 and 5, the Co(II)-containing compounds 1, 3, and 4 have prominent χ'' signals that exhibit frequency dependence, which indicates slow magnetic relaxation behavior above 1.8 K. In particular, the larger perchlorate counterions in 4 further change the overall correlation interaction between clusters, thus leading to an enhanced blocking temperature for the less-symmetrical 4 (pseudo-C(3)) relative to 1 and 3 (true C(3)). Interestingly, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) indicates that the three dodecanuclear clusters of 1-3 retain their compositions in solution. The mixed-metal cluster cores of 3 are formed based on the nature of the interchangeability between metal centers in solution., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objectives: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of HOXA10 gene in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of endometriosis. Mehtods Between Jan.2009 to Aug.2010, 30 patients with endometriosis undergoing laparoscopic surgery in Maternal and Children's Hospital of Foshan. Eutopic and ectopic endometrium were obtained. In the mean time, 30 patients with benign ovary cyst or tubal infertility undergoing laparoscopic surgery were selected as controls. Their uterine endometrium were obtained real-time fluorescent quantitation, western blot and immunohistochemistry technique were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of HOXA10 gene in the eutopic endometrium group, ectopic endometrium group and control group., Results: The mRNA and protein expression of HOXA10 gene were 0.61 ± 0.07 and 0.47 ± 0.05 in the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis, 0.64 ± 0.06 and 0.50 ± 0.05 in ectopic endometrium of endometriosis, which were significantly lower than 1.22 ± 0.14 and 1.42 ± 0.14 in control group (P < 0.01). However, the mRNA and protein expression of HOXA 10 between eutopic and ectopic endometrium of endometriosis did not reach statistical difference (P > 0.05). The expression of HOXA10 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of endometriosis were decreased by immunohistochemistry staining., Conclusion: The lower expression of HOXA10 gene in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of endometriosis might be associated with pathogenesis and infertility of endometriosis.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of total Prolift(TM) system surgery for the repair of recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse., Methods: The clinical records of 13 cases of recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristic was vaginal vault prolapse in combination with anterior and posterior wall prolapse. Anatomic effect (according to POP-Q score), functional effect (according to prolapse quality of life) and sexual life (according to sexual life score) of each patient were assessed. All subjects were post-menopausal with a mean age (60 ± 9) years and a mean BMI of (25.6 ± 2.9) kg/m(2)., Results: All operations were accomplished successfully without any impairment of bladder, urethra, rectum, great vessels or nerves or blood transfusion. The mean operation time was (61 ± 18) minutes and the mean blood loss (155 ± 84) ml. All patients were followed up for a medium of 19 (15 - 30) months. Except for one post-operative urinary retention for a period of 7 days, 12 patients were able to micturate spontaneously 1 - 2 d post-operatively with a residual urine volume of less than 100 ml. During follow-up, mesh erosion (n = 1), de novo overactive bladder (n = 1), one algopareunia (n = 1) and dyspareunia (n = 1) occurred. Postoperative Quality of Life Scores improved significantly (P < 0.01). However, sexual life scores was impaired (P < 0.05). The anatomic cure rate was 92.3% and the patient subjective satisfactory rate 84.6%., Conclusion: The total Prolift(TM) system surgery represents a safe, simple and useful treatment for recurrent severe pelvic organ prolapse with satisfactory objective clinical outcomes. However, the level of patient subjective satisfaction is lower than objective cure rate. Meanwhile, harmful effects on sexual life remain a main concern.

Brain-machine interface (BMI) has been developed due to its possibility to cure severe body paralysis. This technology has been used to realize the direct control of prosthetic devices, such as robot arms, computer cursors, and paralyzed muscles. A variety of neural decoding algorithms have been designed to explore relationships between neural activities and movements of the limbs. In this paper, two novel neural decoding methods based on probabilistic neural network (PNN) in rats were introduced, the PNN decoder and the modified PNN (MPNN) decoder. In the experiment, rats were trained to obtain water by pressing a lever over a pressure threshold. Microelectrode array was implanted in the motor cortex to record neural activity, and pressure was recorded by a pressure sensor synchronously. After training, the pressure values were estimated from the neural signals by PNN and MPNN decoders. Their performances were evaluated by a correlation coefficient (CC) and a mean square error (MSE). The results show that the MPNN decoder, with a CC of 0.8657 and an MSE of 0.2563, outperformed the traditionally-used Wiener filter (WF) and Kalman filter (KF) decoders. It was also observed that the discretization level did not affect the MPNN performance, indicating that the MPNN decoder can handle different tasks in BMI system, including the detection of movement states and estimation of continuous kinematic parameters.

As one of the most important mucosal effectors, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) mediates the transcytosis of polymeric immunoglobulins (pIgs) to protect the organisms. In this study, a full-length cDNA of pIgR was isolated from orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), and the sequence analysis of deduced protein revealed the presence of only two Ig-like domains (ILDs), and the absence of the conserved Ig-binding site and complementary determining region (CDR). The grouper pIgR mRNA was detected in almost all the peripheral tissues examined, especially the mucosal tissues by RT-PCR. Additionally, recombinant grouper pIgR was stably expressed in the COS-7 cell line and identified as a 40-kDa transmembrane receptor. Furthermore, the association of recombinant pIgR and purified grouper pIgM was demonstrated. Taken together, the present study provided strong evidence that grouper pIgR was produced as a transmembrane protein, and probably involved in the pIgM transport.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of CD151 gene delivery in promoting blood perfusion in swines after myocardial infarction., Methods: Swines received coronary artery ligation and intramyocardial injection with rAAV-CD151, rAAV-anti-CD151 or rAAV-GFP. Eight weeks after vector injection, Western blot, immunostaining and 13N-labeled NH3 PET were performed to detect gene expression and biological effects of various treatments., Results: High level of CD151 protein expression was detected in the rAAV-CD151 group. The capillary density in the rAAV-CD151 group [(83.8 +/- 6.7) n/mm2] was significantly higher than that in the control group [(33.2 +/- 4.5) n/mm2] and rAAV-GFP group [(41.6 +/- 5.6) n/mm2] (all P<0.05); the arteriole density in the rAAV-CD151 group [(16.4 +/- 2.5) n/mm2] was also higher than that in the control group [(6.6 +/- 2.3) n/mm2] and the rAAV-GFP group [(8.4 +/- 1.6) n/mm2] (all P<0.05). However, the lowest capillary density and arteriole density were evidenced in rAAV-anti-CD151 group. Myocardial blood perfusion was significantly increased in rAAV-CD151 group and significantly reduced in rAAV-anti-CD151 group (all P<0.05 vs. control)., Conclusion: Intramyocardial injection of rAAV-CD151 could enhance the myocardial express of CD151 protein, increase capillary and arteriole densities and improve blood perfusion in swine with myocardial infarction.

Three cDNA sequences encoding the gonadotropin subunits, common glycoprotein alpha subunit (GTHalpha), FSHbeta and LHbeta subunits were isolated from marbled eel. The cDNA of GTHalpha encodes 116 amino acids with a signal peptide of 24 amino acids and a mature peptide of 92 amino acids. The FSHbeta subunit consists of 127 amino acids with a 22 amino acid signal peptide and a 105 amino acid mature peptide, while the LHbeta subunit consists of 140 amino acids with a 24 amino acid signal peptide and a 116 amino acid mature peptide. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of marbled eel GTHalpha, FSHbeta, and LHbeta with that of other fishes shows a high degree of conservation in the number of cysteine residues and potential N-linked glycosylation sites. The mRNA of GTHalpha, FSHbeta and LHbeta were not only detected in pituitary, but also in ovary and testes by RT-PCR. Quantitative realtime PCR analysis revealed that the GTHalpha and LHbeta transcriptional levels in pituitaries of female and male eels gradually increased during the artificially inducing gonadal development, and peaked at late vitellogenic stage and spermiation stage, respectively. FSHbeta mRNA in the pituitaries of female eels maintained a high level at previtellogenic stage, early vitellogenic stage as well as mid-vitellogenic stage but declined sharply at late vitellogenic stage and migratory nucleus stage. In male eels, the mRNA levels of FSHbeta in the pituitaries were higher at early spermatogenesis stage than at both late spermatogenesis stage and spermiation stage. These results suggested that FSH would be in control of initiation and maintenance of gonadal growth and gametogenesis, whereas LH would be involved in the final gonadal maturation and spermiation/ovulation in the tropic eel Anguilla marmorata.

Aim: To appraise the efficacy of CD151-induced myocardial therapeutic angiogenesis in a pig myocardial infarction model., Methods: CD151 and anti-CD151 were constructed into the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector. All 26 pigs were subjected to coronary artery ligation or no surgery. Eight weeks after coronary artery ligation, the expression of CD151 was measured by Western blot and immunostaining. Capillary density was evaluated using immunostaining for von Willebrand factor (vWF). 13N-labeled NH3 positron emission computed tomography ([13N]NH3PET) was measured to assess regional myocardial perfusion and the defect area., Results: CD151 gene delivery could increase the expression of CD151 at protein level. Over-expression of CD151 increased the density of total capillaries in the ischemic myocardium, significantly improved the blood perfusion and reduced the defect area percentage., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the rAAV-mediated CD151 gene delivery promoted efficient neovascularization and increased the blood perfusion after myocardial infarction in pigs.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of miconazole nitrate 1200 mg in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)., Methods: An open, multicentre, non case control clinical trial was conducted in 568 patients suffering from VVC from Jul 1, 2006 to Nov 30, 2006. Routine examination, score of clinical symptoms and physical signs, mycetology test and safety evaluation were done in all patients before treatment, 7 - 14 days after treatment and 30 days after treatment., Results: Seven to fourteen days after treatment, 563 patients could be followed and 323 patients (57.3%) were cured. The overall effective rate was 90.2%. The mycologic cure rate was 91.3% (514). Thirty days after treatment, 480 patients could be followed and 411 patients (85.6%) were cured. The total effective rate was 96.0%. Mycologic cure rate was 92.3% (443/480). Adverse effect rate was 2.7% (15/563) and they were relieved without any treatment in one or two days., Conclusions: Miconazole nitrate 1200 mg is effective in the treatment of VVC, with good compliance and few adverse effects. Moreover, it can be accepted easily.

Diacylgycerol acyltransferase2 (DGAT2) is an important enzyme in many organisms. DGAT2 catalyzes the final step of triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis by converting diacylgycerol (DAG) and fatty acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) into TAG. This enzyme is encoded by both DGAT2 and DGAT1 genes. This paper reviews the discovery of the DGAT2 gene, its structure, chromosomal location and biological effect. The relationship between its genetic polymorphisms and animal performance traits is also discussed. The review ends with future prospects.

IL-1beta, a key mediator of inflammation, orchestrates a variety of immune responses by initiating gene expression. Herein, we have cloned and sequenced the IL-1beta in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), produced soluble mature recombinant IL-1beta in Escherichia coli, and characterized its biological properties and downstream signal transduction. The grouper IL-1beta cDNA was 1364bp in length, containing an open reading frame of 765bp. The predicted protein of 254 amino acids revealed the presence of the IL-1 family signature motif and the absence of a conventional ICE cut site. Phylogenetically, the grouper IL-1beta clustered closely with those of teleost belonging to Perciformes and apart from those of mammals. The grouper IL-1beta was constitutively expressed in almost all tissues examined, and was augmented in PBL after the addition of LPS or Poly I:C in vitro. The prokaryotically produced rIL-1beta significantly stimulated the proliferation of grouper head kidney cells, and activated gene expression of IL-1beta and COX-2. Moreover, the rIL-1beta-induced IL-1beta and COX-2 expression were reduced by p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) and JNK inhibitor (SP600125), respectively. Taken together, the present study indicated that grouper IL-1beta may have an important role in grouper immune system and activate similar downstream cascades as its mammalian counterparts.

Objective: To study the molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats., Methods: Forty-five male SD rats were randomized into control, model and EA groups with 15 cases in each group which was further divided into 3 subgroups (3 d, 7 d and 14 d) at average. SCI (T10) model was duplicated by using modified Allen's method. EA (2 Hz, 2-6 mA) was applied to bilateral "Jiaji" [EX-B 2, superior and inferior to the injured locus (T10)] for 30 min, continuously for 3 days, 7 days and 14 days respectively in different subgroups. Changes of SCI rats' behavior (hind-limb motor) were detected by using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scoring scale. The immuno-reaction (IR) activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in gray matter of the injured cord was determined using immunohistochemical technique on day 3, 7 and 14 separately., Results: Compared with control group, BBB scores of model and EA groups were significantly lower in the 3 subgroups (P < 0.01); while in comparison with the 3 subgroups of model group, BBB scores of the corresponding time in EA group were significantly higher (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, IR-positive cells of both EGFR and GFAP in model and EA groups increased remarkably at the 3 time-points in number (P < 0.01); while those of EGFR and GFAP of EA group were significantly fewer than those of model group at the 3 time-points (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: EA can effectively improve SCI rats' hind-limb locomotor, which may be closely related to its functions in suppressing the expression of EGFR and GFAP in the injured spinal cord and in promoting nerve axon regeneration.

Levels of serum sex steroids (estradiol-17beta, E2; testosterone, T; 11-ketotestosterone, 11-KT) in male, female and natural sex-reversing red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara), and aromatase activity of gonad and brain in both male and female were investigated throughout an annually reproductive cycle. In females, serum E2 and T peaked during vitellogenesis, but in males and natural sex-reversing fish, 11-KT, T and E2 reached peak during spermatogenesis. In addition, in females, serum 11-KT levels (monthly means: 0.32 +/- 0.03 ng/ml) which were very low did not significantly fluctuate during the annual reproductive cycle. In breeding season, females displayed higher E2 levels than males and sex-reversing fish, while males and sex-reversing fish showed higher 11-KT levels and, to a lesser extent, higher T levels than females. Furthermore, the changing pattern of sex steroids in males was similar to that in natural sex-reversing fish, and a second peak of serum androgens 11-KT and T appeared in December both in male and natural sex-reversing fish; significantly higher serum 11-KT levels were observed in natural sex-reversing fish than that in females from December to April. In females, but not in males, aromatase activity of brain and gonad demonstrated significantly seasonal changes (exhibiting a peak in breeding season); moreover, aromatase activity in females was higher than that in males. Furthermore, significantly lower aromatase activity in testis was observed in breeding season, in contrast to that in ovary. Taken together, the present findings indicated that changes of serum sex steroids levels and aromatase activity in red-spotted grouper were closely associated with sex inversion. In addition, the present results also suggested that sex inversion in red-spotted grouper peaked mainly from December to March., ((c)2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Four microsatellite markers linked with Escherichia-coli F4 receptor gene were selected from chromosome 13 of pig (authorization) to analyze difference in hereditary between the genotype and F4 receptor adhesive appearance. Results showed that the microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic and the heterozygosities ranged from 0.6117 to 0.7500. The value of PIC was over 0.5749 and the heredity diversity of Chinese pig breeds more higher than oversea's. On F4ab adhesive appearance of S0222, the difference among genotypes was significant in SZL breed. The AC genotype of SW458 had no adhesive appearance in SZL and LW breeds. Marker SW458 can thus be potentially used as a genetic marker for E. coli F4 resistive gene.

Gynogenesis was induced in two groups of Pseudosciaena crocea by the cool-shock and hydrostatic pressure method. The 24 fry in the gynogenetic families G1 and G2, 20 fry in their contrast groups and their parents were PCR amplified using 6 pairs of microsatellite marker primers LYC0002, LYC0003, LYC0013, LYC0012, LYC0004 and LYC0006 and analyzed. The results showed that the effect of cool-shock method, obtained a hatching rate of 35.3%, and a survival rate of 9.9% at 45 days, was obviously better than hydrostatic pressure method. Four pairs of primers could amplify clearly distinct parental bands. The results of primers LYC0012 and LYC0006 revealed no male gene in G1, suggesting they all derived from gynogenesis. Amplification using primers LYC0013 and LYC0004 in G2 revealed the presence of male genes in 3 individuals, suggesting they came from normal fertilization. The homozygosity ratio of the offspring from the two families was 87.5% and 76.2% and the average was 81.9%. They were 0 respectively in their contrast groups. The homozygous ratio of gene improved for 81.9% by gynogenesis. This study shows that gynogenesis is an effective method to promote gene purification In addition, microsatellite marker technique is an effective method of gynogenesis verification and genetic analysis.

To compare the effect of different genes on litter size, we used PCR-RFLP to test the genotypic frequencies of 5 genes related to litter size, i. e. ESR, FSHbeta, PRL, PRLR and NCOA1 and analyzed the effect of various genotypes on total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) within the same populations of Large White (n=158) and Landrace (n=224) pigs. Results showed that the PRLR and NCOA1 loci exerted the greatest impact on litter size: the average TNB from genotype AA was 2.28-3.33 more than that from BB (P<0.01) and the average NBA from AA was 1.57-3.30 more than that from BB (P<0.01). The ESR and FSHbeta loci had a moderate effect on litter size. The average TNB of BB being 0.55-1.18 more than AA (P<0.05) excluding the Landrace, and the average NBA of BB was 0.37-1.20 more than AA (P<0.05). The PRL locus had no significant effect on litter size.

The effects of aromatizable 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) and non-aromatizable 17alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone (MDHT) on sex inversion in red-spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara, were investigated. Fish were implanted with MT, MDHT and MT+AI (aromatase inhibitor, AI) respectively for one month. The results showed that the three treated groups turned into transitional stage with intersex gonads, which contained atretic oocytes and spermatogenic germ cells at all stages of spermatogenesis. The controls did not change sex. The gonads of more than half MT-implanted fish were in early transitional stages of sex inversion, whereas those of more than half MDHT and MT+AI-implanted fish were in late transitional stages of sex inversion. No difference in serum estradiol-17beta (E(2)) levels between the controls and the treated groups were observed, whereas 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and testosterone (T) levels increased in all treated groups. Significantly lower gonadosomatic index (GSI) and gonadal aromatase activity were observed in the treated groups, which were in accordance with the lower mRNA expression of P450aromA. However, P450aromB mRNA expression increased in the MT group, while it did not change in the MDHT group. These results suggest that the sex inversion of red-spotted grouper by MT and MDHT implantation might be due to the suppression of P450aromA gene expression, and resulting in both the decrease of the ovarian estrogen -secretion, as well as the increase in the 11-KT levels. Furthermore, the main reason for MT being less effective than MDHT might be due to partial aromatization of MT to estrogen.

Diacylgycerol Acyltransferase (DGAT) plays an important role in the formation of lipid in different tissues of biological body. DGAT catalyzes the final step in triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis by converting diacylgycerol (DAG) and fatty acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) into triacylglycerol. This enzyme is coded by both DGAT1 and DGAT2. DGAT1 belongs to the gene family of cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). DGAT2 belongs to the gene family of monoacylgycerol acyltransferases (MGAT1). This paper reviewed the structure, location on chromosome and biological effect of DGAT-related genes. The relationship between polymorphism and performance of animal was also discussed.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the aromatase inhibitor (AI) letrozole on gonadal development, serum steroids and aromatase activities in 2-year-old female red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) during reproductive season. Groupers were divided into two groups, one implanted with aromatase inhibitor (AI, 5 mg/kg body weight) and the other elastomer without AI into peritoneal cavity once every four weeks for 8 weeks. Spermiation was checked through gentle abdominal pressure every 2 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from 6 fish of each group every 4 weeks for later analysis of sex steroids. After blood samples were collected, forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and gonads were collected and stored at -70 degrees C for later aromatase activity measurement and gonadal histological study. Significantly lower gondadosomatic index (GSI) was observed in AI-implanted group. Fish implanted with AI once showed complete degradation of oocytes and sex inversion with developing testicular tissues in the 4th week. AI induced females to develop into functional males with authentic males testes similar in structure to those in normal males. Spermiating rate of AI-treated males were 14.3%, 35.3%, and 48.4%in the 4th, 6th, and 8th week, respectively, while all fish in the control group were still female with developing ovaries. Aromatase activities in gonads decreased significantly after implantation with aromatase inhibitor, but showed no significant difference between control and AI-implanted group. No difference in serum testosterone (T) levels was observed in control and AI-treated group, while serum levels of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) decreased but 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) concentration increased significantly. The present results suggest that the decrease in serum 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and increase in 11-KT levels may be important for sex inversion induced by aromatase inhibitor in red spotted grouper.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated CD151 gene delivery in promoting neovascularization and improving blood perfusion in the skeletal muscle of the rat hind-limb ischemia model., Methods: CD151 was constructed into the rAAV vector. Twelve Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups of 6 rats each and then intramuscularly injected with rAAV-CD151 or rAAV-GFP, respectively, in one hind limb. Two weeks after gene delivery, the femoral arteries in the treated limbs were excised to establish the model of hind-limb ischemia. Expression of the transgene product CD151 was confirmed by Western blot and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The skin temperature, angiographic score, and capillary density of the hind limb were measured to assess blood perfusion and neovascularization 6 weeks after transfection., Results: Compared to the group transfected with GFP, the CD151 group showed a 63% higher angiographic score (p<0.05) and an 18% increase in capillary density (p<0.05). In addition, the mean skin temperature of the AAV-CD151-transfected hind limbs was equivalent to the level of the contralateral nonischemic limb, whereas the limb temperature in the GFP-transfected rats was significantly lower than the nonischemic control. The expression of CD151 in the ischemic hind limb injected with rAAV-CD151 was significantly higher than limbs injected with rAAV-GFP. The CD151 mRNA and protein expression was persistently observed in the injected muscle for at least 6 weeks after injection, while no human CD151 mRNA could be detected in remote organs or rAAV-GFP-injected muscles., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the rAAV-mediated CD151 gene transfer into rat skeletal muscles is efficient, stable, and has no ectopic expression. Moreover, rAAV-mediated CD151 gene transfer stimulates neovascularization, especially arteriogenesis, and thereby improves blood perfusion in a rat hind-limb ischemia model. These findings suggest that CD151 could be a new target for neovascularization therapy in ischemic disease, and rAAV-mediated CD151 gene transfer may be useful for treatment of ischemic disease.

Objective: To study the indications and contraindications of vaginal hysterectomy for non-prolapsed uterus., Methods: Totally 2086 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy during the period of June 1992-June 2003 were analysed and the surgery quality and incidence of complications among patients with different sizes of uteri, with or without history of pelvic or abdominal surgery, with history of vaginal delivery and adnexectomy were compared., Results: (1) The patients with uteri > 16 weeks of gestation were associated with longer operating time [(73 +/- 25) vs (42 +/- 16) min)], more blood loss [(237 +/- 86) vs (101 +/- 58) ml] and higher rate of pelvic infection (1.69% vs 0.78%) when compared to the patients with uteri < or = 16 weeks. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). (2) There was no significant difference in the operating time and intraoperative blood loss between the patients with and without history of pelvic or abdominal surgery (P > 0.05), however, the surgery group had higher side injury rate during operation. In addition, 119 patients complicated with ovarian cyst underwent vaginal ovarian cystectomy successfully., Conclusion: Vaginal hysterectomy for patients with uteri < or = 16 weeks of gestation is safe and feasible. The procedure is relatively difficult for uteri > 16 weeks and should be determined according to the operator's experience and the patient's condition. A history of pelvic or abdominal operation increases the side injury rate in vaginal hysterectomy. The successful rate of vaginal hysterectomy in patients with uteri < or = 16 weeks of gestation is not affected by the history of vaginal delivery. During vaginal hysterectomy, ovarian cystectomy is feasible for the ovarian cyst < or = 6 cm. Skillful operator and use of appropriate instrument expand the indication of vaginal hysterectomy.

Objective: To investigate the influence of bizhongxiao decoction (BZXD) which is a Traditional Chinese medicine for RA including, on the plasma TNF-α and IL-1β in rats with CII-induced arthritis (CIA) and explore the protective mechanism of BZXD in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis., Methods: 75 SD rats were divided into four groups randomly. Normal control group (n=5) not be treated any more. The CIA rat was established by subcutaneous injection with bovine II collagen (B II C) and complete Freund, s adjuvant (CFA) after 7d breeding. The CIA rats were divided into the CIA group (n=16), BZXD group (n=29) treated with BZXD and the MTX group (n=25) treated with methotrexate. All rats were killed after various intervals (25, 30, 35, 40, or 45d). At the end of each time interval, we collected the blood of each rat. To detect TNF-α and IL-1β in plasma with radio-immunity kit., Results: BIIC and CFA can be used to copying CIA model. The incidence of arthritis was 88%. The plasma TNF-α and IL-1β levels of CIA group, BZXD group and MTX group were notably higher than those of normal control group (p<0.05), moreover, the CIA group was higher than those of the MTX group and BZXD group at various interval (p<0.01). TNF-α and IL-1β rose step by step in CIA group but decreased in BZXD group and MTX group gradually. Moreover, in BZXD group were lower than those in MTX group (p<0.05)., Conclusion: TNF-α and IL-1β play a very important role in the formation and development of RA. BZXD can notably decrease the plasma TNF-α and IL-1β levels, which was better than MTX.

The 'black' character is a cardinal character of black chicken that is very important to the medical value and economical value of black chicken. The study compared gene expression between black chicken and non-black chicken by delta differential display method, and obtained twenty-nine expressed sequence tags(ESTs) by extraction, amplification, purification, northern blotting, cloning and sequencing of gel-embedded DNA. Of twenty-nine ESTs, eight ESTs have high similarity rate with known gene in chicken-beta-trepomyosin gene, cardiac myosin alkali light chain gene, insertionally activated c-Ha-ras oncogene, fra-2 oncogene, 16S rRNA gene and mitochondrion genome sequence, respectively, with similarity rate 97%,100%, 98%, 98%, 98%, 99%, 99% and 97%. Five ESTs have high similarity rate with human TTN gene, human phosphoglucomutase 5 gene, human or mouse signal recongnition particle 54 kD gene, human or mouse ribonuclease/angiogenin inhibitor gene, respectively, with similarity rate 82%, 82%, 87%, 99% and 99%. Their homologous genes in chicken are still not cloned. Thirteen ESTs are novel gene fragments. Of thirteen ESTs, nine ESTs have high similarity with ESTs in database. Four ESTs have not high similarity with any EST in database. The results of gene expression analysis show that one known gene (insertionally activated c-Ha-ras oncogene) fragment and one novel gene fragment are expressed in all non-black chicken and are not expressed in all black chicken, and that one known gene (signal recongnition particle 54 kD gene) fragment is expressed in all black chicken and is not expressed in all non-black chicken. According to these results, we conclude that the expression of insertionally activated c-Ha-ras oncogene, signal recongnition particle 54 kD gene and one novel gene are related to the 'black' character in chicken.

The genetic variation of ETEC F4 receptor in Shaziling and Yorkshire breeds were studied using two micro-satellite markers(S0223 and S0068). The results showed that there were polymorphisms in the two markers, and there were great variations of the gene heterozygosity and Shannon information index in the two breeds. It was also reported that there were differences in K88ab and K88ac receptors in Chinese native breeds and foreign breeds, so the two markers might be the genetic markers of F4 receptor gene.

Attractin is an autosomal recessive gene and received great attention within the last few decades. Attractin in different lines has been identified attractin to have multiple roles in regulating physiological process. It affects the balance between agonist and antagonist at receptors on melanocytes, modifies behaviour and basal metabolic rate, intervenes developing the central nervous system and its function, and modulates an interaction between activated T cell and macrophages. The attractin gene encodes a protein that is involved in the suppression of diet-induced obesity, its expression level in the brain has a significant relationship with obesity, the role indicates the therapeutic potential of attractin in the treatment of obesity. Furthermore, the murine attractin locus is located in a region harboring several QTL for body weight and fatness. In this paper, we review the research development of mahogany, introduce the related gene and gene mapping, and summarize its regulating mechanism in the physiological process. Additionally,the further research on the gene is also suggested.

The genetic variation of E. coli F18 receptor(ECF18R) loci in 867 pigs including Large Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc, Ningxiang pig, Shaziling pig and Daweizi pig was detected by PCR-RFLP with Hin6 I. The results showed as follows: The three exotic breeds including Large Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc were proved to be polymorphic at the Hin6 I-RFLP site. The average susceptibility genotype frequency of AG and GG in the exotic breeds was 0.94, G allelic frequency was 0.76. The C-->A mutation frequency at M307 site was very low in exotic breeds. The resistance genotype frequency of AA was 0.06. But the three native breeds including Ningxiang pig, Shaziling pig and Daweizi pig presented only GG genotype and no variation at the Hin6 I-RFLP site. The chi 2 value of ECF18R genotype distribution at the Hin6I-RFLP site in different pigs indicated that ECF18R genotype distribution of every exotic pig breed had significant or highly significant differences with three native pig breeds'. The ECF18R genotype distribution of three native pig breeds was the same completely. The others had no difference except that Landrace ECF18R genotype distribution had significant differences with Duroc's in the exotic breeds of pig.

A total of 158 pigs of Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc were selected from some swine breeding farms in Hunan province. The genotypes of enterotoxigenic E.coli F18 receptor were tested by PCR-RFLP. The results showed that the frequency of resistant genotype AA was 0.11,the frequencies of susceptibility genotype AG and GG were 0.35 and 0.54 respectively.

A search for chromosome 13 QTL was carried out in a pig family of complex pedigree. The results indicated that a significant QTL on chromosome 13 was segregating in pig family. The QTL significantly affected body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), but the effect on backfat thickness was not significant (P > 0.05). Interval mapping localized this QTL between SW1898 and SW398. The estimated linkage position of this QTL was 75.2 cM. The QTL variance estimated at the marker interval was 0.9037 for the body weight and 0.0010 for average daily gain, respectively. This was the region which flanked the PIT1 gene, an essential transcriptional regulatory factor of growth hormone, prolactin and thyrotropin beta subunit. The present result confirmed a previous suggestion of a QTL for early growth traits at the estimated PIT1 position, and further implied that the effect of PIT1 genes on growth and body weight remained for the whole period of individual growth and development. Aditional evidence was also found which suggested a backfat QTL on chromosome 13, at a location approximately 28.3-63.4 cM apart from the one for body weight and growth, but the level of significance was not consistent in different generations.