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The RIG-like helicase (RLH) family of intracellular receptors detect viral nucleic acid and signal through the mitochondrial antiviral signalling adaptor MAVS (also known as Cardif, VISA and IPS-1) during a viral infection. MAVS activation leads to the rapid production of antiviral cytokines, including type 1 interferons. Although MAVS is vital to antiviral immunity, its regulation from within the mitochondria remains unknown. Here we describe human NLRX1, a highly conserved nucleotide-binding domain (NBD)- and leucine-rich-repeat (LRR)-containing family member (known as NLR) that localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane and interacts with MAVS. Expression of NLRX1 results in the potent inhibition of RLH- and MAVS-mediated interferon-β promoter activity and in the disruption of virus-induced RLH–MAVS interactions. Depletion of NLRX1 with small interference RNA promotes virus-induced type I interferon production and decreases viral replication. This work identifies NLRX1 as a check against mitochondrial antiviral responses and represents an intersection of three ancient cellular processes: NLR signalling, intracellular virus detection and the use of mitochondria as a platform for anti-pathogen signalling. This represents a conceptual advance, in that NLRX1 is a modulator of pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors rather than a receptor, and identifies a key therapeutic target for enhancing antiviral responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the feasibility of intramuscular electro-acupuncture-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfer on experimental limb ischemia. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

A new type of high water content material which is made up of two pastes is prepared, one is made from line and gypsum, and another is based on Ba-bearing sulphoaluminate cement. It has excellent properties such as slow single paste solidifing, fast double pates solidifing, fast coagulating and hardening, high early strength, good suspension property at high WIC ratio and low cost. Meanwhile, the properties and hydration mechanism of the material were analyzed by using XRD, DTA-TG and SEM. The hydrated products of new type of high water content material are Ba-bearing ettringite, BaSO4, aluminum gel and C-S-H gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]