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Interleukins (ILs) are cytokines with crucial functions in innate and adaptive immunity. IL genes are only found in vertebrates, except for IL-16, which has been cloned in some arthropod species. However, the function of this gene in invertebrates is unknown. In the present study, an IL-16-like gene (EsIL-16) was identified from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. EsIL-16 was predicted to encode a precursor (proEsIL-16) that shares similarities with pro-IL-16 proteins from insects and vertebrates. We show that caspase-3 processes proEsIL-16 into an approximately 144-kDa N-terminal prodomain with nuclear import activity and an approximately 34-kDa mature peptide that might be secreted into the extracellular region. EsIL-16 mRNA could be detected in all analyzed tissues and was significantly upregulated after immune challenge both in vitro and in vivo. T7 phage display library screening suggested potential binding activity between EsIL-16 and integrin, which was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation assay. Interestingly, EsIL-16 promoted cell proliferation via integrin β1 in primary cultured crab hemocytes and Drosophila S2 cells. Furthermore, the interaction between EsIL-16 and integrin β1 was necessary to efficiently protect the host from bacterial infection. To our knowledge, this study revealed integrin β1 as a receptor for IL-16 and the function of this interaction in hemocyte proliferation in invertebrates for the first time. These results provide new insights into the regulation of innate immune responses in invertebrates and shed the light on the evolution of ILs within the animal kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique translational frameshift process, taking place between the GAG3 and POL3 genes of the retrotransposons Ty3 of yeast, was identified. A +1 frameshift takes place inside the sequence GCG AGU U encoding alanine-valine. This process is different from other programed translational frameshifts, because it does not need tRNA slippage between near-cognate or cognate codons in the mRNA. A translational pause needed for frameshifting is stimulated by the poor availability of the tRNA specific for the 'hungry' serine codon, AGU. The process is also stimulated by a sequence of 12 nt distal to the AGU codon.

Graphical abstract Seven new water-soluble chiral/achiral SOD-mimicking metal complexes were synthesized and fully characterized. The antioxidant activity of all complexes and their corresponding hybrid proteins were determined. The results show that the water-solubility played a role in improving the antioxidant activity, and the activity was higher when combined with BSA. Abstract Seven new water-soluble chiral/achiral SOD-mimicking metal complexes: NaK[Mn(R -L1)(C 2 H 5 OH) 4 ] (Mn - 1a), NaK[Mn(S -L1)(C 2 H 5 OH) 4 ] (Mn - 1b), NaK[Co(R -L1)]·3H 2 O (Co - 2a), NaK[Co(S -L1)]·3H 2 O (Co - 2b), NaK[(VO)(R -L1)(OH)]·5H 2 O (V - 3a), NaK[(VO)(S -L1)(OH)]·5H 2 O (V - 3b) and [MnL2]·[(CH 3 CH 2) 3 NH] 2 ·5H 2 O (Mn - 4) were synthesized and fully characterized. Furthermore, hybrid protein, binding with complexes and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to enhance the antioxidant activity, were synthesized and evaluated by multispectroscopic techniques. The SOD activities of all complexes and their corresponding hybrid proteins were tested by xanthine/xanthine oxidase method, the antioxidant activity of them were determined by ABTS method. The results show that the SOD activities of the hybrid proteins are higher than that of the corresponding complexes. From the values of the antioxidant activity we obtained, there seems to be some connection between the configuration and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of pediatric tufted angiomas(TA)complicated by Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon (KMP). Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up data of 13 patients diagnosed with TA complicated by KMP. Five male and 8 female patients with an average age of 5.7 months (range, 29 days to 1 year) were treated with surgery between January 2009 and June 2012. According to the size and location of lesions and the degree of thrombocytopenia, complete or subtotal resection was performed. The median follow-up period was 3.4 years (range, 1.7 years to 5.2 years). Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated by platelet count and lesion size. Results Curative treatment of KMP is defined as restoration of normal hemostasis and elimination of tumor cells. Twelve patients achieved curative treatment and one died of multiple organ failure after operation. Ten patients received complete resection and three patients received incomplete resection. Thrombocyte count, hemoglobin and blood coagulation were respectively restored to normal levels within 1–3 days and 1–2 weeks post complete resection operation. One of the three patients who received subtotal resection operation died. In the other two patients, the platelet count fluctuated over time but remained above 60 × 109 /L, a significantly higher level than the preoperational level. Residual lesions slowly disappeared after continuous medication 3–6 months post operation. Conclusion Early s urgical treatment of patients with TA complicated with KMP resulted in significantly higher curative rate and reduced side-effects of drugs. Highlights • Surgical treatment is effective for most TA patients complicated by KMP • TA Patients complicated by KMP could die of consumptive coagulopathy • Early surgical treatment of patients resulted in significantly better treatment outcome [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) display a complex spectrum of mutations and chromosomal aberrations. Chromosome 5q (5q) loss is detected in up to 70% of TNBCs, but little is known regarding the genetic drivers associated with this event. Here, we show somatic deletion of a region syntenic with human 5q33.2--35.3 in a mouse model of TNBC. Mechanistically, we identify KIBRA as a major factor contributing to the effects of 5q loss on tumor growth and metastatic progression. Re-expression of KIBRA impairs metastasis in vivo and inhibits tumorsphere formation by TNBC cells in vitro. KIBRA functions co-operatively with the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN14 to trigger mechanotransduction-regulated signals that inhibit the nuclear localization of oncogenic transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ. Our results argue that the selective advantage produced by 5q loss involves reduced dosage of KIBRA, promoting oncogenic functioning of YAP/TAZ in TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the efficient extraction of rhenium from the leach solution generated by roasting the copper concentrates in a copper smelting plant by direct ion exchange process using weak base resins. The adsorption behaviors of rhenium with other coexisting impurity ions belonged to kinetic control by particle diffusion process, and the reaction rate constant was calculated. Then, the influences of temperature, pH value, stirring rate and calcium oxide dosage on the equilibrium adsorption capacity of rhenium were studied by batch experiments. To verify the process of extracting rhenium in industrial application, three ion exchange columns packing with 105 L resins were operated to recover rhenium by direct ion exchange method. In the adsorption process, the recovery rate of rhenium reached 97.13% after approximately 960 BVs of leach solution flow. The loaded resins were eluated using 2.5% concentration of aqueous ammonia, producing a rhenium-rich solution containing 1995 mg/L rhenium, in which the rhenium concentration enriched 309 times compared to the original leach solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and is associated with substantially elevated risk of adverse health outcomes for both mothers and offspring. This quasi-experimental trial was conducted to assess whether a lifestyle intervention in early pregnancy can reduce the incidence of GDM and excessive gestational weight (GWG) gain among Chinese overweight women. Methods: Convenience samples of 74 women in gestational weeks 8-12 with a BM1 ≥24 kg/m² were enrolled. They were divided into intervention (N = 37) or control group (N = 37) according to the time sequence of seeing the doctor. The intervention group was provided with exercise, dietary, weight gain counseling and detailed plans at weeks 8-12 and every month in the second trimester. In addition, each counseling session included a personalized feedback based on their 5-day-records. Follow-up phone calls or emails were conducted every week between antenatal visits. The control group was just provided with exercise, dietary and weight gain counseling at weeks 8-12, besides the usual health education provided at the O&G outpatient department. Results: The lifestyle intervention resulted in a lower incidence of gestational diabetes in the intervention group (9/32, 28.1%) compared with the control group (19/34, 55.9%), p = 0.023. Women in the intervention group gained much less weight (6.86 ± 2.31 versus 10.08 ± 3.84 kg, p = 0.000) at the end of second trimester. Conclusion: Lifestyle intervention in early pregnancy can reduce the incidence of GDM and prevent excessive maternal weight gain in overweight and obese pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway are recruited to form a dynamic metabolic complex referred to as the purinosome. Previous studies have demonstrated that purinosome assembly responds to purine levels in culture medium. Purine-depleted medium or 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo- 1H-benzimidazole (DMAT) treatment stimulates the purinosome assembly in HeLa cells. Here, several metabolomic technologies were applied to quantify the static cellular levels of purine nucleotides and measure the de novo biosynthesis rate of IMP, AMP, and GMP. Direct comparison of purinosome-rich cells (cultured in purine-depleted medium) and normal cells showed a 3-fold increase in IMP concentration in purinosomerich cells and similar levels of AMP, GMP, and ratios of AMP/ GMP and ATP/ADP for both. In addition, a higher level of IMP was also observed in HeLa cells treated with DMAT. Furthermore, increases in the de novo IMP/AMP/GMP biosynthetic flux rate under purine-depleted condition were observed. The synthetic enzymes, adenylosuccinate synthase (ADSS) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), downstream of IMP were also shown to be part of the purinosome. Collectively, these results provide further evidence that purinosome assembly is directly related to activated de novo purine biosynthesis, consistent with the functionality of the purinosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical realization of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) by the master clock system in a time laboratory is named UTC( k ). In order to make the deviation of UTC( k ) from UTC as small as possible, and keep high short-term and long-term frequency stabilities as well, a new steering algorithm is proposed, and the detailed algorithm is as follows: Firstly, a stable reference time scale (TA) for real-time monitoring UTC(NTSC) is introduced. The time scale algorithm for generating TA, which is computed as a weighted average of about 22 free-running atomic clocks at the National Time Service Center (NTSC), is based on the ALGOS algorithm. And the weighting procedure is designed to optimize the short-term frequency stability of the scale. Secondly, the frequency offset is calculated. (1) The frequency of the master clock in the next time interval is calculated; (2) The phase difference between TA and UTC(NTSC) is deducted; (3) The final frequency offset is generated on the basis of above steps. A software is compiled according to this algorithm. The results calculated with the software are sent to the microphase stepper automatically, so that the time signal derived from the steered master clock can be accurate, meanwhile its stability is not influenced. Finally, the experimental result shows that the new master clock steering strategy can control the phase offset within ±15 ns, meanwhile it can also improve its short-term stability on the condition that its long-term one is not influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four purified polysaccharide fractions from seeds of Plantago depressa(PDSP-1, PDSP-2, PDSP-3 and PDSP-4) were obtained by isolation and purification using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephacryl S-400 HR chromatography. Basic physicochemical properties including molecular weight, chemical composition, FT-IR and glycosidic linkage of these fractions were investigated. They seemed to be homogeneous acidic protein-bound heteropolysaccharides with high molecular weight of over 1000kDa and contained a lot more ß-type glycosidic linkages than a-type. PDSP-3 mainly contained mannose, arabinose and fucose, and the others were rich in arabinose, fucose and galacturonic acid. The immunomodulatory effects of them were assessed by splenocyte proliferation index and production of NO and TNF-a from macrophages. They all showed significant immunomodulatory activities, and PDSP-3 presented the strongest effect. Their observed differences in biological activities were probably due to their structure differences. And monosaccharide compositions, linkage types and molecular weight may affect their immunomodulatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alteration and formation of toxic compounds and potential changes in the toxicity of emissions when using after-treatment technologies have gained wide attention. Volatile organic compound (VOC), carbonyl compound and particle-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions were tested at European Steady State Cycle (ESC) to study unregulated emissions from a diesel engine with a fuel-borne catalyst and diesel particulate filter (FBC-DPF). An Fe-based fuel-borne catalyst was used for this study. According to the results, brake specific emissions of total VOCs without and with DPF were 4.7 and 4.9 mg/kWh, respectively, showing a 4.3% increase. Benzene and n-undecane emissions increased and toluene emission decreased, while other individual VOC emissions basically had no change. When retrofitted with the FBC-DPF, total carbonyl compound emission decreased 15.7%, from 25.8 to 21.8 mg/kWh. The two highest carbonyls, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, were reduced from 20.0 and 3.7 to 16.5 and 3.3 mg/kWh respectively. The specific reactivity (SR) with DPF was reduced from 6.68 to 6.64 mg/kWh. Total particle-phase PAH emissions decreased 66.4% with DPF compared to that without DPF. However, the Benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPeq) with DPF had increased from 0.016 to 0.030 mg/kWh. Fluoranthene and Pyrene had the greatest decrease, 91.1% and 88.4% respectively. The increase of two- and three-ring PAHs with DPF indicates that the fuel-borne catalyst caused some gas-phase PAHs to adsorb on particles. The results of this study expand the knowledge of the effects of using a particulate filter and a Fe-based fuel-borne catalyst on diesel engine unregulated emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexes [CdCl(mptc)(H2O)2]n (1), Zn(mptc)(Hmptc)Br (2), {[Zn(mptc)3]2[Zn(H2O)6]⋅4H2O} (3) and Zn(mpt)2Cl2 (4) (mpt = 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole) were prepared by 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid (Hmptc) and Cd2+, Zn2+ respectively in different conditions. We found an interesting phenomenon of in situ decarboxylic reaction in complex 4. The same discovery was also in Zn(ipmt)2Br2 (5) (ipmt = 1-(4-iodophenyl)-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole), which was obtained by the reaction of 1-(4-iodophenyl)-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid (Hipmtc) with Zn2+ under solvothermal condition. And the crystal structures of 1-5 were determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes were characterized by FT-IR, elemental analyses, and solid-state fluorescent emission spectroscopy. Then, the possible mechanism of in situ solvothermal decarboxylation was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to retrospectively investigate the efficacy of adaptive transfer of natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes mixed effector (NKTm) cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in comparison to a control group of NSCLC patients. NKTm cells were obtained by ex vivo expansion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients followed with phenotype determination. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Ex vivo expansion caused significant enrichment of CD3+, CD3+CD8+, CD45RO+, CD25+, CD29+ and CD3+CD16+/CD56+ cells (P<0.05). The OS of the immunotherapy group was significantly longer than that of the control group and the risk of death decreased by 43.8% (31.1months vs 18.1months, P=0.008, HR=0.562, 95% CI 0.367-0.860). Two-year survival rate of patients in the immunotherapy group was better than in the control group (62.95% vs 35.44%, P<0.05). Gender, clinical stage, application of TKI, number of chemotherapy cycle, and application of NKTm immunotherapy were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC patients. The OS in subgroups of males, <60years age, clinical stage IIIb+IV, no brain metastases, without radiotherapy, chemotherapy of >6cycles, no application of TKI and TKI invalid was prolonged after NKTm cellular immunotherapy (P<0.05). Ex vivo expansion of NKTm cells was effective and had no adverse safety concerns, thus highlight that adaptive transfer of NKTm cells may prolong the OS of NSCLC patients and increase 2year survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ4) is a heterotetrameric enzyme, whose p12 subunit is degraded in response to DNA damage, leaving behind a trimer (Pol δ3) with altered enzymatic characteristics that participate in gap filling during DNA repair. We demonstrate that CRL4Cdt2, a key regulator of cell cycle progression that targets replication licensing factors, also targets the p12 subunit of Pol δ4 in response to DNA damage and on entry into S phase. Evidence for the involvement of CRL4Cdt2 included demonstration that p12 possesses a proliferating cell nuclear antigen-interacting protein-degron (PIP-degron) and that knockdown of the components of the CRL4Cdt2 complex inhibited the degradation of p12 in response to DNA damage. Analysis of p12 levels in synchronized cell populations showed that p12 is partially degraded in S phase and that this is affected by knockdowns of CUL4A or CUL4B. Laser scanning cytometry of overexpressed wild type p12 and a mutant resistant to degradation showed that the reduction in p12 levels during S phase was prevented by mutation of p12. Thus, CRL4Cdt2 also regulates the subunit composition of Pol δ during the cell cycle. These studies reveal a novel function of CRL4Cdt2, i.e. the direct regulation of DNA polymerase δ, adding to its known functions in the regulation of the licensing of replication origins and expanding the scope of its overall control of DNA replication. The formation of Pol δ3 in S phase as a normal aspect of cell cycle progression leads to the novel implications that it is involved in DNA replication as well as DNA repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease. Interferon-α (IFNα) is an important component of anti-HCV therapy; it up-regulates transcription of IFN-stimulated genes, many of which have been investigated for their antiviral effects. However, all of the genes required for the antiviral function of IFNα (IFN effector genes [IEGs]) are not known. IEGs include not only IFN-stimulated genes, but other nontranscriptionally induced genes that are required for the antiviral effect of IFNα. In contrast to candidate approaches based on analyses of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, identification of IEGs requires a broad functional approach. METHODS: We performed an unbiased genome-wide small interfering RNA screen to identify IEGs that inhibit HCV. Huh7.5.1 hepatoma cells were transfected with small interfering RNAs incubated with IFNα and then infected with JFH1 HCV. Cells were stained using HCV core antibody, imaged, and analyzed to determine the percent infection. Candidate IEGs detected in the screen were validated and analyzed further. RESULTS: The screen identified 120 previously unreported IEGs. From these, we more fully evaluated the following: asparagine-linked glycosylation 10 homolog (yeast, α1,2-glucosyltransferase); butyrylcholinesterase; dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (CD26, adenosine deaminase complexing protein 2); glucokinase (hexokinase 4) regulator, guanylate cyclase 1, soluble, β 3; MYST histone acetyltransferase 1; protein phosphatase 3 (formerly 2B), catalytic subunit, β isoform; peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor--γ-DBD--interacting protein 1; and solute carrier family 27 (fatty acid transporter), member 2; and demonstrated that they enabled IFNα--mediated suppression of HCV at multiple steps of its life cycle. Expression of these genes had more potent effects against flaviviridae because a subset was required for IFNα to suppress dengue virus but not influenza A virus. In addition, many of the host genes detected in this screen (92%) were not transcriptionally stimulated by IFNα; these genes represent a heretofore unknown class of non-IFN-stimulated gene IEGS. CONCLUSIONS: We performed a whole-genome loss-of-function screen to identify genes that mediate the effects of IFNα against human pathogenic viruses. We found that IFNα restricts HCV via actions of general and specific IEGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The high-gas and low-permeability are the common problems of China coal mine, which restrain the mining of coal resources safely and efficiently. To solve the low permeability of coal-seam, the variation of permeability was studied experimentally with coal effected by supercritical CO2 and low-carbon alcohol solution (including methanol solution, ethanol solution and isopropyl alcohol solution). The results show the permeability of coal after injecting supercritical CO2 is nearly one order of magnitude over former testing. This is principally resulted from that supercritical CO2 will extract some organic matters of coal substrates. Meanwhile, the permeability of sample effected by low-carbon alcohol solution is apparently higher than former experiment without solution. Moreover, the bigger volume concentration to certain low carbon alcohol solution, the greater the permeability will increase. As to the three different low-carbon alcohol solution, the isopropyl alcohol solution has a biggest influence on improving coal permeability, whereas the methanol solution has a smallest one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Perceived risk is an important factor that affects consumer''s on-line shopping purchasing decision, through the perceived theories the consumer can know clearly which step owns higher risk in the whole shopping process, then learn how to prevent it, this process also strengthen the consumer confidence, thus lowering to know that the risk adjudicate to the feeling, so the essay has important and realistic meaning for further expand the electronic commerce. At first, investigate, collect, tidy up, analyze the questionnaire information, and thus get the primary data. Finally try to find out the influence of perceived risk to each stage of purchasing decision during consumer on-line shopping process with data and personal analytical. The paper is a complement to the local and existing perceived theories. The result of the study manifests that, the order of main perceived risks which felt by consumer during on-line shopping process are as follow: financial risk, the performance risk and service risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At present, many large-scaled and medium-sized enterprises have established their own e-commerce websites. But there are still many shortcomings in the aspects of website constructions of these enterprises, especially can’t reflect the value of cybermarketing in full. Haier is one of the world''s top 500 enterprises,and its website has distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it is a classic case for studying. During the same time of analyzing and researching Haier''s website on cybermarketing- oriented website construction, this paper reveals the subsistent problems of our large-scaled and medium-sized enterprises in this regard, and put forward reasonable countermeasures and advices, which make large-scale and medium-sized enterprises to enhance the cognition of cybermarketing-oriented website construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To present our surgical techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy for a duplex kidney in adult patients without vesicoureteral reflux. Methods: A total of 32 adult patients with a duplex kidney underwent laparoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy. A 3-port, finger- and balloon-dissecting, retroperitoneal approach was used. The upper pole renal parenchyma was divided circumferentially between the upper and lower poles using a harmonic scalpel, maintaining a margin around the upper pole parenchyma to avoid any possible injury to the lower pole functioning moiety. The urothelium of the remnant upper pole parenchyma was stripped off, and the edges of the remnant upper pole parenchyma were approximated with figure-of-8 stitches. The distal upper pole ureter was mobilized and transected at the point at which the ureter crossed anterior to the iliac vessels. Intravenous urography and renal ultrasonography were performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: All laparoscopic operations were performed successfully without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 83 minutes. The mean blood loss was 18 mL. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days. No intraoperative or major postoperative complications occurred. The intravenous urography and renal ultrasound findings 3 and 6 months postoperatively demonstrated normal pyelography findings and renal function of the preserved lower pole in all patients. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic upper pole nephroureterectomy is a safe and effective procedure and an excellent minimally invasive treatment option for the adult patient with a duplex kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play important roles in tumor initiation and progression. Recently, we examined the global miRNA expression profile of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and demonstrated that miR-92a was highly expressed in tumor tissues. In this study, we found that the upregulation of miR-92a was significantly correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis and TNM stage in 107 ESCC patients. Moreover, the upregulation of miR-92a was associated with poor survival of ESCC patients and might be used as an independent prognostic factor. Next, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-92a in ESCC cells, and found that miR-92a modulated the migration and invasion but not apoptosis and proliferation of ESCC cells in vitro. We further demonstrated that miR-92a directly targeted the CDH1 3′- UTR and repressed the expression of CDH1, a tumor metastasis suppressor. In addition, restoring of miR-92a-resistant CDH1 expression in miR-92a-overexpression cells recovered the pro-metastasis activity of miR-92a. Taken together, we demonstrated that miR-92a promotes ESCC cell migration and invasion at least partially via suppression of CDH1 expression, and patients with up-regulated miR-92a are prone to lymph node metastasis and thus have poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nitrogen flow in the agricultural production activities has become one of the most important factors affecting the human environment, especially regional aquatic environment. This paper analyzes the input and output of nitrogen of farming-grazing system and its influences on the environment by using of the regional nitrogen flow model in the studied area of Wuliangsuhai catchment of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2006. The research results indicate that nitrogen input of Wuliangsuhai catchment mainly concentrates in arable land, very few in grassland. Nitrogen input is more than output in farming system, and the nitrogen surplus is 3.08×104 tons, averagely 65.1kg/hm2. Nitrogen input is less than output in grassland system, and there is a nitrogen deficit of 7.01×103 tons, averagely 8.59kg/hm2. The loss of massive nitrogen is a primary factor causing the local grassland degradation. In addition, the gross nitrogen exported into surface water by surface runoff every year has achieved 1.8×104 tons, which brings great pressures on the regional water environment. Most of lost nitrogen is to be deposited in rivers and lakes, less likely to return farming-grazing system. Fertilizer use on the arable land is the main source of nitrogen exported into surface water from regional farming-grazing system. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer in the arable land has led to accumulation of soil nitrogen and posed a great threat to the aquatic quality of Wuliangsuhai catchment, whereas the grassland is confronted with a severe nitrogen deficit which has resulted in widespread grass degradation. Therefore it may be an efficient way to mitigate the problems simultaneously by regulating and balancing the nitrogen flow between the farming system and the grazing system, and the control of agricultural non-point source pollution should be the priority strategy to management and improve the aquatic quality of Wuliangsuhai catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To present our surgical techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy in 10 patients with retrocaval ureter and review the data on the laparoscopic management of retrocaval ureter published in English. Methods: A total of 10 patients with retrocaval ureter underwent laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy. A 3-port, finger and balloon-dissecting, retroperitoneal approach was used. The retrocaval segment of ureter was mobilized and transposed anterior to the inferior vena cava. The ureteroureteral anastomosis was completed with the intracorporal freehand suturing and in situ knot tying techniques. Intravenous pyelography was performed 3 and 6 months, postoperatively. Thereafter, intravenous pyelography follow-up was then continued at 12-month intervals for 3 years, and yearly renal ultrasonography follow-up was continued for at least 2 years. A comprehensive electronic English-language literature search of PUBMED was conducted. Results: All operations were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 82 minutes (range, 60-110 minutes). The blood loss was minimal (< 10 mL). No perioperative complication occurred. All patients achieved an uneventful recovery. At a mean follow-up of 52 months, remarkable improvement in the ureteral obstruction was observed. Data of 19 patients in 12 published English-language literatures were reviewed. Conclusions: Our results indicate that retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy is a safe and effective procedure, and an excellent minimally invasive treatment option for retrocaval ureter. Moreover, a thorough review of published data supports our viewpoint that laparoscopic surgery should probably be the first-line treatment for retrocaval ureter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the principle of spectral beam combining using a transmitting volume Bragg grating, a simple experimental setup was designed, in which an approach to control the incidence angles of beams using a focusing lens is presented. The experimental results for the spectral beam combining of two fiber lasers are reported. The gain media used in this experiment were large-mode area Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped double-clad fibers, pumped by semiconductor lasers. The output powers of the two fiber lasers were 0.39 and 0.53W, respectively. With a grating diffraction efficiency of about 60%, a maximum combined power of 0.64W with an absolute combining efficiency of about 69.6% was achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was conducted to investigate the use of hydrodynamic flow focusing for the generation of biodegradable polymer microspheres encapsulating the anticancer drug camptothecin. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactide) (PLA) were used as the matrix materials. Camptothecin was dissolved in the disperse phase and microspheres with a mean size between 2 and 3 µm generated using hydrodynamic flow focusing. When up to 1 wt.% of the drug was added to PLA, the drug encapsulation efficiency was 64%. For PLGA, the drug encapsulation efficiency was between 39 and 46%. Drug release from PLA particles was rapid and complete within 6 h, while drug release from PLGA particles showed no burst effect and followed a first order release profile. The encapsulated camptothecin stayed in its active lactone form, as shown by HPLC, and was able to exert cell toxic effects as shown by a cell viability assay. Hydrodynamic flow focusing is a promising tool for the preparation of drug-releasing biodegradable microspheres typically made by solvent evaporation and/or solvent extraction, as indicated by the successful encapsulation of the anticancer drug camptothecin. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:4943–4954, 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genes all5292 (cpcS2) and alr0617 (cpcS1) in the cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC7120 are homologous to the biliprotein lyase cpcS, and genes all5339 (cpcT1) and alr0647(cpcT2) are homologous to the lyase cpcT. The functions of the encoded proteins were screened in vitro and in a heterologous Escherichia coli system with plasmids conferring biosynthesis of the phycocyanobilin chromophore and of the acceptor proteins β-phycoerythrocyanin (PecB) or β-phycocyanin (CpcB). CpcT1 is a regioselective biliprotein lyase attaching phycocyanobilin exclusively to cysteine β155 but does not discriminate between CpcB and PecB. The in vitro reconstitutions required no cofactors, and kinetic constants were determined for CpcT1 under in vitro conditions. No lyase activity was found for the lyase homologues CpcS2 and CpcT2, but complexes are formed in vitro between CpcT1 and CpcS1, CpcT2, or PecE (subunit of phycoviolobilin:α- phycoerythrocyanin isomerase lyase). The genes coding the inactive homologues, cpcS2 and cpcT2, are transcribed in N-starved Nostoc. In sequential binding experiments with CpcT1 and CpcS1, a chromophore at cysteine 84 inhibited the subsequent attachment to cysteine 155, whereas the inverse sequence generates subunits carrying both chromophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 hands in 62 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome from April 2000 to April 2004. Either open (36 hands in 30 patients) or endoscopic (34 hands in 32 patients) carpal tunnel release was performed randomly. Symptom improvement, complications, and the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work between the two groups were assessed with average 2 years of follow-up. The electromyography was tested pre- and 3 months post-operation. Results: There were no significant differences between the two surgical groups with regard to postoperative improvements of symptom, electromyography tests, and the incidence of complications. But it was statistically less in the rate of scar tenderness, the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work in the endoscopic group compared with the open group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a reliable method in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. And it has the advantages of slight scar tenderness, less operation time, less in-hospital stay, early functional recovery, safety, and high satisfaction rate compared with open methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the asbestos-induced DNA damage and repair capacities of DNA damage between 104 asbestos- exposed workers and 101 control workers in Qingdao City of China and to investigate the possible association between polymorphisms in codon 399 of XRCC 1 and susceptibility to asbestosis. Methods DNA damage levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined by comet assay, and XRCC 1 genetic polymorphisms of DNA samples from 51 asbestosis cases and 53 non-asbestosis workers with a similar asbestos exposure history were analyzed by PCR/RFLP. Results The basal comet scores (3.95±2.95) were significantly higher in asbestos-exposed workers than in control workers (0.10±0.28). After 1 h H2O2 stimulation, DNA damage of lymphocytes exhibited different increases. After a 4 h repair period, the comet scores were 50.98±19.53 in asbestos-exposed workers and 18.32±12.04 in controls. The residual DNA damage (RD) was significantly greater (P<0.01) in asbestos-exposed workers (35.62%) than in controls (27.75%). XRCC1 genetic polymorphism in 104 asbestos-exposed workers was not associated with increased risk of asbestosis. But compared with polymorphisms in the DNA repair gene XRCC1 (polymorphisms in codon 399) and the DNA damage induced by asbestos, the comet scores in asbestosis cases with Gln/Gln, Gln/Arg, and Arg/Arg were 40.26±18.94, 38.03±28.22, and 32.01±11.65, respectively, which were higher than those in non-asbestosis workers with the same genotypes (25.58±11.08, 37.08±14.74, and 29.38±10.15). There were significant differences in the comet scores between asbestosis cases and non-asbestosis workers with Gln/Gln by Student's t-test (P<0.05 or 0.01). The comet scores were higher in asbestosis workers with Gln/Gln than in those with Arg/Arg and in non-asbestosis workers exposed to asbestos, but without statistically significant difference. Conclusions Exposure to asbestos may be related to DNA damage or the capacity of cells to repair H2O2-induced DNA damage. DNA repair gene XRCC 1 codon 399 may be responsible for the inter-individual susceptibility in DNA damage and repair capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene alr0617, from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC7120, which is homologous to cpeS from Gloeobacter violaceus PCC 7421, Fremyella diplosiphon (Calothrix PCC7601), and Synechococcus sp. WH8102, and to cpcS from Synechococcus sp. PCC7002, was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. CpeS acts as a phycocyanobilin: Cys-β84-phycobiliprotein lyase that can attach, in vitro and in vivo, phycocyanobilin (PCB) to cysteine-β84 of the apo-β-subunits of C-phycocyanin (CpcB) and phycoerythrocyanin (PecB). We found the following: (a) In vitro, CpeS attaches PCB to native CpcB and PecB, and to their C1551-mutants, but not to the C84S mutants. Under optimal conditions (150 mM NaCl and 500 mM potassium phosphate, 37 °C, and pH 7.5), no cofactors are required, and the lyase had a Km(PCB) = 2.7 and 2.3 µM, and a kcat = 1.7 x 10-5 and 1.1 x 10-5 s-1 for PCB attachment to CpcB (C1551) and PecB (C1551), respectively; (b) Reconstitution products had absorption maxima at 619 and 602 nm and fluorescence emission maxima at 643 and 629 nm, respectively; and (c) PCB-CpcB(C1551) and PCB-PecB(C1551), with the same absorption and fluorescence maxima, were also biosynthesized heterologously in vivo, when cpeS was introduced into E. coli with cpcB(C1551) or pecB(C1551), respectively, together with genes ho1 (encoding heme oxygenase) and pcyA (encoding PCB:ferredoxin oxidoreductase), thereby further proving the lyase function of CpeS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous studies suggested that the postsynaptic GABAB receptors of deep cerebellar nuclear neurons of adult rats were not activated by selective GABAB receptor agonist baclofen or endogenous GABA released by cerebellar cortical Purkinje cells, although the receptors have been demonstrated to exist in the deep cerebellar nuclei. In this study, cerebellar slices of adult rats were prepared for testing effects of GABA, baclofen and muscimol (selective GABAA receptor agonist) on cerebellar interpositus nucleus (IN) neurons. Perfusing slices with GABA (10–1000μM), baclofen (1–30μM) and muscimol (1–100μM) respectively produced a dose-dependent inhibitory response on the IN neurons (n =39, 62 and 50), which was not blocked by low-Ca2+/high-Mg2+ medium (n =5, 6 and 6), supporting a direct postsynaptic action of these GABAergic agonists. Moreover, both selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348 and selective GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline were capable of partially blocking the inhibitory response of IN neurons to GABA (n =14 and 11), suggesting that the GABA-induced inhibition may contain two components, a GABAB receptors-mediated component and a GABAA receptors-mediated one. Further experiments revealed that not only muscimol (n =50) but also baclofen (n =62) suppressed IN cells’ activity. The baclofen-induced inhibition was selectively blocked by CGP35348 (n =12) but not by bicuculline (n =8), whereas the muscimol-induced inhibition was selectively antagonized by bicuculline (n =8) instead of CGP35348 (n =9). These results indicate that GABAB receptors in the IN neurons can be activated not only by GABA but also by baclofen, suggesting that besides GABAA receptors, GABAB receptors may also be involved in mediating the inhibitory effect of GABA on cerebellar IN neurons of adult rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To report our techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Methods: From May 2000 to September 2004, 50 patients with UPJ obstruction underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. A three-port, balloon-dissecting, retroperitoneal approach was used. All anastomoses were completed with free-hand intracorporeal suture techniques. Follow-up studies were performed with intravenous urography and renal ultrasonography. Results: All operations were completed laparoscopically, and no open conversions were required. The mean operating time was 81.6 minutes (range 55 to 180). The mean blood loss was 12 mL (range 5 to 50), and the mean postoperative hospitalization stay was 7.6 days (range 6 to 12). No intraoperative complications occurred. Aberrant artery vessel and primary stricture as the cause of UPJ obstruction was noted in 6 and 44 patients, respectively. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients, 1 of whom later underwent open surgery for recurrent UPJ obstruction. Radiographic assessment by intravenous urography showed good results in 49 patients at a mean follow-up of 22 months. Conclusions: Our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty has demonstrated that this technique is an effective treatment for UPJ obstruction and can be accomplished reasonably quickly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors. Methods: Between June 2002 and February 2004, 11 cases of renal benign tumor and 21 cases of renal malignant tumor underwent enucleation of the tumor and wedge resection of the tumor through retroperitoneal laparoscopy, respectively. Tumor resection and hemostasis were mainly achieved by harmonic scalpel. Follow-up studies were performed with an evaluation using renal spiral computed tomography. Results: All procedures were technically successful. The mean operating time was 70 minutes for enucleation and 96 minutes for wedge resection. The mean estimated blood loss was 35 mL for enucleation and 65.5 mL for wedge resection. The mean hospital stay after surgery was 6.5 days. No intraoperative complications occurred. The pathologic examination confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 21 patients and angiomyolipoma in 11. The pathologic stage was pT1a in the 21 patients with renal cell carcinoma. All resected tumor specimens had negative surgical margins for cancer. No local recurrence or trocar site metastasis was observed during a mean follow-up period of 13 months. Conclusions: Our results indicate that retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery represents a feasible option for patients with localized renal tumors. This procedure could offer precise and complete tumor excision while minimizing morbidity, improving cosmesis, and shortening convalescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the application of lornoxicam to patient-controlled analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Efficacy was evaluated by patient's own assessment of pain intensity at the start of treatment and 1, 2, 4, 6, 20, and 24 hours thereafter. Pain intensity was rated as visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10, and 0 means painless, 1-3 mild pain, 4-6 moderate pain, 7-10 severe pain. Altogether 56 patients were included in this study. Seventeen patients' materials were not complete. Therefore 39 patients were included in the per-protocol analysis. Of the 39 patients, 19 received lornoxicam and 20 received fentanyl.

Objective To investigate the presentation of a neutralization epitope-containing peptide antigen of hepatitis E virus (HEV) on chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Method The gene fragment corresponding to amino acids (aa) 551-607 (HEnAg) of HEV capsid protein, which contains the only neutralization epitope identified to date, was fused via a synthetic glycine linker in frame with the gene of HBsAg. The resulted fusion gene was then integrated through transformation into the genome of Pichia pastoris under the control of a methanol-induced alcohol oxidase 1 (A 0X1) promoter and expressed intracellularly. The expression products in the soluble ceil extracts were characterized by Western blot, ELISA, CsCl density gradient analysis, and electron microscopic visualization. Results The novel fusion protein incorporating HBsAg and the neutralization epitope-containing HEnAg was expressed successfully in Pichia pastoris with an expected molecular weight of approximately 32 kD. It was found to possess the ability to assemble into chimeric HBV/HEV VLPs with immunological, physical and morphological characteristics akin to HBsAg particles. Not only did the chimeric VLPs show high activity levels in a HBsAg particle-specific ELISA but they were also strongly immunoreactive with hepatitis E (HE) positive human serum in a HEY specific ELISA, indicating that HEnAg peptide fragments were exposed on VLP surfaces and would be expected to be readily accessible by cells and molecules of the immune system. Similarity between chimeric VLPs to highly immunogenic HBsAg particles may confer good immunogenicity on surface-displayed HEnAg. Conclusion The chimeric HEY/HEY VLPs produced in this study may have potential to be a recombinant HEY/HEY bivalent vaccine candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]